A trip to the remaining Cu Chi Tunnels offers an impressive and touching reminder of the difficulties of war. Today, two sites of Cu Chi Tunnels (Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc) are open to visitors, both with tunnels that have been expanded to fit larger size bodies. However, they are still a tight fit so the experience of discovering is more challenging and tunnel crawlers feel like VC soldiers who lived and finished their tasks in the dark. Many visitors choose half-day Cu Chi Tunnels Tours or book Full day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tours (or Cooking Class, Farming, Cao Dai Temple).
What to See in Cu Chi Tunnels?
In recent days, visitors including domestic and international travelers can only visit 2 sites of the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels opening to the public: Ben Dinh Tunnels and Ben Duoc Tunnels.
Crawl through the tunnels, why not?
Ben Dinh Tunnels
Ben Dinh section of Cu Chi Tunnels is 17 hectares large and located next to the Saigon River so it is a perfect location for Cu Chi Commissioners to lead the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam war. And also, Vietcong soldiers could easily escape to the river in case the location was found by the enemies. Ben Dinh section was used from 1968 to 1975.
Ben Dinh Tunnels with Cu Chi Tunnels Tours
It may take 1 hour and a half to walk around, learn more about the tunnels, and explore important parts in this section. There are 4 tunnels with examples of underground command posts, sleeping quarters, and medical posts. The ticket costs VND 125,000 (about USD 5.3). Visitors have chances to buy shoot weapons and bullets and challenge themselves by shooting guns.
For more information, Ben Dinh Tunnels are more popular for international travelers because the crawling tunnels are enlarged to fit even plus-size bodies and it is nearer to Ho Chi Minh City center in comparison to Ben Duoc Tunnels.
See more: Luxury Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day (Ben Duoc) (Max 09 Pax)
Ben Duoc Tunnels
The section of Ben Duoc Tunnels covers an area of 100 hectares and is five times bigger than Ben Dinh Tunnels. Thus, the traveling distance is also longer and it may take more time to discover this section. For further details, Ben Duoc is about 10 km farer from the center of Saigon in comparison to Ben Dinh.
Ben Duoc Tunnels (the base of the district commissioner and the military zone of Saigon – Cho Lon – Gia Dinh)
However, visitors have a chance to get the most practical experience of the war in Southern Vietnam at Ben Duoc. You can see with your own eyes how tough life in these narrow and dark tunnels. Moreover, you are able to challenge yourself to overcome the odds. Although Ben Dinh site provides you with many recreational activities that are suitable to foreigners, Ben Duoc offers you various intriguing historical sites including Ben Duoc Memorial Temple.
What to Do with Cu Chi Tunnels Tours?
Imagine spending monthly and yearly living in dark and cramped underground tunnels and only being able to go out of the tunnels after sunsets – that was what Vietcong soldiers and Cu Chi people did to hide from the enemies nearly 50 years ago during the cruel Vietnam War. This underground maze played an important role in the resistance of the Viet Cong against the American forces and The Army of the Republic of Vietnam.
See more: Cu Chi Tunnels And Ho Chi Minh City Group Tour Full Day
What to Do with Cu Chi Tunnels Tours?
The whole tunnels were not only used as a hiding place but also for living thanks to kitchens, makeshift hospitals, stores, meeting rooms, and living quarters. They also used the tunnels as the main “roads” to go around the area.
Bombs and Shells of the US Army on Cu Chi Tunnels Tours
Before the war, Cu Chi District used to be a fertile land with an abundance of forest species and tropical fruits. During the war, the region suffered chemical poisons, B-52 bombs, and napalms and turned into a vast, empty field that was full of ashes. However, the brave and heroic local people stayed to fight for their freedom. The tunnels were built by people of Cu Chi and Viet Cong soldiers.
It is a fishbone underground system which is better to hide and also helps to connect houses and villages together. On the surface, hundreds of mines and traps were settled, making the system of tunnels hazardous for Americans to come near. Are you curious about how they got around? Your local guide will answer this question on your coming Cu Chi Tunnels Tours!
Visit weapon storage at Cu Chi Tunnels Tours
All of the above will be explored on your trip to Cu Chi Tunnels. The top activities at the sites of the historic Cu Chi Tunnels Tours:
- Watch the documentary film about Cu Chi Tunnels and the Vietnam War
- Walk around to enjoy the fresh air and see what is in the section of Cu Chi Tunnels
- See numerous kinds of traps that were created by Vietcong soldiers and placed every in the region during the war to injure and kill the enemies
- Learn how to enter hidden entrances to the tunnels, see how to camouflage the tunnels doors with leaves, and straws,… and use the clothes of the enemies to deceive army dogs
- Visit hospitals, meeting rooms, storage, kitchen, smokeless Hoang Cam stove, sewing areas,…
- Try to crawl some of the safer areas of the tunnels (some sections of the Cu Chi tunnels have been widened so that they allow foreigners who are bigger than small size Viet Cong soldiers)
- Sample boiled cassava which was eaten by local people and Vietcong because of a lack of food
Sample boiled cassava at Cu Chi Tunnels Tours
Cu Chi Tunnels have been known as the must-visit and the top tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City and the South of Vietnam. The sites of Cu Chi Tunnels contain historic values, evidence of the Vietnam War and also have enough interesting activities for visitors to entertain after discovering.
See more: Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City Private Tour 1 Day
Try to fire riffles at Cu Chi Tunnels Shooting Range
Shooting guns is a military sport that attracts a large number of visitors to participate in on their trip to Cu Chi Tunnels. At the shooting range, you are welcome to choose the right guns for yourself. Interestingly enough, most of the guns had been used during the war. With the help of the staff and the tour guide, you will use the guns to try shooting with the animal-shaped target.
Swimming in Cu Chi Park
There is a 500 meters square swimming pool for adults and 150 meters squares swimming pool for children in Cu Chi Park. The facilities are quite good with a bathroom, dressing room, restroom, etc.
Playing paintball shooting game
Paintball shooting is one of the best activities for groups of visitors in Cu Chi Tunnels. This game combines both sporty and military factors. The highlights of paintball shooting in Cu Chi Tunnels area include the natural forest. Each of the players will be fully equipped with uniform, mask, armor, and weapons. If you want to improve your judging, team collaboration skills, and knowledge, this game is a great choice.
Playing paintball shooting game at Cu Chi Tunnels Tours
Pedaling and Kayaking
For those who want something for relaxing and chilling, kayaking in the South China Sea simulation lake is a good choice. A ride on a swan-shaped boat to admire the panoramic view of the lake will make you relax to join the Cu Chi Tunnels Tours.
Having a Picnic at Cu Chi Tunnels
There is a number of spacious areas with lush green trees and fresh air in Cu Chi Tunnels Tours. Therefore, your group can organize a small picnic here to escape from the bustling city.
A trip to step back in time to the memorable Vietnam War
Did you know that Cu Chi Tunnels are ranked 8th respectively out of 10 ideal tourist attractions in Southeast Asia? In reality, it is an ideal place to learn about the history of Vietnam. You may hear about or see pictures or watch videos of the Vietnam War, or even visit the Saigon War Remnants Museum. However, you will really walk on the ground, and stand above the legendary tunnels which helped Vietcong to hide from their enemies.
See more: Cu Chi Tunnels & War Remnants Museum Group Tour
You will see with your own eyes and crawl some sections of the tunnels which have been modified to be safe and large enough for visitors from all over the world. If you are a history lover, always been curious about the guerrilla fighting strategy, this may be a better place to witness their tactics in action.
A trip to step back in time to the memorable Vietnam War at Cu Chi Tunnels Tours
Cu Chi Tunnels are considered a historical park and lively evidence. History buffs would be thrilled just by walking around and reading the descriptions on wooden boards. Local tour guides provide less-known information and tell hidden stories about the war and the underground tunnels. You will have more insights and meaningful conversations from a local perspective.
You can go to visit this attraction by yourself. Our team will help to save your time, maximize your time in Saigon by driving as fast and safe as possible, show you the must-see facts and places in the large tunnels with dozens of things to explore. This is why we are here and happy to arrange a Cu Chi Tunnels tour for your group.
Explore the underground maze
You are about to discover the extensive, complicated underground network of tunnels that Cu Chi is famous for. The original length of this network is about 250 kilometers. The tunnels stretch all the way to the Cambodian border. Local people and Viet Cong built a special system pumping air into the tunnels in which they can live, breathe, sleep, cook, eat and discuss tactics!
Explore the underground maze at Cu Chi Tunnels Tours
In recent days, some portions around 100-meter length are open for visitors who are excited to get a glimpse of what life underground was like and happy to crawl in the tunnels. Crawl, jump, wriggle and do whatever to be surviving. Wake the warrior part inside you and conquer this underground maze as fast as possible!
Guerrilla fighting in action!
Exciting activities on the ground will also make an impression on you, it will be fun and educational, so that suitable for people of all ages. You can watch a documentary film and have a quick introduction of the Cu Chi Tunnels. They display exhibitions of the booby traps, tanks, and weapons (guns, bullets,…) that were used during the war. You will be surprised while watching the tour guides/local guides showing how the traps work in action.
Guerrilla fighting in action at Cu Chi Tunnels Tours
Later, you can also see simulations of weapon-making and shoe-making processes. Take a rest, sip some jasmine tea, and enjoy the tasty tapioca with sesame salt – one of Cu Chi specialty dish and also the most popular food of local people during the war. If you feel more adventurous, go to the shooting range where you can fire real M16, AK47 rifles, or M60 machine guns which were used in the war!
Cu Chi Tunnels – Facts, History & Length
In order to combat better-supplied American Forces and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam during the historic Vietnam War, the Viet Cong (VC) who are known as Communist guerrilla troops dug tens of thousands of miles of tunnels. The Cu Chi Tunnels include an extensive complex network running underneath the Cu Chi District northwest of Saigon.
VC soldiers used these unique underground routes to transport communications and supplies, house troops, mount surprise attacks, and lay booby traps. Amazingly, after the secret tasks, they could disappear underground to safety. Cu Chi District was known as the death area and Viet Cong were called “tunnel rats” to guerrilla tactics, the U.S. and South Vietnamese forces who were trained to detect booby traps and VC troop presence.
Good morning Cu Chi Tunnels
Generally, it has been said that at least 45,000 Vietnamese men and women died defending the Cu Chi tunnels during the Vietnam War. After the fall of the Republic of Vietnam on 30th April 1975, the Vietnamese government preserved the underground system of Cu Chi tunnels and considered them one of the war memorial parks in the country.
In the late 1940s, Communist forces and local people who supported them began digging a network of underground tunnels under the jungle terrain in Southern Vietnam. They started constructing Cu Chi Tunnels during the war of independence from French colonial authority. Tunnels were often dug by hand and only a short distance was done at a time.
The remaining tank at Cu Cu Tunnels site
From the beginning of the 1960s, the tunnels had been gradually expanded by Viet Cong soldiers and Cu Chi people when the U.S. increasingly escalated its military presence in South Vietnam. They had worked as hard as possible and the total length of the tunnels is approximately 250 kilometers.
They are known to connect VC support bases from the outskirts to the Cambodian border. With the help of the legendary tunnels, weapons, food, documentary, and others were transported via the tunnels but not on the roads or rivers. So, soldiers and goods were not found by the U.S. forces and the Republic of Vietnam Military Forces.
VC soldiers lurked in the tunnels and placed numerous booby traps for U.S. forces and South Vietnamese infantrymen. They overturned boxes of poisonous snakes and scorpions onto the enemy troops’ heads or planted trip wires that would set off grenades.
American soldiers who were involved in the Vietnam War in Cu Chi District and Southern Vietnam and trained to attack Viet Cong were called “Tunnel rats”. Smaller American usually spent hours navigating the dark and cramped tunnels to detect booby traps and scout. They describe the experience of being in the tunnels with the evocative term “black echo”.
The United States relied heavily on aerial bombing and the enemies were much better supplied. The Communists (North Vietnamese and VC troops) hid in the Cu Chi Tunnels which helped to save their lives and continue their guerrilla tactics. In areas heavily bombed, VC and their supporters spent much of their life underground. And you that it is not easy to live without sunlight and lack of fresh air.
In January 1966, around 8,000 U.S. and Australian troops attempted to sweep all of the VC troops and their supporters in Cu Chi District. They had a large-scale program of attacks dubbed Operation Crimp. Firstly, B-52 bombers dropped a large number of explosives onto the large jungle region. Later, the U.S. troops were commanded to scour the area for enemy activities. However, all of the efforts were not successful. In fact, Communist forces had disappeared and hid in the network of underground tunnels which save the lives of thousands of VC soldiers and local people.
One year later, after hearing reports of a network of enemy tunnels, some 30,000 American troops launched Operation Cedar Falls – mini combat with the Black Sun Vietnam rules from 8 to 26 January 1967. The U.S. forces attack the Communist soldiers in the Iron Triangle area (Binh Duong province in the north of Saigon near the Cambodian border).
Secret entrance to the tunnels
After distributing bombs and defoliating the large areas of rice fields and jungle with powerful herbicides, the U.S. forces drove tanks and bulldozers to the region to sweep the tunnels, driving out a large number of residents, many of them civilian refugees. Fortunately, North Vietnamese and VC troops slipped back within months of the sweep. In early 1968, during the Tet Offensive, VC used the tunnels as a stronghold in their assault against their enemies.
The underground shelter was a must to survive a bomb blast, and the Cu Chi tunnels played an important role during combat operations during Vietnam War. The tunnels were considered as a base for Communist troops attacking the enemies nearby Saigon.
The Cu Chi Tunnels played more and more important to the VC troops. Thus, the system of underground tunnels grew to house entire underground villages. They even constructed living quarters, hospital kitchens, ordnance factories, meeting rooms, and bomb shelters. In some areas, there were music halls and large theaters for entertainment.
See more tours: Cu Chi Tunnel Tours
Comments