The Cu Chi Tunnels are a network of underground passageways that run to more than 170 miles (250 kilometers) in total length in this area alone. Work by the Viet Cong commenced in 1948 as a means of shelter from the French air attacks during the Indochina conflict.
The network provided vital access and strategic control over the large rural area surrounding Ho Chi Minh City; over the following two decades the tunnels became a complex underground city including hospitals, defenses and living quarters. This meant despite all the bombings in the area many of the local people could still continue to live underground. In its prime and at its most impressive the Cu Chi Tunnels stretched from the southern Vietnamese capital all the way to the Cambodian border to the west, and in places was dug to 3 stories deep.
Much of the original tunnel system was destroyed in bombing raids during the 1970s but existing parts have been restored and opened as a poignant and fascinating reminder.
Today, this is an important war memorial and a popular tourist attraction. The tunnels are a part of a much bigger underground network of the country. In Cu Chi there are two different tunnel display sites – Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc.
As we’ve mentioned before, there are two tunnels in Cu Chi. The village of Ben Dinh is located nearly 60 km from Ho Chi Minh City. The tunnels here are a very touristic spot, that’s why sometimes, especially during the high season, it may be overcrowded. Most of the companies will bring you here. But not all of them will tell you that Ben Dinh tunnels have been a part of a real network and were specially created only for tourists.
Situated 15 km farther Ben Dinh Tunnels. These are the original tunnels that were used by the soldiers of the Vietnamese army and Cu Chi people, who have managed to live, eat, sleep, work and plan the military activities here. Usually they were staying here during a daytime and going out only at night in order to get some supplies or attack the enemy. Also more than 10,000 people lost their lives here. The tour in the tunnels lasts for approximately one hour. Also just next to the tunnels there is a Ben Duoc temple, which is also worth visiting.
You have the chance to see the original shape of the tunnels (roughly 50 centimetre wide by 30 centimetre high) and actually crouch through tunnels which have been made bigger for tourists (80cm wide by 1 meter high). These hot and humid tunnels will take you to three levels of the tunnel complex; namely at three, six and nine meter deep. All around the outside you will see replica booby traps used during the war, old army equipment and weaponry.
For visitors who like to shoot with real guns, you have the chance to buy bullets and shoot weapons, including an M16, a shotgun or a Rambo-style M30. The most convenient way to enjoy this popular section of the Chu Chi Tunnels is to book a tour, but you can reach Ben Dinh Tunnels by bus for VND 120.000 (US$ 5), private car VND 1.200.000 (US$ 50) or by rental motorbike. The entrance fee is VND 90.000 (US$ 4).
We highly recommend you a PRIVATE DAY TRIP with us. You can read all about the Chu Chi Tunnels on the any travel’s forums – All we can say is that the quality of your experienced guide makes all the difference. I will not only answer all of our many questions but also provided a wealth of informative history about Vietnam war with both sides, its people and culture.
Anyone can get to the Chu Chi tunnels – with or without a guide, however if you’re going to spend nearly a day of your valuable vacation time. You’d better contact us for further information