Buzz
The era of fierce and brutal warfare has passed, leaving not only pain and profound destruction, both physically and mentally, but also pride, steel-forged fighting spirit, intense achievements, and monumental historical sites. The Củ Chi Tunnels stand as one of those remarkable relics, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Visiting the Historic Site of the Củ Chi Tunnels
I. Transportation to the Củ Chi Tunnel Historical Site
Located in Phu My Hung hamlet, Phu My Hung commune, Cu Chi district, the underground tunnels can be reached by various means of transportation such as buses, taxis, or motorbikes.
Map directions from downtown Saigon to Cu Chi tunnels (Photo by ST)
1. Getting to Cu Chi tunnels by bus
Taking the bus is the most economical way to reach the Cu Chi tunnels. If departing from Ben Thanh Market, take bus route 13. If departing from Cho Lon Bus Station, take bus route 94. Upon reaching Cu Chi Bus Station, transfer to bus number 79, which goes directly to Ben Duoc - Cu Chi tunnels. After arriving at Ben Duoc Temple, disembark and walk approximately 100m to reach the Cu Chi tunnels.
2. Taking a Taxi Ride
For those opting for the quickest route to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a taxi ride takes approximately 1.5 hours. However, taxi fares can be relatively high, ranging from 500,000 to 600,000 Vietnamese dong. Alternatively, travelers can opt for a full package car rental in Saigon, which costs around 600,000 to 700,000 dong per day.
3. Riding a Motorbike
Traveling to the Cu Chi Tunnels by motorbike offers two possible routes:
Signboard showing the way to Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City
Situated at the end of the Ho Chi Minh Trail and a vital piece of the guerrilla warfare strategy, the tunnel system was utilized to launch attacks on Saigon during the Tet Offensive of 1968.
The Steel Land of Cu Chi, Saigon
The tunnel network comprised underground passages, workrooms, infirmaries, living quarters, kitchens, and storage areas. During wartime, the tunnels served as shelters during French colonial raids and facilitated communication and movement between hamlets for mutual support. As conflicts escalated, the tunnels became vital hubs for living, medical aid, meetings, weapon storage, and support for major battles.
The path to our military meeting room during the resistance period.
In 2016, the historic site of Cu Chi tunnels was awarded the designation of Special National Monument.
The Cu Chi Tunnels historic site, consisting of Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh tunnels, is preserved for exploration.
Exploring Ben Duoc tunnels.
- Located at Phu My Hung commune, Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City.
Serves as the Party Committee Base, Saigon - Cholon - Gia Dinh Military Region Headquarters.
Within the Ben Duoc area, we will explore two sites: the Ben Duoc Martyrs Memorial and the reenactment area of liberated zones.
Visual representation at the liberated zones reenactment area.
1. Ben Duoc Martyrs Memorial
Ben Duoc Martyrs Memorial
Located amidst the 'Iron Triangle,' once resounding with the echoes of bombs and bullets, countless brave soldiers sacrificed here, and many civilians contributed to the relentless struggle for peace. Therefore, the memorial is erected to commemorate and honor the immense contributions of the military and civilians who fought and sacrificed on the land of Saigon - Cholon - Gia Dinh. It is also a place for future generations to remember, express gratitude, and take pride in the previous generation.
Overlooking the Gate before entering the Memorial
Stepping into Ben Duoc, one immediately encounters the grandeur of the triple gate, standing magnificently in the traditional architectural style of the nation, with its circular rows and yin-yang tiled roof. The intricate floral patterns and curved roof resemble the gates of village communal houses or ancient Vietnamese temples, yet modernized with new materials. At the center of the gate stands a signboard proclaiming 'Ben Duoc Temple'.
The delicate carvings on the 'Ben Duoc Temple' signboard exhibit exquisite craftsmanship.
The main temple embodies the solemn and serene appearance of ancient Vietnamese citadels. Its interior is arranged in a U-shape, with the Fatherland Altar in the middle, featuring a statue of Ho Chi Minh and the inscription 'Homeland remembers contributions' above. On either side are the names of martyrs, heroes, and Heroic Vietnamese Mothers engraved on granite plaques with golden inscriptions. Here, we light incense to honor the heroes who have contributed to the nation, offering flowers and fragrance so that the souls of the martyrs may rest peacefully on the other side of the Fatherland.
The main temple houses the statue of Ho Chi Minh and the inscription 'Homeland remembers contributions'.
This area is designed to recreate the life, architecture, activities, and struggles of the soldiers and people of Cu Chi district during the years 1961-1972, allowing tourists to experience and understand the intense wartime space and the authentic life of the resistance period.
Here, the liberated area of Cu Chi is recreated.
The recreated Cu Chi liberated area is divided into 3 main spaces representing 3 periods, with other spaces representing intense battle sites.
Space 1:
Revisiting the era of war during the years 1961 – 1964. This was a period marked by the optimism, belief, and fervor of the newly liberated region, actively engaging in revolutionary movements.
Recreation of Space 1: 1961 – 1964
Space 2:
In the midst of localized warfare in the years 1965 – 1968. Plunged into the throes of war, life became desolate and bleak. The intense conflict ravaged the lives of the people, leaving temples, homes, and lives in ruin.
Space 3:
Space reenactment 3: 1969 – 1972
During the years 1969 – 1972 in Củ Chi, the war reached its peak. The enemy rained down hundreds, thousands of chemical agents, bombs, mines, and grenades onto the land of Củ Chi, turning it into devastated terrain filled with the smell of gunpowder. Life above ground then was dominated by tanks, planes, and bulldozers, as both civilians and our troops sought refuge underground for survival and guerrilla warfare.
Additionally, there are miniature replicas of One Pillar Pagoda, Hue Imperial City Gate, Ben Thanh Market, and the East Sea. Visitors not only get to explore but also experience real battlefields on the miniature East Sea. Combined with sound effects, smoke, and lighting, it creates a vivid space and an exciting experience for the younger generation.
Visiting the Bế Đình tunnels guarantees the most authentic experiences within the labyrinthine network of wartime shelters, exploring cramped passages, encountering vivid models like the American tanks trapped in 1970s guerrilla-laid mines, or testing your marksmanship at the Defense Sports Shooting Range.
The tunnels were constructed to evade bomb attacks.
1. Historical Site 87A Trần Kế Xương
Historical and cultural site 87A Trần Kế Xương
This place preserves images and documents from various periods of the Liaison Office Headquarters of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, to pass on to future generations and educate the young Vietnamese generation about patriotism and revolutionary traditions.
2. Experiential activities at Ben Dinh tunnel.
In addition to visiting historical sites, you can also immerse yourself in activities here. These experiences enhance the vividness of the tour and provide a realistic understanding and objective perception for each person when they come here.
Statue simulating our government's meeting.
Experience a range of activities suitable for all, from small groups to large gatherings or team-building exercises.
Engage in military-style shooting sports.
Test your marksmanship skills in a controlled environment with full equipment and specific guidance, aiming at animal-shaped targets.
Participate in long-range shooting activities at the Bến Đình underground bunker.
Experience the thrill of paintball shooting
Equip yourself with full gear, including masks, armor, and weapons like AR15 or AK47. This high-intensity game transforms players into real warriors, battling on unpredictable terrains.
Engage in paintball activities at the underground tunnels of Ben Duoc
Apart from the standout paintball games, indulge in various sports activities such as swimming, kayaking, paddle boating, biking, and outdoor camping.
Experience camping adventures in the underground tunnels of Cu Chi.
V. Restaurants inside Cu Chi Tunnels
Duc Ben Restaurant
Situated right by the Saigon River, with a refreshing atmosphere and picturesque natural scenery, offering a menu rich in flavors of the Southeast region such as braised fish in clay pot, rice paper with baby fish, sour soup with elephant ear plant, sizzling pancake,...
Experience the ambiance of Bến Dược Củ Chi Restaurant (Photo by ST)
Discover Bến Đình Restaurant
Capture the essence of Bến Đình Củ Chi Restaurant (Photo by ST)
At this restaurant, we offer not only a diverse menu but also cater to various dining preferences, from set meals to large groups.
Explore the souvenir shop for unique memorabilia.
- Hop on an electric cart for convenient transportation around.
Discover the ticket prices for accessing the Cu Chi tunnels.
- Admission: 20,000VND for Vietnamese visitors, 80,000VND for foreigners.
Our seven troops construct during the resistance era.
When visiting Saigon tourist spots, make sure not to miss exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels. This place will undoubtedly bring you beautiful memories and experiences. VNTRIP.VN hopes you'll have a meaningful trip with the helpful information we've provided.
