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What's intriguing about Cu Chi Tunnels? For a seamless journey, let's explore the Cu Chi Tunnels experience with Klook's tips below.
Dubbed the 'city beneath the ground,' Cu Chi Tunnels is renowned for its elaborate and ingenious underground defense system. Dug by the Vietnamese resistance forces during the Indochina and Vietnam Wars, these tunnels were not just hiding spots but also served as locations for military activities, meetings, medical care, manufacturing, and weapon storage.
Today, Cu Chi Tunnels stand as a Special National Monument and are among the world's six most extraordinary artificial structures. It attracts millions of tourists from both domestic and international destinations when visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
Introduction to Cu Chi Tunnels
This unique historical site is located in Phu Hiep hamlet, Phu My Hung commune, Cu Chi district, approximately 70km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City center.
Upon initiation, the tunnel system was constructed in the areas of Tan Phu Trung and Phuoc Vinh An communes, Củ Chi district. The name 'Cu Chi Tunnels' originated from this period. The initial tunnels were short with simple structures, serving as hiding places for officers, soldiers, and concealing confidential documents.
Later on, the tunnels were reinforced and extended across six communes to the north of Củ Chi district, forming an intricate and sophisticated network of interconnected shelters. This allowed the Viet Minh forces to hide, communicate, and support each other effectively.
Today, the tunnel relic is preserved in two areas: Ben Duoc, located in Phu My Hung commune, and Ben Dinh, located in Nhuan Duc commune. They are managed by the Management Board of Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site, under the Military Command of Ho Chi Minh City. In addition to the tunnel system, the historical site also features a reenactment of the liberated area and an ecological tourism area along the Saigon River.
Cu Chi Tunnels History
Stretching from ancient times to the present, the Cu Chi Tunnels historical site remains a captivating attraction in Saigon. However, not everyone is familiar with the origins of this tourist destination.
The history of Cu Chi Tunnels is closely tied to the resistance against the French, especially during the period from 1946 to 1948. This structure is a result of the dedication of both the military and civilians in the Tan Phu Trung and Phuoc Vinh An communes, with the primary purpose of safeguarding weapons and military equipment.
Initially, each village in this area had its own hidden shelter, but due to the need for mobility, they interconnected the tunnels, forming a complex network. This facilitated our military to communicate, transmit information, and strategize during the revolutionary period.
In the period from 1961 to 1965, this construction continued to evolve into more complex branches. The upper part of the tunnel system was equipped with various military structures such as trapdoors, bell pits, along with minefields... Essential elements supporting the intense combat efforts of the Vietnamese military and people.
Guide: How to Get to Cu Chi Tunnels From Ho Chi Minh City Center
From the center of Ho Chi Minh City, you can reach the Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site using various means of transportation.
1. Bus
This is a popular public transport choice for many young people due to its convenient route and low cost. You can catch a bus at Ben Thanh station and choose one of the following two routes:
To reach Ben Duoc Tunnels:
- Take bus number 13 (Ben Thanh – Cu Chi) or bus number 94 (Cho Lon – Cu Chi) to reach Cu Chi station.
- Then, transfer to bus number 79 (Cu Chi – Dau Tieng) to get to Ben Duoc Tunnels.
To reach Ben Dinh Tunnels:
- Take bus number 13 (Ben Thanh – Cu Chi) or bus number 94 (Cho Lon – Cu Chi) to reach An Suong station.
- Then, transfer to bus number 122 (An Suong – Tan Quy) to get to Tan Quy station.
- Finally, take bus number 70 (Tan Quy – Ben Suc) to reach Ben Dinh Tunnels.
2. Motorbike or Car
Some backpackers and tour groups often choose to travel by motorbike or car to Cu Chi Tunnels along the route Truong Chinh – An Suong Intersection – Hoc Mon – Provincial Road 15 – Cu Chi Tunnels. Using personal vehicles provides the opportunity to enjoy the scenery, dine at roadside eateries, and especially visit the Wild Animal Rescue Station located on Provincial Road 15, An Nhon Tay commune, Cu Chi district, very close to Ben Dinh Tunnels.
However, the route is quite lengthy, taking around 2 hours for the journey. Therefore, Klook suggests opting for either public bus transportation as mentioned earlier or hiring a private driver for a safe and convenient trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Another interesting option is to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels by high-speed boat as well.
Cu Chi Tunnels Ticket Prices
Entrance tickets to the Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site have the following prices:
- Adults: 35,000 VND/person for Vietnamese visitors, 70,000 VND/person for foreign visitors
- Children aged 7 to 16, students: 50% of adult ticket price
- People with disabilities, armed forces, children under 7, elderly, revolutionary contributors, and low-income households: Free admission
- If you want to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels Liberation Area, you can purchase an additional ticket for 40,000 VND/person.
Quick tip: the distance from the entrance to the tunnel area is about 2km. If you are physically fit, you can choose to walk. If you have small children or prefer not to walk, you can rent an electric car for transportation at 5,000 VND/ride.
Cu Chi Tunnels Opening Hours
The historical site of Cu Chi Tunnels is open every day of the week, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
How Long are Cu Chi Tunnels? Cu Chi Tunnels Map
Cu Chi Tunnels have a total length of nearly 250km, with three different depths: the top layer is about 3m below the surface, the middle layer is 6m below the ground, and the bottom layer goes even deeper at 12m. The height inside the tunnels is just enough for someone to move in a crouched position, and the small openings up and down provide sufficient cover for Vietnamese soldiers of that time.
What to Explore in Cu Chi Tunnels?
Although Cu Chi Tunnels are a historical site, it's far from dull and merely for sightseeing. When you visit, you'll experience fresh and surprising insights into the culture and history of the country. Let's discover the standout activities at the Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site and the surrounding area.
1. Cu Chi Tunnels
Undoubtedly, this is the main attraction at the Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site. You'll explore every nook and cranny of the 120m-long tunnel system with 2 floors. Moreover, you'll get to experience the local cuisine – roasted sweet potatoes, cassava, and jicama dipped in sesame salt, prepared by Hoang Cam's kitchen for the locals and soldiers in the past.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are constructed with a durable mixture of clay and anthill stones, ensuring high resilience and minimal risk of landslide. The ventilation holes are cleverly designed to blend into the ground, providing discreet camouflage. However, due to the narrow passages, you may need to crouch or move on your knees, causing a slightly breathless feeling. Please consider your health and physical condition before participating in the tunnel exploration.
2. Cu Chi Liberation Area Reconstruction
True to its name, this is where you revisit the intense historical moments of the soldiers and people of Cu Chi from 1961 to 1972. The area is divided into three main spaces:
Space 1:
Recreating the combat, labor, education, and daily life of the residents, officers, and guerrilla soldiers in Cu Chi through vivid models.
Space 2:
Recreating the devastation of the countryside with bomb fragments and remaining shells on Cu Chi soil, depicting the painful life of the people during the fierce wartime.
Space 3:
Recreating the desolate land of Cu Chi under the destruction of bombs, where all that remains are tank carcasses, airplanes, and civilians forced to live underground.
3. Entertainment Area and Water Games in Cu Chi
Located within the Cu Chi Liberation Area, you can take a 15-minute walk to the scenic lake simulating the East Sea, explore the precious wood forest, and view three architectural models representing the country's three regions: One-Pillar Pagoda, Ngoc Mon Gate, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum at Ben Nha Rong.
Additionally, you can enjoy activities such as swimming in the pool, cycling around the lake, kayaking, etc. Each activity has a separate admission fee.
4. Cu Chi Shooting Range
This is a place that attracts many young people and those who love to experience thrilling activities. There are two services for you to choose from: military sports shooting and paintball shooting.
For military sports shooting, you can test your shooting skills on the range and learn how to assemble and disassemble a gun under the guidance of staff. The bullet prices for each type of gun range from 40,000 VND to 60,000 VND per bullet.
If you are with a large group and want to play as a team, then choose paintball shooting. With this game, you have the opportunity to demonstrate teamwork skills, judgment, as well as reaction speed. The service fee is 50,000 VND per person for each 60-minute session, and the bullet price is 3,000 VND per bullet.
5. Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station
Even though it's not part of the Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site, if you're traveling by private vehicle, you can visit the Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station located on Provincial Road 15 along with the Cu Chi Tunnels.
This is the largest wildlife hospital in the Southern region, currently rescuing around 3600 rare species. So, visiting this place, you not only get to see wild animals but also learn their stories through the rescue staff.
6. Trung An Fruit Orchard
Don't just stop at famous historical sites; you can handpick and savor fruits at Trung An Fruit Orchard, one of the most renowned orchards here. Enjoying fruits like rambutan, plum, jackfruit, durian, and immersing yourself in the lush orchard environment is undoubtedly a worthwhile experience on a fun weekend.
Cu Chi Tunnels Tours on Klook
If it's your first time visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, the best way is to choose a tour on Klook, so you don't have to worry about anything as Klook has it covered. Plus, you can combine visits to other suburban areas around Ho Chi Minh City.
Detailed Tips for Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels
- When visiting Cu Chi Tunnels, you don't have to worry too much about food as the site has a food court offering drinks and quick meals. Alternatively, you can bring your own food for a picnic experience.
- On the way to Cu Chi Tunnels, there are many good eateries like Bo To Xuan Dao, Bun Gio Heo Minh Quy, Quan Canh Dong Hoang, Quan Vuon Cau, etc.
- If you wish to buy souvenirs from the Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site, you can visit the souvenir shops to purchase items made from shell casings such as lighters, pens, lamps, or handmade products from bamboo and rattan.
- When touring the tunnels, opt for neat, dark-colored attire and sneakers for easy movement.
- Don't forget to apply sunscreen and insect repellent to protect your skin.
Cu Chi Tunnels proudly stand as a unique military artistry in Vietnam, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of the Cu Chi people. With vast green spaces and diverse entertainment activities, Cu Chi Tunnels are ideal for a weekend getaway, combining relaxation and a deeper understanding of the country's revolutionary history.
With these insights, may your journey to Cu Chi Tunnels be convenient and complete! Don't forget to check out Klook Vietnam Blog for more on dining, entertainment in Ho Chi Minh City, Independent Day Trip Experience to Can Gio from Saigon, Buu Long Tourist Area, Chua Chan Mountain, Reunification Palace in Saigon, Thuy Chau Tourist Area, and more to have a complete and fun weekend. Cheers!
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