{"id":9819,"date":"2021-12-03T12:28:22","date_gmt":"2021-12-03T04:28:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=9819"},"modified":"2021-12-03T12:31:19","modified_gmt":"2021-12-03T04:31:19","slug":"cu-chi-tunnels-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/cu-chi-tunnels-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Cu Chi Tunnels Guide: Things To Do At Saigon\u2019s Biggest Vietnam War Site"},"content":{"rendered":"

Guide to the Cu Chi Tunnels<\/b><\/h2>\n
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The Vietnam War was one of the most impactful events our country went through in recent history. Though decades have passed since then, memories of the hardship and sacrifices it brought about still live on in the many war sites preserved as attractions across the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

Among these, the site of the <\/span>Cu Chi Tunnels<\/b> is one of the most impressive. Located 60km from Saigon\u2019s center, it promises an educational trip to the past \u2013 a direct glimpse into just how much Vietnamese soldiers back then endured to fight for their country.<\/span><\/p>\n

If the history of the Vietnam War intrigues you, Cu Chi Tunnels are simply a must-visit, and here\u2019s what you can expect during your trip.<\/span><\/p>\n

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– What to know before your trip –<\/h3>\n
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Historical background of the Cu Chi Tunnels<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Video credit:<\/span> BAN SAC VIET – HISTORY<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Cu Chi Tunnels<\/b> were originally built in 1946-1948 by local Vietnamese fighting the French. At the time, they were used by troops to store weapons and supplies, and to commute secretly between hamlets and villages.<\/span><\/p>\n

Later, in 1961-1965, the tunnels were massively expanded and became a major operational base for Vietnamese soldiers fighting US troops. By this time, the tunnels\u2019 total length was estimated at over 200km. They included bedrooms, offices, kitchens, and even infirmaries to accommodate guerilla fighters, who could live underground for days at a time as they waited for opportunities to ambush enemy soldiers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Choose between 2 sites to visit<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @linhtalinhtinh96<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Around 120km of the tunnels still exist to this day. Several sections of these are preserved as tourist attractions at two separate sites: <\/span>B\u1ebfn \u0110\u00ecnh<\/b> and <\/span>B\u1ebfn D\u01b0\u1ee3c<\/b>, which are 12km apart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Due to its convenient location closer to Saigon, B\u1ebfn \u0110\u00ecnh sees more visitors and therefore has more entertainment activities. It\u2019s also relatively smaller compared to B\u1ebfn D\u01b0\u1ee3c, which means you can easily explore it on foot.<\/span><\/p>\n

B\u1ebfn D\u01b0\u1ee3c, on the other hand, is much more spacious. Often, visitors will need to take electrical buses around the site to visit everything. This site features a more extensive collection of exhibits and is less touristy.<\/span><\/p>\n

B\u1ebfn \u0110\u00ecnh<\/b>
\n<\/b>GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 11\u00b003’43.9″N 106\u00b031’46.3″E<\/span>
\n<\/b><\/a>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 7AM-5PM, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/span>Entrance fee:<\/b> <\/span>VND35,000 (~USD1.54) for Vietnamese citizens | VND110,000 (~USD4.84) for foreigners<\/span><\/p>\n

B\u1ebfn D\u01b0\u1ee3c<\/b>
\n<\/b>GPS coordinates:<\/b> <\/span>11\u00b008’33.0″N 106\u00b027’44.7″E<\/span>
\n<\/b><\/a>Opening hours:<\/b> <\/span>7AM-5PM, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/span>Entrance fee:<\/b> <\/span>VND35,000 (~USD1.54) for Vietnamese citizens | VND110,000 (~USD4.84) for foreigners<\/span><\/p>\n

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Getting to the Cu Chi Tunnels<\/h4>\n
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By motorbike<\/b><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @benquick_vn<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The Cu Chi Tunnels make for a good one-day trip from Saigon, so you don\u2019t have to bring too much luggage. As a result, driving there on a motorbike can be a quick, cost-efficient method that allows you complete freedom with your schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n

From Saigon, go along B\u00e0 Tri\u1ec7u Street, which turns into Tr\u01b0ng N\u1eef V\u01b0\u01a1ng Street. Stay on this road, and it\u2019ll eventually lead you to Provincial Route 15. From there, drive another 25km and you\u2019ll reach signs pointing you toward B\u1ebfn \u0110\u00ecnh. If you want to visit B\u1ebfn D\u01b0\u1ee3c, continue on past B\u1ebfn \u0110\u00ecnh for another 12km.<\/span><\/p>\n

By bus<\/b><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @htn324.bus<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not comfortable driving a motorbike, there are also bus routes from Saigon that can take you to your destination. Do note that buses often take longer \u2013 usually around 2 hours. You might want to set out a bit earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n

For B\u1ebfn D\u01b0\u1ee3c:<\/b> From Saigon\u2019s B\u1ebfn Th\u00e0nh Bus Station, take Bus #13 or Bus #94 to C\u1ee7 Chi Station. From there, get on Bus #79 to reach B\u1ebfn D\u01b0\u1ee3c.<\/span><\/p>\n

For B\u1ebfn \u0110\u00ecnh<\/b>: You\u2019ll also want to take Bus #13 or #94 from B\u1ebfn Th\u00e0nh Bus Station, but this time, get off at An S\u01b0\u01a1ng Station. From here, take Bus #122 to T\u00e2n Quy Station, then switch to Bus #70, which will go to B\u1ebfn \u0110\u00ecnh.<\/span><\/p>\n

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-What to do at the Cu Chi Tunnels-<\/h3>\n
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1. Watch Vietnam war documentaries<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Khu Di T\u00edch L\u1ecbch S\u1eed \u0110\u1ecba \u0110\u1ea1o C\u1ee7 Chi<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

At both B\u1ebfn \u0110\u00ecnh and B\u1ebfn D\u01b0\u1ee3c, you can come across <\/span>documentaries<\/b> detailing the tunnels\u2019 history being shown through projectors.<\/span><\/p>\n

These include rare footage filmed during the tunnels\u2019 construction and operations. They demonstrate the harsh life Vietnamese soldiers lived in back then, how they created weapons and traps, and the strategies they employed to fight US troops.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t skip watching these documentaries, as they\u2019ll serve to put things in perspective as you go down to the tunnels later. For the most part, there will be English translations, either via guides or subtitles.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Explore the tunnels<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @duc_huy_kieu<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Now comes the main draw of the trip: <\/span>going down to the tunnels<\/b> themselves to explore. Many of the tunnels have been enlarged to accommodate tourists, but several sections retain their original sizes, which are barely enough for an adult to squeeze through while crawling on all fours.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @anthrocastro<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

A guide will accompany you through the tunnels to ensure there are no accidents. Not that you have anything to worry about, though. The tunnels are well-lit, with good ventilation and easily accessible emergency escapes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, we\u2019d suggest wearing comfortable clothing, such as sports shoes and long trousers, to make the crawling easier.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. View war remnant exhibits<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Pose for pictures with old war machines<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @kimuchihiro1066<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Outside of the tunnels, the attraction sites also have <\/span>exhibits of wartime artifacts<\/b> on display. These include bombshells, war machines, and weapons you can take pictures with.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Many traps are recreated<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> Shih-Che Su<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also come across recreations of booby traps the Vietnamese soldiers used back in the day, demonstrating how creative they were with simple materials such as wooden spikes, logs, and old doors.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Taste recreations of wartime meals<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Cassava with salted sesame \u2013 a signature of Cu Chi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @ph.dungggg<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

If all the exploring leaves your stomach growling, consider dropping by the local canteen to munch on <\/span>simple snacks<\/b> such as cassava eaten with salted sesame.<\/span><\/p>\n

The meals are meant to resemble the humble foods Vietnamese soldiers survived on during the war. Of course, the similarity is only symbolic. We can be sure that what we\u2019re served today is much more well-prepared than what the soldiers actually had.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Other food options are available<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @th__anh89<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

If such simple foods aren\u2019t to your liking, more filling options such as balut, spring rolls, and rice cakes are also available.<\/span><\/p>\n

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5. Buy wartime clothing & items as souvenirs<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Rubber sandals \u2013 which Vietnamese soldiers used to make from spare tires<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @akhr_okd<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The <\/span>gift shops<\/b> around the Cu Chi Tunnels are also worth a visit. In addition to the usual T-shirts, phone cases, or accessories you often find at other popular attractions, souvenir shops here offer some truly unique items that make for great gifts for friends or personal mementos.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>You can see the sandals being made<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @kurbyjimmy<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Come here to watch craftsmen make rubber sandals from spare tires the same way soldiers of old used to. You can get a pair for <\/span>VND100,000 (~USD4.41)<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>A model of a plane made from old cartridges<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> Ti\u1ec1n Phong<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Other items include lighters shaped like grenades and war machine models crafted from used cartridges, which are priced between <\/span>VND100,000-VND400,000 (~USD4.41-USD17.64)<\/b>.<\/span>
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\n<\/span>Note: if you\u2019re coming from abroad, do check if such items are allowed at your final destination airport before purchasing.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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6. Pay tribute to martyrs and watch a major battle recreated through dioramas<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Outside the B\u1ebfn D\u01b0\u1ee3c Temple<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @fachrizaharii<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

A major landmark exclusive to B\u1ebfn D\u01b0\u1ee3c is the <\/span>B\u1ebfn D\u01b0\u1ee3c Temple<\/b>. Despite its name, however, the place doesn\u2019t pay tribute to any deities, but rather the many martyrs who laid down their lives for their country in the war.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors can come here to look at tombstones bearing names of hundreds of martyrs and light incense or spend a moment of silence to show their respects.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Operation Cedar Falls is shown via a massive diorama<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> Khu Di T\u00edch L\u1ecbch S\u1eed \u0110\u1ecba \u0110\u1ea1o C\u1ee7 Chi<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Also in B\u1ebfn D\u01b0\u1ee3c is a <\/span>Diorama House<\/b>. As you can expect, the building houses massive dioramas recreating Operation Cedar Falls \u2013 a decisive battle around the Cu Chi Tunnels that happened in 1967. Expect a captivating show, as the battle is displayed with lively lighting effects and moving vehicle models.<\/span><\/p>\n

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7. Test your aim with real guns at a shooting range<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @waynelam_123<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

A one-of-a-kind experience that you definitely should not miss out on at Cu Chi Tunnels is <\/span>shooting real guns<\/b>. At both B\u1ebfn \u0110\u00ecnh and B\u1ebfn D\u01b0\u1ee3c, there are shooting ranges that provide the service.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can pick from a wide variety of guns, from pistols to different types of assault rifles, to practice shooting at target dummies. Of course, there are instructors to guide you through the steps to ensure gun safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

As exciting as it sounds, though, the cost is something you\u2019ll want to keep in mind. Depending on your weapon of choice, each shot will cost <\/span>VND50,000-VND60,000 (~USD2.21-USD2.65)<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Relive history at the Cu Chi Tunnels<\/h3>\n
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The Cu Chi Tunnels are a direct glimpse into the lives of common soldiers. They were ordinary men and women like any of us, who picked up arms to fight for what they believed was right. In the end, their efforts and sacrifices helped shape Vietnam into what it is today.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, for history buffs who want to know more about the Vietnam War, not through analyzing political agendas or intricate battle plans, but from a more close-up angle, a trip to the site is sure to be eye-opening.<\/span><\/p>\n

For more stories, check out:<\/span><\/p>\n