Cu Chi Tunnels
Duration: 5 hours
Tour Code: HCM-190
Learn about the Vietnamese fighters who lived in, and fought from, a network of underground tunnels during this visit to Cu Chi.
Depart the pier for the 44-mile drive from the city center to the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you will see the villages of former revolutionary fighters, and French rubber plantations where bombing remnants still remain three decades later. After passing through tranquil rice paddies, a brief photo stop will be made at a small village, where your guide will explain the process of rice paper production. Hundreds of sheets dot the countryside, drying on woven racks in the relentless sun.
Upon arrival at Cu Chi, you will watch a short video tracing the origins, construction and design of the thick-roofed underground tunnels. These tunnels were capable of withstanding the weight of tanks and impact of 50-pound bombs. A military guide will explain the underground network, and display some of the tools and weapons utilized by the guerrillas. This open and ventilated tunnel complex provides a full view of the underground meeting rooms, smokeless kitchens, a healthcare center and sleeping areas. If you are agile, you will have an opportunity to enter an unlit passage that has not been enlarged for the comfort of visitors. Refreshments, souvenirs and displays of military paraphernalia can be found in the nearby parking area.
On the 44-mile return drive to Saigon, you will visit the recently-erected memorial honoring the 10,000 guerrilla soldiers who died during the fighting at Cu Chi.
Please note: Guests are strongly advised to wear sturdy shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Guests visiting the lower levels of the tunnel complex may get dirty. The area of the tunnels represents a memorial to resistance by the Vietnamese, and is presented by the armed forces of Vietnam. Any disparaging references made to past foes of the government may be deemed offensive. Depending upon traffic conditions, the duration of this tour may be longer.