Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip: Top Things to Do & Tips for Visiting On Your Own

Ever wondered what it’s like to crawl through the narrow underground tunnels where soldiers once hid, cooked, and planned surprise attacks — all while bombs rained overhead?

A Cu Chi Tunnels day trip offers more than just a glimpse into Vietnam’s wartime history; it’s an experience that feels part adventure, part time travel, and part quiet reflection.

Photo credit: Viator

This underground network once played a crucial wartime role by sheltering Vietnamese soldiers during the wars against the French (1945–1954) and Americans (1954–1975).

Today, many travelers choose to plan a self-guided Cu Chi Tunnels day trip to crawl through narrow tunnels, watch historical documentaries, and even try the shooting range — for a glimpse into the resilience and ingenuity of those who lived here.

How to get to Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi is about 1.5–2 hours from central Ho Chi Minh City, depending on traffic. Here are a few common ways to get there on your own:

If you’d rather skip navigation and language barriers, there are private Cu Chi tours which include transport, a local guide, and an optional hotel stay.

Entrance fee & Opening hours

Top things to do & see at the Cu Chi Tunnels

Even on a short Cu Chi Tunnels day trip, you can explore plenty:

🕳 Crawl through the tunnels

Experience what life underground was like as you stoop, duck, and sometimes even crawl on your hands and knees through these narrow passageways.

Some sections have been slightly widened for tourists, but they still feel cramped, dark, and humid — giving you a glimpse of the daily hardships faced by Vietnamese soldiers.

You can choose between Ben Dinh (closer, touristy) or Ben Duoc (longer tunnels, quieter, and closer to the original design).

Cost: ~20,000 VND per person.

Photo credit: Saigon Adventure

🎥 Watch a historical documentary

Take a moment to watch a short black-and-white film showing the history of the Cu Chi region, the resourcefulness of local fighters, and the role the tunnels played in resisting larger, better-equipped forces.

While dated in style, it helps set the mood and explains why the tunnels became such an icon of resilience and strategy.

Cost: Included in the entrance fee.

🔫 Try the shooting range

Get a taste of the battlefield’s adrenaline by firing real, historic weapons like the AK-47, M16, or M60. The echoing shots add an intense soundtrack to your visit, and it’s a rare chance to handle these legendary firearms under controlled supervision.

Cost: ~500,000 – 600,000 VND for 10 bullets (depends on weapon choice).

🍠 Taste local tapioca & tea

Take a break and enjoy a simple yet symbolic snack: steamed cassava dipped in a mix of crushed peanuts, sugar, and salt, paired with warm pandan tea.

This humble meal was once a daily staple for soldiers underground — filling, easy to store, and surprisingly comforting. It’s a quiet, reflective moment, connecting you to the human side of history.

Cost: Included in the entrance fee.

Photo credit: Traveloka

🪖 See bomb craters & traps

Step into dense jungle paths to discover deep bomb craters left by American airstrikes, camouflaged trapdoors, and examples of brutal bamboo traps once used to defend the tunnels. It’s a powerful reminder of the danger and ingenuity woven into this hidden underground world.

Cost: Included in entrance fee.

*Tip: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes — it can get muddy, especially after rain.

🏚 Explore the Cu Chi Liberated Zone Reenactment Area

Step into a recreated wartime village complete with huts, workshops, and daily life scenes. It’s a vivid way to see how people lived and supported the fighters from outside the tunnels.

Cost: ~85,000 VND per person.

🎯 Join a paintball battle in the jungle

Team up with friends or fellow visitors for a colorful 60‑minute paintball battle in the jungle setting. Great for groups and anyone wanting a break from history-heavy sightseeing.

Cost: ~50,000 VND per person (paintballs sold separately at ~3,000 VND each).

🎡 Zipline, kayak & more

Add some thrill to your day: ziplining over green landscapes, kayaking on calm water, or trying out water biking. It’s a playful way to round off your visit.

Cost: ~30,000 – 59,000 VND per session, depending on the activity.

Photo credit: diadaocuchi.com.vn

Tips for planning your self-guided Cu Chi Tunnels day trip

Cu Chi tour & hotel bundles

While a self-guided trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels is definitely doable, booking a tour can save time and reduce hassle — especially if you’re traveling with kids or in a large group.

Kin Hotel offers:

These bundles include hotel pick-up, entrance tickets, and an English-speaking guide, so you can relax and focus on the experience.

🛎️ Explore Cu Chi tour & Stay Bundles

Planning your Cu Chi Tunnels day trip, your way

A Cu Chi Tunnels day trip is a unique blend of history, adventure, and culture — whether you go independently, in a small group, or with a tour package.

If you’re someone who loves places rich in stories and old-world charm, you might also enjoy staying somewhere that captures the spirit of southern Vietnam in the 19th century.

Speaking of which, Kin Hotel Thi Sach Edition was designed with that inspiration in mind — bringing the feeling of old Cochinchine into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a perfect match for travelers who don’t just want to visit history, but want to live a little piece of it too.

Curious where to head next? Discover more stunning day trips, local landmarks, and must-see destinations over at @kinhotel. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for your daily dose of Vietnam’s hidden wonders.