The Cu Chi Tunnels are a well-known national historical site in Vietnam. Known as the “underground city,” Cu Chi Tunnels are renowned for their strong and sophisticated defense system that was dug by the Viet Minh resistance and the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam during the Indochina War and the Vietnam War. The tunnel system served not only as a shelter, but also as a place for living, military meetings, first aid, manufacturing, and storing weapons.
Cu Chi Tunnels today are developing not only as a valuable historical and cultural destination, but also as an attractive tourist destination associated with famous military works in Vietnam. It is considered one of the six most unique man-made wonders in the world, attracting millions of domestic and foreign tourists.
Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are located in Phu Hiep hamlet, Phu My Hung commune, Cu Chi district, approximately 70km northwest of the center of Ho Chi Minh City. The underground networks are well-retained in two spots: Ben Dinh Tunnels (Ben Dinh Hamlet, Nhuan Duc Commune) and Ben Duoc Tunnels (Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune). The Cu Chi Tunnels network was built within 25 years from 1948 during the war against the French. It served as a means of communication between villages and helped the Vietnamese to evade scouting French soldiers.
History of Cu Chi Tunnels
With a total length of up to 250km, the tunnels have three different depths, with the highest level at about 3m below ground, the middle level at 6m below ground and the deepest level reaching up to 12m. The Cu Chi Tunnels tourist area is also considered among the top 7 most exotic destinations in Southeast Asia.
Cu Chi Tunnels are associated with the resistance war against the French, during the period from 1946 to 1948. The tunnels were constructed by soldiers and local residents of Tan Phu Trung and Phuoc Vinh An communes to serve as a hiding place and storage for weapons, ammunition and supplies.
Initially, each village had its own base bunker, then the tunnels were connected to each other in order to facilitate communication from 1961 to 1965. The current Cu Chi Tunnel system connects 6 northern communes. Inside the military tunnels, it is easy to communicate, conceal forces and discuss revolutionary plans. From 1961 to 1965, this work was developed into many branches connecting with each other. Outside the tunnels are equipped with many nail holes, bell tunnels, minefields… to ensure safety.
Ben Dinh Tunnel: Located around 50 kilometers in the north of Ho Chi Minh City, it is preserved well until now. When coming to this place, you can know more about the life of the North Vietnamese and explore a specifically designed establishment used by Vietnamese soldiers as their base of operations during their resistance against the American forces.
Covering an area of 100 hectares, Ben Duoc Tunnels are five times bigger than Ben Dinh Tunnels (17 hectares). Therefore, the traveling distance is also longer. However, you can get the most practical experience of the war in the southern part of Vietnam at Ben Duoc.
Explore Cu Chi Tunnels
Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels: Visitors to the Cu Chi Tunnels can experience a reenactment of the activities and daily life during the Indochina War that the resistance fighters experienced. Visitors can also enjoy traditional local dishes, such as potatoes, cassava, and ground tubers dipped in sesame salt…
Explore the war zone reenactment: Visitors will be able to watch slow-motion films depicting the daily life and battle scenes of the army and local people living in the area. You will also have the opportunity to admire famous historical and monument models of Vietnam such as the Long Bien Bridge, One Pillar Pagoda, Nha Rong Wharf, and Saigon Bridge.
Experience Shooting Guns: It is a military sport that attracts a lot of visitors to participate in when traveling to Cu Chi Tunnels. When participating in the shooting game, visitors will be enthusiastically guided by the staff.
Visiting the swimming pool simulating the East Sea: Cu Chi Tunnels is also known as one of the popular tourist areas with a variety of activities. After touring the tunnels and participating in military activities, visitors can relax and immerse themselves in the clear blue water of the swimming pool simulating the East Sea.
Visit a wildlife rescue station: Located just about 1km from the center of the tourist area, visitors can visit the largest wildlife rescue station in the South. It is also considered the largest rescue station in the South with more than 3,600 rare animal species.
How to Get to Cu Chi Tunnels
By bus is the cheapest way to go to Cu Chi. First, you catch bus No 13 from 23-9 Park (near Pham Ngu Lao street) to Cu Chi Bus Station, then change to bus No 79 which heads to Ben Duoc. It will take you 2 and a half hours if going by bus.
By taxi: If you have a lot of luggage and want to have a comfortable and convenient trip, then a taxi is probably the most suitable transportation option
By boat: Taking a boat to Cu Chi tunnels is definitely a unique and unusual way of traveling. This mode of transportation also allows visitors to comfortably admire and visit the beautiful scenery on both sides of the river, and take pictures on the boat.
By Motorbike/car: Self-driving motorbikes and cars are convenient and economical options. The traveling distance is 140 km, from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, one can follow the direction to An Suong intersection, then follow Highway 22 and reach the Cu Chi area.
Cu Chi Tunnels is a popular choice for tourists who wish to explore the culture, history, and heroic war relics of the nation. If you have a schedule to visit Ho Chi Minh City, it is highly recommended to combine it with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
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