How to Book the Best Cu Chi Tunnel Tour from Ho Chi Minh City (2025 Guide).
Just a little bit further… Ahh, made it!
Crawling through 100 metres of cramped, dark tunnels…
It's hard to believe this was daily life for Vietnamese soldiers during the war.
Welcome to the Cu Chi Tunnels…
A vast 250 km underground network just outside Ho Chi Minh City, filled with booby traps, propaganda, and raw wartime history.
In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn how to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh, which site to choose (Ben Dinh vs. Ben Duoc), and the best tours…
From budget-friendly to speedboat VIP.
If you're craving a war story you can walk through (literally), you're in the right place.
Let’s go underground.
Example of a Vietnamese soldier during Guerrilla warfare.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
Ben Dinh vs. Ben Duoc: Which Cu Chi Tunnel site should you visit?
Before you book your tour, there's one key decision to make:
Which tunnel site is right for you — Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc?
As the Cu Chi tunnels tours are established, they are one of the best things to do in Saigon, however, both options can be different.
They’re both part of the Cu Chi Tunnel network, but they offer very different experiences. Choosing the right one makes all the difference between a touristy detour and an unforgettable day.
Ben Dinh: The tourist-friendly option
Closest to Ho Chi Minh City (faster travel time).
Tunnels have been widened for tourists — less claustrophobic.
More developed infrastructure (cafés, shops, signage).
Typically busier, especially with large tour groups.
Best For: First-time visitors, families, or anyone unsure about tight spaces.
Most group tours and combo packages go here.
Ben Duoc: The authentic, less-touristy site.
Slightly farther out, but worth the extra time
Tunnels remain original size — more authentic and intense
Fewer tourists = quieter, more immersive experience
Includes a moving memorial to Vietnamese war casualties
Best For: Dark tourists, history buffs, and travellers seeking the real deal.
Select tours specifically highlight Ben Duoc — book one that clearly states this.
Quick Tip:
If you're short on time with your Vietnam itinerary, or want a more relaxed intro to the Cu Chi Tunnels, go with Ben Dinh.
If you're looking for a raw, historical deep-dive, and can handle tight tunnels, head to Ben Duoc.
✅ Ready to Book the Right Tour?
Now that you know whether Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc is the better fit, it’s time to choose the perfect tour for your style and budget.
👇 Scroll down to compare the best Cu Chi Tunnel tours — including VIP speedboat rides, combo day trips, and raw Ben Duoc experiences.
Entrance to one of the main tunnels at the Cu Chi Jungle.
Best Cu Chi Tunnel Tours from Ho Chi Minh City (2025).
Visiting the Cu Chi tunnels is one of the most popular additions to Ho Chi Minh City itineraries, however, your experience can vary greatly depending on which tour you book.
Here is a breakdown of the best Cu Chi Tunnels tours:
VIP Speedboat Cu Chi Tunnel Tour.
Highlights:
Cruise up the scenic Saigon River.
Arrive early before the crowds.
Light breakfast and hotel pickup included.
Tunnel Site: Ben Dinh.
Best For: Couples, photographers, luxury seekers.
Duration: ~5–6 hours.
From: ~£55 GBP.
👉 Book VIP Speedboat Tour.
Cu Chi Tunnels + Mekong Delta Full-Day Combo.
Highlights:
Visit both the Cu Chi Tunnels and the iconic Mekong Delta in one day.
Traditional lunch and air-conditioned transport.
Great overview of southern Vietnam.
Tunnel Site: Ben Dinh.
Best For: Travellers short on time, cultural explorers.
Duration: Full day (~9–10 hours).
From: ~£37 GBP.
👉 Book Combo Tour.
Cu Chi Tunnels Tour with a War Veteran.
Highlights:
Small group experience guided by a Vietnamese war veteran.
Personal, raw insights into the war.
Limited group size = deeper interaction.
Tunnel Site: Ben Dinh.
Best For: History lovers, thoughtful travellers.
Duration: ~6–7 hours.
From: ~£33 GBP.
👉 Book War Veteran Tour.
Budget Cu Chi Tunnel Group Tour by Bus.
Highlights:
The most affordable way to see the tunnels.
Round-trip transport from Ho Chi Minh included.
Includes English-speaking guide.
Tunnel Site: Ben Dinh.
Best For: Backpackers, solo travellers on a budget.
Duration: ~6–8 hours.
From: ~£12 GBP.
👉 Book Budget Tour.
Ben Duoc Authentic Tunnels Tour (Less Touristy).
Highlights:
Visit the original tunnel site — narrower, rawer, and far less crowded.
Local lunch and transportation included.
A deeper, more sobering experience.
Tunnel Site: Ben Duoc.
Best For: Adventurers, dark tourism fans, return visitors.
Duration: ~6–7 hours.
From: ~£28 GBP.
👉 Book Ben Duoc Tour.Need help deciding?
If you want comfort and scenery — go with the speedboat.
If you're short on time — book the combo tour.
If you want something real and raw — choose Ben Duoc or the war veteran tour.
Tank at the Cu Chi tunnels.
What to expect on your Cu Chi Tunnel Tour.
Booking your Cu Chi Tunnel tour is just the start… Now here’s what your unforgettable South East Asian experience will actually look like.
1. The journey from Ho Chi Minh City.
Most tours include pickup from your hotel or a central location like Bui Vien Street.
Travel time ranges from 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on your transport (speedboat is fastest, bus is slowest).
On the way, our guide shared context about the war and Vietnamese culture.
Family on scooter spotted on way to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
2. Arrival in the jungle.
The first stop is often a brief propaganda video — grainy and dated, but it sets the tone.
You’ll then walk through a jungle path lined with booby trap displays, hidden bunkers, and training tools.
Example war camp exhibition.
A boobie trap example.
3. Entering the tunnels.
This is the heart of the tour: the tunnels themselves.
Depending on the tour site and your comfort level, you’ll crawl or crouch through 10 to 100 metres of tight, dark passages.
Some tunnels have been widened (Ben Dinh), while others are original size (Ben Duoc).
⚠️ Claustrophobic? No worries — you can opt to skip or do shorter segments. Your guide will explain the options.
Walking through one of the main Cu Chi Tunnels.
Experiencing Vietnamese guerrilla war traps.
4. War-Era Tastings.
Try boiled cassava and tea, a staple Viet Cong meal — simple, but symbolic.
Trying Vietnamese war snacks.
Learning about the war time food regime.
5. Optional shooting range.
For an extra fee, you can fire an AK-47, M16, or M60 using live rounds.
Ear protection is provided, but it’s extremely loud — not for everyone.
Aiming at a target in the shooting range.
6. Gift shop & return trip.
Most tours include a stop for refreshments or souvenirs before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Expect to return to the city by mid to late afternoon, depending on your tour type.
Traffic in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
Visiting from Hanoi:
If you want to change up your plans during your time in Hanoi, and head south, it is doable.
Visiting the tunnels from the Vietnamese capital is possible, but you will have to plan your journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in advance, before booking your tunnel tour.
It is a huge country, but does have plenty of good transport options, and you can visit some of the best places in Vietnam on your way.
Statue of Ho Chi Minh.
When Is the best time to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels?
Time of Year.
Vietnam has two main seasons: dry (Dec–Apr) and wet (May–Nov). While the Cu Chi Tunnels are open year-round, the dry season is more comfortable for outdoor walking and tunnel crawling.
☀️ Best Months: December to March – cooler, drier, and better visibility.
Time of Day.
The tunnels can get crowded and uncomfortably hot by midday, especially at Ben Dinh. Beat the heat and tour bus crowds by booking a morning tour.
✅ Pro tip: Speedboat tours often arrive earliest, before the big groups roll in.
Weekday vs. Weekend.
Weekends tend to be busier with domestic tourists. For a quieter experience, aim for midweek mornings.
If you are backpacking Vietnam for the first time, you should make sure you plan accordingly.
Summary Tips:
Go early in the day, not in the afternoon heat.
Prefer weekday tours for fewer crowds.
Book in the dry season if possible — but don’t let rain stop you, most tours still run smoothly.
Entrance into a tunnel.
Posing in the jungle.
Cu Chi Tunnels FAQ: What visitors ask before booking.
Do I need to book Cu Chi Tunnel tours in advance?
Yes. Tours often sell out during peak travel months (December to March) and Vietnamese holidays. Booking online in advance gives you more choice of time slots and transport options — especially for speedboat or Ben Duoc tours.
✅ Booking ahead also lets you skip on-the-day price surges or last-minute tour group hassle.
What’s the difference between Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc?
Ben Dinh is more tourist-friendly, with widened tunnels and shorter travel time.
Ben Duoc offers the authentic experience — original-sized tunnels and fewer crowds.
Both are part of the Cu Chi Tunnel system, but your choice will shape how intense or comfortable the tour feels.
How long do you spend in the tunnels?
Most guided tours give you the chance to explore 10 to 100 metres of tunnel. You’ll typically spend 10–30 minutes underground, depending on your comfort level and group speed.
Some tours let you try short crawl segments first — perfect for first-time visitors or those unsure about tight spaces.
Cu Chi Jungle.
Are the Cu Chi Tunnels safe for claustrophobic visitors?
Yes, with options. Many tunnels at Ben Dinh have been widened, and guides always offer short sections or above-ground alternatives.
If you’re anxious about tight spaces, let your guide know — you can still enjoy the tour without going deep underground.
What should I wear to the Cu Chi Tunnels?
Lightweight, breathable clothing (it’s humid in the jungle)
Closed-toe shoes or trainers — you’ll be walking and crouching
Bring mosquito repellent and water
Tours rarely mention this, but a small towel or neck fan can also help in the heat.
Is the shooting range included in the Cu Chi Tunnel ticket?
No, the shooting range is optional and not included. It’s available at Ben Dinh only, where you can fire real AK-47s, M16s, or M60s for an extra fee (around £1.50–£2 per bullet).
It’s loud — even near the café. Ear protection is provided when shooting.
Can I visit the Cu Chi Tunnels on a half-day trip?
Yes — many tours run morning or afternoon half-day trips, ideal if you're short on time in Ho Chi Minh City. For combo tours (like Cu Chi + Mekong Delta), expect a full-day itinerary.
Are the Cu Chi Tunnels suitable for kids or older travellers?
Yes — but consider these factors:
It’s hot and humid
Some videos and trap displays are graphic
Crawling through tunnels may not suit very young kids or mobility-restricted guests
Many families choose tours with air-conditioned transport and widened tunnels.
An entrance point.
Ready to Book Your Cu Chi Tunnel Tour?
You’ve seen the history, felt the intensity, and compared the options — now it’s time to lock in your unforgettable experience.
Whether you want a scenic speedboat ride, a raw walk through Ben Duoc, or a combo day packed with culture — the right tour makes all the difference.
✅ Hand-picked, trusted operators.
✅ Options for every budget and travel style.
✅ Instant booking confirmation.
👉 Don’t miss one of Vietnam’s most powerful travel experiences.
Compare and Book Your Cu Chi Tunnel Tour Now.
Close up of statue of Ho Chi Minh.
Two other interesting day trips from Ho Chi Minh City.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are one of many top day trips from Ho Chi Minh City.
Within a couple of hours of the southern Vietnamese city there is an abundance of different kinds of activities.
Here are two of the best Vietnam day trips for you to consider:
Vung Tu Statue.
The Christ of Vung Tu statue is Asia’s version of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil.
Unlike in Rio De Janeiro, you can actually climb the Vietnamese Jesus statue and get amazing views of the nearby town and South China Sea from the 32 metres high vantage point.
The beautiful views don’t come easy though, as there is a trek up around 800 steps to reach the platform.
Mekong Delta.
The Mekong Delta needs no introduction as it is a true natural wonder of Vietnam.
A day trip to the famous Delta will allow you to fully immerse in Vietnamese culture, as you uncover the beautiful nature through making your way down the maze of canals via motor boat.
You will also spend time with locals and try some beautiful local cuisine in a local home.