Cu Chi Tunnels 2026: Complete Visitor Guide from Ho Chi Minh City

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a 250km network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong guerrilla fighters during the American War. Located 40km northwest of HCMC, they are one of Vietnam’s most visited historical sites.

What the tunnels are

The tunnel network was developed from the late 1940s, initially for hiding against French forces, then expanded massively during the American War. At peak, the network had three levels and included sleeping quarters, weapons workshops, hospitals, command centres, and kitchens. Approximately 16,000 Viet Cong fighters lived and operated from the Cu Chi district.

The US military eventually designated the Cu Chi area a “free fire zone” and launched extensive bombing campaigns and Operation Ranch Hand chemical defoliation. Despite this, the tunnels remained operational throughout the war.

Ben Dinh vs Ben Duoc

Two sections of the tunnel network are open to tourists. Most organised tours from HCMC visit Ben Dinh.

Ben Dinh: Closer to HCMC (35km), more developed tourist infrastructure, more visitors. The tunnel sections accessible to tourists have been widened slightly for larger Western bodies but are still genuinely tight (50cm wide in sections). A shooting range operates here.

Ben Duoc: 50km from HCMC, fewer visitors, a larger memorial complex, and a section of tunnel that is less modified. The better choice for a more reflective experience.

What to see and do

Tunnel crawling: The accessible sections range from 20m to 100m of tunnel at 50–80cm height. Genuinely claustrophobic at the narrow sections. An emergency exit hatch is provided every 5–10m. Not recommended for claustrophobic visitors.

Film: An introductory film is shown at both sites — a period propaganda film produced during the war. Worth watching as a historical document.

Booby trap displays: Reconstructions of the camouflaged pit traps and anti-personnel devices used against US forces. Disturbing in detail; the guides explain the purpose of each.

Shooting range: Live fire with AK-47, M16, and other period weapons. Available at Ben Dinh. ₫50,000–80,000 ($2–3.20) per 10 rounds. Optional.

Entry: ₫110,000 ($4.40) per person at Ben Dinh. ₫110,000 at Ben Duoc.

Getting there

Organised day tour from HCMC: ₫250,000–450,000 ($10–18) per person. Includes transport, guide, and entry. Departs from D1 hotels. Half-day (morning departure, back by 13:00) or combined with Mekong Delta for a full day.

Independent: Take bus 13 from Ben Thanh Market to the Cu Chi bus terminal (₫20,000 / $0.80, 90 minutes), then xe om to the tunnel site (₫50,000 / $2). The route is straightforward.

Motorbike: Self-drive from HCMC. 40km, 1.5 hours. Highway 22 northwest from the city.

Practical notes

Clothing: Wear or bring clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. The tunnel sections are dusty and damp.

Claustrophobia: The tunnels are genuinely small. Non-claustrophobic visitors find the experience interesting; claustrophobic visitors find it genuinely difficult. Most of the surface site can be visited without entering the tunnels.

Time needed: 2–3 hours for a thorough visit including the film, surface trail, and tunnel sections.