Located just around 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City are these underground tunnels that served a very important purpose during the Vietnam war. The Cu Chi tunnels are amongst the top 7 most visited places in Vietnam. This tunnel is about 200 km long, built for use during periods of war. Currently, Cu Chi Tunnels is used as a war remnants museum. With traps laid around for the enemies to the tunnels that could only let you crawl; the Cu Chi tunnels are a marvel of war intelligence.
What was the purpose of the tunnels?
The network of Cu Chi tunnels was built in 25 years, starting in 1948, during the war against the French. It served as a means of communication between the villages and allowed the Vietnamese to escape the French soldiers. They were later extended by the Vietcong for the war against the Americans during the Vietnam war.
The importance of the tunnels
With tiny lids that were well hidden, the Vietnamese guerrillas used the tunnels to cook, bathe, and survive the constant bombardment of bombs. The tunnels are truly a genius marvel of art. The system of the tunnels has different locations and especially closed gates which are used to stop the enemy and toxic gas. All of the tunnels have many discreet vents to the ground and are very secretly camouflaged.
The tunnels were not only used for combat and conflict, but they also hosted the factory's numerous workers providing weapons, as well as war equipment. It contained stockpiles of firearms, ammunition, and explosives of all kinds, food and materials, battlefield facilities, smoke-free kitchens (Hoang Cam kitchen), hospitals for the wounded, and bedrooms and shelters for women, children and the elderly. It can even be seen as a little city underground, not just a village.
How can you visit the Cu Chi tunnels?
From Ho Chi Minh to Chu Chi Tunnels
By Bus: it is the cheapest way to make your journey.
you can go to the central bus station at Park 23-9 (Công Viên 23-9) in District 1. Regular buses depart every 30 minutes. The bus ticket costs 7000 Dong (24 Rs) and it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the Cu Chi bus station.
After getting off at Cu Chi bus station, you need to take bus 79 which costs 6000 (21 Rs)Dong. You will be on the bus for 45 minutes to arrive at the Ben Duoc tunnel. At the bus stop, there is a sign indicating that you must walk to your destination.
By private Car/taxi: although expensive this is the easiest way to get to the tunnels
A one-way taxi probably costs around 650,000 Dong (2200 Rs).
With a tour company: For those who don't know where to start the first time, you can go to travel agencies to book a Cu Chi Tunnels tour. It depends on your schedule, many tour companies in District 1 offer half-day or full-day Cu Chi tours. I booked all my tours with getyourguide.com
How much is the ticket price?
The tickets are only 20,000 VND/person (68 Rs). If you visit the Resurrection Area, the total price is 40,000 VND (136 Rs). Through each hall and tunnel, there will be a guide.
What is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit the Cu Chi tunnels is during the dry season, i.e. from October to April. The weather is warmer so it is recommended to bring plenty of sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
However, the dry season is generally more favourable because there is no rain. During the rainy season (May to November), the tunnels are resistant to flooding but can be muddier than usual and also quite wet.
Now you know that on your visit to Vietnam, you cannot miss this marvel of history.
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