Cu Chi

Củ Chi is a rural district approximately 40 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, best known worldwide for the Củ Chi Tunnels — an elaborate underground network stretching over 250 km that served as a refuge, supply route, and base of operations for Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were first dug with simple tools and bare hands during the French occupation in the 1940s and were greatly expanded during the 1960s. Despite relentless bombing, local residents lived, slept, ate, planned attacks, and even gave birth underground. Over 10,000 people lost their lives here. Today, Củ Chi is a popular day-trip destination from Ho Chi Minh City, offering visitors a sobering and educational glimpse into wartime history. The district also features rural farmland, rubber plantations, and a growing eco-tourism scene. The climate is tropical with a dry season from December to May and a wet season from June to November.

By Plane

Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport (SGN IATA) in Ho Chi Minh City is the nearest airport, approximately 30 km southeast of Củ Chi, about 45–60 minutes by taxi (250,000–350,000 VND).

By Train

By Car / Road

Củ Chi is easily reached from Ho Chi Minh City via National Route 22 (QL22), a roughly 40–50 km drive taking 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic. Tour buses from Phạm Ngũ Lão in District 1 operate daily guided half-day trips for around US$5 (excluding admission). Private car hires cost US$35–50 return. For independent travel, take bus 65 from Bến Thành bus station, transfer to bus 13, and ride to the Củ Chi bus station (7,000 VND, ~1.5 hr), then negotiate a motorbike for the final 20-minute ride (around 100,000 VND return). Bus 79 also runs to the tunnels area (6,000 VND, ~45 min).

Walking is the main way to explore the Củ Chi Tunnels complex — a well-defined walking track loops around the area. Motorbike taxis (xe ôm) are available from the Củ Chi bus station for local trips. For those on organized tours, a tour bus or minivan handles all transport. There is no metro or significant local public transit within Củ Chi district.

• Củ Chi Tunnels (Ben Dinh) — The more touristed tunnel site with enlarged sections for visitors to crawl through, plus exhibits on booby traps, bomb craters, and improvised weapons. Admission 80,000 VND. Guided tours available.

• Củ Chi Tunnels (Ben Duoc) — A quieter, more authentic site further from Ho Chi Minh City, frequented more by local Vietnamese. Features a mock village, reconstructed tunnel chambers (sleeping, medical, command), and a temple. Admission 80,000 VND.

• Revolutionary Tradition Area — Mock-ups of how tunnel residents lived and ate during the war, with dioramas and wartime memorabilia.

• MIG Fighter Jets at Ben Duoc ticket office — Two decommissioned MIG fighter jets on display.

• Crawl through the tunnels — A 30-metre section of authentic tunnel is open for visitors (not recommended for the claustrophobic).

• Fire weapons at the shooting range — Choose from AK-47, M16, M60, M1 Garand, and other firearms. Cost about 60,000 VND per bullet (minimum 10). Hearing protection provided. The range is separate from the tunnel complex, about 2.5 km away.

• Learn about tunnel life — Guides demonstrate how soldiers cooked, slept, and operated underground.

• Visit the mock village — A reconstructed wartime village showing tapioca-processing demonstrations and traditional life.

There are food stalls and restaurants at both tunnel sites serving Vietnamese dishes and snacks.

• Stalls near entrance — Snacks, drinks, and ice cream at reasonable prices.
• Mid-walk kiosk/restaurant — Sells beverages, food, and ice cream.
• Tapioca samples — At the end of the walking track, visitors can sample traditional "tapiaco" (Asian potato/manioc) — a staple of the tunnel diet during the war.
• Local restaurants in Củ Chi town — Phở, cơm tấm, and hủ tiếu available for 30,000–60,000 VND.

Vegetarian options are limited but can be found at simple roadside eateries.

Bottled water and soft drinks are sold at stalls throughout the tunnel complex. Fresh coconut water and sugarcane juice are available from vendors near the entrance. Avoid tap water.

• Budget: Levy's Hotel (24A, Street 12A, Quarter 8, Củ Chi) — small hotel. Single from 160,000 VND, double from 200,000–300,000 VND. Tel: +84 8 3792 8852.
• Mid-range: Several small guesthouses and motels along National Route 22 in Củ Chi town, from 300,000–500,000 VND/night.
• Upscale: Limited. Most visitors stay in Ho Chi Minh City and visit Củ Chi as a day trip.

Numerous souvenir shops at the tunnel exits sell war memorabilia (keychains, Zippo lighters, pith helmets) alongside typical Vietnamese souvenirs such as lacquerware, coffee, and rice-wine bottles shaped like mortar shells. Tapioca snacks and local handicrafts are also available.

• Ho Chi Minh City — 40 km southeast, 1 hr by bus. Vietnam's largest city with endless attractions.
• Tây Ninh — 50 km northwest, about 2 hr by public bus. Cao Đài Holy See temple, a colourful fusion religion centre.
• Bến Súc — A nature area with the Sài Gòn River, perfect for a relaxing riverside meal after the tunnels.
• Long An Province — Mekong Delta gateway, about 60 km southwest.