Cu Chi and Mekong Delta Tour: Two Destinations for an Immersive Day
Ever wondered what’s it like to experience the uniqueness of a historical site and a green landscape on a day tour? Cu Chi and Mekong Delta Tour is an example of how you can combine cultural discovery with natural beauty in a single, unforgettable journey. Ready to explore further? Read on to discover what you can expect from the tour.
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Are the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta worth visiting?
Travelling to Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta lets you experience the diverse beauty of the south, far beyond the bustling, modern image of Ho Chi Minh City’s centre. Cu Chi Tunnels promise a powerful journey back in time to explore Vietnam’s tumultuous past while the Mekong Delta takes you to a totally different world of endless serenity and tranquility.
1. Should you take the Cu Chi Tunnels tour?
Are Cu Chi Tunnels worth visiting? Cu Chi Tunnels are an important historic site you should never miss if you plan to travel around Ho Chi Minh City. The tunnels are located about 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City centre, and it takes about 2.5 – 3 hours to reach Ben Duoc Tunnels, while a shorter time can be expected to reach Ben Dinh Tunnels, just 1.5 hours.
As a popular site in Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels are often packed with tourists, especially on weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit, consider arriving early in the morning or joining a guided tour with a private schedule.
Different from other traditional scenic spots in the city, Cu Chi Tunnels may require a certain level of fitness as you will crawl through narrow tunnels to discover the underground world. For those who have to deal with claustrophobia (fears of confined spaces), a visit to Cu Chi Tunnels should be carefully considered. However, the underground chambers are just part of the trip, and you don’t have to do the crawl if you’re not comfortable with it. You can explore the surrounding area at ground level, with tank remnants and preserved relics giving valuable insights into the daily life of the Viet Cong guerrillas during the war.
The Cu Chi Tunnels tour is kid-friendly, and if you travel with the kids, it’s ideal to let them immerse themselves in the interactive displays and have fun while learning hands-on history lessons.
If you have limited mobility, some parts of the tunnels can be challenging, and you may be refrained from entering specific zones, particularly the underpass. However, rest assured that the above-ground places can be explored at ease with wheelchairs. Be sure to clearly communicate your specific needs with the tour operator in advance so they can make the necessary arrangements and ensure smooth, comfortable experiences while exploring the site.
» Are you travelling with a wheelchair? Take a look at our fully customisable accessible tours backed by a friendly, accessibility-trained team.
2. Should you take the Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi Minh City?
A trip down to the Mekong Delta (also the Mekong River Delta) is a must for anyone staying around or in Ho Chi Minh City. Technically, you can leave for the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City in the early morning and return in late afternoon on the same day. Heavy traffic is common at the weekends, but you can still get back to the city with plenty of resting time. Though many recommend a short day tour to the Mekong Delta, there’s not much to see if you just experience part of the local river life, usually with a classic boat ride and fruit tasting.
When visiting the Mekong Delta, you should take its peak and low seasons into consideration. While the best time to visit the Mekong Delta usually falls between October and February, many places are packed with lots of tourists, and you won’t be able to admire the beauty of the tranquil countryside. On the other hand, during its low season from March to September, the Mekong Delta will welcome fewer crowds as the region enters the rainy season, locally known as the floating season. With rising water levels and abundant natural resources at hand, you can truly experience the vibrant life and rich biodiversity of the Mekong Delta.
The Mekong Delta tour is a good fit for those interested in authentic experiences and rural charm. The unique blend of water-based life and rich agricultural land will give you a fascinating glimpse into rural Vietnam. If it’s not for the food, the Mekong Delta will surprise you with its various trading activities, traditional villages, and intricate religious sites.
3. Is it a good idea to combine the two destinations?
You can combine the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta into a day trip for an immersive experience from Ho Chi Minh City. Although it is recommended that you spend at least a day exploring the Mekong Delta, you can shorten the time and add a Cu Chi Tunnels visit to your itinerary. If you decide to include the tunnels in your itinerary, you will likely access the Mekong Delta via My Tho and head to Ben Tre, the two most visited provinces of the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City.
Cu Chi Tunnels open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, so it’s better that you make it to the tunnels first. The reverse itinerary may cause some inconvenience when you are stuck in a traffic jam on the way back to the city from the Mekong Delta, and your time for the tunnels will be insufficient.
The Cu Chi and Mekong Delta Tour is an option to consider when you want to experience different feelings on the same day. While the tunnels offer a good opportunity to learn about the tumultuous history lessons and delve into the lives of Vietnamese fighters in the past, the Mekong Delta allows you to have a better understanding of local life revolving around the waterways.
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Cu Chi Tunnels to Mekong Delta distance
From Ho Chi Minh City Centre in District 1, you can embark on a 1.5-hour journey (approximately 55 km) to reach the Cu Chi Tunnels in the northwest of the city. Cu Chi Tunnels are divided into two separate parts of Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. Ben Duoc is a little farther from the city centre than Ben Dinh, about 30 minutes more if you travel by car. Then from Cu Chi Tunnels, it takes about 105 km (2 hours 15 minutes of drive) to get to the Mekong Delta in My Tho, Tien Giang Province. The average transport time is about 3.5 – 4 hours for a one-way trip.
As both of the destinations are located quite far from each other, many tourists opt for a package tour covering all of the must-see places and make the most of the travel time. If you want something more flexible, consider private transfers or a fully customisable tour that allows for more personal experiences.
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Cu Chi Tunnels And Mekong Delta Tour Itinerary
You can visit Cu Chi Tunnels in the early morning, and then depart for the Mekong Delta and have lunch there. Around 7.30 a.m., set out for a journey to the northwest part of the city. Upon arrival at the tunnels (we recommend Ben Dinh for shorter travel time), you can watch a documentary depicting the life of Viet Cong guerrillas.
Next, marvel at the reconstructed area to see kitchens, bedrooms, weapon factories, and hospitals inside the tunnels. Discover the underground world at your own pace, crawling through the complicated network and experiencing the life of a real soldier.
Get ready to be astounded by the mysterious traps and learn more about the Viet Cong’s ingenious survival tactics. Don’t forget to make some time to enjoy Cu Chi’s classic dish – the steamed tapioca or cassava, typically served with a sesame peanut salt topping.
When you finish exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels, head to the south to continue your journey in the Mekong Delta. You will start your Mekong adventure at My Tho pier, boarding a tourist boat to cruise peacefully along the Mekong River. Pass by the iconic islets – the Long (Dragon), the Lan (Qilin), the Quy (Turtle), and the Phung (Phoenix).
The Lan (also known as Thoi Son Islet) is the largest of the four, and offers many activities to take part in, including listening to Đờn Ca Tài Tử (southern Vietnamese folk music), tasting unique longan flower honey tea, and enjoying freshly picked tropical fruits.
From the Lan, continue your boat ride to the Phung to admire the beauty of the ‘Coconut Land,’ the name typically linked with Ben Tre Province, where coconut palms have significantly shaped the local culture. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride along serene canals and visit workshops where you gain a deeper insight into the craftsmanship and ingenuity of locals.
As you visit the Mekong Delta, don’t forget to try a bike ride or a Lambro 550 tuk-tuk ride under coconut trees. The monkey bridge, a unique feature of Mekong Delta, is also worth your try and promises to make your trip unforgettable.
≫ See more on Mekong Delta Traveling: What to See & Do
Cu Chi and Mekong Delta tour packages
Cu Chi and Mekong Delta can fit perfectly into a one-day tour. However, as mentioned earlier, the distance between the two destinations is quite significant. Although a self-guided tour is certainly doable, an all-inclusive package tour is a thing to consider if you want to have a worry-free journey and maximise your time for the activities. Take a look at our tour package recommendations to find some ideas for your next journey to Cu Chi and Mekong Delta.
Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Full-Day Tour
• Pick-up and drop-off: Ho Chi Minh City
• Places you’ll visit: Cu Chi Tunnels (Ben Dinh Tunnels), Mekong Delta (My Tho and Ben Tre)
• Highlights: Local rubber plantation • Underground network at Ben Dinh Tunnels • Mekong Delta’s Lush Canals • Idyllic Orchards • Long, Lan, Quy, Phung Islets
• Inclusions: Entrance fees • Air-conditioned vehicle • Bottled water • English-Speaking Guide • Lunch
• Exclusions: Gratuities • Personal expenses • Accommodation • Meals and tourist attractions not listed in the itinerary
• Detailed itinerary:
In the early morning (around 7 or 7.30 a.m.), meet your guide and depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels. On the way to the tunnels, stop at a local rubber plantation to learn about the traditional process of rubber tapping.
Next off, continue your journey to Ben Dinh Tunnels, entering the old base of the Viet Cong. Take a moment to explore the site and uncover the ingenious survival tactics used during the war.
Following your visit to the tunnels, get ready for the journey to the Mekong Delta. You will arrive at My Tho Wharf, board a tourist boat, and pass along the four sacred islets (Long – Lan – Qui – Phung). Visit floating raft villages and orchards to taste fresh tropical fruits and listen to a Don Ca Tai Tu performance. You will stop at a beekeeping garden to savour the pure and natural taste of local honey.
To continue, enjoy a tranquil boat ride under shaded coconut palms to reach a coconut candy factory in Tan Thach, Ben Tre. Hop on a local “xe lam” (an auto rickshaw) to transfer to a local restaurant for a traditional local lunch with Mekong delicacies.
At the end of the tour, you will glide back to the larger boat in a rowing boat to set sail for the dock. You will return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.
Cu Chi and Mekong Delta Tour Price
Prices for private tours covering Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta start from $50 if you travel in a group of 15. The more people in your group, the better the price per person! Check below for our group rate details.
| Number of guests | Price per person |
| 1 person | $303 |
| 2 people | $158 |
| 3 people | $123 |
| 4 people | $97 |
| 5 people | $80 |
| 6 people | $70 |
| 7 people | $62 |
| 8 people | $57 |
| 9 people | $70 |
| 10 people | $64 |
| 11 people | $61 |
| 12 people | $57 |
| 13 people | $54 |
| 14 people | $52 |
| 15 people | $50 |
≫ See our full tour description at Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Full Day Tour
Cu Chi and Mekong Delta Tour – Top Travel Tips
Cu Chi and the Mekong Delta is a popular itinerary for anyone wishing to explore beyond the city centre. When you plan for the Cu Chi and Mekong Delta Tour, consider some aspects below to ensure a smooth journey.
1. The best time to travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta
Both Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta are mostly visited during the dry season, from November to April. This period is perfect for outdoor activities, especially when you are expected to do walking and take some boat rides. However, bear in mind that this is also the peak season, and you will have to deal with the crowds.
Travelling during the rainy season, which usually falls between May and October, with the heaviest rainfall occurring between June and September, you may find the muddy paths leading to the tunnels challenging to walk on. In the Mekong Delta, the rainy season also coincides with the floating season (from August to November), when rising water in rivers and canals floods low-lying areas. This is a great opportunity for you to take in mesmerising lush landscapes and abundant fish, and observe an abundance of fish and other aquatic creatures.
≫ See more on Mekong Delta Weather by Month: Weather Guide & Best Time to Visit
2. What to wear to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta?
One little thing that shouldn’t be underestimated when it comes to planning a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta – clothing. The priority should be given to lightweight, breathable clothes as they will help you survive the frequent heat and high humidity. Don’t forget to pack sun-protection must-haves, including suncream, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Remember to avoid layered clothes because they will make you feel uncomfortable.
As you crawl through the tunnels, your clothes may get a bit dirty, so it’s wise to go with darker-coloured clothing that won’t show stains. So, what kind of tops and bottoms to wear to the Cu Chi Tunnels? We recommend wearing short-sleeved or sleeveless T-shirts with jeans or trousers. If you want to wear shorts, it’s fine as well. Don’t worry much about crawling on your hands and knees, you won’t be doing it for long, or hurt yourself. Just be mindful of insects that may be around, though they’re usually harmless.
The same outfit can be applied to your trip to the Mekong Delta. If your trip includes visits to local pagodas, Cao Dai temples, or Cham mosques, you may be asked to cover your shoulders and legs. A handy sarong will be of great help in some cases.
In both places, choose comfortable footwear as you will do quite a lot of walking. A pair of walking shoes or slip-on shoes can maximise comfort for your day walking around the jungle foliage. Hiking sandals are also a good fit for keeping your feet cool and dry. After all, go with anything that keeps you feel comfortable and ready to explore.
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3. How to get to the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City?
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can reach the Cu Chi Tunnels in many ways: by bus, taxi, private transfer, or package tour.
• By bus: Bus No.13 Saigon – Cu Chi is the most popular route to reach Cu Chi Tunnels. The starting point of the route is Ben Thanh Bus Station, and the final station is Cu Chi Bus Station. Once you arrive at Cu Chi Bus Station, continue to take Bus No.79 to Ben Duoc Tunnels or Bus No.63 to Ben Dinh Tunnels. Travelling by bus is economical, but it will cost you a great time, and it’s not recommended if you plan to travel to multiple destinations in a day.
• By taxi: Traditional taxis or ride-hailing apps are also a thing to consider. You can catch a taxi on the street, call the hotline, or use a booking app.
• Private transfer: Private transfer is a convenient way to reach the Cu Chi Tunnels without hassle. This option allows you to pre-arrange services and ensure a smoother, more efficient visit.
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Cu Chi and Mekong Delta Tour can make for a seamless journey soaking up the colourful southern part of Vietnam. Plan your itinerary carefully to make sure you visit all the highlights of the region and use your time wisely at each place of interest. Looking for a stress-free journey? Contact us for useful travel tips and a detailed itinerary.