Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc: Step into History
Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc is a must-see spot that promises to give you a real insight into Vietnam’s tumultuous wartime past. From exploring the tunnels’ intricate structure to enjoying Cu Chi’s staples, you can have a well-rounded exploration of this important historical site. Below is the essential guide that you will need to turn your Ho Chi Minh to Cu Chi Tunnels journey into unforgettable moments.
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An overview of Ben Duoc – Where is the Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc?
Cu Chi Tunnels (Vietnamese: Địa đạo Củ Chi) are located in Cu Chi District, on the northwestern outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 50 – 70 kilometres from the city centre. So ever wondered what were the Cu Chi Tunnels used for? During the Vietnam War, the tunnels served as a hiding spot, communication routes, and strategic bases for the Viet Cong soldiers. Inside the tunnels, you will find complex network of living quarters, kitchens, storage rooms, and even makeshift hospitals.
Based in Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Ward, Cu Chi District, Ben Duoc is one of the two preserved areas of the Cu Chi Tunnels, besides Ben Dinh. If you depart from the city centre, you will see the Ben Dinh tunnels first. While Ben Duoc is easily farther than Ben Dinh, the former is less touristy and offers a more authentic experience. Ben Duoc stretches over 100 hectares, nearly six times larger than Ben Dinh (17 hectares), and this is where many Vietnamese students usually visit to learn about their country’s wartime history.
Please find below the essential information you need to know before making a trip to Cu Chi Tunnels:
• Address: Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Ward, Cu Chi District
• Opening hours: Every day, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Entrance fees:
√ Adults (Vietnamese citizens): VND 35,000
√ Adults (foreigners): VND 125,000
√ Children (7-16) and students: 50% of the adult ticket price
√ The Liberated Area Simulation Zone: VND 85,000
How to get to Cu Chi Tunnels?
The distance from Ho Chi Minh to Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc is approximately 55 km, and the average travel time is 2 hours. There are several ways you can reach the Cu Chi Tunnels, each offering its own experience and level of convenience.
1. Bus
Prefer getting around like locals? The good news is that you can choose to travel to Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc by public bus. From the city centre, make your way to Ben Thanh Bus Station in District 1 and look for Bus No. 13 (Ben Thanh – Cu Chi) to get to Cu Chi Bus Station. Get off and transfer to Bus No. 79 (Cu Chi – Dau Tieng) to reach Ben Duoc Tunnels. The ticket price is just around VND 8,000 – 10,000 per route; however, you will have to travel much longer, up to 3 hours, with frequent stops and extended waiting times along the way.
2. Taxi
You can either grab a traditional taxi or opt for a ride-hailing app like Grab or Be. The cost ranges from VND 800,000 – 1,000,000 for a one-way journey, depending on the car type. You will arrive at Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc directly, ready for various hands-on experiences. The payment options are varied – by cash, credit cards, QR codes, etc.
3. Private transfers
For visitors considering various transport options to reach the Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc from Ho Chi Minh City, private transfer service is the best option for those seeking a high level of convenience. Even more flexible than taxis, private transfers allow you to schedule your pickup and drop-off in advance, eliminating the need to wait for a taxi to arrive. If you are willing to spend a bit more, upgrade to a limousine car to enjoy the utmost comfort.
4. Speedboat
Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc by speedboat offers a unique experience as you will have the opportunity to admire the beauty of the waterways and soak in the peaceful scenery along the riverbanks. This option is usually designed as a full package tour, and includes all transportation, entrance fees, meals, and a local guide.
5. Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc Guided Tour
For first-time visitors, it is highly recommended that you take a guided tour to experience Cu Chi Tunnels at its best. With transportation and guided service fully arranged, you can skip the hassle of figuring out directions and simply focus on enjoying the experience. You can choose a half-day tour or a full-day tour, to Cu Chi Tunnels only or combined with visits to the Mekong Delta. Learn more about Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour.
» See more on Cu Chi and Mekong Delta Tour: Two Destinations for an Immersive Day
Top things to do at Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc
Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels is an exciting journey to unveil wartime secrets beneath the ground. You can make the most of your trip to engage in a variety of hands-on activities that offer deeper insight into the country’s resilience. Below are some ideas for your next visit to Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc.
1. Explore the tunnels
The best part of Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc is its intricate underground network, and this is what most visitors come for. In the past, the tunnels contained bunkrooms, hospital rooms, kitchens, and a few classrooms. There were escape hatches and trap doors everywhere. The tunnels nowadays have been made clean and dry with modern ventilation, dimmed lights and walls supported with concrete lining.
By crawling through the tunnels, you will get a firsthand sense of the claustrophobic and challenging conditions that Viet Cong fighters once endured. The tunnels served not only as a shelter for Viet Cong but also stood as a silent witness to many pivotal battles leading up to the country’s reunification. As you explore this underground network, you will gain a vivid understanding of life below the surface – visiting areas such as the command centre, meeting rooms, weapons storage, food supplies, and living quarters that sustained those who lived here for years.
» See more on Beneath the Surface: Are the Cu Chi Tunnels Worth Visiting?
2. Visit the Liberated Area Simulation Zone
This area may be the highlight of your journey, when you can travel back in time, exploring how people in Cu Chi lived and combated over the period 1961 – 1972. Each zone represents a different period, revealing fascinating stories of daily life and resilience during times of conflict.
• Zone 1: This area recreates the “special war” in Vietnam, particularly during the period 1961 – 1964. You will be introduced to the lives of the people in the newly liberated area, marked by their optimism, determination, and their active involvement in the revolutionary movement.
• Zone 2: The next chapter – the Joint warfare in South Vietnam, 1963 – 1969 – is characterised by the fierce destruction made by anti-communist forces targeting the liberated area of Cu Chi. Take the opportunity to witness the devastated countryside – houses, temples, and pagodas, all ravaged by bombs and bullets, and the heartbreaking lives of the people during the war in this zone.
• Zone 3: The third area brings back memories of the worst time of the war from 1969 to 1972. Cu Chi turned into a ‘barren land’ under heavy bombardment. A haunting scene unfolds – no signs of life remain, only the remnants of war: abandoned tanks, aircraft, and bulldozers scattered across the desolate ground.
To visit the simulation zone, you will have to pay an extra fee of VND 85,000. You can spend roughly 30 – 45 minutes exploring the area. This experience is suitable for all fitness levels and doesn’t require any special physical ability. Seniors, slow walkers, and wheelchair users can freely wander around the whole area.
» See more on Accessible Guided Tour in Vietnam
3. Experience Cu Chi Tunnels Firing Range
Ever excited about becoming a real soldier, trying your hand at shooting with different types of guns and getting the thrill of hitting the target? Feel free to experience sports-tactical guns and test your shooting skills with fixed targets, moving targets, or hidden targets. A bullet costs between VND 40,000 – 60,000, and you can show off your skills immediately after getting instructions from the staff.
If you look for a more relaxing shooting experience, why not give paintball shooting a try? This activity greatly creates excitement and boosts adrenaline. If you travel in groups, the game will be even more fun, and there will be lots of quality bonding moments with your friends.
4. Take part in relaxing activities
At this war-themed site, it is also great to enjoy other activities like swimming, boating, or cycling. This will create a change of pace, making for soothing moments after a hard day crawling through the tunnels. You can either take a refreshing dip to cool off from the scorching heat, glide across tranquil lakes on a swan boat, or simply enjoy a leisurely bike ride through peaceful surroundings. If you are a fan of camping, don’t miss an opportunity to stay at the campsite next to the East Sea-inspired bathing area. This allows you to connect closer to the tranquil nature while being immersed in the historical atmosphere of the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Alternative to Ben Duoc: Ben Dinh Cu Chi Tunnels
As mentioned above, Ben Duoc is farther from the city centre than Ben Dinh, so if you’re short on time, consider visiting the latter. Ben Dinh Cu Chi Tunnels are located in Ben Dinh Hamlet, Nhuan Duc Ward, Cu Chi District. This is one of the most crucial and intricate tunnels constructed during the Vietnam War. Stretching about 17 ha, the tunnels were constructed by the soldiers and people of Cu Chi from the resistance war against the French up to the Vietnam War.
The entrance fees are VND 20,000 for Vietnamese citizens and VND 110,000 for foreigners. The activities offered at both tunnels are largely the same – vising the weapon bunkers, booby traps, bomb craters, and war relics. A popular activity that all visitors want to try is going under camouflaged hatches, and even children can have a lot of fun from this experience. Also, crawl through sections of the tunnels, imagining the soldiers and civilians who once used them.
In addition to learning how the Viet Cong and Cu Chi locals fought during the war, you can get an insight into how they lived. Next to the shooting range is a kitchen where you can mill rice flour and see it made into rice paper for spring rolls. There is also a field kitchen where you can enjoy Cu Chi’s staple – the tapioca made from the cassava root.
Ben Dinh is usually more crowded than Ben Duoc, so it’s recommended that you visit the site in the early morning, especially on the weekends to avoid the crowds. This allows you to experience the tunnels with fewer people and a more relaxing atmosphere.
If you are a history buff, consider visits to essential museums in Ho Chi Minh City. You can see what life looked like in Vietnam in the past and connect more deeply with the country’s historical heritage.
Tips for visiting Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc
Throughout the year, visitors to Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc can actively explore its historical significance through a range of engaging activities. Keep in mind some essential tips that will ensure a smooth trip and seamless experiences.
Find the optimal time for the trip
Weather is an important factor to consider when planning your trip to Cu Chi Tunnels. As you are going to have a long day outdoors and crawl through narrow tunnels, travelling during the dry season (from November to April) is best for an immersive experience. Early morning departure will help you avoid the crowds and the scorching heat. If your trip falls into the rainy season, the tunnels are still open, but it’s likely you will have to walk on muddy paths.
» See more on A Traveler’s Guide to Weather and Climate in Vietnam
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
There is no dress code for visiting the tunnels, but you should prioritise lightweight, sweat-absorbing fabrics. It’s recommended to wear neutral colours, like grey, brown, beige, etc. to minimise both the heat and the stains. Also, for better support and protection, it’s best to wear closed-toe shoes or sneakers.
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Indulge in the authentic local cuisine
If you visit Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc, it’s best to try the special dishes, especially those that were staples for the soldiers and locals during the war. Many visitors love to enjoy the simple refreshment of tapioca paired with a warm cup of hot tea, especially after exploring the underground network. Another must-try dish is the Cu Chi steamed beef, usually served with rice paper and a generous platter of fresh local herbs like mint, basil, and perilla.
Once you decide to make your trip to Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc, whether taking a fully guided tour or travelling on your own, you’re in for an eye-opening journey through one of Vietnam’s most remarkable historical landmarks. Learn, connect with history, and reflect on the human cost of conflict, you will have a meaningful journey to remember for a lifetime. Contact us for expert advice on the best Cu Chi Ben Duoc or Cu Chi Ben Dinh tours.