Things to Do in Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels represent one of Vietnam's most remarkable wartime achievements - an intricate underground network that stretches over 250 kilometers beneath the countryside northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Built during the Vietnam War by Viet Cong fighters, these tunnels served as hiding spots, living quarters, supply routes, and strategic command centers. What you'll find today is a preserved section that offers a genuinely eye-opening glimpse into the ingenuity and determination of those who lived and fought in these cramped, dark passages. The tunnels have been widened slightly for tourists, but they're still tight enough to give you a real sense of what underground life was like during wartime. Beyond the tunnels themselves, the site functions as an outdoor museum that tells the broader story of Vietnamese resistance. You'll see booby traps, weapons displays, and demonstrations of how soldiers survived in these conditions for months at a time. It's sobering stuff, but also fascinating from a historical and engineering perspective. The whole experience tends to shift your understanding of the war and the resourcefulness required to survive it.

Since Cu Chi Tunnels is a day trip destination, you'll likely be eating in Ho Chi Minh City before or after your visit. That said, there are basic food stalls near the tunnel entrance selling pho, banh mi, and other Vietnamese standards - nothing fancy but decent enough if you're hungry. Some tour packages include lunch at local restaurants in Cu Chi town, which tends to be simple but authentic Vietnamese fare. If you're particular about food, eat a good breakfast in the city and plan dinner back in Ho Chi Minh City.

The dry season from December to April offers the most comfortable weather, with lower humidity and minimal rain. That said, the tunnels themselves maintain a fairly constant cool temperature year-round, so weather matters more for the above-ground portions of your visit. Morning visits (8-10am start times) are generally better - it's cooler, less crowded, and you'll have better lighting for photos. Avoid Vietnamese holidays and weekends if possible, as domestic tourism can make the site quite busy.