The Cu Chi tunnel network, roughly 40–70 km northwest of the city depending on the section, was originally dug in the late 1940s and massively expanded during the Vietnam War into a network stretching well over a hundred kilometres, used for shelter, supply routes and surprise attacks. Today, two sections are open to visitors, each restored and widened somewhat for tourism.
Ben Dinh vs. Ben Duoc
Ben Dinh is closer to the city and the more commonly visited site on standard half-day tours, with a good balance of tunnel sections, exhibits and demonstration areas. Ben Duoc is further out, generally less crowded, and includes a large memorial temple — worth prioritising if you'd rather avoid tour-bus crowds and don't mind the longer drive.
Half-day vs. full-day tours
A half-day tour typically combines the drive with tunnel exploration and a short film, returning to the city by early afternoon. Full-day tours usually combine Cu Chi with a stop at the Cao Dai Holy See temple in Tay Ninh, a very different and worthwhile experience in its own right, though it adds several hours of driving.
Booking tips
Group tours booked through hotels or tour operators in District 1 are the simplest option and generally the cheapest per person. Private tours cost more but allow a more flexible pace and often a more personal, sometimes first-hand account from guides who lived through the period.
| Distance from HCMC | Roughly 40–70 km depending on the site |
|---|---|
| Time needed | Half-day (~4–5 hrs) or full-day with Cao Dai Temple |
| Wear | Closed shoes, light clothing, sun protection |