If you are visiting Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most popular attractions you can explore is the Cu Chi Tunnels. These are a network of underground tunnels that were used by the Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam War. They served as hiding places, supply routes, hospitals, and living quarters for the fighters. You can learn more about the history of the war and experience what it was like to crawl through the narrow tunnels.
There are two sites where you can visit the Cu Chi Tunnels: Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. Ben Dinh is closer to Ho Chi Minh City and more touristy, while Ben Duoc is further away and more authentic. Both sites have a museum, a shooting range, and a guided tour of the tunnels. You can choose which site suits your preference and budget.
In this blog post, I will show you how to get to the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City by public bus, which is the cheapest and most adventurous way to travel. You can also opt for other modes of transportation, such as a car, a motorbike, or a speedboat, but they will cost you more money and time.
How to get to the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City by public bus
The public bus is the best option if you want to save money and experience the local life. The bus fare is only 10,000 VND (0.43 USD) per ride, and you can enjoy the scenery along the way. However, you need to be prepared for a long journey, as it can take up to 3 hours to reach the tunnels depending on the traffic.
- To get to Ben Dinh, you need to take bus number 13 from Cong Vien 23/9 park in District 1, which is near Pham Ngu Lao street where most backpackers stay. The bus will take you to Cu Chi bus station, where you need to transfer to bus number 79. This bus will drop you off at Ben Dinh tunnel site.
- To get to Ben Duoc, you need to take bus number 13 from Cong Vien 23/9 park as well, but instead of transferring to bus number 79 at Cu Chi bus station, you need to take bus number 70. This bus will take you to Phu My Hung market, where you need to walk for about 15 minutes or take a motorbike taxi to Ben Duoc tunnel site.
You can use Google Maps or BusMap app to find the bus stops and routes. You can also ask the locals or the bus drivers for directions. The buses run from 5 am to 8 pm every day.
Tips for visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can get dirty, as you will be crawling through dusty tunnels.
- Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as there are not many facilities at the tunnel sites.
- Be respectful of the history and the people who died in the war. Do not make jokes or take inappropriate photos.
- If you are claustrophobic or have health issues, you may want to skip entering the tunnels or choose the shorter ones.
- If you want to try shooting a gun at the shooting range, be prepared to pay extra money. The price ranges from 35,000 VND (1.5 USD) to 40,000 VND (1.7 USD) per bullet depending on the type of gun.
- If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Vietnam, you can hire a local guide or join a tour group. They will provide you with more information and insights than the audio guides or signs at the tunnel sites.
I hope this blog post has helped you plan your trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City. It is an amazing experience that will give you a glimpse into Vietnam’s past and present. Have fun and stay safe!