Cu chi tunnels Travel Tips

1. What is the cu chi tunnels

Communist guerrilla troops known as Viet Cong (VC) dug tens of thousands of miles of tunnels, including an extensive network running underneath the Cu Chi district northwest of Saigon.

Soldiers used these underground routes to house troops, transport communications and supplies, lay booby traps and mount surprise attacks, after which they could disappear underground to safety.

2. History of digging tunnels system.

The tunnels were built over a period of 20 years, beginning in the mid-1946s in the war against the French. The first dugouts were constructed in Tan Phu Trung and Phuoc Vinh An communes. They were short, unconnected with basic design, used by locals to evade the enemy’s sweeps, and to hide documents and weapons. After that, the inhabitants felt the need to have a tunnel in each village and then, in order to serve communication purposes, the tunnels were linked together into one long, maze-like connected system.

In the early 66s, the tunnel system was repaired and upgraded to a more logically-structured layout with new extensions excavated as we see today. At its peak during the Vietnam War, the network of tunnels in the Cu Chi district linked VC support bases over a distance of some 250 kilometers, from the outskirts of Saigon all the way to the Cambodian border.

Within a short time, Cu Chi Tunnels became the chief military tactic and the principal revolutionary base of the Southern Vietnam during the resistance against the American. The subterranean system was not simply a shelter with the purpose of hiding from bomb attacks, but it was divided into various rooms and played the role of the training ground, hospital, kitchen, storage facilities, headquarters.

It also helped the Viet Cong carry out sneak attacks and ambushes as well as lay booby traps close to enemy positions. Most of the strategies against the opposing forces were drawn out and discussed below the ground level.

3. What are different between Ben Dinh Tunnels and Ben Duoc Tunnels?

Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc are basically the same, both are a tunnel in the Cu Chi Tunnels. They differ only in location, area and their role in history. Ben Dinh Tunnels (in Ben Dinh Hamlet, Nhuan Duc Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City) and Ben Duoc Tunnels (in Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City).

• Ben Dinh Tunnels

Ben Dinh has a very favorable terrain, with a forest area stretching over 100 hectares, the tall, solid, hard-to-fall form lying on the banks of the Saigon River, in case the enemy marches in, we can move toward the river and retreat safely.

Therefore, Cu Chi District Party Committee selected Ben Dinh as a basic base to lead and direct the army and people of Cu Chi in the fierce battle with the US Army from 1968 to 1975. The attraction of Ben Dinh Tunnels is probably due to its proximity to the city, the tunnel is easy to go underground and especially there are many fun activities for travelers to explore.

Therefore, compared to Ben Duoc Tunnels, Ben Dinh is more attractive to tourists. Coming to Ben Dinh Tunnels, first, visitors will see short documentaries in the hall and listen to the introduction of the history of formation and development of Cu Chi Tunnels.

After reviewing the materials and understanding a little more about the tunnel, visitors will be able to visit the underground tunnel system, observe the accommodation, activities, meetings of the leaders of Cu Chi District Party Committee in the past as well as weapons manufacturing bunker, home-made weapons showcase and many more.

• Ben Duoc Tunnels

Ben Duoc is located further from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, which makes the place cost higher. In Ben Duoc there are also fewer guides than Ben Dinh. Moreover, the Ben Duoc campus is too wide to walk around.

Therefore, tourists often focus on Ben Dinh more. However, if you like you can still explore Ben Duoc. Ben Duoc Tunnel will certainly amaze you with its narrow and rough underground passageways.

It’s not surprising that Ben Dinh is the more popular of the tourist destinations due to the shorter travelling distance, and on top of that, the tunnel system in Ben Dinh was reconstructed and widened with the intention of welcoming a great number of visitors and making it easier for them to move inside. Ben Duoc Tunnel will certainly amaze you with its narrow and rough underground passageways.

It’s not surprising that Ben Dinh is the more popular of the tourist destinations due to the shorter travelling distance, and on top of that, the tunnel system in Ben Dinh was reconstructed and widened with the intention of welcoming a great number of visitors and making it easier for them to move inside.

At Ben Duoc, you will be able to get the realest experience of Vietnam War in the southern part, see how tough a life in the cramped tunnels can be, and challenge yourself to overcome the odds.

It is allows you to explore longer and explore a more complex subterranean system, fulfilling your wish for adventure. Ben Duoc was the headquarter where the strategies and tactics were devised, which means you can expect to spot rooms where intelligence work was done, living space where most of daily activities occurred. Ben Duoc Tunnel often visited by locals in order to learn about the history of their country (less touristy). Beside that you can visit Ben Duoc Memorial temple after the tour.

4. How to get to cu chi tunnels

You can get there by yourself (book a private taxi or car with English speaking driver), join a travel tour by bus or by boat. The Cu Chi Tunnels is located not so far from Ho Chi Minh City, so you can plan yourself a tour, there are many information on the internet for your consider.

5. Cu chi tunnels tips

1. There is no dress code, but I suggest you wear a comfortable pair of sneakers and long pants to avoid scratches while crawling in the tunnels.

2. Sunscreen and insect repellent should be packed in your bag.

3. For your best experience, visit Cu Chi Tunnels is in the dry season from December to April so that you will not get muddy from the rain. Remember to take a raincoat with you during the rainy season.

4. Those who have claustrophobia or are diagnosed with respiratory diseases are advised not to go inside the tunnels

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