Epic Half Day Cu Chi Tunnels Tour Itinerary Vs. Full-Day Options

Cu Chi Tunnels is one of Vietnam’s most iconic historical sites, drawing in both local and international tourists. Located conveniently between the bustling center of Ho Chi Minh City and the serene Mekong Delta, this site offers a variety of tour options.

Join us as we uncover the details of the Half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour itinerary and the Full-day tour options offered by Joy Journeys, so you can select the perfect tour for your visit!

Half day Cu Chi Tunnels tour itinerary

With the Half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour by Joy Journeys, you’ll explore the Ben Duoc route. This area is less crowded, allowing visitors to enjoy a more peaceful experience without long waits at the entrance.

discover history cu chi tunnels
Discover history in peace with Joy Journeys’ Half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour on the quiet Ben Duoc route

Itinerary overview

  • You can meet at the designated pick-up point or be picked up from your accommodation and transferred to Cu Chi Tunnels in a 16-seat vehicle.
  • Upon arrival, the tour begins with a documentary introducing the history of Cu Chi.
  • Afterward, you’ll explore the tunnels and the underground living spaces used during the war.
  • You’ll also learn about the booby traps that were once employed for defense.
  • Refresh yourself with pandan tea and cassava, symbolic war-time foods.
  • For an added thrill, you can experience shooting real firearms such as the AK-47, M16, M30, and M60 (shooting fees are separate).
tea cassava cu chi
Step back in time and refresh with pandan tea and cassava – iconic flavors of history

Joy Journeys departs from Ho Chi Minh City daily, with two fixed time slots for the tour. We prioritize punctuality and ensure pick-up is no more than 8 minutes late:

  • Cu Chi Tunnels Morning Tour
    • Departure time: 7:00 – 7:30 AM
    • End time: 1:30 – 2:00 PM
  • Cu Chi Tunnels Afternoon Tour
    • Departure time: 12:00 – 12:30 PM
    • End time: 6:30 – 7:00 PM

Highlights of the tour

  • Watch a Documentary: Before the adventure begins, visitors can have a seat and watch a documentary about the history of the Cu Chi Tunnels. This insightful film provides a deeper understanding of the events here, setting the stage for the rest of the tour.
  • Experience Crawling Through the Tunnels: Visitors can crawl through the tunnels they used to grasp what life was like for the soldiers truly. These tunnels are narrow because they are designed for crawling rather than standing upright.
    Despite their size, the tunnel system contained everything from kitchens and bedrooms to medical rooms and meeting areas, showcasing the ingenuity of the past.
  • Experience Shooting: Visitors can test their shooting skills with real firearms, such as the AK47, M16, M30, and M60 (shooting fees are paid separately). At Cu Chi Ben Duoc, the shooting range is set away from the main sightseeing areas, ensuring that those not participating in the shooting won’t be disturbed by the noise.
explore the narrow cu chi tunnels
Explore the narrow Cu Chi Tunnels and discover the hidden world of kitchens, bedrooms, and more beneath the surface

Who should choose the tour?

The Half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour itinerary lasts only 6 hours and 30 minutes, making it ideal for travelers with limited traveling time. For those wondering “how long is Cu Chi Tunnels tour”, this concise duration allows for a quick yet enriching experience.

It is also a convenient option for those staying in Ho Chi Minh City. For travelers planning to visit the Mekong Delta or explore Saigon on a full-day tour, this half-day experience fits perfectly into your itinerary.

This Cu Chi Tunnels tour price is 790,000 VND per person, offering great value and affordability for most travelers.

Full-day Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta tour

This is the best Cu Chi Tunnel tour option for tourists with limited time in Southern Vietnam.

Itinerary overview

  • The tour begins with a journey from the city center to the Cu Chi – Ben Duoc tunnels.
  • Upon arrival, you’ll watch a documentary about Vietnam’s history.
  • You will then explore the intricate underground system, including kitchens, bedrooms, storage areas, and hospitals.
  • Next, discover the Hoang Cam kitchen, shelters, and handmade traps used during the war.
  • Guests can relax or participate in shooting activities with real guns (shooting fees are paid separately).
  • Afterward, the tour continues with a transfer from Cu Chi to My Tho in the Mekong Delta.
  • There, you will have a boat trip to a local restaurant for lunch.
  • The tour includes visits to local families engaged in traditional occupations such as fish farming and coconut candy making. You’ll be treated to a performance of ‘don ca tai tu’ (traditional music) and have the opportunity to taste fresh tropical fruits.
local fish farms
Discover the heart of the Mekong Delta with a visit to local fish farms, a true glimpse into traditional life.

The tour operates daily at:

  • Departure time: 7:00 – 7:30
  • End time: 17:00 – 17:30

Highlights of the tour

  • Explore the Tunnel System: The excitement of a Cu Chi tour lies in discovering the remarkable creations of past guerrillas, including the intricate network of rooms and traps.
  • Enjoy Lunch with Local Dishes: Unlike the half-day tour, this tour offers a boat ride to a restaurant, where you can savor a seasonal Vietnamese menu featuring local specialties.
  • Experience Authentic Activities in the Mekong Delta: A unique aspect of Joy Journeys is the opportunity to engage in authentic activities, such as visiting fish rafts, feeding fish, and enjoying fish foot massages at local homes.

Who should choose the tour?

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta 1 day is a suitable option for tourists who only want to spend a certain amount of money to fit their budget for both places. This tour is also suitable for tourists with limited time who still want to fully experience various destinations.

Full-day Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnels tour

This is a popular tour package chosen by many tourists.

Itinerary overview

  • Begin your day by visiting famous landmarks in Saigon, including Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, The Last Helicopter, War Remnants Museum, and the Hidden Weapon Bunker.
  • Next, transfer from Saigon to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
  • Upon arrival, watch a documentary that highlights the heroic history of the ancient Vietnamese soldiers.
  • Explore the complex system of Cu Chi, where you’ll see zigzag paths, bedrooms, dining rooms, and weapon storage areas.
  • Enjoy a delicious serving of tapioca with pandan tea, or choose to participate in real shooting activities at the shooting range.
venture into the intricate cu chi tunnels
Venture into the intricate Cu Chi Tunnels—zigzag paths, hidden rooms, and wartime secrets await.

The tour departs between:

  • Departure time: 8:00 – 8:30
  • End time: 18:30 to 19:00.

Highlights of the tour

  • Experience the rich history of Ho Chi Minh City as you visit these famous landmarks:
    • Notre Dame Cathedral: This iconic architectural site from the French colonial period showcases splendid European architecture, making it a must-visit location for any tourist.
    • Saigon Central Post Office: Constructed between 1886 and 1891, this building was designed by the renowned French architect Gustave Eiffel, known for the Eiffel Tower. It beautifully combines royal European and liberal Asian styles, making it a beloved destination in Saigon.
      history at saigon central post office
      Step into history at Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning blend of European elegance and Asian charm.
    • The Last Helicopter: Known for the famous photograph titled “The Fall of Saigon,” this site holds significant historical value, despite the absence of helicopters today.
    • War Remnants Museum: As one of the most prominent museums in Ho Chi Minh City, this museum is a member of the Museum for World Peace system. It focuses on researching, collecting, storing, preserving, and displaying documents, images, and artifacts. These items illustrate the devastating consequences of the war in Vietnam.
    • Hidden Weapons Bunker: Located in the basement of 287/70 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3, this site once hid nearly two tons of weapons belonging to the Saigon Special Forces. Visitors can explore and touch these historical relics.

Cu Chi Tunnels: Here, you’ll watch slow-motion films depicting the life and struggles of our army and people in this region. Visitors are often fascinated by the activities of disassembling and assembling guns, as well as trying their shooting skills, with enthusiastic guidance from the staff at this tourist area.

shooting in cu chi tunnels tour
Experience the thrill of shooting real firearms in a serene setting at Cu Chi Ben Duoc

Who should choose the tour?

This is a tour with content focusing mainly on history, so it will be suitable for tourists who want to learn and explore what happened in the past of Saigon and Cu Chi. Besides, the tour is also suitable for those who are looking for a quiet experience, providing a lot of deep knowledge.

Which Cu Chi Tunnel tour is the best?

Tour Duration Places to visit Inclusion Price
Ben Duoc ‘Less-Crowded’ Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour

6 hours 30 minutes

Cu Chi Tunnels

  • A/C 16-seater van (pick-up and drop-off in districts 1, 4, and selective pickup for district 3, please contact us to confirm availability at your location).
  • Well-experienced English-speaking guide
  • 02 bottles of water
  • Snack – sweet bread
  • Tapioca and pandan tea tastings
  • All fees and taxes
790.000 VND
‘Cost-Saving’ Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta 1-Day Tour

10 hours

  • Cu Chi Tunnels
  • My Tho
  • Ben Tre
  • A/C 16-seater van
  • Well-experienced English-speaking guide
  • 02 bottles of water
  • Snack – sweet bread
  • Tapioca, pandan tea, fruit and coconut juice tastings
  • Set menu lunch (vegan/vegetarian lunch is available) + 01 choice of drink (water/beer/coconut juice/soda)
  • All entrance and sightseeing tickets
  • All boat trips

1.550.000 VND

Saigon History & Cu Chi Tunnels with War Museum 1-Day Tour

10 hours 30 minutes

  • Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Ho Chi Minh City
  • A/C 16-seater van (pick-up and drop-off in districts 1, 4, and selective pickup for district 3, please contact us to confirm availability at your location)
  • Vietnamese lunch – Pho (Vietnamese beef/chicken noodles soup) or vegetarian lunch on request + 01 choice of drink (water/beer/coconut juice/soda)
  • 02 bottles of water
  • Snack – sweet bread
  • Tapioca and pandan tea tastings
  • All entrance and sightseeing fees

1.450.000 VND

 

At Joy Journeys, every tour is thoughtfully designed and consistently high in quality, with the following key features:

  • Experienced Cu Chi tunnel Tour Guides: Our Cu Chi Tunnel guides are fluent in multiple foreign languages and known for their professionalism, politeness, cheerful attitude, and attention to detail.
  • Punctual Drivers: We prioritize punctuality, ensuring drivers pick up guests on time, with a commitment to being no more than 8 minutes late.
  • Crowd-Free Itineraries: Our schedules are carefully planned to avoid overcrowded destinations, offering a more enjoyable experience.

Choosing between a half-day or full-day tour depends on your preferences and needs, such as what you want to explore, how much time you have, and your budget for visiting each destination.

How to book Cu Chi tunnels tour?

Booking a Cu Chi Tunnel tour is quick and easy with Joy Journeys. Here are the simple steps to follow:

  • Contact Joy Journeys Directly:
    • Website: joyjourneys.com.vn
    • WhatsApp: +84 (0) 868.17.66.79
  • Book Through Partner Agencies: You can also book through trusted OTA platforms like TripAdvisor, Airbnb, and GetYourGuide. If you’re looking to review Cu Chi Tunnel tour options, check out the feedback from other travelers. For those interested in a more personalized experience, consider inquiring about our Cu Chi Tunnel private tour, which offers tailored itineraries to suit your preferences.

If you’re still undecided on which tour to choose, feel free to reach out to Joy Journeys on any of the following platforms:

The Joy Journeys team is always happy to assist and provide recommendations to help you find the perfect tour!

Conclusion

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Vietnam, especially if you’re spending time in Saigon. Deciding between different tours largely depends on the preferences and interests of each visitor. By comparing the Half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour itinerary with the full-day tour, we hope to make your decision-making process easier.