Cu Chi Tunnels Shooting: Reviews, Cost & Is It Worth It?

When exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels, many visitors are surprised to find a shooting range as part of the experience – an activity that sparks mixed opinions. Cu Chi shooting reviews reflect a wide range of perspectives: some find it thrilling to try out Vietnam War-era weapons, while others question its appropriateness at a historical war site. 

This article offers a balanced look at the shooting range, covering costs, and safety. It aims to help travelers decide whether this unique activity aligns with their interests during a 2025 visit.

Cu Chi Shooting Reviews: What Actually Happens?

Location and Access

According to various Cu Chi shooting reviews, the shooting ranges are conveniently located at both the Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc tunnel sites, although each offers a slightly different experience in terms of operation and atmosphere.

At Ben Dinh (the more touristy site), the shooting range is situated near the café area, creating what many visitors describe as an intrusive noise backdrop for those trying to relax or reflect. At Ben Duoc (the larger, less crowded site), the range is more thoughtfully separated from the main historical area, allowing for a more peaceful experience elsewhere on the grounds.

Visitors typically encounter the shooting range toward the end of their tunnel tour, often near the souvenir shop and exit area. The ranges are clearly marked on site maps and are impossible to miss – even if you can’t see them, you’ll certainly hear them from a considerable distance.

The Process: From Buying Bullets to Firing

The experience firing guns at Cu Chi Tunnels follows a straightforward process:

1. Purchase bullets at a dedicated booth in the shooting range area
   
2. Select your weapon of choice from those available that day
   
3. Receive a brief safety orientation from staff supervisors
   
4. Don mandatory ear protection (provided free of charge)
   
5. Position yourself at the firing station where the gun is fixed
   
6. Fire your purchased rounds at designated targets under supervision

Gun Selection: What Can You Fire?

What guns can you shoot at Cu Chi Tunnels? The range offers several options of historical significance:

• AK-47: The iconic Soviet-designed assault rifle widely used by Vietnamese forces
  
• M16: The standard American service rifle during the Vietnam War
  
• M60: A belt-fed machine gun used by American forces
  
• Carbine: A lightweight rifle used by American troops
  
• M1 Garand: The standard American service rifle of World War II, also used in Vietnam
  
• K63, RPK, RPD: Various Communist bloc weapons
  
• K54, CKC, M30: Additional options that may be available
  

The most popular choices among visitors are typically the AK-47 and M16. Availability may vary depending on the day and site.

The Sensory Experience: Sound and Feel

The AK47 shooting Cu Chi experience creates a powerful sensory impact that extends well beyond the shooting range itself. The sound of gunfire echoes throughout parts of the tunnel complex. This persistent backdrop of gunfire creates a jarring soundtrack that some find enhances the historical atmosphere.

For those who actually try firing the weapons, the physical sensation varies depending on the type of gun selected. However, the guns are mounted on fixed stands and can only be fired one shot at a time to ensure safety. As a result, while it doesn’t feel like real shooting, the experience still leaves a strong and unforgettable impression.

Price per bullet Cu Chi shooting range 2025

How much does it cost to shoot guns at Cu Chi Tunnels?

The Cu Chi Tunnels shooting range cost has increased over time. Each bullet, regardless of the gun type, costs a flat rate of 60,000 VND (approximately $2.30-$2.40 USD). This is a very reasonable price for both local and international visitors.

Payment and Additional Fees

The shooting range operates separately from the main tunnel entrance and tour fees. Payment is made directly at the range and is not typically included in any tour package. There are no additional fees for:

• Safety briefings
  
• Ear protection
  
• Supervision
  
• Gun usage
  

All costs are based on a per-bullet pricing model, which makes budgeting for the experience fairly straightforward.

Safety Measures and Regulations

Controlled Environment

The safety of Cu Chi Tunnels shooting range is ensured through several key measures:

• All firearms are permanently fixed with anchors, preventing them from being pointed in unsafe directions
  
• Guns are aimed exclusively at designated target areas
  
• Trained instructors provide constant supervision
  
• Mandatory ear protection is provided and required
  
• Clear safety briefings are given before firing
  

These controls create what most reviewers describe as a very safe, if somewhat restrictive, shooting experience.

Official Rules

The Cu Chi Tunnels gun range enforces several rules for participants:

• Follow all staff instructions immediately
  
• No alcohol consumption before shooting
  
• Wear provided ear protection at all times
  
• Potential permission needed for non-shooters to take photos
  

These regulations are designed to maintain safety in what could otherwise be a dangerous environment, particularly given the powerful military weapons being discharged.

Age and Health Conditions

To participate in live shooting, visitors must follow several strict safety regulations – for example, participants must be at least 18 years old.

The range is also not recommended for visitors with:

• Heart conditions
  
• Sensitivity to loud noises
  
• Physical limitations that would make handling recoil difficult
  
• Pregnancy
  

The Verdict from Visitors: Pros and Cons

Arguments For (The Pros)

Many positive Cu Chi shooting reviews highlight these advantages:

Unique Experience: The range offers the only public opportunity in Vietnam to fire authentic military weapons from the war era. 

Relatively Affordable: Compared to similar experiences globally, the pricing is considered reasonable by international standards.

Fun: Many participants describe the experience as thrilling and exciting, providing an adrenaline rush that adds an interactive dimension to the historical site visit.

Historical Connection: Some visitors feel firing these weapons provides a tangible connection to the war experience, offering perspective on the power and impact of the weapons used during the conflict.

Safe Environment: Despite the powerful weapons, the controlled setting makes the activity quite safe compared to less regulated shooting experiences elsewhere.

Convenient Addition: As an optional activity at the end of the tunnel tour, it’s easy to participate without special planning.

Arguments Against (The Cons)

Negative Cu Chi shooting reviews consistently mention these drawbacks:

Lack of Realism: The fixed mounting of guns creates what many describe as an artificial experience that doesn’t authentically replicate actual shooting.

Noise: The shooting range creates extremely loud noise that affects the entire surrounding area, disrupting the reflective atmosphere for non-participants. 

Ethical concerns Cu Chi Tunnels shooting: Many visitors express discomfort with the juxtaposition of a recreational shooting activity at a site commemorating war suffering. 

Brief Experience: The actual shooting time is quite short – firing 10 bullets takes just seconds, especially with automatic weapons.

Integrating with a Tour (Joy Journeys Example)

How Tours Handle the Range

Guided tours to the Cu Chi Tunnels, offered by reputable operators like Joy Journeys, treat the shooting range as an entirely optional activity. Typically, the experience unfolds as follows:

• The main historical tour concludes near the shooting range area
  
• Guides explain the optional nature of the activity and current pricing
  
• Interested participants can visit the range while others explore nearby areas
  
• The group reconvenes after a set time to continue their journey

Joy Journeys, known for small-group experiences to the less-crowded Ben Duoc site, exemplifies this approach. The guides focus primarily on the historical and cultural significance of the tunnels while facilitating access to the shooting range for those interested at break time.

This balanced approach allows visitors to make their own choices without pressure while ensuring the primary educational focus of the tour remains intact.

FAQs

Is the shooting range at Cu Chi Tunnels safe?

Yes, the shooting range maintains strict safety protocols. All weapons are permanently fixed with anchors pointing only at designated targets, trained staff provide supervision, and ear protection is mandatory. The controlled environment significantly reduces risks associated with handling powerful firearms, making it physically safe even for inexperienced shooters.

What kind of guns can you shoot at Cu Chi Tunnels?

Visitors can shoot several types of historical firearms, primarily the AK-47 and M16 rifles that were the standard weapons of Vietnamese and American forces respectively during the war. Other options may include the M60 machine gun, Carbine rifle, M1 Garand, and various pistols depending on availability. Prices are typically consistent across weapon types at around 60,000 VND per bullet.

Is participating in the Cu Chi shooting range ethically appropriate?

This is a personal decision that visitors must make based on their own values. Most tourists view it as an educational opportunity to understand the weapons that shaped the conflict. 

Conclusion

Cu Chi shooting reviews have provided travelers with an objective view of this unique experience. Key information such as pricing, safety, and regulations has been clearly presented above, with the hope of helping visitors make informed decisions before coming.

Ultimately, is Cu Chi shooting worth it? The answer depends entirely on your personal interests, budget, and comfort level with such activities at historical sites. 

If you’re looking for an authentic and worthwhile experience at the Cu Chi Tunnels, don’t hesitate to contact Joy Journeys via Hotline +84 (0) 868.17.66.79 as soon as possible.