Cu Chi Tunnel Tour – Walking Through History Beneath the Ground

I had read about the Cu Chi Tunnel tour before visiting Vietnam, but no article or video prepared me for how it would actually feel. I thought it would be just another historical place — something you visit, take photos, and move on. I was wrong.

The moment I stepped into the Cu Chi area, I realized this experience was not just about seeing history. It was about feeling it — in dark tunnels, narrow spaces, quiet forests, and stories that stayed heavy in my mind long after the tour ended.

Starting the Day: Early Morning Rush, Traffic Delays, and Mixed Emotions

We started early from Ho Chi Minh City, hoping to avoid traffic. That plan didn’t work perfectly. Morning congestion and road construction delayed us, and what was supposed to be a short drive took longer than expected.

At first, I felt slightly irritated. Sitting in traffic, half-awake, I wondered if this tour would be worth the effort. But as we moved away from the city, the noise slowly faded. Green fields appeared, and the air felt calmer.

By the time we reached Cu Chi, my mood had already changed.

First Impressions of Cu Chi: Quiet Forests and Heavy Stories

The Cu Chi area looked peaceful — tall trees, open land, and birds calling from a distance. It was hard to believe that this calm place once witnessed intense war and survival.

Our guide began explaining the history slowly. As we walked through the forest, he showed us hidden trap doors, camouflaged entrances, and old bunkers. I remember standing there quietly, trying to imagine how people lived and fought underground for years.

The silence of the forest made the stories feel even heavier.

Going Underground: Fear, Sweat, and Respect Inside the Tunnels

The most intense part of the Cu Chi Tunnel tour was entering the tunnels. I won’t lie — I was nervous. The opening looked too small, and the tunnel inside was dark and narrow.

I decided to try it anyway.

As I moved inside, the space became tight. The air felt warm and heavy. I could hear my own breathing and the sound of footsteps behind me. After a few meters, my legs started feeling tired, and my back brushed against the low ceiling.

It wasn’t physically painful, but mentally challenging. Crawling through those tunnels made me deeply respect the people who lived there for days, months, even years.

When I finally came out, I felt relief — and gratitude.

Learning Beyond the Tunnels: Weapons, Food, and Daily Survival

After the tunnel experience, we explored other parts of the site. The guide showed us handmade weapons, booby traps, and old tools used during the war. Some were simple, some were terrifying.

We also learned about the food soldiers survived on — mainly cassava. I tasted it during the tour. It was plain, dry, and hard to swallow. But knowing that it once kept people alive gave it meaning.

These small details made the Cu Chi Tunnel tour experience feel real, not like a museum visit.

Practical Side of the Cu Chi Tunnel Tour: Food, Facilities, and Tips

After the tour, we took a short break. There were small food stalls nearby selling snacks and drinks. Nothing fancy, but enough to rest and refresh.

Here are a few practical tips from my experience:

• How to reach Cu Chi Tunnels: About 1.5–2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City by bus or tour vehicle

• Best time to visit: Morning hours are cooler and less crowded

• Budget: Very affordable; entry fees and tours are budget-friendly

• What to wear: Comfortable clothes, closed shoes, and light backpack

• Fitness level: Basic fitness is enough, but tunnels can be tiring

If you’re claustrophobic, it’s okay to skip the tunnel crawl. Watching and listening itself is meaningful.

Ending the Tour: Quiet Ride Back and Heavy Thoughts

The ride back to the city was quiet. Everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts. I looked out of the window, watching villages pass by, thinking about how different life must have been during wartime.

The Cu Chi Tunnel tour didn’t excite me. It didn’t entertain me. It educated me and humbled me.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what travel should do.