The Cu Chi Tunnels are a large network of connecting tunnels in Cu Chi, on the north-western edge of Ho Chi Minh City. They were the site of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and the Viet Cong's base of operations for the Tet Offensive.
Visitors go to one of two preserved sections, both run by the Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site. Ben Dinh was the base of the Cu Chi district party committee and became a national historical site in 2004. Ben Duoc, further north-west, was the base of the Saigon, Cho Lon and Gia Dinh military command; it was recognised in 1979. At Ben Duoc you can see the tunnel system and the bunkers where the region's leaders lived and fought during the war.
Wikipedia notes that the section open to tourists has been made wider and taller than the original tunnels.
Getting there
Cu Chi is far from the centre. Measured in a straight line on map coordinates, Ben Dinh is about 37 km from Ben Thanh Market and about 30 km from Tan Son Nhat International Airport; Ben Duoc is about 49 km from Ben Thanh Market. The two sites are about 12 km apart. Road distances are longer, so allow most of a day.
Hours and fees
| When | Hours |
|---|---|
| Every day | 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Ticket for foreign visitors | Price |
|---|---|
| Historical site admission | VND 35,000 |
| Service and guide ticket | VND 100,000 |
The site raised the service and guide ticket for foreign visitors from VND 90,000 to VND 100,000 on 1 February 2026. Admission stayed at VND 35,000.
Our take
Both sections open every day, but the distance from the centre makes this a day trip of its own. If you're choosing one, we'd pick Ben Dinh, the closer of the two to the city.
Questions travelers ask
How much time does it take? A first-time visitor asked what to do in Saigon. One reply:
"If you are big on military history, you might enjoy a trip out to the Cu Chi tunnels. Plenty of tour options to get out there. It'd eat up most of a day."
u/NinjaHuge9461 on r/VietNam
What about the shooting range? A thread recommending the range near the tunnels drew mixed replies, including this one:
"I've always found it so odd that there's a shooting range next to Cu Chi given what that site represents."
u/Standard_Homework854 on r/VietNam
