Cu Chi Tunnels Guide: Ben Dinh vs Ben Duoc, Tickets, and Tours
The Cu Chi Tunnels are the most popular day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, and for good reason. This network of more than 200 kilometers of hand-dug tunnels was used during the Vietnam War (known in Vietnam as the American War) as living quarters, supply routes, hospitals, and command centers. Today, two sections are open to visitors, and crawling through even a short stretch gives you a vivid sense of how people lived and fought underground for years.
A Brief History
Digging began in the late 1940s during the war against French colonial rule and expanded dramatically in the 1960s. The tunnels ran up to three levels deep and included kitchens with smoke-dispersing chimneys, sleeping chambers, meeting rooms, and concealed trapdoor entrances barely wide enough for a slim adult. The area above was heavily bombed and defoliated, and the tunnels became a symbol of resilience for Vietnamese people — which is very much how the story is presented on site.
Ben Dinh vs Ben Duoc: Which Site Should You Visit?
There are two visitor sites, about 15 kilometers apart.
Ben Dinh
- Distance: About 50 km (1.5–2 hours) from central Ho Chi Minh City
- Best for: First-time visitors on a half-day tour
- What to expect: The more visited site, with tunnels enlarged for tourists, a short orientation film, displays of booby traps, and a shooting range
- Downside: Can be crowded, especially from mid-morning
Ben Duoc
- Distance: About 65–70 km (2–2.5 hours) from the city
- Best for: Travelers who want a quieter, more authentic experience
- What to expect: Tunnels closer to their original size, a memorial temple, and fewer tour groups
- Downside: Longer travel time; fewer facilities
If you only have half a day and want the classic experience, Ben Dinh is the practical choice. If you dislike crowds or want to combine the tunnels with a river trip, Ben Duoc is worth the extra drive.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Both sites are open daily, roughly 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry around 4:00 PM.
| Item | Approximate price (2026) |
|---|---|
| Adult entrance (international visitors) | 110,000–150,000 VND |
| Child entrance | About half the adult price |
| Shooting range (Ben Dinh) | Sold per bullet, priced in USD/VND — expect several dollars per round |
| Half-day group tour from HCMC | US$10–25 |
| Small-group or speedboat tour | US$35–80 |
Prices change periodically, so treat these as a guide and bring cash in dong for the ticket counter.
How to Get There
Group tours
The easiest option. Most tours pick you up in District 1, include an English-speaking guide, and handle tickets. Budget tours often combine the tunnels with the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh, which makes for a long full day.
Speedboat along the Saigon River
Several operators run boat trips up the Saigon River to Ben Duoc or Ben Dinh. It's pricier, but avoids traffic and makes the journey part of the experience.
Independently by bus
Public buses from Ben Thanh or An Suong bus station can get you to Cu Chi, but involve transfers and take two hours or more each way. It's cheap but only recommended if you enjoy the challenge.
Grab or private car
A private car for the day costs considerably more than a group tour but lets you leave early and beat the crowds.
What to Expect on the Visit
A typical visit lasts 1.5–2.5 hours. You'll see a short documentary-style film, hidden entrances (you can try squeezing into one), booby trap displays, underground kitchens, and recreated living quarters. The highlight is crawling through a tunnel section — usually 20 to 100 meters, with exits along the way if you feel uncomfortable.
The enlarged tourist tunnels are still low, dark, and hot. You'll need to crouch or crawl, and they're not recommended for anyone with claustrophobia, knee or back problems, or heart conditions. There's no obligation to go underground; there's plenty to see above ground.
Tips for Visiting
- Go early. Arriving at opening time means cooler temperatures and fewer groups.
- Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, plus closed shoes with grip.
- Bring insect repellent and water — the site is forested and humid.
- Bring a small flashlight or use your phone light inside the tunnels.
- Be prepared for gunfire noise from the shooting range at Ben Dinh, which can be heard throughout the site.
- Respect the memorial areas, especially the temple at Ben Duoc.
Combining Cu Chi With Other Trips
Many travelers combine the tunnels with the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh for a full-day trip, or pair a morning at Cu Chi with an afternoon at the War Remnants Museum in the city for a fuller picture of the war period. If you're staying longer in the south, the Mekong Delta makes an excellent second day trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cu Chi Tunnels tour worth it?
For most visitors, yes. It's one of the most memorable historical experiences in southern Vietnam, and even travelers who aren't history buffs find the scale and ingenuity of the tunnels striking.
How long do you need at the Cu Chi Tunnels?
Plan for a half day (5–6 hours including travel) for Ben Dinh, or a little longer for Ben Duoc. Combined tours with the Cao Dai Temple take 10–12 hours.
Can children visit the Cu Chi Tunnels?
Yes, and many children enjoy it. The tunnel crawling is optional, and kids usually fit through more easily than adults. Keep an eye on them near the trap displays.
Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc — which is better?
Ben Dinh is closer and better set up for visitors; Ben Duoc is quieter and closer to the original tunnels. Choose Ben Dinh for convenience and Ben Duoc for atmosphere.
Whatever your view of the history, the Cu Chi Tunnels offer a powerful, tangible look at a defining chapter of Vietnam's past — and it's an easy morning out from Ho Chi Minh City.
Information notice: Prices, opening hours, and travel conditions can change. Content on EnViet is reviewed periodically but may not reflect the most current situation. Please verify important details with official or local sources before travelling or booking.
EnViet Editorial Team
The EnViet Editorial Team creates practical Vietnam travel and food guides using local knowledge, public sources, and manual editorial review. Content is reviewed before publication and updated periodically.
