Cu Chi Tunnels, Hi Chi Minh City

Cu Chi Tunnels. The Cu Chi tunnels are an amazing collection of tunnels just outside Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) stretching about 75 miles long that were part of a network of tunnels that went all over Vietnam. They were built and used by the Vietcong who were guerrillas fighting the war against the Americans and they were very successful in concealing themselves in the tunnels. They used to stay in the tunnels during the day time and come out at night to scavenge for food, to sabotage buildings and to fight the Americans and thwart their campaign. Eventually the Americans gave up and headed ... more

The Cu Chi Tunnels are about an hour and a half drive from central Ho Chi Minh City and I accessed them through a tour organised by my travel company. Prices vary, but US$22 seems typical for a half day (5 hour) tour including hotel pick up and drop off. The Cu Chi Tunnels were built during the American-Vietnam War by the Viet Cong (liberation army), there was apparently 120km of tunnels at different levels, which the Viet Cong used to traverse the area - they slept there, ate there and prepared for war there. When you arrive there are toilets (satisfactory) and a shop, before you walk to the ... more