Private Cu Chi Tunnels: Ben Duoc Less Touristy with Veteran Guide
Active
6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Authentic History with a Veteran Guide (Away from the Crowds)
Unlike standard tours that pack you into cramped buses and rush you through the touristy spots, this private experience is designed for comfort and deep insight.
Expert Guide: Led by a veteran guide with over years of experience. I don't just recite facts; I share real stories of resilience and the "Iron Triangle" that you won't find in guidebooks.
Premium Comfort: Travel in a private, spacious Toyota Innova (7 -seater) with powerful A/C—perfect for escaping the Saigon heat.
Your Choice: We offer the standard Ben Dinh route or the Ben Duoc (No Crowds) option for a quieter, more authentic jungle experience.
Exclusive Full-Day Option: The only tour that takes you to the "Liberated Village" reconstruction and includes a delicious local lunch.
Available options
Full Day:Village & Local Lunch
Tunnels + Village + Lunch: The ultimate history tour. Includes lunch and the unique Liberated Village visit<br/>Traditional lunch: Savor a multi-course Traditional Vietnamese Lunch with fresh herbs and local specialties.<br/>Pickup included
Ben Dinh Tunnels (Standard)
Closer & Standard: The standard tourist route. Closer to the city (fewer driving hours) but more crowded. Good for tight schedules.<br/>Pickup included
Ben Duoc Tunnels - No Crowds
Authentic & Quiet: The exact tour in the title. Visit the authentic tunnels, avoid the crowds. Best experience.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
All entrance fees
Bottled water & Tapioca
Modern air-conditioned vehicle
Knowledgeable & enthusiastic English-speaking guide
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in District 1
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
We offer complimentary pickup for hotels located within District 1 (City Center). If you are staying outside this area, please meet us at the Saigon Opera House (No. 7 Lam Son Square, District 1). Alternatively, please contact us to arrange a private pickup for a small surcharge.
2
Before heading to the tunnels, we will visit a special workshop where art meets humanity. Here, you will witness the intricate process of creating traditional Vietnamese lacquerware.
What makes this place special is that many of the skilled artisans are locals with disabilities, including victims of Agent Orange (a lingering effect of the war). Watching them turn eggshells and mother-of-pearl into masterpieces is a humbling and inspiring experience.
3
Full-Day Cu Chi: The "Liberated Zone" & Underground City
Part 1: The Liberated Zone (Life Above Ground) Travel back to the 1960s starting with a sand table briefing and a vivid 3D movie. Walk through the "Liberated Zone" to see authentic recreations of wartime rural life: traditional thatched houses, a bustling countryside market, peaceful rice fields, and a village temple. Experience intensifies with a dramatic battle simulation between VC and US soldiers, setting the stage for what lies beneath.
Part 2: The Underground Network (Life Below Ground) Transition to the real tunnel system:
• Weapon Gallery & Structure: View wartime relics and the vertical cross-section diagram to understand the 3-level depth.
• Jungle Trek: Discover fighting bunkers, meeting bunkers, hospital bunkers, ingenious booby traps.
• The Experience: Crawl through the tunnels to feel the guerrilla struggle firsthand
• Survival: Visit the Smokeless Kitchen and taste tapioca
Optional Action: End at the shooting range
4
Authentic Vietnamese Lunch: After the tour, we will stop at a hand-picked local restaurant for lunch. Enjoy a delicious set menu featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes made from fresh ingredients. We select the best venue based on the day's itinerary to ensure you have a relaxing dining experience.
Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese set menu at a local restaurant (Full Day Option only
What's not included
Shooting experience
Personal: Gratuities (tips), personal expenses, and shopping
Meals not mentioned above
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
5.0
10 reviews
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Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The remaining time is allotted for the travel time
Tunnel crawling is optional and suitable for most visitors
Comfortable walking shoes recommended
This is a private tour – flexible and crowd-free
Dietary Requirements: Please list any food allergies or restrictions so we can prepare your meal/snacks safely.
Pickup Location: Please provide your Hotel Name & Address
Everyone can join this tour
Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility issues
Health Notes (Optional): Please inform us of any mobility issues or claustrophobia so we can customize the trekking route for you.
Meeting point
You will be picked up at your hotel which is located within district 1
Important notes
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
About Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest metropolis, is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. Known for its rich history, bustling markets, and French colonial architecture, it offers a dynamic travel experience with its lively street food culture, historical landmarks, and energetic nightlife.
Top Attractions
War Remnants Museum
This museum provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War and its impact on the country. It houses a collection of war machinery, photographs, and artifacts.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free (donations appreciated)
Cu Chi Tunnels
A network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and see various war relics.
Historical
Half-day tour
Moderate (tour prices vary)
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
A beautiful example of French colonial architecture, this cathedral is a prominent landmark in the city. It is a peaceful place to visit and offers a glimpse into the city's religious heritage.
Religious
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Ben Thanh Market
One of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a wide variety of goods, including food, clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts. It's a great place to experience local culture and shop for bargains.
Market
1-2 hours
Budget to Moderate
Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck
Offers panoramic views of the city from the 49th floor. The Skydeck provides a unique perspective on Ho Chi Minh City's skyline and landmarks.
Observation Deck
1 hour
Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pho
A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and various toppings such as meat, herbs, and bean sprouts.
Dinner
Vegetarian options available
Banh Mi
A Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Lunch
Vegetarian options available
Com Tam
Broken rice served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and various accompaniments like pickled vegetables and fish sauce.
Lunch
Vegetarian options available
Goi Cuon
Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, and rice vermicelli, served with a peanut or fish sauce dipping sauce.
Appetizer
Vegetarian options available
Popular Activities
Golfing at Long Thanh Golf Resort
Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels
Boat tours in the Mekong Delta
Beach relaxation in Vung Tau
Nature walks in Cần Giờ Mangrove Forest
Spa and wellness treatments
Visiting historical sites like the War Remnants Museum
Exploring local markets and temples
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the dry season with lower humidity and less rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be quite hot.
25-35°C
77-95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Vietnamese
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Time Zone
GMT+7
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night
Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Bargain for better prices at markets
Getting there
By air
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport • 7 km from city center
By train
Saigon Railway Station
By bus
Mien Dong Bus Station, Mien Tay Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are an affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow due to traffic. Routes are numerous and well-marked.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
District 1
District 3
District 5 (Chinatown)
District 7
Phu Nhuan District
Day trips
Mekong Delta
130 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day
The Mekong Delta is a vast network of rivers, canals, and islands known for its lush landscapes, floating markets, and traditional villages. It offers a unique glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.
Cu Chi Tunnels
60 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Half day
A network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and see various war relics.
Vung Tau
120 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day
A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, seafood, and relaxed atmosphere. It's a popular destination for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.
Festivals
Tet Holiday (Vietnamese New Year) • January or February (varies each year)
Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival • December (varies each year)
Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (varies each year)
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
- Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek for convenient and affordable transportation
- Bargain for better prices at markets and street vendors, but do so politely and with a smile
- Try street food and local eateries for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
