Cu Chi Tunnels – the alternative tour
Cu Chi Tunnels – the alternative tour
Cu Chi Tunnels – the alternative tour
Our alternative tour of the Vietnam War era Cu Chi tunnels, focuses on the history and solemnity of the site. In small groups of less than 8, led by an expert guide, we travel early and in comfort to this historic battleground. Most tours treat the tunnels complex like a theme park. We’ve created an experience that looks at the terrible events that occurred here in war and the remarkable achievement of determination against the odds, the tunnels represent.
For the best, least-crowded experience, we start early. Please note that we do not visit the firing range.
If your interest is history and discovering the amazing stories of the Viet-Cong tunnels at Cu Chi, join our small group experience.
Combine with our Saigon – tales of the City history walk and enjoy special benefits here.
Proximity to Saigon and the communist supply lines across the Cambodian border, gave the Cu Chi area great strategic importance from French colonial times through the American war.
The simplicity of the tunnels concept and the deadly determination of Viet Cong fighters, made this place a bitterly contested battleground.
The 200kms of tunnels were a key logistical and offensive network. Our visit remembers one of the most incredible accomplishments of the Vietnam War – a primitive underground network that survived the superior weaponry and aerial bombardment of the French and then US forces. Thousands of soldiers on all sides, and civilians, perished in conflict here.
The Cu Chi Tunnels with Old Compass Travel
The Cu Chi Tunnels tour has become a standard feature of a visit to Ho Chi Minh City. It’s gotten a bit cookie-cutter and at times the tunnels feel more like a Disneyesque reproduction than a real battleground. So we’ve decided to rethink a visit to this solemn, historic place.
We leave Saigon early in the morning to avoid crowds. We visit the more remote and less-visited tunnels for authenticity. We do not visit the firing range.
If the firing range is a priority, we suggest you travel with another operator.
We also visit a memorial to Viet Cong fighters on the banks of the Saigon River.
DETAILS
Tour commences from downtown meeting point (Pasteur St, District 1) at 7.00am. We start early to avoid crowds. Cu Chi is 2.5 hours from Saigon. We travel in quality, comfortable vehicles suited to the long drive times.
WHO YOU ARE
WHAT YOU NEED
Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, modest attire, mosquito protection, comprehensive travel insurance.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Expert guide, entrance fees, drinks, tablet presentation, lunch at The Old Compass Cafe, quality transport – (spacious car or D Car van depending on numbers).
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
SPECIAL NOTE – WE DO NOT VISIT THE FIRING RANGE
There are firing ranges at the Cu Chi tunnel complexes. We have taken the decision that we do not believe this former battleground should be a place of frivolous firing of weapons. We discourage the firing of weapons on our tours and suggest if you wish to fire weapons at Cu Chi, you travel with one of the many other travel companies.
Tour Brief
An alternative tour of the Viet Cong tunnels at Cu Chi, focused on the history and solemnity of this remarkable battleground. Expert-led small groups (max 8).
- Price: 2.950 mill VND or $118 US per person
- Operates Daily: 7.00AM for best experience from downtown location (Pasteur St, District 1).
- What’s included: Small group experience, comfortable, quality transport, expert guide, drinks, entrance fees, tablet presentation, delicious meal at The Old Compass Cafe.
- Ask about private tours to Cu Chi, Saigon walking tours and experiences of history, architecture and art
Popular Blogs
Cultural travel ideas from our travel guides over at Rusty Compass. Our videos feature museums, walks, cycling, architecture and more. Check out our blog on Sydney beyond the harbour.
...more
In this video and blog post, on the back of our recent Vietnam by the Book tour, I think aloud about three decades of change I’ve witnessed in Vietnam, from its opening to the world in 1990, to its current status as a regional economic and geopolitical powerhouse.
...more