Cu Chi Tunnels Tour with Saigon River Speedboat Cruise from Ho Chi Minh City

8 Hours

Mobile Ticket

Hotel Pickup Offered

Language Offered

Overview

This Cu Chi Tunnels Tour with Saigon River Speedboat Cruise from Ho Chi Minh City showcases some of the most unique parts of this incredible country's rich history. The small-group day tour starts with an air-conditioned transfer to a thrilling speedboat on the Saigon River, which leads to a tour of the impressive network of underground tunnels that was used as a hideout for villagers during the Vietnam War. You'll also choose between a visit to a cricket farm or a home where you'll learn how traditional rice paper is made. With a cap of eight people, you're sure to enjoy personalized attention while you learn about Vietnamese life and history.This tour features two options, with departure by car/return by boat and vice versa.

Day tour of Cu Chi Tunnels with speedboat cruise on the Saigon River
Travel to the countryside from Ho Chi Minh City with an expert guide
Discover the underground network of tunnels at Cu Chi, used as hideouts by the Viet Cong during the war
Cruise along the Saigon River on a speedboat ride
Stop for a delicious Vietnamese-style lunch
Visit a cricket farm - a Vietnamese delicacy - or learn about how rice paper is made, depending on the option you select
Round-trip transport by air-conditioned vehicle included
Small-group limited to eight people ensures a more personalized experience

Inclusions & Exclusions

Departure & Return

What To Expect

Your guide will meet you at your Ho Chi Minh City hotel and transport you to or from the Cu Chi Tunnels in a thrilling speedboat (depending on day's schedule, which is subject to change). Spend a few minutes watching an informative video when you arrive at Cu Chi Tunnels, which will explain the construction and purpose of this underground network that was constructed during the Vietnam War (known locally as the American War). Follow your guide through the narrow passages and hear first-hand about the vital role they played in protecting locals and securing victory for the nation during the Vietnam War. Your guide will explain how these expansive channels served as an operations base during the war, used mostly as communication and supply routes, as well as living quarters, hospitals and even a holding shelter for weapons, food and Viet Cong fighters.You'll see a portion of this 75-mile-long (121-km) complex, including well-marked booby traps and military meeting rooms, as you wander the historic site, which is partially preserved as a war memorial and park.ItineraryOption 1: River/RoadEscape the congestion of Ho Chi Minh City and head out into the countryside, a far cry from the frenetic urban sprawl of downtown Saigon. As you journey down the Saigon River by speedboat, watch the city fade into the background, As you journey down the Saigon River by speedboat, watch the city fade into the background, replaced by scenes of rural Vietnamese life and enjoy a selection of traditional Vietnamese fruits.You will eventually find yourself at the Cu Chi tunnels, the infamous underground city for Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Central to the Viet Cong's strategic war operations, including the famous 1968 Tet Offensive, it is still complete with a hospital, kitchen, and schools. Remember to look out for "mantraps" - large camouflaged holes dug deep into the ground, that ensnared enemy soldiers with bamboo spikes. The Cu Chi experience can be emotionally draining for some visitors, but it does offer a fascinating look into the hardship and trauma of the war.Next, you will head through the countryside to a cricket farm, where crickets are raised to eventually become tasty snacks. Considered a delicacy by many, local lore also says that hungry soldiers ate them to beef up their nutrient-poor diets. During your stop at the farm you'll be able to witness crickets at various stages of their lifecycle, as well as have the opportunity to sample them wrapped up in tasty spring rolls. After a long day out, relax and enjoy a delicious lunch break at a local Vietnamese restaurant before making your way back to your hotel, arriving mid-afternoon.Option 2: Road/RiverEscape the congestion of Ho Chi Minh City and head out into the countryside, a far cry from the frenetic urban sprawl of downtown Saigon. After a short drive through the countryside, you'll stop at a cricket farm, where crickets are raised to eventually become tasty snacks. Considered a delicacy by many, local lore also says that hungry soldiers ate them to beef up their nutrient-poor diets. During your stop at the farm you'll be able to witness crickets at various stages of their lifecycle, as well as have the opportunity to sample the little buggers wrapped up in tasty spring rolls. Don't forget to snap photos to bring back to your friends back home! Then continue on to Cu Chi Tunnels, the infamous underground city for Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. The cramped tunnels were central to the war's strategic operations and are complete with underground hospitals, schools and canteens. Keep an eye out for the man traps, bomb craters and other remnants of war, including an American tank that was destroyed by a landmine.Afterwards, swap your car for a more exciting mode of transportation - speedboat! Travel down the Saigon River, one of the least explored parts of the city that still brims with culture. Keep an eye on the river banks to see floating water hyacinths, enjoy a window into the local river life and wonderful photo opportunities while refreshing with fruits on boat. After a long day out, relax and enjoy lunch at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant - that won't include crickets, before making your way back to Ho Chi Minh City where you will arrive at mid-afternoon.