| Out of Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels tips and photos posted by real travelers and Ho Chi Minh City locals. • 129 Photos
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Historical Tip:If you've heard about the Vietnam War, chances are, you would have heard about the stealthy tunnels in Cu Chi. Yup, these tunnels were used by the deadly Black PJ gang (Viet Congs) to infiltrate unsuspecting US base camps and Ho Chi Minh, 39km away . Amazing, if you consider that in total, this underground tunnel has a combined length of more than 200 km !
More amazing, if you consider that the soil in Cu Chi is very hard and that very simple tools were used to dig the elaborate network. Well, the black PJ gang used only simple spades ( something that looks like a kimchi soil digger ) to hack away the hard, red earth. And by sheer will, they created underground wells, hospitals, sleeping areas....well, a mole-heaven for their clandestine but deadly activities. That's not all, this hard labour was fueled only on a meagre diet of tapoica, sugar and peanuts. It sure defies the old belief where monkey work is expected if you pay in peanuts. This ain't no monkey work man, it is a serious and deadly network of tunnels!
Personal Experience: If you do decide to come here, you'll get a chance to go into those holes and tunnels and feast on those peanut delights. And, if you do grumble that the wee tunnels are bloody narrow, your guide will tell with a grin that they're already enlarged (for fat hogs like us). Most probably, he'll ask you whether you'll like to have a go at an even smaller but orginal, hellishly-dark hole.
Well, I did just that just out of foolish pride and came back with very sore legs after duck-walking for 30m in a hole that was more suited for Dr Evil's mini-me. To top it off, my back was covered with red dust. Guess I was not too bright.
Since Cu Chi is a little off the beaten track (it's 2-3hr bum-rotting bus ride away from Saigon) , I've provided the link and address of a reliable tour agency in Saigon that'll take you there for only USD4 Leave a Comment Address: 246 - 248 De Tham St., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City,Phone: info@sinhcafevn.comDirections: To see photos of the Black PJ Uniform, deadly traps set for the poor American soldiers and other curiousities, click on b'packer's HCMC pageWebsite: http://www.sinhcafevn.com/
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The children enjoyed the day trip we had to Cu Chi - as they have all seen Vietnam war movies from the American perspective, and were a little agog after the introductory video and the general diaglogue of our guide. We had also been to the War Atrocities Museum, and they were aware of the general anti-American sentiment. As Aussies, we didn't really know where we fit in the mindset!
Nobody could dispute the ingenuity of the CuChi network - and the intrepid souls who must have designed, constructed, used and actually resided in them! Our guide told us that people were married and born in there! These tunnels apparently started out as a network between houses, which was much extended to the 200 or so Kms they are today.
We found this setup very well done - gave a really good visual perspective of the tunnels, how they were used as an obviously effective means of fighting the war, and, regardless of politics or war affiliation in general, you could not but be impressed by the capability and capacity for enduring extreme conditions of the Viet Cong - and perhaps the survival instincts - of the builders and dwellers of this area. It is a must see museum if you have the opportunity.
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We had only a few days in Ho Chi Minh - and we managed to book a daytrip that took us to both Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. As a family of 5, we constituted the whole tour - and had the small comfortable bus and the guide all to ourselves! He was an excellent guide, with very good English, and engaging sense of humour, and a clear appreciation for the guide he handed us to for the Mekong part of the day! And, he understood teasing!
Lunch was part of the enjoyment of the day, as we ate at a small restaurant along the Mekong, sitting on the water - and ate elephant ear fish! This fish is really do die for - and costs a bomb at home.
It was an early start and a late finish, but the whole day was very much enjoyed by all of our family - taking the easily bored son into account as well.
When we went for the Mekong part of the day, were taken to Unicorn Island - which was a very small island about 10 minute boat ride from the mainland. There were a number of cottage industries there, all of which involved consumption - of honey based alcohol, honey based sweets, fresh fruit and some live entertainment of local girls and musicians! Guide told us she worries about getting fat - refer to picture! She was also a wonderful guide - great English, and keen to learn some Aussie slang!
The guides we had for this one day were the best we had for the whole Asian holiday, in three countries. Makes such a difference to what you learn and how much you enjoy the experiences.
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Always one on the lookout to prove that girls CAN do everything - I was really impressed by the apparent equality between the male and female footsolidiers of the Viet Cong. The small stature and agility of the girls, as well as their undoubted overall capability from a rural life, enabled them to contribute just as much to the war as the males. As stealth and general motor skill ability were undoubtedly the major skills requirements, I am sure they more than matched their male counterparts! An additional obvious need was the emotional commitment to the cause, which is quite clearly evident in the history of Cu Chi - and the enduring pride these people have in the wartime achievements. The "war hero" honour for killing an American was indicative of the mindset that must have motored them along every day and night.
The other role that women had was demonstrated by the more traditional roles of industry, making uniforms and preparing meals.
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A highlight of the day for our son was shooting an AK47 at Cu Chi - I know all the reservations expressed by people about this as a money making leisure activity in the context - howerver, taken at face value, an enjoyable first experience for a boy from Australia. No such opportunities at home. The attention to safety was fine, and he enjoyed the experience - and the girls shot a few bullets. I don't think any psychological damage was done! At US$1 per bullet, this was always going to be limited!
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Just 65km (40 miles) northwest of Saigon, the Cu Chi area lies at the end of the Ho Chi Minh trail and was the base from which Ho Chi Minh guerillas used to attack Saigon. As a result the whole area became a "free fire zone" and was carpet-bombed in one of many American "scorched-earth" policies since It is part of the "Iron Triangle". But the residents of Cu Chi took their war underground, literally, developing a network of tunnels that, at its height, stretched as far as Cambodia and included meeting rooms, kitchens, and triage areas -- an effective network for waging guerilla warfare on nearby U.S. troops. The U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division was just next door, and there are detailed maps denoting land that was either U.S.-held, Vietcong-held, or in dispute.
Visitors first watch a war-era propaganda film that's so over-the-top it's fun. The sight supports a small museum of photos and artifacts, as well as an extensive outdoor exhibit of guerilla snares and reconstructions of the original tunnels and bunkers. Wear your "play clothes" if you choose to get down in the temples; the experience is dirty and claustrophobic. There is also a shooting range where, for $1 per bullet, you can try your hand at firing anything from a shotgun to an AK-47. At the end of the tour, visit the dining hall and try the steamed tapioca that was a Cu Chi staple. Souvenir hawkers abound.
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Some useful tips after experiencing it :
1. Dress lightly, as casual as possible.
2. Don't wear your favourite clothings as during crawling your clothings will definitely be coated with some soils.
3. Don't wear slippers as it will be quite difficult during tunnel crawling.
4. Don't bring bulky bags, best is just a small waist pouch/sling.
5. Bring insect repellent.
6. Last but not least, MUST bring a touch-light.
In summary, the tunnel is only very short (30/40m), but the guide goes super fast that my hubby being the one after him could not even catch up with him. However with the touch-light that we have allow us to see where we are going. And those people way behind us really have trouble as it was a total darkness in the tunnel. The tunnel size is quite alright for Asian size, for those that has big belly & bigger size, will find it quite tough. Anyway, is a good "work-out".
Excursion can be booked in the Backpackers area and all agency has the flat rate of US$4 excludes US$5 entrance fees. Depart at the agency at about 8.15am
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Fall back in time and experience how the Viet Cong outsmarted the Americans by surviving in these unbelievably hot and stuffy tunnels, some so narrow, bigger size folks would find most uncomfortable. Claustrophobics need not bother. Leave a Comment Directions: Most day tours out of Ho Chi Minh has this on the itinerary.
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Cu Chi Tunnels are legendary due to being the center of resistance in 1960s. The narrow and low tunnels network strech to 200 km. Some parts have been demolished in time, but there are still 2 sites, Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc where you can actually see and even enter the tunnels. Only a 100 metre crawling from one entrance to an exit will be enough to appreciate Vietnamese resistance where they used to stay weeks inside these claustrophobic tunnels. The traps used around tunnel zone give you an insight on how difficult it was to survive during war era. Daily tours are available from Saigon and usually they include CaoDai Temple and then Cu Chi Tunnels. These daily tours cost around 8 USD. The entrance fee of 80000 Dong is excluded in tour packages. Address: Cu Chi District
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We took only a half day trip to the tunnels with Sinh Cafe. Even if you can't manage the tunnels it is still a great day.
I went down both tunnels and it was scary!!!! I think it was the hardest thing I did psychologically while we were in Vietnam. I found that whenever the person in front went out of sight I started to panic. Of course I knew the roof wasn't going to cave in and I couldn't possible take the wrong turn and never be seen again but all these thoughts went through my head when nobody was in sight. The bus ticket cost us $US4 then there was a fee of $US5 to get in once we arrive. We left at 8am an dreturned to HCM at 2pm. Highly recomend it. Leave a Comment Directions: Any travel agent in HCM can book the trip.
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