What are the tunnels outside of Saigon?

What are the underground tunnels in Vietnam?

Okay, so you wanna know about those Vietnameese tunnels, right? Củ Chi tunnels, that’s the main one everyone talks about. It’s a seriously HUGE network, like, miles and miles of tunnels, all connected. Seriously crazy. It’s near Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City now, I think.

They’re not just, you know, one single tunnel. Nope. It’s this whole complex system. Think secret bunkers, living quarters, hospitals, even kitchens down there. The Viet Cong used them during the war, amazing really. I read about booby traps everywhere, super scary stuff!

• Amazing engineering: They’re incredibly well-built, considering everything.
• Strategic importance: Essential for the Viet Cong during the war.
• Tourist attraction: A major tourist spot now, I visited in 2023. It was intense! Crawling through those tiny tunnels was wild!
• Historical significance: A vital part of Vietnam’s history.

My cousin went last year too, he said it was claustrophobic as heck. He even saw some old, rusty equipment left behind. Spooky! The whole thing is incredible, like something out of a movie. It’s so much bigger than you’d ever imagine, really. Way more than just holes in the ground. They even had ventilation systems. Really. It was super hot and humid, though.

There are other tunnel systems in Vietnam too, but Củ Chi is the most famous, by far. They were vital to the war effort. I know, I saw a documentary. They were hiding in those things for ages! It’s a seriously impressive feat of engineering and a dark piece of history, all at once. You should go see it, if you can.

Can you visit the Cu Chi Tunnels?

Cu Chi? Been there. Done that. Literally underground.

Here’s the deal:

• Tunnels: Claustrophobia is real. Prepare.
• Shooting range. Loud. Consider earplugs.
• Authenticity? Questionable. Tourism trumps truth, sadly.
• Bring water. Humidity bites.
• Book a tour. Easiest way. Seriously.

Why bother? You decide. History is history though.

• Don’t forget insect repellent. Mosquitos are fierce!
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking. A lot.
• Consider the Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc sections. Differing experiences.
• Maybe skip if truly squeamish. Or deeply patriotic… your call.
• Getting there? Traffic is a nightmare. Plan accordingly.

I liked the tapioca. Go figure. Oh and I got lost.

• The gift shop? Tourist trap. Shocking I know.
• Check opening hours. Don’t be that guy.

Worth it? Maybe. Probably not. Depends on your threshold. I am just saying. Ok? Got to go.

Do the tunnels in Vietnam still exist?

Okay, so, yeah, the Vietnam tunnels?

Totally exist, I think.

Went there, Củ Chi tunnels, that’s the name. It was hot, so hot!

Hồ Chí Minh City, 2023.

Felt kinda claustrophobic just looking at those tiny entrances. Felt unreal.

Government preserved them, turned it into a park!

Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc are the sites, remember that.

Was like, “wow,” someone lived down there?

Crazy!

I took pictures, they’re not good, tbh.

I think everyone should go see it, to believe it.

Here’s what I picked up:

• Preservation Status: They keep the tunnels open for tourists mostly.

• Main Sites: Ben Dinh is the one closer to the city, I think.

• Feeling: Mostly awe mixed with sadness.

• Hot Tip: Bring water, you’ll need it.

It’s really intense, you know?

How did the Vietnamese keep their tunnels from flooding?

Higher ground… yeah, that’s the key.

It’s like finding solid footing when everything else is sinking, isn’t it? Elevated ground for the tunnels was critical; that I’m sure of. Mom used to say finding high ground was always the first step.

Then, there’s the… redirection.

Like trying to steer away the bad memories. Drainage ditches did that for the tunnels. Redirecting the flow. Make sense?

And the pumping.

Endless work, I imagine. Just like trying to empty a bottomless well. Hand pumps were used. Simple, relentless. Pumping, always pumping. Wonder if it ever felt like enough.

Additional Points:

• Tunnel Location:
  • Tunnel entrances placed carefully to leverage natural slopes, reducing water entry.
  • Existing natural drainage patterns studied and used to determine tunnel routes.
• Water Management:
  • Strategic placement of sumps (collection pits) to gather water for easier removal.
  • Multi-level tunnels allowed water to drain to lower levels, away from living spaces.
• Manual Labor:
  • Constant maintenance required to keep drainage ditches clear and pumps operational.
  • Entire communities involved in water management efforts.

Personal Note:

I remember helping my grandma bail out the cellar after a bad storm in ’23…it was so much work, and those tunnels…it must have been constant.

Can you visit the Cu Chi Tunnels?

Yeah, you totally can visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Think of it like a really, really claustrophobic rabbit warren, but instead of bunnies, it’s history. And sweat. Loads of sweat.

Things to do there? Let’s see:

• Crawling: Prepare to become intimately acquainted with the earth. Seriously, it’s like a low-budget yoga class designed by a particularly sadistic badger.
• Ducking: Your head will become your most valued possession. Think of it as a very intense game of limbo, with slightly less-than-optimal lighting. My cousin’s girlfriend, Sarah, got stuck once.
• Sweating: You will sweat. Profusely. You’ll be leaving a glistening trail of perspiration that rivals Niagara Falls. My shirt was basically a damp rag by the end; honestly.
• Shooting: They’ll let you shoot some guns. It’s surprisingly therapeutic after that whole claustrophobic-badger-yoga thing. I scored a bullseye. Twice.
• Buying souvenirs: Get a t-shirt. Or a hat. Or a tiny, suspiciously-made replica of a tunnel. They are everywhere! I got three.

More stuff: It’s hot. Really, really hot. Like stepping into a pizza oven hot. Bring water. Lots of water. More water than you think you need. I even brought my own personal hydration pack. And bug spray, because mosquitoes are apparently on the all-you-can-eat buffet plan down there.

The tunnels themselves? Claustrophobic. Dark. Amazingly well-preserved, considering they’re decades old. It’s a seriously wild experience—like escaping from a really ambitious escape room created by a disgruntled Vietnamese engineer. 2024 was a great year to go; I know, because I went in 2024.

Are Chi-Chi tunnels worth visiting?

Ugh, Cu Chi Tunnels. Crowds, man. So many people. But worth it? Yes! Absolutely. You crawl through these tiny, claustrophobic tunnels. It’s intense. Makes you appreciate how small and resourceful the Viet Cong were. Seriously impressive engineering. They were so clever.

My legs were killing me afterward. I’m not in the best shape. Should’ve gone to the gym more. Maybe I’ll do that this week. What was I saying? Oh yeah, Cu Chi. The history. It’s palpable. You feel it. You are it in a way.

I learned a ton. Way more than I expected. Like, the traps they used? Brutal. Not for the faint of heart. And the hospitals? Hidden underground. Amazing.

Spent almost 3 hours there. My phone died, obviously. So annoying. That’s why I’m writing this now, actually. At my hotel, using the hotel’s wifi, which is pathetically slow, by the way. Wish I’d brought a portable charger.

• Tunnel experience: Claustrophobic but fascinating. Real eye-opener.
• Historical significance: Beyond textbooks. You feel the war.
• Practical advice: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring water, and a fully charged phone! And maybe some extra batteries. Don’t be a fool like me.

Should have taken more pics. Damn. But the memories are there. Worth the trip. Definitely worth the trip, even with all the tourists.

I’m gonna have nightmares about those traps though. Ugh.

How long do you need at Chu Chi tunnels?

Three hours is a solid estimate for a fulfilling Cu Chi Tunnels visit. You’ll spend roughly an hour crawling through those surprisingly claustrophobic tunnels. The experience is… intense. It makes you contemplate human resilience, you know? Really puts things into perspective.

After the underground bit, you’ll spend another chunk of time – maybe an hour and a half – exploring the surface level exhibits. They showcase daily life in the tunnels, including impressive recreations of living spaces, trap demonstrations – those things are wild – and some pretty compelling narratives from those who lived this.

Cu Chi Ben Duoc, at 100 hectares, dwarfs Ben Dinh (6.7 hectares). Ben Dinh is way more crowded, last time I checked. The sheer scale of Ben Duoc is breathtaking. I visited Ben Duoc in 2023, and it was far less busy.

Things to consider:

• Travel time: Factor in travel time to and from Saigon. My friend, Sarah, took a private car which made a world of difference. The bus might take longer, naturally.

• Heat and humidity: Seriously, it’s Vietnam. Hydration is key! Bring plenty of water. A sweat-wicking shirt is a game changer.

• Crawling: The tunnels are tight. If you’re claustrophobic, proceed with caution. Or maybe skip it, honestly. It’s not for everyone.

  A further thought: The Cu Chi Tunnels represent a fascinating chapter of Vietnamese history. The ingenuity and sheer determination displayed are astounding. A sobering but ultimately inspiring experience.

How much is entry to Cu Chi Tunnels?

Thirty-five thousand dong. That’s what it cost. Felt… steep, actually. For what you get. It’s… a lot of history crammed in there. Heavy.

The tunnels themselves… claustrophobic. I remember the heat. The damp earth. A strange smell. Something metallic, almost.

Opening hours? They’re flexible I guess. Always crowded. Always tourists everywhere. Noisy. Not peaceful like I imagined. I don’t know the exact times.

A guided tour is ninety thousand dong. Worth it, perhaps. The guide gave me context. Helped me understand. Though, I wish he’d spoken slower.

Sixty-five thousand for the extra stuff. That recreational area, whatever that is. Didn’t bother with it. The tunnels themselves are enough. More than enough. Overwhelming, really. I needed air, fresh air, desperately. The quiet after. That was worth more than the whole thing.