Our Overview
Escape the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City and travel to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels by speedboat along the Saigon River.
This premium half-day experience combines scenic river cruising with one of Vietnam’s most important historical sites. Instead of spending hours in road traffic, enjoy a relaxing boat journey through changing riverside landscapes before exploring the underground world of Cu Chi with an experienced local guide.
Duration: Approximately 6–7 hours
Departure: Morning
Tour Type: Small Group / Private Tour
Transportation: Speedboat
Destination: Cu Chi Tunnels
Starting Point: Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Highlights
- Cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi by speedboat
- Enjoy scenic views along the Saigon River
- Avoid long road transfers and city traffic
- Explore the famous Cu Chi underground tunnel network
- Learn about wartime life, survival techniques and tunnel construction
- See hidden entrances, bunkers, traps and underground facilities
- Crawl through a section of the tunnels if you wish
- Taste traditional boiled cassava with sesame salt
- Travel in a small group with a professional English-speaking guide
- Return to Ho Chi Minh City after an immersive half-day experience
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight clothing
Hat or cap
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Camera
Insect repellent
Why Choose the Cu Chi Tunnels by Speedboat?
Most visitors travel to Cu Chi by road, but taking a speedboat offers a more relaxing and memorable way to reach the tunnels.
The journey allows you to experience both the Saigon River and the history of Cu Chi in a single tour while avoiding much of the road traffic between Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi.
It is especially suitable for couples, families, small groups and travelers looking for a more comfortable and premium Cu Chi experience.
Itinerary
01CU CHI TUNNELS BY SPEED BOAT
07:00 Am or 11:00 Am | Hotel Pickup
Your guide meets you at your hotel in central Ho Chi Minh City and transfers you to the riverside departure point.
After a short introduction and safety briefing, board the speedboat and begin your journey toward Cu Chi.
Speedboat Cruise Along the Saigon River
Leave the city skyline behind as the speedboat travels north along the Saigon River.
Along the way, observe the gradual transition from urban Ho Chi Minh City to quieter riverside communities, fishing areas, plantations and rural landscapes.
A light breakfast, fresh fruit, coffee, tea or bottled water can be served during the journey.
The river journey is part of the experience itself, offering a different perspective of southern Vietnam away from the main highways.
Arrival Near Cu Chi
Arrive at the Cu Chi area and continue by vehicle to the tunnel complex.
Your guide provides an introduction to the historical importance of Cu Chi and the role the tunnels played during the Vietnam War.
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
Begin your guided exploration of the tunnel complex.
Learn how local people created an extensive underground network containing living areas, kitchens, storage rooms, meeting spaces, medical facilities and defensive positions.
During the visit, you will:
- Discover hidden tunnel entrances
- See reconstructed bunkers and underground rooms
- Learn how smoke from underground kitchens was concealed
- Examine wartime traps and defensive techniques
- Understand how people lived underground for extended periods
- See bomb craters and historical displays
- Crawl through an enlarged tunnel section if comfortable
Your guide explains the historical context in an informative and balanced way while allowing plenty of time for photographs and questions.
Traditional Cassava Tasting
Before leaving Cu Chi, taste boiled cassava served with sesame and salt.
Cassava was an important staple food for people living in the tunnel area during wartime and remains one of the most symbolic elements of a Cu Chi visit.
Optional Shooting Range
Guests who wish may visit the shooting range.
Ammunition and shooting activities are optional and are not included in the tour price.
Depart Cu Chi
Return to the riverside area and board the speedboat for the journey back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Relax on board and enjoy the river scenery after your tunnel exploration.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive back at the city pier.
Transfer to your hotel in central Ho Chi Minh City.
What is included
Included
- ✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Ho Chi Minh City
- ✓ Speedboat transportation
- ✓ Transfer between the pier and Cu Chi Tunnels
- ✓ Professional English-speaking tour guide
- ✓ Cu Chi Tunnels entrance ticket
- ✓ Light breakfast or snacks
- ✓ Fresh fruit
- ✓ Bottled water
- ✓ Coffee and tea
- ✓ Traditional cassava tasting
- ✓ Travel insurance
Not included
- × Shooting range ammunition
- × Personal expenses
- × Additional food and drinks
- × Tips for guide, boat crew and driver
- × Services not mentioned in the inclusions