Explore Historic Relics & Cu Chi Tunnel Complex
History of the bygone era has passed, but the we, at the present time, can still go through the previous days in historic complexes. Used to be a strategic base for revolution, Cu Chi Tunnel now becomes a historic spot for the legendary Vietnam war, the authentic Vietnam of the old days. My trip to Cu Chi has given me a different look into the Vietnam War for the complete independence, freedom of the country.
The Glorious History Of Cu Chi Tunnel
Cu Chi was an important witness for the hardship and also the success of Vietnamese army. The tunnel was first small, secret and underground bunkers. Vietnamese army realized the ability to be easily controlled or destroyed of the containers. Due to that, it was thought necessary to extend them into a more elaborate, logical structure.
During over twenty years of fighting tenacity, Cu Chi tunnel survived 4269 small and significant attacks, defeated more than 10,000 American soldiers, shot down 256 aircraft, sank 22 ships and boats.
That's said, what the Vietnamese troops went through was more than those described on any books.
What To See In Cu Chi Tunnel
Ben Duoc Tunnel
It is the exhibition space of bombs, artilleries of the US military and the weapons of Cu Chi guerrillas to fight against the US Army and the army of the Republic of Vietnam. In Ben Duoc Tunnel, guests can also enjoy the foods of former guerrillas such as squeezed rice, cassava with bean salt.
The Monument Temple of Ben Duoc Martyrs
The Monument temple was built to commemorate the vast services and sacrifices of the people, the soldiers in the area of Saigon - Cho Lon - Gia Dinh in the two wars against French and American invaders. It is a project for the future generations always to remember, to express their gratitude and their pride, an architectural complex of bold national identities, on an area of 7 hectares of land.
Simulation Area of Cu Chi Liberated Areas
Getting to the Simulation area, visitors seem to travel back in the period from 1961 - 1972 to witness the architecture of the houses, the lives, the living, the fighting of the army and the people of Cu Chi. Moreover, there are also miniature constructions of the three typical models of 3 regions of Vietnam. One Pillar Pagoda, representing for the North. Ngo Mon Gate: symbolizing the Central. And Nha Rong Wharf, an icon of the South.
Ben Dinh Tunnels
Like in Ben Duoc Tunnels, during their visit to Ben Dinh Tunnels, visitors can see the documentary film in the hall and listen to the history of the development of a strategic system of Cu Chi Tunnels. Moreover, you are invited to inspect the tunnel system, the accommodation, the activities, the meeting places of the leaders of Cu Chi District Party Committee, the tunnels for making the weapons, the gallery of homemade weapon. Here is also the field for Military sport shooting, which excites a lot of adventurous souls.
What To Do In Cu Chi Tunnel
Sport Defense Shooting And Paint Shooting
In Cu Chi tunnel complex, you can either join in a professional shooting ranges or a paintball shooting with friends. The former will require a pretty good health condition, and you must be at least 16 years old to be able to enter the field. There will be a multitude of guns, rifles, and bullet sets for you to choose; the price varies accordingly.
The paintball shooting, on the other hand, is a gaming activity for large groups of people. You will dress up as a soldier, holding a paintball gun to trace for the enemies who are hiding in a forested area of Cu Chi Complex.
Swan Pedaling and kayaking
There is no better to relish the gorgeous beauty of the suburban area in Ho Chi Minh way than kayaking or swan pedaling in stunning lakes in Cu Chi. One striking feature is the fact that the lake here actually simulates the unique shape of the East Sea. The Vietnamese Ocean or the East Sea grants the country with a number of fantastic islands such as Hoang Sa, Truong Sa, Bach Long Vi, Phu Quoc or Con Dao. The thing is, you may come across these Mother Nature's gifts while kayaking and swan pedaling in Cu Chi.Â
Single, Double Bicycling
There are a lot of spots offering bike renting within the Cu Chi Tunnel Complex. Thanks to the massive coverage of greenery over environmental friendly trails, pedaling here is a popular activity to explore hidden corners in the historic complex as well as enjoy a peaceful atmosphere free from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you have plenty of time, hire a camp and enjoy a picnic in Cu Chi.
Cu Chi tunnel went into the history of the heroic struggle of the Vietnamese as a legend of the 20th century and became famous in the world. And now, it is a place to recollect the past, experiencing the greatness of a small country like Vietnam.
Location And How To Get To Cu Chi Tunnel
The tunnel is situated about 70 km to the northwest of Ho Chi Minh city and surrounded by several main roads, which makes it quite simple to reach there.
By road: The tunnel is accessible via Provincial Highway No 8 to Highway No 15 or Nguyen Thi Ranh Street to Highway No 15.
By bus: From the center of Saigon, you can take bus No. 13, then transfer at Cu Chi bus station or An Suong bus station and Tan Quy bus station.Â
By waterway (boat): A few tourism agencies have Saigon river cruises that pass by Cu Chi tunnel. Visitors, therefore, have another choice for their Cu Chi tour; it is a travel tour by boat from Bach Dang Wharf to Cu Chi tunnel. However, the number of cruises are limited with only one or two voyages per day, so it is better to double-check before set-off.
Though traveling by yourself can be a long-lasting memory, traffic in Vietnam is somewhat chaotic. As a result, it is recommended that you book a package tour to Cu Chi Tunnel so that you can enjoy the most of this historic place.