Saigon City and Cu Chi Tunnels Group Tour

Saigon City and Cu Chi Tunnels Small Group Tour

Discover Vietnam’s History in One Unforgettable Day

If you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City for the first time, there is one experience that perfectly captures the country’s rich past and vibrant present: the Saigon City Tour and Cu Chi Tunnels. This immersive full-day journey takes you through iconic colonial landmarks, powerful war memorials, and the legendary underground tunnel network that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War.

Combining city sightseeing with a historical adventure, Saigon city tour with Cu Chi Tunnels offers you a complete introduction to Vietnam’s fascinating story: from French colonial influence to wartime resilience and modern transformation.

Why Choose the Saigon City Tour and Cu Chi Tunnels?

The Saigon City Tour and Cu Chi Tunnels full-day tour is designed to give visitors a balanced and insightful overview of Vietnam in just one day. Instead of choosing between city attractions or wartime history, this tour combines both. This itinerary has been carefully crafted to provide the perfect mix of cultural exploration, education, and adventure.

Key highlights include:

• Visiting the historic Independence Palace
• Admiring French colonial architecture at Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
• Exploring the iconic Saigon Central Post Office
• Learning about wartime history at the War Remnants Museum
• Crawling through the famous Cu Chi Tunnels
• Enjoying authentic Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant

Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s Historic Landmarks

Your adventure begins in the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. This dynamic metropolis blends modern skyscrapers with historic landmarks that reflect Vietnam’s colonial past and revolutionary history.

Independence Palace – Where the War Ended

One of the most significant stops on the Saigon city sightseeing tour is the Independence Palace, also called the Reunification Palace. This historic building witnessed the dramatic end of the Vietnam War on April 30, 1975, when North Vietnamese tanks broke through its gates. Inside, visitors can explore preserved presidential offices, underground war rooms, and communication centers frozen in time. Walking through these rooms offers a powerful glimpse into the political decisions that shaped Vietnam’s modern history.

Notre Dame Cathedral – A Symbol of Colonial Saigon

Another must-see attraction is the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, a beautiful example of French colonial architecture. Built in the late 19th century, the cathedral features:

• Twin bell towers rising 58 meters high
• A striking red-brick façade imported from France
• Elegant Neo-Romanesque design

Although the cathedral is currently undergoing restoration, visitors can still admire its exterior and take stunning photos in the peaceful square surrounding it.

Saigon Central Post Office – Architectural Masterpiece

Right next to the cathedral stands the magnificent Saigon Central Post Office, one of the most photographed buildings in the city. Designed by architect Gustave Eiffel, the structure features soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate ironwork, and historic maps of old Saigon. Despite its historic charm, the building still functions as a working post office today. Many travelers enjoy sending postcards home from this iconic landmark.

War Remnants Museum – Understanding the Vietnam War

A visit to the War Remnants Museum is a powerful and educational part of the Saigon city tour. The museum provides insight into the Vietnam War, known locally as the “American War”, through extensive exhibits including:

• Military vehicles such as tanks and helicopters
• War photography collections
• Historical documents and propaganda posters
• Exhibits on the effects of Agent Orange

While some displays are emotionally intense, they offer an important perspective on the human impact of war and help visitors better understand Vietnam’s history.

Enjoy Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

Midday, the tour pauses for a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. This culinary break allows you to relax and experience authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

Typical dishes include:

• Fresh or fried spring rolls
• Traditional noodle soups such as Pho
• Stir-fried vegetables and rice
• Fresh tropical fruit for dessert

Note: Vegetarian, vegan, and halal options are available with prior notice.

Journey to the Legendary Cu Chi Tunnels

After lunch, the tour continues with a scenic drive northwest of Ho Chi Minh City to one of Vietnam’s most famous historical sites: the Cu Chi Tunnels. Located in the rural Cu Chi District, this extraordinary underground network stretches for more than 200 kilometers and served as a strategic base for Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War. Today, it stands as a symbol of Vietnamese resilience and ingenuity.

Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels Underground Network

At the site, we will begin with a short historical documentary explaining how the tunnels were constructed and how soldiers and civilians survived underground during wartime. Afterward, a guided exploration reveals the incredible engineering behind the tunnel system.

What You’ll See at Cu Chi Tunnels?

• Camouflaged tunnel entrances hidden beneath jungle leaves
• Ventilation shafts designed to disperse smoke
• Underground kitchens and living quarters
• Meeting rooms and command centers
• Storage areas and weapons workshops
• Recreated booby traps used for defense

These ingenious systems allowed thousands of people to live, work, and fight underground while avoiding enemy detection.

Crawl Through Real Wartime Tunnels

For adventurous travelers, the highlight of the visit is the chance to crawl through a section of the original tunnels. Specially widened passages allow visitors to experience what it felt like to navigate the narrow underground routes used during the war. The crawl typically lasts about 20–30 meters. However, this activity is completely optional. In case you prefer not to crawl, you can still explore the site above ground and learn about the tunnels through demonstrations and explanations from the guide.

Taste Wartime Food

To complete the experience, visitors are invited to sample cassava and tea, the simple foods that sustained guerrilla fighters during the war. This moment creates a deeper appreciation for the hardships endured by those who lived and fought within the tunnel network.

Optional Shooting Range Experience

For travelers interested in military history, the site also offers an optional shooting range where visitors can try firing historical weapons such as AK-47 rifles. This activity is not included in the standard tour price but is available for those seeking an extra adrenaline-filled experience.

A Comfortable Return to Ho Chi Minh City

After the Cu Chi Tunnels exploration, the tour returns to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. The journey back offers a relaxing opportunity to reflect on the day’s discoveries while your guide shares recommendations for restaurants, nightlife, and attractions to explore during the evening in Saigon. Most tours return to District 1 between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM.

The Best Intro to Vietnam

If you want to truly understand Vietnam’s history, culture, and resilience, the Saigon City Tour and Cu Chi Tunnels is an experience you shouldn’t miss. From the colonial elegance of the Notre Dame Cathedral to the powerful exhibits of the War Remnants Museum and the incredible underground network of the Cu Chi Tunnels, this tour reveals the many layers of Vietnam’s story.

In just one day, you can gain insight into our nation’s struggles, achievements, and transformation into the vibrant country it is today. For anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh City, this full-day Saigon city tour with Cu Chi Tunnels is definitely a journey through Vietnam’s remarkable history. Contact Explore Vietnam Team for further information.

Price: 50 USD/ People

= 1,300,000 VND/ People

• Kid from 0 – 2 year old : pay %
• Kid from 3 – 10 year old : 38 USD
• Kid from 11 year old and older as Adult