Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh Half Day Tour

Today’s tour will begin at 8:00. After breakfast, drive away from the city center toward the Cu Chi district. Leaving the city behind, the scenery changes to views of rice paddies, villagers drying noodles by the side of the road, and other scenes typical of southern Vietnam. Arrive at the entrance to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters (Viet Cong) during both the French and American wars. Listen to tunnel construction stories as you walk through the forest. Visit two sections of the tunnel where it is possible to crawl inside to experience first-hand what life was like living underground. There are also several other informative displays and war relics around the area to explore. After this morning’s Cu Chi Tunnels tour, return to the city center in time for lunch. Then take a closer look at the city itself, starting at Reunification Hall. This fascinating building, once known as the Presidential Palace, is filled with history. Hear the story of how, on 30 April 1975, North Vietnamese tanks seized the building as Saigon fell. Continue to the Old Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, two colonial-style monuments with intriguing pasts. The day's final stop is Ben Thanh Market. This city center market is one of the busiest. Rub shoulders with the locals while browsing the countless stalls selling fruits, tea, and dry goods. Return to the hotel and reflect upon this incredible day of history and local culture.