Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion worth booking?
Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion is a 7-hour experience in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from $185 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $185 per person
Experience the world of the Cu Chi freedom fighters with a visit to their famous tunnel system. Different from other classic tours to Cu Chi Tunnels, the speedboat tour not only helps you to understand the war remnant but also offers chance to explore the daily life of Saigonese with a brand-new view.The scenery quickly changes from urban to suburban, to rural. This will be the capstone experience for your time in Vietnam, and you could not have asked for a more special experience. A classic half day Saigon city tour begins by enjoying Vietnamese coffee then continue with all the famous sight seeing places such as: Reunification Palace, War remnants museum, Notre Dame Basilica, Central Post office, Jade Emperor pagoda and Ben Thanh market.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the world of the Cu Chi freedom fighters with a visit to their famous tunnel system. Different from other classic tours to Cu Chi Tunnels, the speedboat tour not only helps you to understand the war remnant but also offers chance to explore the daily life of Saigonese with a brand-new view.The scenery quickly changes from urban to suburban, to rural. This will be the capstone experience for your time in Vietnam, and you could not have asked for a more special experience. A classic half day Saigon city tour begins by enjoying Vietnamese coffee then continue with all the famous sight seeing places such as: Reunification Palace, War remnants museum, Notre Dame Basilica, Central Post office, Jade Emperor pagoda and Ben Thanh market.
What's included
Included
- Private Professional Tour Guide
- Bottled Water
- Private Round-trip Transfer from Cruise Port with a Comfortable Vehicle
- All Fees and Taxes
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Sharing Speedboat to Cu Chi Tunnels
Not included
- Personal Expenses
What you'll see and do
Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are part of a massive war museum in Ho Chi Minh. They offer visitors a sneak-peek at the underground life of Vietnamese soldiers back in 1948. The site has over 120km of underground tunnels, with trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, storage facilities, armoury, hospitals, and command centres. After the war against the French, Vietnamese soldiers expanded the tunnels and included effective air filtration systems, which helped them survive the Cu Chi carpet-bombings. It is now one of Ho Chi Minh’s most iconic attractions. You can enjoy plenty of activities during your visit. A popular option is following the narrow routes of the underground tunnel. Before entering the underground tunnels, visitors watch a short film of Chu Chi Tunnels so that they understand how the tunnel system works. Parts of Chu Chi Tunnels are also cemented and widened, so that the crawl is less harrowing than it would have been in the past.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the late 1880s by French colonists, is one of the few remaining strongholds of Catholicism in the largely Buddhist Vietnam. Located in Paris Square, the name Notre Dame was given after the installation of the statue ‘Peaceful Notre Dame’ in 1959. In 1962, the Vatican conferred the Cathedral status as a basilica and gave it the official name of Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. Measuring almost 60 metres in height, the cathedral’s distinctive neo-Romanesque features include the all-red brick façade (which were imported from Marseille), stained glass windows, two bell towers containing six bronze bells that still ring to this day, and a peaceful garden setting in the middle of downtown Ho Chi Minh City District 1.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Saigon Central Post Office
The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh is a beautifully preserved remnant of French colonial times and perhaps the grandest post office in all of Southeast Asia. Located next door to Notre Dame Cathedral, the two cultural sites can be visited together and offers visitors a chance to imagine life in Vietnam during the times of the Indochinese Empire. The building was designed by Alfred Foulhoux and features arched windows and wooden shutters, just as it would have in its heyday in the late 19th Century.
15 minutes here
The Independence Palace
The Independence Palace was the base of Vietnamese General Ngo Dinh Diem until his death in 1963. It made its name in global history in 1975. A tank belonging to the North Vietnamese Army crashed through its main gate, ending the Vietnam War. Today, it's a must-visit for tourists in Ho Chi Minh City. The palace is like a time capsule frozen in 1975. You can see two of the original tanks used in the capture of the palace parked in the grounds. The Independence Palace was the home and workplace of the French Governor of Cochin-China. It has lush gardens, secret rooms, antique furniture, and a command bunker. It's still in use to host important occasions in Ho Chi Minh, including APEC summits.
45 minutes here · Admission included
People's Committee Building
The People’s Committee Building Saigon in central Ho Chi Minh City features well-preserved French colonial architecture in a spacious garden landscape. Originally constructed as a hotel in 1898 by French architect Gardes, it now serves as a city hall and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Occupying the end of Nguyen Hue walking promenade, it has three buildings with embossed statues of animals and people, intricate bas-reliefs on the walls, as well as a statue of Ho Chi Minh in front of the main building. The best time to visit is in the evening, as these features are beautifully illuminated with LED lights.
15 minutes here
Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater)
The Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh is an elegant colonial building at the intersection of Le Loi and Dong Khoi Street in District 1, very close to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and the classic Central Post Office. The restored three-storey 800-seat Opera House was built in 1897 and is used for staging not only opera but also a wide range of performing arts including ballet, musical concerts, Vietnamese traditional dance and plays. Performances are advertised around the building and information can be found in the state-operated tourist information centre close by.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Maximus Travel Vietnam
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Lots to pack in
I will start by saying, if you do this excursion from the cruise port you must have reasonable expectations given the distance of everything. We had a wonderful guide, James, and driver which set the positive tone of the day. What I loved most about James was his sense of humor and he was our photographer for the day and took tons of pics of us which he sent to me at end of day (nice touch!). The first half of day was spent driving to city and getting on speedboat but the boat ride is very enjoyable up and back. We spent about 90 minutes or so at tunnels which we really enjoyed and was the main reason we booked this tour. Once you take the speedboat back a bit more than half your day is gone. We were able to squeeze in the Independence Palace and a Notre Dame driveby as apparently it is closed to actually going in due to the renovations. We also had a mini stop at a lovely coffee shop where they served us ice tea as we waited for our takeaway coffee (love this!). You have to really start making your way back to port by 3 as it took us a good 2 hours with traffic and even though in terms of miles it is really not that far. Many of our fellow passengers were on cruise excursions which ended up being past all aboard time so I appreciated that our guide was very cognizant of traffic and things that can happen at the end of day.
via Viator
The Best tour guild in Vietnam
The tour guild Liam made us feel like family he was outstanding with his customer service and knowledge and was very easy to understand. When I asked to be taken somewhere off the scheduled route he did it without delay. He had our day a total pleasure.
via Viator
4 Generations Tour Vietnam
We are a 4 Gen Family (ages 9 months to 85) cruise traveling through Vietnam. This was the first of three tours booked with Maximus Travel Vietnam and they delivered. Bruno did an outstanding job guiding us through the Chu Chi tunnels, the speedboat was a great alternative to long bus rides and allowed us to also tour Saigon (something the ship didn’t offer). The private mini-bus was perfect for our infant, toddler and two octogenarians. Way better and more comfortable than getting on and off a bus of 40-60 other people. And all this for about the same price as the cruise line was charging just for the tunnel tour. Contact was fantastic through WhatsApp both with the agent and the tour guide. Looking forward to similar tours with them in Danang and Hanoi. Highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful Excursion
We had a great time on this excursion. It was so nice to have a wonderful guide, V, who shared so many details about the history behind the sites we visted. I highly recommend this tour.
via Viator
Best tour in Ho Chi Min City!
This tour was amazing!!! The communication from the tour operator was great. They reach out to you before your tour to let you know the details. The tour operator responded to all of our questions in a timely manner and made sure we knew where to meet them at the port. They were on time and made everything stress free. Vinh our tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly and wasted no time getting us around the city. The van and boat ride made the trip from the port to the tunnels and the city quick. The chi chi tunnels were very interesting and Vinh gave us a great history before we arrived. Vinh provided us an in depth tour of the tunnels and surrounding area. The speedboat to and from the tunnels was a great way to see this beautiful country from a different perspective. Plus it saves alot of time! Vinh also gave us a great city tour! We saw the market, the post office, the independent palace, and notre dame cathedral. We even got to visit the war remnants museum. Lunch was also delicious and traditional Vietnamese. Vinh was a fabulous guide. He was extremely kind and accommodated all of our requests with a smile. We ended our tour with a beautiful origami heart souvenir that I will keep and remember this day fondly. Thank you for a wonderful excursion and a glimpse into your country.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Maximus Travel Vietnam, who run 10 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.2.
See everything Maximus Travel Vietnam runsWhy this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ho Chi Minh City.
How much does Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion cost?
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Prices start at $185 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ho Chi Minh City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Ho Chi Minh City is not rushed.
Is Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Ho Chi Minh City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Ho Chi Minh City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Ho Chi Minh City and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Ho Chi Minh City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City?
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On Outty we rank every Ho Chi Minh City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cai Be Mekong Delta Tour: Cooking Class, Cycling & Craft Villages, Adventure Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour From HCM, Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta 1 Day Tour With Small Group. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion?
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Included: Private Professional Tour Guide; Bottled Water; Private Round-trip Transfer from Cruise Port with a Comfortable Vehicle; All Fees and Taxes; and Lunch at local restaurant. Not included: Personal Expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 7 listed pickup locations in and around Ho Chi Minh City. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Ho Chi Minh City. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Cu Chi Tunnels by Speed Boat & Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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