Located roughly 70 kilometers northwest of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels are one of the top must-see historical destinations on our Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh Shore Excursions for international cruise passengers. This immense, multi-level network of connecting underground tunnels witnessed major military campaigns during the Vietnam War. Whether you are a military veteran, a history enthusiast, or a curious traveler, you will leave the tunnels with a deeper perspective on Vietnamese resilience and ingenuity.
Designed specifically around your vessel’s docking schedule at Phu My, Nha Rong, Hiep Phuoc, or Phu Huu ports, this Cu Chi Tunnels shore excursion from Phu My Port combines wartime history with downtown Saigon’s most iconic landmarks and local cuisine—all with a 100% guaranteed on-time return to your cruise ship.
Looking for other specialized cruise ship itineraries? Explore our city-focused The Real Ho Chi Minh City – Shore Excursions, book our historical Long Tan Nui Dat Tour from Phu My Port, or arrange a direct Transfer from Phu My to Ho Chi Minh.
HIGHLIGHTS OF CU CHI TUNNELS & HO CHI MINH SHORE EXCURSIONS
- Seamless Cruise Port Transfers: Private round-trip pick-up & drop-off from Nha Rong, Hiep Phuoc, Phu Huu, or Phu My Port with guaranteed on-time return before sailing.
- Wartime Tunnel Engineering: Learn firsthand how local guerrilla fighters constructed, lived in, and navigated a complex 250-kilometer network of underground war tunnels.
- Crawl Through Underground Bunkers: Explore camouflaged trapdoors, command bunkers, and smokeless kitchens—with the optional chance to crawl inside a widened tunnel section!
- Authentic Wartime Tasting: Sample traditional wartime staples including steamed tapioca (cassava) dipped in sesame salt alongside hot Vietnamese green tea.
- Optional Firing Range Experience: Get the chance to fire historic wartime weapons such as the AK-47, M16, M60, or M30 at the supervised on-site shooting range (ammunition extra).
- Saigon War Remnants Museum & Landmarks: Gain deeper historical perspective at the War Remnants Museum, followed by downtown photo stops at Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
TOUR INFORMATION
Price: from $50 USD /Adult (from 12 years old) , Children (from 5 – 11 years old): 50% of Adult
(Price varies by group size & name of the cruise port)
| Private/group | 1 pax | 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax | 5 – 6pax | 7 – 8pax | 9pax+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price/Adult (Nha Rong Port) | $130 | $90 | $70 | $65 | $60 | $55 | $50 |
| Price/Adult (Phu Huu & Hiep Phuoc Port) | $150 | $110 | $90 | $85 | $80 | $75 | $70 |
| Price/Adult (Phu My Port) | $235 | $160 | $145 | $130 | $115 | $100 | $90 |
Duration: All private tours are approximately 8 to 9 hours depending on your port location and vessel schedule. At the end of your private Cu Chi Tunnels tour from cruise port, we always make sure that you return on-time to board your cruise ship.
Meeting point: Nha Rong, Hiep Phuoc, Phu Huu, or Phu My Port
Port Permit Service:
- Opt to purchase port permit service: For a fee of $25 USD/person, our guide and private vehicle can enter directly inside the port right up to your cruise ship gangway for pick-up and drop-off. This requires passport details (full name, passport number, date of birth, expiry date, and nationality) submitted in advance. We highly recommend this service for maximum safety, speed, and comfort during hot or rainy days.
- Opt not to purchase port service fee: Please walk out of the port gate (approximately 15–20 minutes on foot) or take the internal port shuttle bus ($3–$5 USD/person) to the outside gate, where our guide and driver will welcome you holding a personalized sign. This option has no extra permit fee.
Tour customizable: Absolutely! Tell us your specific pacing or mobility requirements in the inquiry form below.
Category: Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions
Inclusions:
- Round-trip transfer in a private air-conditioned vehicle from your cruise port to Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City
- Fluent, knowledgeable English-speaking local guide
- All sightseeing and Cu Chi Tunnels entrance fees
- Traditional Vietnamese lunch as indicated in the itinerary (we gladly cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy requirements—just let us know beforehand)
- Local wartime tasting of steamed tapioca (cassava) and hot green tea
- Unlimited bottles of cold drinking water
Exclusions:
- Port permit fee ($25 USD/person if inside-port pick-up is requested)
- Optional ammunition fees at the Cu Chi Tunnels shooting range
- Gratuities/tips & extra personal drinks
- Personal expenses
Payment method: We accept
What to bring: Passport (or clear copy) • Sunscreen • Sun Hat • Insect Repellent • Closed-Toe Walking Shoes
What to wear: Comfortable, breathable clothing suitable for walking and crawling; knees and shoulders should be covered respectfully.
ITINERARY: CU CHI TUNNELS & HO CHI MINH SHORE EXCURSIONS
Morning: Cruise Port Pick-up & Exploring the Legendary Cu Chi Tunnels
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! Our friendly guide and driver will be waiting with personalized name signs and warm smiles at your port to escort you into your cool, private air-conditioned vehicle. For many international cruises, Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My or Saigon ports) is the first stop in Vietnam, so our team is well-equipped to ensure a smooth, stress-free departure straight toward the historic Cu Chi Tunnels.
Upon arrival at the jungle site, you will discover an extraordinary subterranean network of war bunkers, secret trapdoors, bamboo booby traps, field hospitals, and weapon workshops. These tunnels are a powerful testament to the ingenious engineering required to survive underground during wartime. You can opt to crawl through a 100-meter section of the tunnels to experience what soldiers endured firsthand, or simply stroll along the shaded forest trails taking in the historical significance. Afterward, visit the hidden smokeless Hoang Cam kitchen and sample steamed tapioca with hot tea—the daily staple food of Viet Cong fighters. Note that several visitor tunnel sections have been slightly widened for comfort, so it is much easier to navigate than in wartime!
Learn About Vietnam’s Turbulent Past
Afternoon: Vietnamese Lunch, War Remnants Museum & Colonial Landmarks
After enjoying a delicious, freshly prepared Vietnamese lunch at a reputable local restaurant, we head into downtown Ho Chi Minh City to visit the War Remnants Museum. Offering an insightful historical perspective, the museum documents the profound impact of the Vietnam War on the country and its civilian population. A standout highlight is the famous Requiem photo gallery, featuring poignant historic photographs captured by renowned international war photojournalists such as Tim Page and Larry Burrows.
As we drive through the heart of District 1, time permitting, we will make scenic photo stops at Saigon’s most celebrated French colonial landmarks, including the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral and the grand Saigon Central Post Office—featuring architectural ironwork designed by Gustave Eiffel and built between 1877 and 1883. Your Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh Shore Excursions concludes when your driver safely returns you directly to your cruise port well ahead of your ship’s departure.
Special Timing Note: Because Phu My Port is located roughly 1.5 hours southeast of downtown Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels is another 1.5 hours northwest, visiting both Cu Chi and downtown Saigon from Phu My Port makes for a full, active 8.5 to 9-hour day. If your cruise ship has a shorter port call (under 7 hours), we can easily customize the itinerary to focus exclusively on the Cu Chi Tunnels or downtown Ho Chi Minh City so you never feel rushed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can we visit both the Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City in one day from Phu My Port?
Yes, if your cruise ship docks for at least 8 to 9 hours! Our private air-conditioned vehicle picks you up promptly upon docking, takes you straight to the Cu Chi Tunnels in the morning, and brings you back through downtown Ho Chi Minh City for lunch and key photo stops before returning you safely to Phu My Port on time.
Do I need to buy the $25 USD Port Permit Service for Phu My Port?
The $25 USD per person Port Permit Service is optional, though strongly recommended for cruise passengers. With the permit, our private car and guide meet you right next to your ship’s gangway inside the port. Without the permit, you can walk 15–20 minutes or ride the port shuttle bus ($3–$5 USD) to meet our guide at the main outside gate.
Do you guarantee on-time return to our cruise ship?
Yes, 100%! We monitor your cruise vessel’s exact docking and all-aboard times closely and build generous traffic buffer times into our schedule. We have a 100% track record of returning all cruise guests to their pier well before departure.
Is crawling inside the Cu Chi Tunnels mandatory?
No, crawling through the underground tunnels is completely optional. While certain tourist sections have been widened and lit, they can still feel warm or tight. Guests who prefer not to crawl can easily walk the shaded jungle trails above ground and still see all the bunkers, trapdoors, kitchens, and weapon displays.
Can we customize the tour if someone in our group has limited mobility?
Absolutely! Because this is a private shore excursion, we adjust the walking pace, vehicle drop-off proximity, and site selection to suit every member of your group. Simply share your preferences in the form below or email vietnambookingtoursvn@gmail.com.
Submitted requests get a reply within 1 working day!
Thank you!
Mary (Ms.)
Travel Expert
Interacting with our travelers during their whole trip helps me understand more about their interests and concerns. I like seeking exotic and valuable experiences, and I believe that this is one of the reasons that make us different.
Want a trip designed just for you? Let’s get started! Please fill out the form below or email us directly at vietnambookingtoursvn@gmail.com. Based on your cruise schedule, specific needs, and interests, our travel experts will design a personalized shore excursion just for you. Please note this inquiry is totally free and you are under no obligation!