How to Plan Your Ho Chi Minh City and More Realistic and Less Touristy Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnels 1day Tour

Are you planning your visit to Ho Chi Minh City and looking for a tour that’s more than just a typical tourist trap? You may want to consider the Ho Chi Minh City and more realistic and less touristy Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnels 1day tour offered by Viator. This tour combines the exploration of the vibrant city and the educational experience of visiting the Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnels. You’ll learn about Vietnam’s history during the Vietnam War, and see how local people lived in the tunnels during the conflict. Here’s how to plan your tour:

Overview

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation for tour and transfer, including pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. You’ll enjoy Vietnamese and Asian food for lunch and all entrance fees for both the city and Cu Chi Tunnels. Additional choices for food and drinks, travel insurance, and tips for the local guide are not included.

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point located at HANA TOURIST- Q.34 Cư Xá Vĩnh Hội, Phường 6, Quận 4, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam. Alternatively, you can request pickup at your hotel. Our guides and van shall be at your lobby from 07:30 am to 08:00 am. Please be advised that the pick-up order shall be carefully chosen by our drivers/guides to ensure the convenience of the route and timing.

What to Expect

The tour comprises two main segments – the Ho Chi Minh City portion and the Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnels portion. In Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll drive through the central area such as Dong Khoi Street, City Hall, and Notre Dame Cathedral to view the vibrant sites and learn more about the city’s rich history. You’ll also visit the War Remnant Museum to see photographs and artifacts from the Vietnam War. Next, you’ll head to the Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnels, a fascinating underground network for the Vietnamese during the war. You’ll explore the tunnels’ original structures, including a tunnel used as a meeting chamber and kitchen, and learn about the challenges and risks faced by the people who lived there. The tour also includes a visit to Ben Duoc Memorial Temple, which is dedicated to the heroes of the Communist Party and the Viet Cong guerrillas who fought during the Vietnam War.

Additional Info

This tour is offered by Viator, a trusted and reputable travel company. The duration of the tour is approximately eight hours. Comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen are recommended. The activity ends at the meeting point.

Final Thoughts

If you want to avoid the typical touristy activities and explore something more educational and realistic during your visit to Ho Chi Minh City, the Ho Chi Minh City and more realistic and less touristy Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnels 1day tour is for you. Book the tour here and enjoy your experience.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, it’s no wonder that more and more travelers are flocking to this dynamic city. If you’re planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, here’s everything you need to know:

1. What is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with two seasons: the dry season from December to April and the rainy season from May to November. The best time to visit is during the dry season when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. If you’re looking for a bargain, consider visiting during the rainy season when hotels and tours offer discounts.

2. Do I need a visa to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, most visitors to Vietnam need a visa. You can apply for a visa on arrival at one of the international airports in Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport. You can also obtain a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country. Be sure to check the latest visa requirements and regulations before you travel.

3. What is the currency in Ho Chi Minh City?

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND). ATMs are widely available in Ho Chi Minh City, and most major credit cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash with you for smaller transactions.

4. What are some must-see attractions in Ho Chi Minh City?

There are plenty of things to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City, including:

• The War Remnants Museum
• The Reunification Palace
• The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
• The Binh Tay Market
• The Cu Chi Tunnels

5. What is the local cuisine like?

Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its fresh flavors, fragrant herbs, and colorful presentation. Some of the local dishes to try in Ho Chi Minh City include:

• Pho – a savory noodle soup
• Banh mi – a crusty baguette filled with meat, vegetables, and spices
• Goi cuon – fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp or pork
• Bun bo Hue – spicy beef noodle soup
• Banh xeo – crispy rice flour pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts

6. Is it safe to travel to Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, like any big city, it’s important to take precautions to avoid theft and scams. Be wary of pickpockets in crowded areas and always negotiate prices with taxi drivers and street vendors.

7. What are some popular day trips from Ho Chi Minh City?

If you have some extra time, consider taking a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. Some popular options include:

• The Mekong Delta – a scenic region of rice paddies, floating markets, and fruit orchards
• Vung Tau – a seaside resort town with sandy beaches and fresh seafood
• The Cao Dai Holy See – the colorful headquarters of Vietnam’s unique Cao Dai religion
• The Cu Chi Tunnels – an fascinating underground network used during the Vietnam War

8. How do I get around in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has a range of transportation options, including taxis, motorbikes, and public buses. Taxis and motorbikes are widely available, but be sure to negotiate the fare before you get in. Public buses are also cheap and convenient, but can be crowded and hard to navigate if you don’t speak Vietnamese. Many visitors also enjoy exploring the city on foot or by bicycle.

9. What are some cultural customs to be aware of?

Vietnamese culture has a strong emphasis on respect and tradition. Here are some customs to be aware of when visiting Ho Chi Minh City:

• Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple
• Bow slightly when greeting someone or showing respect
• Avoid touching someone’s head or pointing your feet towards them
• Use both hands when giving or receiving money or gifts
• Avoid public displays of affection

10. What are some useful Vietnamese phrases to know?

Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases can go a long way in making your trip to Ho Chi Minh City more enjoyable. Here are some phrases to get you started:

• Xin chao – Hello
• Cam on – Thank you
• Tam biet – Goodbye
• Bao nhieu tien? – How much does it cost?
• Toi muon di den… – I want to go to…

Final Thoughts

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant and exciting destination that offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or just soaking up the local atmosphere, you’re sure to have a memorable experience in this dynamic city. By following these tips and suggestions, you can make the most of your visit and create lasting memories in Ho Chi Minh City.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, located in southern Vietnam, is a vibrant and bustling city that is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. It’s a city full of history, culture, and energy that drawing a large number of visitors every year. If you’re planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, you should plan your itinerary well to make the most of your stay. In this blog post, we will provide a detailed step-by-step guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Ho Chi Minh City.

1. Visit the War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. It displays the brutal impact of the Vietnam War, which is referred to as the American War in Vietnam. The museum has three floors filled with exhibits, including graphic photographs and displays of military equipment, such as tanks, planes, and guns. Visiting the museum is a great way to learn about Vietnam’s history and the impact of the war on the country.

2. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels

Located about 40 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels is a must-visit destination for history buffs. The tunnels were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, and they house an intricate network of tunnels that helped the Viet Cong soldiers to survive and fight against the Americans. Visitors can explore the tunnels by crawling through some of them, and watch a video showing how the tunnels were used during the war.

3. Visit the Thien Hau Temple

The Thien Hau Temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in Ho Chi Minh City. It is dedicated to the goddess of the sea, and it was constructed in the early 19th century by Chinese immigrants. The temple is located in the city’s Chinatown, and its impressive architecture, vibrant colors, and intricate decorations make it a popular tourist attraction.

4. Take a Food Tour

Ho Chi Minh City is a food lover’s paradise, and taking a food tour is an excellent way to sample some of the best food the city has to offer. A food tour will take you through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, and you’ll get the chance to try some of the city’s signature dishes, such as Pho, Banh Mi, and Bun Cha.

5. Visit the Ben Thanh Market

One of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks is the Ben Thanh Market, which is a bustling, lively marketplace that sells everything from produce to souvenirs. It’s a great place to shop for gifts and souvenirs, and the market is especially popular at night when vendors set up street food stalls selling delicious Vietnamese food.

6. Visit the Reunification Palace

The Reunification Palace is a significant site in Ho Chi Minh City’s history. This building was the Presidential Palace for the South Vietnamese government during the Vietnam war. After the north Vietnamese won the war, the country became reunified and the Palace became a museum. Still, it is a historical symbol of one of the most important events in the city’s past.

7. Check Out the Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Opera House is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks, and it has been a prominent fixture since it was built in 1897. The building’s architecture is French Colonial, and it’s used for both opera and ballet performances.

8. Take a Saigon River Cruise

A river cruise on the Saigon River is a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some beautiful views of the city. Visitors can enjoy a sunset cruise, dinner cruise or a sightseeing tour, which will take you past some of the city’s highlights, such as the Saigon Opera House and the Bitexco Financial Tower.

9. Visit the Museum of Vietnamese History

The Museum of Vietnamese History is a fascinating museum that showcases Vietnam’s rich history and culture. The museum is housed in a French Colonial building and has an extensive collection of artifacts, which include ancient pottery, bronze drums, and ancient statues.

10. Enjoy Nightlife on Bui Vien Street

Bui Vien Street is situated in Ho Chi Minh City’s backpacker district, and it’s a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the city’s nightlife. The street is lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants, and it’s a lively and energetic place to spend the evening.

Book Your Tour Now

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant and exciting destination for tourists, and there are plenty of things to see and do in the city. With this step-by-step guide, you can create an itinerary that covers the best tourist sights and activities that the city has to offer. Take your time, enjoy the beautiful views, taste traditional food and explore the history and culture of this fascinating city.