Vietnam · Culture

Full-Day Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour with Sampan Ride

3 Days Round trip from Củ Chi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the hidden trapdoors, living quarters, and storage facilities of the Cu Chi Tunnels
02 Experience what it was like to move through the narrow tunnels at Cu Chi
03 Taste the traditional "war meal" of boiled tapioca with peanut salt
04 Cruise along the Tien River past the four islands named after mythical creatures
05 Paddle through small, shady canals on a traditional sampan
06 Visit a local honey bee farm and a coconut candy workshop
07 Enjoy seasonal tropical fruits while listening to Don Ca Tai Tu performed by local artists

Experience two of Southern Vietnam's most iconic destinations in one journey, from the heroic underground labyrinth of the Cu Chi Tunnels to the lush, tranquil waterways of the Mekong Delta. Explore the secret tunnel network, learn about the ingenuity and resilience of the local people, and taste a traditional wartime snack of steamed tapioca and hot tea. Then continue to My Tho for a motorboat cruise, a hand-rowed sampan ride through shady canals, local honey tea, coconut candy, seasonal tropical fruits, and Don Ca Tai Tu folk music.

Highlight: Experience the tranquility of the Mekong on a hand-rowed sampan through small, shady canals.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities My Tho, Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Cu Chi Tunnels Exploration and Journey to My Tho

07:30 AM: Pick up at your hotel and head to the countryside.
09:00 AM: Arrive at the tunnels. Watch an introductory video and explore the secret underground world, including bunkers, hospitals, and booby traps.
Experience: Try crawling through the narrow tunnels and see the smokeless Hoang Cam kitchen.
Snack: Taste the "war meal" of steamed tapioca and hot tea.
11:30 AM: Depart Cu Chi and head towards the Mekong Delta in My Tho.

Day 02

Mekong Delta River Life on Unicorn Island

01:30 PM: Board a motorboat to Unicorn Island.
02:00 PM - Late Lunch: Savour a traditional Vietnamese feast, such as the famous Elephant Ear Fish, in a peaceful garden setting.
03:00 PM: Visit a bee farm for honey tea and see how traditional coconut candy is made.
Culture: Relax with seasonal tropical fruits while listening to Don Ca Tai Tu, Southern folk music.
Highlight: Experience the tranquility of the Mekong on a hand-rowed sampan through small, shady canals.

Day 03

Coconut Break and Return to the City

04:30 PM: After the sampan ride, return to the large motorboat.
Special Treat: Relax and enjoy fresh cold coconut water served right on the boat as you cruise back to the pier.
05:00 PM: Drive back to the city.
07:00 PM: Arrive at your hotel in the city. End of an unforgettable journey.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Củ Chi 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

High-quality air-conditioned car or van throughout the trip.
Free hotel pick-up and drop-off in Saigon.
Professional and helpful English-speaking tour guide.
Delicious lunch at a peaceful riverside restaurant on Unicorn Island.
Authentic light snack of steamed tapioca and hot tea at Cu Chi Tunnels.
Fresh seasonal tropical fruits.
Refreshing cold coconut water served on the boat.
Complimentary bottled water provided on the bus.
All entrance fees for Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.
Motorboat cruise and hand-rowed sampan ride.
Don Ca Tai Tu folk music performance.
Visit to a honey bee farm and coconut candy workshop.

What's Not Included

Shopping, telephone calls, or extra snacks and drinks.
Bullets or ammunition for shooting at Cu Chi Tunnels.
Beer, wine, or soft drinks during lunch.
Tips for the tour guide and driver (optional but greatly appreciated if you enjoy the service).
Any services or sightseeing spots not mentioned in the itinerary.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. Avoid high heels or flip-flops for the tunnels.
Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Mosquito protection for the lush gardens of the Mekong Delta.
A small umbrella or light raincoat, especially during the rainy season, and a power bank for your devices.
Some extra Vietnamese Dong (VND) for personal shopping, souvenirs, or the firing range.
A camera or phone to capture the "Instagrammable" moments on the sampan and at the historic tunnel sites.

Know before you go

Please note that lunch will be served around 2:00 PM at a riverside restaurant on Unicorn Island. We recommend having a hearty breakfast before departure.
This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and crawling through narrow tunnels. Crawling is optional.
To respect the historical site and ensure comfort, please wear modest, comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting a bit dusty.
If you wish to try the shooting range at Cu Chi, you must be in good health and at least 18 years old.
If you have any food allergies or specific dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or vegan meals, please inform us at least 24 hours in advance.

Logistics