Away from the busy Ho Chi Minh City center, in the suburbs, Cu Chi District associates closely to Mother Nature along with the dark history of the Vietnam War and the infamous underground tunnels. However, as soon as you step into this region, you could feel the hospitality of the Cu Chi residents and see beautiful rice paddies.
Cu Chi District Overview
Cu Chi is a suburban district located in the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. In 2015, there are 394,825 people living on a 435 square kilometer area of Cu Chi. This district is suitable for agriculture production as it is on uneven terrain with the highlands of the montane forests in the north to the delta in the south.
Situated along the Saigon River and near the Vam Co Dong River connecting the eastern and southwestern provinces, Cu Chi District was a strategic location for Saigon – Gia Dinh soldiers during two wars against the French and American. The United States used to call Cu Chi Tunnels the “Iron Triangle” in the old days, including Cu Chi, Trang Bang (Tay Ninh Province), Ben Cat (Binh Duong Province), which point straight to Saigon. It was a base that was tough to conquer and destroy, despite heavy bombings and hostile takeovers by the U.S. and France in the past.
How to Get to Cu Chi District
Since Cu Chi District is nearly 50 km to the northwest of District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel by bus, motorbike or taxi. If you choose the bus, you may catch bus number 13 (at Ben Thanh Station) or bus number 94 (at Cho Lon Station) to Cu Chi station.
To save time, you should go there by taxi, hired transport, or on a guided Cu Chi Tunnels tour. Just follow the direction of An Suong – Quoc Lo 22 (Highway 22). Currently, there are roadworks along the highway and the traffic flow can be unpredictable, so we don’t recommend you navigate to this district on your own. If you travel by taxi, it costs approximately VND 500,000 – 700,000 one way.
Attractions in Cu Chi District
About 70 km to the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi District is a relaxing destination for those who are tired of the hustle life in the metropolitan areas and for those who are curious about the historical stories of Vietnam. So, what is there to see in Cu Chi District? Here are some interesting places that you should try when traveling to this beautiful area.
| Name | Entrance Fee | Address | Category |
| Ben Dinh Tunnels (Cu Chi Tunnels) | VND 110,000/person | 741 Tinh Lo 15 (Provincial Road 15), Nhuan Duc Commune | Historical site |
| Ben Duoc Tunnels (Cu Chi Tunnels) | VND 90,000/person | Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District | Historical site |
| Cu Chi Ethnic Minorities Village | VND 30,000/person | Ben Duoc, Nga Tu Hamlet, Nhuan Duc Commune | Eco-tourism attraction |
| Green Noen | VND 50,000/person | 816/18 Nguyen Thi Ranh, Xom Moi Hamlet, An Nhon Tay Commune | Eco-tourism attraction |
| Tu Tuan – Trung An Fruit Garden | VND 30,000 – VND 70,000/person (depends on the season) | 78 Song Lu, Trung An Commune | Eco-tourism attraction |
Cu Chi Ethnic Minorities Village
Cu Chi Tunnels
Shooting range at Ben Duoc Tunnels
Green Noen
A rambutan fruit garden in Trung An Commune
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Eating in Cu Chi District
Besides the underground tunnels, Cu Chi District is also famous for its foods made from locally sourced ingredients. These types of cuisine always attract not only the Vietnamese but also tourists when they travel to the Cu Chi District. The prices are generally reasonable if you buy at the local markets where you can even bargain.
Check out our blog on How to Bargain in Vietnam.
| Category | Location |
| Vietnamese Cuisine | Steer and Beef Xuan Dao Restaurant – 08 Nguyen Giao, Khu Pho 2, Cu Chi Kim Dung 2 Restaurant – Quoc Lo 22, Tan Thong Hoi Commune Street Foods Phu Hoa Dong Market – Tinh Lo 15, Phu Hoa Dong Commune Family Meals Ben Duoc Restaurant and Ben Dinh Restaurant in the Cu Chi Tunnels |
| Snacks and Drinks | Vuon Cau Restaurant – 259A Quoc Lo 22, Tan Thong Hoi Commune Cu Mi Restaurant – 129 Quoc Lo 22, Tan Phu Trung Commune |
Boiled beef shank
Durian in sugarcane juice and steamed cassava topped with coconut milk
Steamed cassava with peanut, sesame, and salt
Shopping in Cu Chi District
Cu Chi is a historical district, so there is nothing better to buy than souvenirs like shirts, hats, pens, and lighters at the Cu Chi Tunnels’ shops.
Souvenir shop at the Cu Chi Tunnels
| Category | Address | What to Buy |
| Local Markets | Cu Chi Market – Quoc Lo 22 Phu Hoa Dong Market – Tinh Lo 15, Phu Hoa Dong Commune | Raw meat and processed foods, dried foods, fruits, and drinks |
| Shops | Cu Chi Tunnels | Souvenirs |
Nightlife in Cu Chi District
Unlike the vibrant atmosphere and the bright light in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi District is really peaceful and quiet at night. You can enjoy the fresh air and taste the fantastic countryside cuisine of Cu Chi.
Most visitors only spend half or full day to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, but if you want to stay overnight, there are ecotourism centers or countryside resorts where they offer overnight stay; this way you don’t have to travel far to look for food and entertainment at night. And the campfire is a great choice for campers.
Summary of Cu Chi District in Ho Chi Minh City
This beautiful land is loved by its residents as a preferred weekend getaway for calmness and wonderful rice paddy landscapes. While being in Cu Chi District, do not forget to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you can get insights into how the people struggled and fought for survival during the war and learn from their side of the story.
If you have plans to visit Cu Chi District or travel in Ho Chi Minh City, do not forget to check out our highly-rated private tours and our special offers.