CU CHI TUNNELS

Drive out of your hotel and into the surrounding countryside. Your drive through the city, countryside gives you a lot of chances to see the real Vietnamese peoples life.
Originally constructed as a means to fight against the French by the Viet Minh, the tunnels were later expanded up to 12 meters below ground in hard soil using only rudimentary tools. Most tunnels were only 60-70 centimeters wide, and 1.5 meters high, with thick roofs capable of withstanding the weight of tanks or the impact of bombs weighing up to 100 kilograms.
En-route to Cu Chi, the busy road passes through tranquil rice paddies, where entrepreneurial villagers use the hot roadside as a platform for drying all manner of produce. A short photostop will be made at a small village where your guide will explain the process of rice paper production. Hundreds of sheets dot the countryside, drying on woven racks in the relentless sun.
Another photo stop is made at the rubber plantation where there used to be fierce fightings between the guerillas and the American troops during Vietnam war.
On arrival at Cu Chi, a short a brief introduction on the history of the tunnels, their origins, construction and design. A military guide will explain with the use of dioramas the underground network, and display some of the tools and weapons utilized by the guerrillas.
Much of the tunnel complex has been open and ventilated so that you can more easily experience the underground meeting rooms, kitchens, hospital and sleeping areas. More adventurous and agile tunnel explorers can experience an unlit passage which has not been enlarged for the comfort of visitors! You will be tested to find the hidden tunnels entrances and be given insight into the ingenious methods that the Vietnamese soldiers employed to remain undetected and frustrate their enemies. Refreshments and souvenirs are available in the nearby parking area, which also displays some military paraphernalia.
A short stop will be made at the recently built memorial nearby, which honors the 10,000 guerrilla soldiers who died during the fighting at Cu Chi.
Re-board your bus and return to your hotel