Astrid Freja

2025-07-12

Having called Vietnam home for eight enriching years, I've gathered countless authentic stories that I'm now eager to share with you. As a VietAdvisor contributor, my passion lies in the freedom of discovery, allowing me to deeply immerse myself in Vietnam's rich, diverse cultures from north to south. Let my experiences help you forge a deeper connection with this extraordinary country.

So, you’re looking at tours in Ho Chi Minh City. You see those “Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Full Day” options. Sounds like a lot, right? My first thought was, “No way, that’s too much. It’ll be rushed.” But, you know, sometimes you just gotta try it to see. I did. Here’s what happened and if I think it’s worth your time and money.

This isn’t some polished story. It’s just my honest rundown. If you’re wondering if you can actually pull off seeing both in one go, without totally losing your mind, keep reading.

Unsure if the combined Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta day tour from Ho Chi Minh City lives up to the hype? This review provides an unvarnished look at the long day’s journey, from war history to serene river life, offering practical tips and honest reflections for foreign visitors.
The Main Question: Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta, both in one day?
- Answer: Yeah, for most people who are short on time. It’s a long day, a very long day. But it gives you a decent look at two very different, important places. You get a taste of each, not the whole meal.
What to Expect:
- Early Start (7 AM – 8 AM): They pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, usually District 1. Drives to Cu Chi take 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Morning at Cu Chi Tunnels (about 2-3 hours on site):
  - History: You learn about the Vietnam War, how clever the soldiers were.
  - Tunnels: You can crawl through some tunnels. They’ve made them bigger for tourists. It’s hot and dark in there.
  - Traps/Guns: See old traps. You can shoot a gun (AK-47, M16) if you pay extra.
  - Tips: Wear light clothes, good shoes. Bring bug spray, water.
- Drive to Mekong Delta (about 1-3 hours): Long drive from Cu Chi to the Delta (My Tho or Ben Tre area). You see more countryside.
- Afternoon in Mekong Delta (about 2.5-4 hours on site):
  - Boat Ride: Ride a boat on the river.
  - Island Stops: Visit small islands.
  - Local Stuff: See how they make coconut candy, get honey tea. Taste local fruits.
  - Small Boat: Ride a tiny rowboat (sampan) through narrow canals. This is cool.
  - Music: Listen to some local folk music while you eat fruit.
  - Tips: Sunscreen, hat, water are a must. It’s hot.
- Late Finish (6 PM – 7 PM onwards): Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. They drop you off in District 1.
Cost: Tours are usually $40 – $90+ per person. Depends on the tour quality, group size. Most include transport, guide, lunch, entrance fees. Shooting range costs extra.
Key Things to Know:
- Good: If you don’t have much time, it’s efficient. You see a lot. Different experiences (history, nature, culture).
- Bad: Very long day (10-11 hours). Can feel rushed. A lot of time sitting in the van.
- Best Time: Dry season (December to April) is better weather-wise. Start early to avoid the worst heat and crowds at Cu Chi.
Should You Do It? If you only have one day for these two, yes. If you like to take your time and see things in depth, maybe book separate full-day tours.

Short Videos

0 – 60s

Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip in Ho Chi Minh City – MUST VIST PLACES IN VIETNAM Where to go for a day trip from Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City? Let’s explore the legendary Củ Chi Tunnels in Vietnam! This underground maze stretches over 250km and was used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War to hide, fight, and survive. Crawl through tight tunnels, see hidden bunkers, and even try wartime snacks like steamed tapioca. Located just 70km from Ho Chi Minh City Centre, the Cu Chi Tunnel tour is a must-do for history lovers and adventure seekers. Would you dare to go underground? How to get to Cu Chi Tunnels? you can get there on a tour or take the public transport: Public bus No 13 from 23/9 Park in the City Centre to Cu Chi Bus Station then take bus No 79 from Cu Chi Station to Ben Duoc. Stop at Ngã 3 Đền Bến Dược. If you have any questions like: Ho chi minh cu chi tunnel tour? how to visit cu chi tunnels? Cu chi tunnels tour price? cu chi tunnel network map? where is cu chi tunnels located? Send me a message. New Vietnam visa rules: – You can get an e-visa that's valid for up to 90 days to travel to Vietnam. – Multiple entries visa is now available to travellers – And there are more visa exemptions for more countries. So if you have a passport of the countries in the list below, you won't need a visa to enter Vietnam. How to get an evisa to Vietnam? – Go to Vietnam e-visa website: www.evisa.gov.vn from the Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam. Vietnam Visa processing time: How long does it take to get your visa? 3-5 working days but I recommend everyone to apply for the visa at least 1 month before their departure date. I am Trung. I am Vietnamese. I am your Vietnam Travel Guru. Thanks for watching and please follow me for more Vietnam Travel Tips. #vietnam #vietnamtravel #travelvietnam #vietnamtiktok #traveltiktok #visitvietnam #vietnamtrip #vietnamtourism #vietnamlife #vietnamfood #backpack #backpacking #budgettravel #trungcooky #melbourne #australia #vietnamvisa #visaprocess #wanderlustvibes #viral #viralvideo #besttime #vietnamairport #travelhacks #danangairport #airport #tansonnhatairport #noibaiairport #travelhacksandtips #vietnamevisa #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #travelguide #explorevietnam #thingstodoinvietnam #hanoitourism #adventure #tourism #tipsandtricks #fasttrack #fastrackcustomsclearance #fasttrackairport #fasttrackvietnamairport #mustvisit #MUSTSEE #CUCHI #cuchitunnels

tiktok•Trung Cooky Travel

My Day

Okay, so I booked one of these combo tours. I just picked one that had good reviews online, like you’d find on GetYourGuide. It was around $50. Included pickup, the ride, a guide who spoke English, entry tickets, and lunch. Sounded reasonable.

Part 1: Cu Chi Tunnels – Early Morning History

My alarm was set for too early. Around 6:30 AM. Pickup was at 7:30 AM from my hotel in District 1. The van was pretty standard, AC worked, seats were fine. Our guide was a local guy. Spoke English well enough, introduced himself, and told us what the day looked like.

The drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels was about 1.5 hours. Felt longer, though. Ho Chi Minh City traffic is no joke, even in the morning. Once we got out of the city, it turned into green fields, rice paddies, small towns. The guide used the drive to tell us about the Vietnam War here. He talked about how the Viet Cong built and used these tunnels. He explained how they were not just living spaces but also communication routes, supply lines, and even hospital areas underground. This talk was important, actually, for understanding the place.

Arriving at Cu Chi

We arrived at the Ben Dinh part of the Cu Chi Tunnels. This is where most tourists go. Just so you know, there’s Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. Ben Dinh is closer to the city and they’ve made the tunnels a bit bigger and added more stuff for tourists. Ben Duoc is further, less crowded, and the tunnels are more original. For a combined tour, you’re almost always going to Ben Dinh because of time.

First thing you notice: hot and humid, lots of trees. You can feel the history, even with all the tourist bits. Our guide led us through. First, a short film. It’s an old film, a bit propaganda-style from the 60s, black and white. It shows how the tunnels were built, how they cooked, slept, and fought underground. It effectively sets the tone and gives you a visual on the tough life down there. It’s a good primer.

Then we walked through the jungle. We stopped at different spots. We saw these hidden trap doors – seriously, you wouldn’t know they were there. They were small, barely bigger than a manhole, covered with leaves and dirt. The guide demonstrated how they opened them and slipped inside. It made you realize how incredibly effective they were for stealth.

Next, we saw the booby traps. Not just holes. These were pretty brutal, designed to injure or kill. We saw different types: the “door trap” where stepping on a trigger would swing a spiked board into your leg, the “fish trap” which was a pit with sharp bamboo spikes, and the “folding chair” trap that would flip you into spikes. Seeing them up close, it’s a bit grim, but it’s important to understand the war and the ingenuity that went into these defenses.

Tunnel Crawl: Not for the Claustrophobic

The main event, or maybe the scariest part for some, is crawling through a tunnel section. Okay, disclaimer: these are not the original super-tiny tunnels. The sections for tourists at Ben Dinh have been widened. They’re about 1.2 meters high and 0.8 meters wide. Even so, they’re narrow, dark, and tight.

I did the 20-meter section. You can choose longer, 50 or 100 meters, but honestly, after 20 meters, I was done. It’s pitch black unless you use your phone light. The air is thick, humid, and gets dusty from people crawling. You’re on your hands and knees, sometimes even lower, pushing yourself forward. You can feel the dirt walls pressing in. It’s hard to imagine living in there for weeks or months, let alone fighting. It’s a very physical experience and a real eye-opener to the extreme conditions they faced.

When I got out, breathing heavy, we saw some of the weapons and tools the Viet Cong used. There was a display of old rifles, handmade grenades, and even sandals made from old car tires. It really showed their resourcefulness. There’s also a shooting range. You can pay extra (like 40,000 VND per bullet for an AK-47, 35,000 VND for M16) to shoot a real gun. The sound is loud, even with ear protection. I skipped it. Just wasn’t my thing. But a lot of people in my group tried it out. It’s popular.

Before we left Cu Chi Tunnels, they offered us Steamed Tapioca. This was what the soldiers ate during the war. It was plain, a bit starchy, served with some savory peanut dip. And pandanus tea, which was surprisingly refreshing. Simple food, but another reminder of the hard times.

My time at Cu Chi Tunnels felt okay. We spent about 2.5 to 3 hours there. It was enough to see the main stuff, get a strong sense of the history, and experience the tunnels without feeling like we had to rush constantly. We saw the main exhibits, the crater from a 500-pound bomb, and a replica of a command bunker.

Part 2: Heading to the Mekong Delta

Leaving Cu Chi, the drive to the Mekong Delta was the longest leg. Around 1.5 to 2 hours, sometimes more depending on which island in the Delta the tour goes to. They usually head to My Tho or Ben Tre province, which are good starting points for Delta tours from Ho Chi Minh City.

The scenery kept changing. No more city. Just huge green rice fields stretching to the horizon, dotted with small rural houses. Then came the coconut groves, rows and rows of palms. You’d glimpse a narrow canal with small boats.

This visual shift from the serious history of Cu Chi Tunnels to the lively, water-filled Delta was pretty stark. Our guide kept talking, telling us about Vietnamese culture, rice farming, fishing, and how people live in the Mekong. He talked about the importance of the river to daily life, from transport to livelihood.

Lunch was part of the tour. Usually at a local restaurant near the Mekong Delta, right by the river. It was a simple, open-air place, no frills, but with a nice breeze. We had basic but fresh Vietnamese food. The highlight for most was the big, fried “Elephant Ear Fish” (Ca Tai Tuong) – it’s presented standing up, and the meat is flaky and delicious when wrapped in rice paper with herbs and dipped in sauce.

We also had fresh spring rolls, stir-fried vegetables, and a soup. It was a good, solid meal. You need the energy after the morning. Food was tasty, authentic.

Exploring the Mekong Delta: Life on the Water

After lunch, we went to a pier to get on our main boat for the Mekong Delta part. The Mekong Delta is a big farming area, lots of rice. But it’s also famous for all its rivers and canals. They’re like roads for the locals.

The boat ride along the Tien River, a big branch of the Mekong, was relaxing. The boat was a decent size, with a roof for shade. Hot and humid, but the breeze from the river felt good. We passed houses on stilts along the banks, small fishing boats, and even some barges loaded with goods. You get a direct look at how people live here, where the river is everything – for transport, trade, and daily life.

Our first stop was usually a coconut candy workshop on one of the small islands (often Unicorn Islet, Thoi Son Islet, or Phoenix Islet, depends on the tour operator). Here, we saw them making coconut candy by hand. It’s a whole process: they grate the coconut, extract the milk, boil it down with sugar until it thickens, then pour it into molds, cut it, and wrap it. It’s all done manually. They give you samples, which were good – soft, chewy, and intensely coconutty.

And of course, there’s a shop to buy different coconut products: candy, coconut oil, soap, even coconut wine. No pressure to buy, though. It’s a good way to see local crafts and how a small industry works.

Next, a honey bee farm. We learned about beekeeping, saw the hives up close (from a safe distance), and then tasted fresh honey. They served us honey tea with kumquats – very refreshing, especially in the heat. It was just a small, simple cup, but it tasted pure. You could also hold a python if you wanted for a photo. I passed on the snake photo. Just enjoyed the tea. They also had royal jelly and bee pollen for sale.

Then, the “Don Ca Tai Tu,” Southern Vietnamese traditional folk music. We gathered under a thatched roof, sat on simple wooden benches. A few musicians played traditional instruments like the đàn bầu (monochord), đàn tranh (zither), and tỳ bà (lute), while a singer performed. It’s unique music, often tells stories, and it’s recognized by UNESCO. While listening, we got fresh tropical fruits: dragon fruit, mango, rambutan, pineapple. All cut up and ready to eat. The music is distinct. It’s a pleasant, quiet break, lets you take in the local vibe.

The Sampan Ride: Paddling Quietly Through the Canals

For me, and a lot of others, the best part of the Mekong Delta was the sampan ride. These are small, wooden boats, hand-paddled, that take you through narrow, tree-lined canals. They only fit about 3-4 people. It’s super peaceful. The canals are quite narrow, and the water coconut trees lean over, forming natural tunnels of green.

The only sounds are the gentle dip of the paddle in the water and the rustling of leaves. It feels like you’re in a hidden world, totally different from the big river. The person paddling was usually a local woman, very skilled at navigating the winding waterways. It’s an authentic experience, not just a photo op. This was the quietest part of the whole day, a good contrast to the earlier hustle.

After the sampan, we got back on our bigger boat, then back to the van for the ride to Ho Chi Minh City.

Part 3: So, Was It Worth It?

The drive back to Ho Chi Minh City was long again, about 1.5 to 2 hours. Everyone in the van was tired, but seemed happy with the day. We got back to District 1 around 6:30 PM. So, yeah, an 11-hour day.

Now, the big question: is it worth doing Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta in a day?

My Straight Answer: Yes, mostly. But know what you’re getting into.

Design your trip to Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh City

💡 Ask about Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh City

Best hotels in Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh City for couples

Must-do tours & activities in Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh City

Private car from airport to Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh City

Travel eSIM for Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh City

Top 5 luxury hotels in Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh City

📍 Map Places

Map data is loading...

📰 Latest Guides

🤠

Local Buddy (Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh City)

Online

Personalizing for YOU...

Designing your adventure...Checking flight routes...Curating best hotels...Polishing your itinerary...

🤠

🔥 For You

⭐ Insight

✈️ Best Flights

🏨 Top Stays

🎫 Must-Do

🎒 Essentials

🚕 Getting Around

Letter from your Local Buddy

Check availability

See Reviews on TripAdvisor ➜

If You’re Short on Time (Do It): If you only have a couple of days in Ho Chi Minh City – like 2 or 3 full days – and you want to see both these big spots, then this combined tour is smart. It saves you time and hassle, big time. You hit the main things at both places. You get a good idea of Vietnam’s war history and its river life. It’s efficient, no doubt.
If You Like to Go Deep (Maybe Not): If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to spend hours at each site, learn every detail, and really get immersed, this tour will feel rushed. You get a “taste,” not a full experience. For example, a dedicated half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour would let you spend more time on the history, maybe crawl more tunnel sections, or visit the less crowded Ben Duoc site. Similarly, the Mekong Delta offers multi-day tours where you can stay overnight in homestays, visit proper floating markets (you have to get up super early for those, not possible on a day trip), and explore smaller, less-touristy villages by bike. You definitely don’t see the famous Cai Rang floating market on this day trip, for example.
Travel Time is a Big Chunk (Be Ready): A lot of your day is spent in the van. The scenery is interesting, and the guides talk, but it’s still driving. Count on 4 to 6 hours total driving time for an 11-hour day. This means less time actually doing things. Keep that in mind.

The “Experience” Part (What I Felt):

Even though it’s a combined tour, you do get a real experience. You’re not just reading about it. Crawling through the Cu Chi Tunnels is something you won’t forget; it’s physically and mentally impactful. Riding the small boat through the canals in the Mekong Delta, listening to the music, tasting the fruit – it connects you to the place in a tangible way.

Good guides make a big difference, explaining things and making it more interesting, answering questions, and sharing local insights. They fill in the gaps that a rushed schedule might otherwise leave.

Things I Learned and Tips for You:

From my trip, here’s what I think you should know:

Book with a Good Tour Company:

Seriously, this is important. A well-run tour makes the whole day better. Why? Because you’re spending so much time on the road. A good company means a comfortable, air-conditioned van that won’t break down, a reliable driver, and a guide who actually knows what they’re talking about and can manage the schedule efficiently. Look for companies with high ratings on sites like GetYourGuide, Klook, or Viator.

Check reviews for how good the guide was, if the van was comfortable, and if the schedule made sense. The “Ho Chi Minh: Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Full-Day Tour” with high ratings (like 4.7-4.8 stars and thousands of reviews) is a safe bet. These tours usually include hotel pickup (District 1 is standard), a decent air-conditioned van (small groups, 10-16 people, are better as they move faster), an English-speaking guide, all entry fees, and lunch.

Pack Smart for the Day:

Good Shoes: You’ll walk a lot, especially at Cu Chi Tunnels, on uneven ground, dirt paths. Maybe crawl too. So comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Light Clothes: It’s always hot and humid in Southern Vietnam, even in the dry season. Wear stuff that breathes, quick-dry materials are best. You’ll sweat.
Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, strong sunscreen (SPF 50+). You’ll be out in the open sun on the boats in the Mekong Delta and walking in exposed areas at Cu Chi. Sunburn is real.
Bug Spray: You need it, especially in the jungle at Cu Chi and near the water in the Delta. Mosquitoes are always around.
Water: They might give you a bottle, but bring extra. It’s hot, you’ll be active, and staying hydrated is critical.
Small Bag: Just for your essentials – phone, wallet, water, bug spray, sunscreen. Leave big luggage at the hotel.
Cash: For things that cost extra, like shooting a gun (figure 600,000-1,000,000 VND for a clip of 10 bullets), or souvenirs at the workshops, or if you want extra drinks not included with lunch. Small denominations are good.

Know What to Expect:

It’s a busy day. You won’t become an expert on either place, but you’ll get a solid introduction. It’s a highlight reel, not a deep dive. Just go with the flow, embrace the pace, and enjoy the different things you see. Don’t expect to linger anywhere for an hour.

Use Travel Time:

The driving time can be for resting, catching a nap, looking out the window at the changing countryside, or talking to your guide and other people on the tour. Some tours play documentaries on the bus. Don’t think of it as wasted time.

Listen to Your Guide:

A good guide can tell you a lot more than you’d read in a book. They provide context, share personal anecdotes, and answer questions. They make the experience better and more informative.

Food:

Lunch is typically provided, usually a set meal of local Vietnamese dishes. It’s generally good, often features regional specialties like the Elephant Ear Fish. It’s not gourmet, but it’s filling and authentic. If you have any food issues or allergies, tell the tour company when you book so they can try to accommodate.

[gemini_formatted_popup prompt=”What exactly are the Cu Chi Tunnels and what was their historical significance during the Vietnam War? Explain their strategic importance and how they were used by the Viet Cong, short 150 words organized answer with bullet points and bold highlights” button_text=”What are Cu Chi Tunnels?” seemorelink=”#”] [gemini_formatted_popup prompt=”Describe the practical considerations and general experience of crawling through a section of the Cu Chi Tunnels for tourists. What should visitors be aware of regarding claustrophobia, heat, and physical demands?, short 150 words organized answer with bullet points and bold highlights” button_text=”Tunnel crawl experience.” seemorelink=”#”] [gemini_formatted_popup prompt=”What types of booby traps were commonly found in the Cu Chi Tunnels network, and how were they designed to be effective against enemy forces?, short 150 words organized answer with bullet points and bold highlights” button_text=”Cu Chi booby traps.” seemorelink=”#”] [gemini_formatted_popup prompt=”Can tourists really fire weapons at the Cu Chi Tunnels? What types of firearms are typically available, and what is the approximate cost per bullet?, short 150 words organized answer with bullet points and bold highlights” button_text=”Firing range at Cu Chi?” seemorelink=”#”] [gemini_formatted_popup prompt=”What essential items should travelers pack for a combined Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta day trip to ensure comfort and safety?, short 150 words organized answer with bullet points and bold highlights” button_text=”What to pack for the trip?” seemorelink=”#”]

[gemini_formatted_popup prompt=”What are the primary cultural and economic activities in the Mekong Delta, and how does the river influence daily life for its inhabitants?, short 150 words organized answer with bullet points and bold highlights” button_text=”Mekong Delta culture and economy.” seemorelink=”#”] [gemini_formatted_popup prompt=”Describe the typical activities experienced during a Mekong Delta boat tour, including island visits, local workshops, and cultural performances., short 150 words organized answer with bullet points and bold highlights” button_text=”Mekong Delta boat tour activities.” seemorelink=”#”] [gemini_formatted_popup prompt=”What is a sampan ride in the Mekong Delta like? Detail the experience of being paddled through the narrow canals., short 150 words organized answer with bullet points and bold highlights” button_text=”Sampan ride experience.” seemorelink=”#”] [gemini_formatted_popup prompt=”What is ‘Don Ca Tai Tu’ and why is this Southern Vietnamese folk music important to the Mekong Delta’s cultural identity?, short 150 words organized answer with bullet points and bold highlights” button_text=”Don Ca Tai Tu importance.” seemorelink=”#”] [gemini_formatted_popup prompt=”What are the key advantages of choosing a combined Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta day tour over separate tours for first-time visitors?, short 150 words organized answer with bullet points and bold highlights” button_text=”Benefits of combined tour.” seemorelink=”#”]

Other Tour Choices (If You Have More Time or Specific Interests):

The combo tour is efficient, but there are other ways to do it:

Separate Tours:

Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour: These are common. Morning or afternoon departures. They give you more focused time at the tunnels (about 6.5-7.5 hours total including travel from HCMC). This allows for a deeper dive into the history, more time at the exhibits, and maybe even a visit to the less crowded Ben Duoc section if your specific half-day tour goes there. Prices start around $25-$35 USD for a basic group tour. Take a look here.

Mekong Delta Full-Day Tour (My Tho/Ben Tre): These tours are just for the Delta. You’ll usually have a more relaxed pace, more time on the boat, and sometimes they add different stops not included in combined tours, like a specific fruit orchard visit, or a local house. Prices start from $15-$25. Book here.

Higher-End Tours:

You can find VIP tours for both, sometimes by speedboat or nicer vehicles like limousines. These are more expensive (combo VIP tours can be $70-$100+ USD) but offer more comfort, often smaller groups, and potentially unique experiences like slightly different routes or more personalized attention. For example, some “HCMC: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta VIP Tour by Limousine” options for around $60-$80 promise a smoother, faster journey. Book here.

Two-Day Mekong Delta Tours: If you really want to see the Mekong Delta, consider spending two days and one night. These often include sleeping in a local homestay, which is a great cultural experience. They also usually involve visits to bustling floating markets (like Cai Rang, which requires you to get up really early, like 5 AM, not possible on a day trip), and more time to cycle through villages, see local schools, and interact more deeply with the community. This is for true immersion.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City (Your Home Base):

You’ll be starting and finishing these tours in Ho Chi Minh City, so pick a good hotel. Most tours pick up from hotels in District 1, District 3, and District 4. These areas are good for tourists because they’re close to major attractions, lots of restaurants, bars, and shopping.

Here are some good hotel ideas in Ho Chi Minh City, for different budgets. All are well-rated and in good spots:

Fancy/Luxury:

Park Hyatt Saigon: (District 1) Always gets high marks for its classic elegance and top-tier service. It’s in a prime spot near Notre Dame Cathedral and the Reunification Palace.
The Reverie Saigon: (District 1) Known for its incredibly opulent design, often described as over-the-top luxurious. It has stunning city views and impeccable service. Very central, high-end.

Mid-Range:

Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel: (District 1) Modern, comfortable, with a popular rooftop pool and bar offering great city views. Excellent value for its central location.

Budget/Boutique:

Lanura Saigon Boutique Hotel: (Tan Binh District) Clean, modern, good facilities, and slightly away from the busiest parts of Tan Binh but still very accessible by taxi or Grab. Offers good value.
The Common Room Project: (District 1, near Bui Vien Walking Street) A highly rated hostel/hotel hybrid. Great for solo travelers or those on a tighter budget, known for its social atmosphere, clean dorms, and private rooms.

Link Suggestion: For more hotel ideas, check out my guide here.

Wrapping It Up:

My day doing the Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta was undeniably long and packed. No doubt about that. It wasn’t a relaxing spa day. But it was definitely worth it for me. It was a day that took me from the serious history of war to the lively, river-based life. The contrast was interesting and quite striking.

It shows you a lot about the people here, their resilience, and how beautiful the country is, even with the historical weight. Even though one day is just a quick look, it’s a powerful and memorable one. It gives you a much richer understanding of Vietnam than just staying in the city.

If your time is precious, and you want to maximize your exposure to two of Southern Vietnam’s most famous and contrasting destinations, then yes, book that combined Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta day tour. Just be prepared for a long day, stay hydrated, and let the experiences wash over you. You’ll get back to Ho Chi Minh City tired, but with a lot of stuff to talk about and some unique stories to tell.

Featured

Northern Vietnam

Central Vietnam

Southern Vietnam

Western Vietnam

Vietnam Islands

SEA

My Day