Ho Chi Minh City in 1 Day for Friends - Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and watch the introductory wartime video
In Collaboration with The Sun Tourist. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Full-day small-group tour combining the Cu Chi Tunnels (wartime tunnel system) and a Mekong Delta visit to My Tho with boat and village experiences. Includes hotel pickup in Ho Chi Minh City, air-conditioned transport, lunch, boat rides, and use of bicycles. Group size limited (luxury group up to 12).
This itinerary was created in collaboration with The Sun Tourist, inspired by the tour Full-Day with Lunch & Pick up to Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and watch the introductory wartime video
- Taste guerrilla-era snacks: tea and cassava
- Boat cruise on the Tien River visiting the Mekong's riverside islands
- Sampan canal ride, coconut candy workshop, seasonal fruits & honey tea
- Short village cycling and live Southern Vietnamese folk music
Itinerary
Day 1
07:30 hotel pickup in Ho Chi Minh City — drive to Cu Chi Tunnels for the video and tunnel visit (tea & cassava served). Lunch at a local restaurant, then continue to My Tho for a Tien River boat trip, sampan canal cruise, coconut candy workshop, seasonal fruits and honey tea, a short village cycle, live Southern folk music, and return to Ho Chi Minh City. Approximate total tour duration: 11 hours.
Hotel pickup — Ho Chi Minh City
Group hotel pickup across central Ho Chi Minh City. Guide confirms passenger list and daily plan, then depart for Cu Chi.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time; guides collect guests from central districts first.
- Have a copy of your booking voucher or name ready to speed check-in with the guide.
- Bring a light layer for the vehicle; air conditioning on the coach can be strong.
Drive to Cu Chi
Air-conditioned transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi area (approx. 1.5 hours). Short comfort stops en route as required.
Tips from local experts:
- If you are prone to motion sickness, take remedies before departure; roads are highway but there are stretches with curves.
- Use the short comfort stop to buy bottled water and restroom breaks; these stops are limited on the way to Cu Chi.
- Keep valuables with you during stops—use the small daypack for essentials.
Visit Cu Chi Tunnels — introductory video and tunnel system
Watch the intro video, explore remaining tunnel sections and wartime living areas (kitchens, bedrooms, field hospital replicas, traps). Tea and cassava (guerrillas' food) served after the visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear closed-toe shoes and lightweight, breathable clothing—the site has uneven ground and some dusty paths.
- If you have claustrophobia or serious back issues, avoid crawling sections; guides will point to viewing alternatives.
- Bring a small bottle of water and sunscreen; there is limited shade around outdoor exhibits.
Short break / tea & cassava
Rest and sample traditional tea and cassava as served to guerrillas during wartime.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this short break to stretch and rehydrate—it’s a good moment to change sunscreen or reapply insect repellent.
- If you have food allergies, notify the guide before the snack is served; cassava is starchy and typically unseasoned.
- Keep this break short to stay on schedule for the afternoon Mekong transfer.
Lunch at a local restaurant
Lunch at a local restaurant near Cu Chi featuring regional dishes.
Tips from local experts:
- Inform the guide of any dietary restrictions before the meal to allow the kitchen to prepare suitable options.
- Carry a small amount of local cash if you want extra drinks or snacks not included with the set meal.
- Expect a modest, local-style restaurant setting—seating is typically shared and informal.
Transfer Cu Chi → My Tho (Mekong Delta)
Drive from Cu Chi to My Tho to access the Tien River for the Mekong Delta portion of the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Vehicle stops are limited on this leg—use the lunch stop and earlier comfort stops for restroom needs.
- Store phones and cameras securely but keep them accessible for river views as you approach My Tho.
- Keep motion-sickness medication handy if you plan to ride small boats later in the day.
Boat cruise on the Tien River — islands view
Motorboat cruise on the Tien River visiting riverside islands (the region’s Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise island groupings are visible from the water).
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light waterproof cover or zip-seal bag for electronics; river spray is common on the motorboat.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat—boat trips offer little shade during midday hours.
- Have small bills ready for any local boat fees or small purchases at riverside stops.
Sampan canal ride, coconut candy workshop & local music
Short sampan ride through a canal, visit a local coconut candy workshop, enjoy seasonal fruit and honey tea, and listen to traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music performed by locals.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry small change for any souvenirs at the coconut candy workshop; purchases are cash-based.
- If you have dietary restrictions, ask the guide before sampling fruits or honey tea at the visit.
- Respect performers' requests regarding photos during the local music performance; some performers accept a small tip.
Short cycling around the village
Guided short bicycle ride around a village near the river to experience local countryside life (flat, short loop designed for groups).
Tips from local experts:
- Bicycles provided are basic village-style bikes; wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.
- The route is short and flat but can be uneven—ask for a guide to walk the bike if you prefer not to ride.
- Carry water and secure any loose items in zip pockets; there may be brief photo stops.
Return transfer to Ho Chi Minh City
Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City with an expected arrival in the early evening; final drop-offs at central hotels conclude the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep any personal items collected for the day in an accessible bag; the coach will have limited space for reorganization once underway.
- Expect to arrive back in central Ho Chi Minh City around early evening—allow time for traffic delays.
- If you need a specific drop-off point, tell the guide during pickup so the route can be adjusted as practicable.
Trip ends — hotel drop-off
Final hotel drop-offs in central Ho Chi Minh City. Tour officially concludes when guests are returned to central hotels or main drop-off points.
Tips from local experts:
- Check you have all personal belongings before disembarking; guides usually do a final seat check.
- If you need onward transport, ask the guide for a recommended taxi or ride-hailing pickup spot.
- Collect any souvenirs stored on the coach before leaving; drivers will not retain items after final stop.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 11 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Break, Meal, Experience, Culture, Outdoor |
