Vietnam has a special place in history, and the Ben Dinh Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City take you back into it.
These tunnels played a significant role in the Vietnam War and are part of Cu Chi Tunnels
Let’s explore what you can do when you visit.
When you visit here, you can learn about how people from North Vietnam lived and fought during the war.
You can also explore a special place where Vietnamese soldiers dug underground.
They used it as their secret base to plan things when they were fighting against the American soldiers. It’s like a hidden world under the ground!
Ben Dinh Tunnels History
The Cu Chi Tunnels have a long history.
They were first built in 1948 as a secret underground place for local people.
From 1945 to 1975, they expanded and were used for military and local reasons.
These tunnels are like mazes with about 250 km (155 miles) of hidden passages.
You can visit two main sections today: Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc.
Ben Dinh is closer to the city center, making getting there more accessible.
Ben Duoc is a bit further away, about 30 minutes from Ho Chi Minh City.
The Ben Dinh Tunnels were strategic because they were near the Saigon River.
During the war, they served as secret bases for the Cu Chi District Commissioners.
This location helped Viet Cong fighters hide from the American soldiers when they were looking for them.
Highlights of Ben Dinh Tunnels
Visiting Ben Dinh has some exciting things to see:
Map and Bunkers
You’ll see a map showing all the tunnels when you first enter.
There are also bunkers, like hiding spots; you can watch videos about the place.
Exploring the Tunnels
To go inside the tunnels, you enter through a small door.
You’ll find Vietcong weapons, their meeting room, an underground field hospital, and an arsenal.
Outside the Tunnels
Apart from the tunnels, there are other cool things to see.
There’s a tank hidden in the woods, different weapons, a big hole from a B52 bomb, and you can learn how they made clothes for the soldiers and turned old tires into rubber shoes.
It’s like a DIY workshop from a long time ago!
Things to do at Ben Dinh Tunnels
At Ben Dinh, there are lots of things you can do:
Explore the Area
You can walk around and explore the place. There’s a lot to see.
Go into the Tunnels
You can go inside the tunnels and see what it was like for the people who used to hide there.
Check Out Traps
They have some clever and ingenuous traps to see and learn about.
Take Photos
Don’t forget your camera! You can take pictures of the exciting stuff you find.
Try Shooting
If you’re interested in shooting, they have a designated area.
But there are some rules.
It would help if you were healthy and at least 18 years old.
Variety of Guns
You can use different guns, like the AK 47, M16, Machine Gun M30, and M60.
Bullet Prices
The bullets have different prices.
The cheapest is CARBIN, which costs $1.1 per bullet, and the most expensive are the AK 47 and M60, which cost US$1.8 per bullet.
So, you can pick the one you want to try.
How to get to Ben Dinh Tunnels
Getting to Ben Dinh is pretty easy. You have a few options:
By Motorbike or Car
Most tour companies can take you there by motorcycle or car.
It’ll take about 1.5 hours from the center of Ho Chi Minh City.
They usually offer half-day tours so that you can learn more about the place.
By Boat
If you like boats, some companies like Saigon Boat Company, Saigon River Tour, or Les Rives offer boat tours to the Cu Chi Tunnels, including Ben Dinh.
By Taxi
Taking a taxi is another option but a bit more expensive.
The round trip will cost around 65 USD because it’s a long 120 km journey.
By Public Bus
If you want a more budget-friendly option, you can take a public bus to Ben Dinh.
Just catch bus #70, and you’ll get there.
It takes about 2.5 hours, and the price is around 26,000 VND, just over 1 USD.
Ben Dinh Tunnels Opening Hours
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday – Sunday | 7 am to 5 pm |
Contents
Ben Dinh Tunnels Tickets
You need to get tickets when you want to visit the Ben Dinh Tunnels in Vietnam.
These tickets let you go inside the tunnels and sometimes come with a guide to show you around.
You can buy these tickets when you get to the tunnels or get them in advance here.
The price of tickets might differ based on your age and where you’re from.
When buying tickets, consider how long you want to stay and whether you want a guide to explain things.
Most people like having a guide because they can tell interesting things about the tunnels.
So, getting tickets for the Ben Dinh Tunnels is the first thing to do if you want to explore this historic place and learn about its role in the Vietnam War.
Final Thoughts
Is it worth visiting the Ben Dinh Tunnels? Absolutely!
Because it’s a chance to learn, explore, and honor the brave folks who lived there.
It’s a journey through time that will leave you with amazing stories to share and a deeper appreciation for history.
Don’t miss the magic of Ben Dinh Tunnels on your next trip to Vietnam.
It’s an adventure you’ll never forget.
Featured Image: Tripadvisor.com
