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Trip Valid:1 Sep 2009 to 31 Dec 2010
Also runs from:1 Jan 2011 to 31 Dec 2011
Duration:5-6 hours
Pickup location:
Pick up centrally located hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Pickup time:7.30 AM-8.00 AM
Drop-off location:
Drop off centrally located hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Drop-off time:1.00 PM-1.30 PM
Highlights:
Drop in on a local family and gain an insight into local life, past and present. Visit the former Viet Minh underground stronghold at Cu Chi. The extensive tunnel system here provides great insight into the tenacity and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people. Delve into an underground world of guerilla warfare in the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels.
Trip Code:VUN Group size:Minimum 1, Maximum 12 Price:USD 25.00 Style:Heritage & History, Local Life & CultureVisit a local family and gain an insight into local life, past and present. Experience the world of the Cu Chi freedom fighters with a visit to their famous tunnel system. This network of over 200 km of tunnels became legendary during the 1960's when they played a vital part in the American War, allowing the Viet Cong to control a large rural area close to Ho Chi Minh City. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities.
Itinerary
Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City behind we journey 2 ½ hours west towards the Cambodian border bound for the Cu Chi Tunnels. Before arriving at the tunnels visit some local friends and gain an insight into local life in the area, both past and present. Learn about their lives, culture and customs and get an insight into the recent past through local eyes.
Continue onto the Cu Chi tunnels were built by local fighters during the Indochina conflict as a base from which the Viet Cong could operate from close to the Southern Vietnamese capital. The location proved of significant strategic importance, at the end of the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail and within striking distance of the southern Vietnam capital. Initial construction started in 1948 when the Viet Minh required somewhere to hide from French air attacks and by 1965, the tunnel complex was estimated to consist of 200km's of tunnels. It included, hospitals, schools, meeting rooms, kitchens and sleeping quarters. Life was difficult for the inhabitants and to protect against outside intruders bobby traps were laid throughout the complex. Today the Vietnamese government have preserved approximately 75 kilometres of the tunnels as a memorial park, in some areas tunnels have been widened and low powered lights installed so that western tourists can now fit through the complex.
Our local guide will take us on a fascinating trip around the Cu Chi Tunnels where we learn more about the conditions the people lived in, the hardships they faced and the amazing ingenuity employed to maintain life in the tunnels. We walk past huge bomb craters , evidence of the heavy bombing campaigns in the region during the Indochina conflict, discover hidden entrances right beneath your feet, wander past tiny little chimneys in the ground that dispersed smoke from the underground kitchens, sample some of the simple cuisine that local fighters would have survived on and have an opportunity to venture into the tunnels and explore the complex.
Following our step back in modern history we return to the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City.
Inclusion
English speaking guide, Transport & Entrance fees as indicated.Exclusion
Items of a personal nature, Tips or gratuities for drivers or guides.Voucher Exchange details
Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the trip.Confirmation of booking
Please contact the local supplier to confirm your trip 24 hours prior to departure.Your trip
This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.Dress Standard
Dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate.Tipping
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations.Children policy
Children must be between 6 and 11 years of age inclusive.
Language
English- Cancellations made more than 2 days prior to travel receive a full refund
- Cancellations made 2 days or less prior to travel attract a 100% cancellation fee.
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