Explore the Chu Chi Tunnels

A day at the Cu Chi Tunnels is considered one of the best things you could do during your stay at a hotel Hanoi has to offer such as Pan Pacific Hanoi. Combined with a visit to the nearby War Remnants Museum, it also makes for a great learning experience.

Overview

Chu Chi Tunnel Entrance|Image by Lars Curfs (Grashoofd) via Wikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0 NL

The Cu Chi tunnel network spans across an extensive network of underground tunnels, running as far as toward the Cambodian border. It was built over two decades and its construction was commissioned in 1948. The tunnels were originally intended to pass communication between villages and help the locals evade French soldiers.

Tunnels to Visit

At present, only two sets of tunnels can be visited by the public – Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc sections. The former served as Cu Chi District Party Committee’s base while the latter also served as headquarters.

Getting Around

There are several options when it comes to getting to these tunnels from Saigon – motorbike, speedboat, car, or bus are several of them.

Things to Do

As you enter the caves, you will be shown a video detailing the lives of the Viet Cong and locals who lived nearby during the war. After that, you can see the exhibits, take photos, explore traps, and even shoot a gun!

Top Attractions in Hanoi

If you’re vacationing in Hanoi, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding new and exciting attractions to visit. From ancient historical landmarks to sprawling marketplaces – there’s much and more to do in Vietnam’s wonderful capital city.

Nicolas Lannuzel from Singapore, Singapore, Hanoi opera house. Made as a copy of the Opera Garnier in Paris (22334215449), CC BY-SA 2.0

The Imperial Citadel

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial Citadel is an important historical landmark. It once served as the ruling centre of Hanoi in ancient times and remained as such for over 8 centuries. If you’re staying at a major hotel Hanoi has on offer – say for example the Pan Pacific Hanoi – the citadel should just be a short walk away. Meaning, there’s no reason to miss out on this fantastic attraction!

Water Puppet Theatre

The ancient form of art that is water puppetry is still well and alive in Hanoi. The original – perhaps the best – theatre in town is the Thang Long Puppet Theatre. Here, you can watch whole casts of puppets sing, dance, and re-enact famous tales of the country’s past.

The Perfume Pagoda

The Perfume Pagoda is a series of Buddhist temples believed to have been constructed in the late 15th century. These continuously stretch upwards along the incline of the Son Mountains. As you begin your own ascent, you’ll find the serene surrounding lend a peaceful atmosphere to this fantastic attraction.

Dong Xuan Market

The Dong Xuan Market is the largest shopping precinct you’ll find in Hanoi. After a long tour of all the city’s sights and attractions, this is the perfect place to pick out some souvenirs and memorabilia to remind yourself of all the adventures you had in Hanoi.