Cu Chi Tunnels & Cao Dai Temple Full Day Tour

Overview

This Cu Chi Tunnels & Cao Dai Temple Full Day Tour combines war history at the extensive underground network of Cu Chi with spiritual discovery at the famous Cao Dai Temple and breathtaking views from Ba Den Mountain.

In a single journey from Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll explore three major destinations in Tay Ninh Province—each offering a distinct window into Vietnamese culture, troubled times, and enduring faith.

Vietnam Trails Travel specializes in authentic cultural experiences that go beyond surface-level tourism.

Our Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple 1 Day Tour delivers comprehensive exploration with an English-speaking tour guide, air-conditioned transportation, and carefully timed stops to witness the noon ceremony at Cao Dai Holy See.

Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai temple full day tour itinerary

6:30 AM – Hotel Pickup in Ho Chi Minh City

Your English-speaking tour guide collects you from your hotel. Depart Saigon in an air-conditioned vehicle and begin your journey northwest toward Cu Chi.

The early start ensures you’ll arrive at the tunnels before the largest tour groups and have time to attend the famous noon ceremony at Cao Dai Temple.

8:30 AM – Arrive at Cu Chi Tunnels (Ben Dinh)

The Cu Chi Tunnels were first constructed in 1948 by Viet Minh fighters during the First Indochina War against French colonial forces.

Between 1960 and 1965, the Viet Cong massively expanded the system into what became known as “the backbone”—a three-level network reaching depths of 3 meters, 6 meters, and 12 meters underground.

At its peak during the Vietnam War, the tunnels stretched over 250 kilometers from the outskirts of Saigon to the Cambodian border.

• Underground tunnel crawl — Explore a widened 100-meter tunnel section (safe for tourists; original passages were much narrower at approximately 80cm wide and 80cm high)
• Trap demonstrations — See authentic Viet Cong booby traps including punji stakes, trap doors, and swinging traps
• Introductory documentary — Watch a short film about the tunnel network’s construction and use during the war
• Hoang Cam kitchen — Visit the ingenious underground kitchen designed to disperse smoke through the forest floor
• Shooting range — Fire an AK-47, M16, or K54 pistol (additional $1.50-3 USD per bullet, own expense)
• M41 tank wreckage — See a preserved American tank destroyed in 1970

11:00 AM – Scenic Drive to Tay Ninh Province

Travel 90 minutes through rice paddies and rubber plantations toward Tay Ninh. This scenic portion of the Cu Chi Tunnels & Cao Dai Temple Full Day Tour offers a glimpse of rural Vietnam rarely seen by tourists who remain in Ho Chi Minh City.

12:00 PM – Cao Dai Holy See Noon Ceremony

Arrive at the famous Cao Dai Temple in time to witness the noon prayer ceremony. Observe hundreds of Cao Dai followers in white, yellow, blue, and red robes chanting beneath the iconic Divine Eye symbol.

Construction of the Great Divine Temple began in 1933 and continued through nearly two decades of interruptions caused by World War II and political turmoil. The dai temple was finally completed and inaugurated in 1955.

This small and special religion blends Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism, and Islam into a unique belief system with approximately 4.4 million followers worldwide.

1:00 PM – Local Vietnamese Lunch in Tay Ninh

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional Tay Ninh specialties. Vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available on request. Local restaurant mineral water and beverages are included.

2:30 PM – Ba Den Mountain Cable Car

Board the Guinness-record cable car at Ba Den Station—the world’s largest cable car station at 10,959 m²—and ascend 1,847 meters to the 986-meter summit in just 8 minutes.

Explore the Tay Bo Da Son Bodhisattva statue (Asia’s tallest bronze Buddha at 72 meters), visit the ancient Ba Pagoda complex, and enjoy panoramic views across Tay Ninh Province.

5:00 PM – Return Journey to Saigon

Relax in the vehicle as you return to Ho Chi Minh City. at 6:30 PM Return to your original pickup location or hotel. Your unforgettable experience exploring Vietnam’s war history and sacred spirituality concludes as evening falls over Ho Chi Minh City.