Ho Chi Minh City is incredible, but the noise and traffic can be intense. Sometimes, you just need to escape the city limits.
Luckily, Saigon is the perfect base for exploring Southern Vietnam. Within a 2-hour drive, you can find yourself crawling through historic underground tunnels or rowing a sampan down a jungle canal.
In 2026, the two most popular day trips are the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. Should you visit both? Should you choose one? Which tour is best?
This comprehensive guide will answer all your questions and help you choose the perfect day trip for your itinerary.
Part 1: The Cu Chi Tunnels (History & Adrenaline)
The most famous war site in Vietnam.
Located about 60km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, this immense network of connecting tunnels served as the Viet Cong’s base of operations during the Vietnam War.
The Big Decision: Ben Dinh vs. Ben Duoc
Most travelers don’t realize there are actually two different tunnel sites open to the public. Choosing the right one is crucial for your experience.
1. Ben Dinh Tunnels (The “Tourist” Choice)
- Pros: Closer to the city (1.5 hours). More convenient for half-day tours. Tunnels have been widened significantly to accommodate larger tourists.
- Cons: Extremely crowded. Can feel like a “theme park” with souvenir shops and shooting ranges everywhere.
- Best For: Travelers with limited time or those who are claustrophobic and need wider tunnels.
2. Ben Duoc Tunnels (The “Authentic” Choice)
- Pros: Further away (2+ hours), meaning fewer tourists. The tunnels are more authentic and closer to their original size (though still safe). It includes a beautiful memorial temple.
- Cons: Longer travel time.
- Best For: History buffs and those who hate crowds.
How to Get There in 2026
- By Luxury Speedboat (Highly Recommended): Companies like Les Rives offer speedboat tours up the Saigon River. It is expensive ($80-$100 USD) but you skip all the traffic and arrive in style with unlimited banh mi and iced coffee on board.
- By Bus Tour: The most common option. Prices range from $15 to $30 USD.
- By Grab/Taxi: You can book a private GrabCar for the day, but it will be pricey (approx. 1,500,000 VND round trip). (Read our [Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City] guide for transport tips).
Highlights
- The Crawl: You can crawl through 20m, 40m, or 100m sections of the tunnel. It is hot, dark, and cramped—an unforgettable experience.
- The Shooting Range: For an extra fee (approx. 60,000 VND per bullet), you can fire real weapons like an AK-47 or M16.
- Tapioca Tasting: End the tour by eating boiled tapioca with peanut sugar—the actual diet of the soldiers during the war.
Part 2: The Mekong Delta (Nature & Culture)
The “Rice Bowl” of Vietnam.
The Mekong Delta is a vast maze of rivers, swamps, and islands where life revolves around the water. The classic day trip usually heads to My Tho and Ben Tre.
What to Expect
This is a slower, more relaxing day compared to the tunnels. The focus is on local culture, tropical fruit, and river life.
Key Activities
- Motorboat Ride: Cruise across the wide Mekong River, seeing fishing barges and floating houses.
- Sampan Rowing: This is the iconic photo. You sit in a small wooden boat while a local rower paddles you through narrow, palm-lined canals. It is peaceful and incredibly scenic.
- Coconut Candy Workshop: Watch locals make sticky coconut candy by hand (and try some warm samples!).
- Tropical Fruit & Folk Music: Sit in a garden, eat fresh dragon fruit and mango, and listen to “Don Ca Tai Tu” (traditional Southern folk music).
Part 3: The “Combo” Tour (Both in 1 Day)
For the efficient traveler.
In 2026, the “Cu Chi Tunnels + Mekong Delta Full Day Tour” is the best-selling option on platforms like TripAdvisor and Klook.
- The Itinerary:
- 07:30 AM: Pickup from hotel.
- 09:00 AM: Explore Cu Chi Tunnels.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch.
- 02:30 PM: Arrive in Mekong Delta (Boat ride, Sampan).
- 05:00 PM: Drive back.
- 07:00 PM: Arrive in Saigon.
- Pros: You check off two major bucket-list items in a single day. Perfect if you only have 3 days in the city. (See our [3-Day Ho Chi Minh Itinerary]).
- Cons: It is a long day. You will spend about 5-6 hours in a bus total. It can be exhausting.
Our Verdict
If you are fit and short on time, take the Combo Tour. If you prefer a relaxed pace, do the Cu Chi Tunnels (Morning) one day, and a Mekong Delta trip another day.
Practical Tips for Your Day Trip
1. What to Wear
- Shoes: Wear comfortable sneakers. You will be walking on dirt paths in the jungle (Cu Chi) and getting in and out of boats (Mekong). Do not wear high heels or expensive white shoes.
- Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics (linen/cotton).
- Note: While there is no strict dress code for the tunnels, shorts are fine. However, if your Mekong tour visits the Vinh Trang Pagoda, you must cover your shoulders and knees. Bring a sarong or light jacket just in case.
2. What to Bring
- Bug Spray: Absolutely essential for the Mekong Delta and the jungle areas of Cu Chi. Mosquitoes are aggressive here.
- Sunscreen & Hat: The boat rides can be very sunny.
- Hand Sanitizer / Tissue: Public restrooms at rest stops are “basic” (often no toilet paper). Be prepared.
- Small Cash: For tipping the sampan rowers (usually 20,000 – 50,000 VND is polite) or buying drinks.
3. Food Note
Most tours include a “local lunch.” In the Mekong Delta, this usually involves Elephant Ear Fish (a fried fish stood up vertically). It looks scary but tastes delicious. Wrap the meat in rice paper with herbs and dip it in tamarind sauce.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to crawl through the history of the Vietnam War or float down the serene canals of the Mekong, a day trip is essential to understanding Southern Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City is the heart, but the surrounding provinces are the soul. Book your tour, pack your bug spray, and get ready for an adventure.