Exploring Vietnam’s Cu Chi Tunnels: Why Ben Duoc Is Much Better Than Ben Dinh

The Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate underground network of passageways used during the Vietnam War, are a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. There are 2 main areas: Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh. While both are popular sections of these tunnels, Ben Duoc emerges as the superior choice for several compelling reasons.
Private Cu Chi Tunnel Tour - AN Tours Vietnam

Table of Contents

1. Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh: Still Cu Chi Tunnels, just different sites

About Ben Dinh Tunnels

Ben Dinh is one of the sections of the Cu Chi Tunnels, located in Vietnam’s Cu Chi district. It is known for its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, making it a convenient destination for tourists. Ben Dinh has wider tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate visitors. This section is much closer to Ho Chi Minh City center (more than 12 kilometers) than Ben Duoc, another part of the Cu Chi Tunnel.

About Ben Duoc Tunnels

Ben Duoc is another section of the Cu Chi Tunnels, situated in the Cu Chi district of Vietnam. Unlike its counterpart, Ben Duoc is known for preserving the tunnels in a more authentic and original state. It offers a deeper, immersive historical experience, showcasing the resilience and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War. Located further from Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Duoc is less crowded and provides a tranquil environment, allowing visitors to explore the tunnels and gain a profound understanding of the challenges faced by those who lived and fought there.

2. Why Ben Duoc Triumphs Over Ben Dinh

Authenticity Preserved

One of the foremost reasons to choose Ben Duoc over Ben Dinh is the commitment to preserving the tunnels in their most authentic state. Ben Duoc has maintained a more original and narrower tunnel structure, ensuring that visitors experience the tunnels as closely as possible to how they were during the war. This authenticity adds depth to the visit, allowing tourists to grasp the true hardships and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese soldiers who utilized these underground passages.

Historical Significance

Ben Duoc holds an esteemed place in the annals of the Vietnam War. It served as a critical base for the Viet Cong, the guerrilla force resisting American and South Vietnamese troops. As a result, Ben Duoc features numerous historical artifacts and remnants of war, including weapons, booby traps, and living quarters. These artifacts provide an invaluable insight into the lives and struggles of the soldiers who fought there. Ben Dinh, while historically significant, lacks the same depth of historical artifacts and context.

Tunnel Complexity

In terms of tunnel complexity, Ben Duoc outshines Ben Dinh. The tunnels at Ben Duoc extend deeper into the Cu Chi countryside, showcasing remarkable engineering and survival skills. Visitors can explore different tunnel levels, including meeting rooms, storage areas, kitchens, and even makeshift hospitals. This intricate network reveals the ingenious tactics employed by the Viet Cong and offers a more comprehensive understanding of their resourcefulness and resilience.

Much Less Touristy and More Reflective

Ben Duoc offers a quieter and more reflective experience in contrast to the often crowded Ben Dinh. Visitors can take their time to explore the tunnels, listen attentively to the guides, and absorb the historical significance without the distractions of large crowds. This tranquility allows for a more profound connection with the history and the environment.

Peaceful Surroundings

Located in a serene, rural setting amidst lush greenery and picturesque landscapes, Ben Duoc’s surroundings provide a stark but poignant contrast to its wartime history. The peaceful atmosphere allows visitors to contemplate the resilience and determination of those who lived and fought in this challenging terrain. This peaceful ambiance enhances the overall experience and underscores the significance of the site.

Private Cu Chi Tunnel Tours Ben Duoc - AN Tours Vietnam
"You will spend more time at gift shop than actually seeing anything"

3. Why 90% of tour companies still go to Ben Dinh?

Saving cost

As Ben Dinh is much closer to Ho Chi Minh City center, it will save tour operators a lot of money than bringing their guests to Ben Duoc as there will be less operation. That is why most of the tours will take you to Ben Dinh instead (especially the very cheap Cu Chi Tunnel tour).

Through that choice can earn more profit and, AN Tours Vietnam chooses not to visit Ben Dinh to maximize our customer experience, as it is our number 1 priority in service!

Visit our Cu Chi Tunnel Tour which takes you to Ben Duoc:

Private Cu Chi Tunnel Tour With Rice Paper Village

Easy for pushing tourists into shopping

There are a lot of touristy shops in and near Ben Dinh that tour operators can easily push their customers into. Earning commission from tourist shopping is the easiest way to earn money. That is why there are many cheap Cu Chi Tunnel Tours, as they don’t earn from the tour itself.

4. Real customer reviews of Ben Dinh and the cheap tours to Cu Chi Tunnel

This article will be biased if we just analyze things only. In the end, AN Tours Vietnam always wants to bring the best benefits to international tourists. That is why we will attach some reviews of Ben Dinh, or tours to the place on TripAdvisor, which are written by expert travelers:

Ben Dinh - Cu Chi Tunnel Reviews
"You will spend more time at gift shop than actually seeing anything"
Ben Dinh - Cu Chi Tunnel Reviews 5
If the guests have come to Ben Duoc, the review would have been different
Ben Dinh - Cu Chi Tunnel Reviews 3
"The perfect tourist trap"
Ben Dinh - Cu Chi Tunnel Reviews 2
Wrong choice of area will lead you to nothing but the crowd
Ben Dinh - Cu Chi Tunnel Reviews 1
Your time, your money, your choice

So, would you like to do a cheap tour that takes you to Ben Dinh, or just pay a few more bucks to get a totally different experience? We will leave the answer to you, as in the end, it is your trip, your choice.

5. Top recommended tour to Ben Duoc

For those who would love to make their experience in Cu Chi the best, we recommend doing the tours that bring you to the Ben Duoc tunnel instead. Please check AN Tours Vietnam Private Cu Chi Tunnel Tour With Rice Paper Village for details.

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ELITE OF THE SEAS AMENITIES & SERVICES

Enjoy the luxury experience.

Fine Dining Room

With the chic atmosphere, indoor and outdoor seating in an authentic concept, the fine dining restaurant is designed in aneverlasting elegant style, features luxury amenities and open kitchen.

We offer western food, famous Vietnamese traditional food served in BBQ, buffet and a la carte. Guests could enjoy light breakfast, lunch, BBQ dinner while cruising through the wonderful landscapes of the world heritage site.

Panoramic Bar

The bar is set up in both outdoor – pool view and indoor – inside the restaurant, which provides maximum convenience for customers. With a wide selection of international wines, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, coffee, the bar is a perfect place where you could enjoy the romantic, sweet and relaxing moments in the fresh air and the natural scenery.

Mini Golf Course

Located at the front of the second deck. The mini-golf course is one of the finest and relaxing area, guest could use our golf club onboard to practice or play some holes with your partners.

The Outdoor Pool

In the same deck with the fine dining room, the open-air pool is designed in infinity pool style, covered by teak flooring. The perfect relaxing place to chill, to take your own unique photos and enjoy in the panoramic view of the bay.

Spa, Sauna & Massage

Elite Spa, sauna and massage offers a journey of reawakening. The combination of local spa rituals with indigenous ingredients. Guest will enjoy a truly relaxing moment in multiple choice of facials and signature massages…

Wine & Cigars Cellar

Located in the basement, the wine and cigars cellar is fully stocked of wines and famous cigars. With the great decoration, spacious seating, this area provides a perfect place for a wine tasting or private meetings. 

Fitness Room

Located on the first deck, the fitness room is available with treadmills, stationary bikes and some dumbbells. Guests could recharge their energy while enjoying the bay natural view.
For post-workout treatment, guests could enjoy the sauna or massage therapies, please make your spa reservation in advance with our Cruise Manager.

Sundeck & Corridor

As a luxury cruise, Elite Of The Seas has one of the best looking sundeck & corridor.

Other Cruise Acitivities

Kayaking
Do kayaking by yourself in calm water through floating houses, explore the beauty of limestone caves so close by yours eyes, hands and individual feeling. 

Local rowing Boat
Get ready for visiting floating village where rowing boats rowed by local people. You will have chance to experience history, culture and the daily life of local peoples while rowing through floating village. You will make a short hiking trip around village, along landscape and enjoy water sport.

Swimming
How amazing to swim in the calm, clean water with less touristy or visit nature beach of the Lan Ha bay by walking along beach,. Relaxing after activities, immersing in the water to get stronger

Squid Fishing
When the night falls, it must be fun when standing on the boat and try your luck with sly squids. Try to be patient, squid fishing can be successful from your skills.

Tai chi Class
Tai chi is one of the best ways to release stress and fatigue. Our Tai chi master will guide you with a basic lesson which has been simplified so that everyone can easy to follow. Let’s come on the sundeck in the early morning and start your new day in fresh air to full charge your energy for the day.

Cooking Demonstration
Learn how you can make one of Vietnam traditional dishes – Spring roll. Our chief will carefully introduce what is the ingredient needed, how to make it and you may do at home for your family or friends. With guides from our chef, we hope you can make Vietnam traditional food in perfect way.

Elite Of The Seas - Cruise

ELITE OF THE SEAS 3D2N ITINERARY

Please note that itinerary time is calculated approximately. Actual time may depend on weather, traffic & other factors.

DAY 01
DAY 02
DAY 03
✅ INCLUDED

– Full equipped luxury en-suite cabin with multi A/C, marble bathroom, and finest bathroom amenities
– All meals on board
– Tender/speedboat transfer
– Welcome drink
– Live Music
– 24-hour room service with no extra charges
– 24-hour food ordered with no extra charges
– Refilled bottled fresh water with no limit
– Cookery demonstration
– Entrance and sightseeing fees
– Tai chi, games, gym, swimming pool and library
–  Beach activities such as kayaking, bamboo boating, caving, squid fishing
– Internet wifi, Satellite – HD LED TV
– Fishing and golf equipment
– English speaking guide
– On board insurance and service charges

❌ EXCLUDED

– Beverages
– Luxury Transfer service (if requested)
– Tips and other personal expenses
– All other services not clearly mentioned above.

Elite Of The Seas - Cruise 1

ELITE OF THE SEAS 2D1N ITINERARY

Please note that itinerary time is calculated approximately. Actual time may depend on weather, traffic & other factors.

DAY 01
DAY 02
✅ INCLUDED

– Full equipped luxury en-suite cabin with multi A/C, marble bathroom, and finest bathroom amenities
– All meals on board
– Tender/speedboat transfer
– Welcome drink
– Live Music
– 24-hour room service with no extra charges
– 24-hour food ordered with no extra charges
– Refilled bottled fresh water with no limit
– Cookery demonstration
– Entrance and sightseeing fees
– Tai chi, games, gym, swimming pool and library
–  Beach activities such as kayaking, bamboo boating, caving, squid fishing
– Internet wifi, Satellite – HD LED TV
– Fishing and golf equipment
– English speaking guide
– On board insurance and service charges

❌ EXCLUDED

– Beverages
– Luxury Transfer service (if requested)
– Tips and other personal expenses
– All other services not clearly mentioned above.