Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta: 1 day or separate?

Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta are popular destinations in Vietnam. But should you do them in 1 day or separate? This article will analyze the critical factors you should consider to choose a day trip for both Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta or join separate trips.
Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - 1 day or seprate

Table of Contents

1. Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta: which one should you do in Vietnam?

In the heart of Vietnam’s rich tapestry of experiences, two distinct popular destinations for travelers with their unique allure — the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta, which are close to travel from Ho Chi Minh City. For those who don’t have much time here, or simply want to save time, choosing between these two remarkable destinations is a hard question.

That’s why we will quickly discuss each place before going to our main topic.

Should you do Cu Chi Tunnels only?

Let’s zoom in on the Cu Chi Tunnels. If you only have a keen interest in history, particularly the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels is the place to go. They serve as a poignant testament to the resourcefulness and resilience of the Viet Cong during a turbulent period. Exploring the intricate web of underground passages offers a visceral understanding of the challenges faced by the guerrilla fighters. It’s not just a historical site; it’s an immersive experience, allowing you to crawl through tunnels and gain insights into the ingenious tactics employed during the war. The Cu Chi Tunnels provide a unique perspective on Vietnam’s past, making it an excellent choice for those with a deep curiosity about wartime history and the human spirit in times of adversity.

However, unless you don’t have time, or really really not interested in the countryside, we highly recommend you do both Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta in your Vietnam trip; not just Cu Chi alone.

Should you do Mekong Delta only?

Opting for the Mekong Delta over the Cu Chi Tunnels is a choice rooted in a different set of experiences. If you find solace in nature’s embrace and are enchanted by the charm of traditional life, the Mekong Delta might be the ideal destination for you. A journey through the Delta unfolds a picturesque landscape of lush greenery, meandering waterways, and vibrant floating markets. It’s a serene escape, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of local communities.

You should do the Mekong Delta without the Cu Chi Tunnels only when you are not really into history, or just want to avoid the atmosphere of the war. Or else, it is best to visit both to maximize your Vietnam trip experience.

Ben Tre - Mekong Delta 1 day (Not Touristy) - Small boat 1

2. Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta: 1 day or seprate? - Factors that you must consider

Now you understand that it is best to do both Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta in your trip. We will come to the next part: Should you do the two in one or separate days? Here are some factors to consider before we jump to the final conclusion:

Your own time

Deciding whether to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta in one day or separately depends on your travel preferences and time constraints. If you have a limited schedule, doing both in a single day can provide a diverse snapshot of Vietnam’s history and natural beauty. It’s a packed itinerary that offers a taste of both wartime resilience and the tranquil charm of the Mekong.

However, if your time is not too limited, exploring both in one day may cause unnecessary rush, which also requires you to wake up earlier for the trip.

The distance of Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta

Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta route map
Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta route map

As you can easily see from the map photo above, the route from Ho Chi Minh City (District 1) to Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta is a reverse path, which is not really comfortable to travel. You have to go up about 70km northwest from the city center to Cu Chi, and then another nearly 100km to Mekong Delta.

So if you are traveling all in one day, it may be a little more tiring than doing them separately.

Places to visit

There will be differences in places to visit when you do the Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta one day instead of separate days, which will affect your experience. Here are the primary changes:

  • If you do Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta on separate days, you may be able to choose between Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh in Cu Chi. Ben Duoc will provide a much better experience compared to its similar place Ben Dinh. However, if you are doing all in 1 day, the only option to visit is Ben Dinh as there is not enough time to do Ben Duoc and turn to the Mekong Delta.
    You can check the differences in this post: Exploring Vietnam’s Cu Chi Tunnels: Why Ben Duoc Is Much Better Than Ben Dinh
  • In case you don’t know: the Mekong Delta is actually a region that contains many cities and areas. The most popular places to visit in Mekong Delta are Ben Tre, My Tho, Can Tho,… which provide different experiences of Vietnam’s countryside. Doing the Mekong Delta in a different day, you may be able to visit a place of your own choice. In case you do it with Cu Chi Tunnels in one day, the only option will likely be My Tho – which is the closest popular destination. 

Touristiness & experiences

Combining the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta into a one-day tour is a convenient way to experience both attractions, but it often comes with a higher level of touristiness. These tours are popular among travelers, and the sites can become crowded, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

While the convenience of a one-day tour is undeniable, the downside is that you might have limited time at each site, and the experience could feel somewhat rushed. Additionally, popular attractions may have a more commercialized atmosphere with souvenir shops and vendors catering to tourists.

If you’re seeking a more authentic and less touristy experience, consider dedicating separate days to each destination. This allows for a more relaxed exploration, giving you the opportunity to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems away from the main tourist routes.

Travel costs

Travel costs (whether you do tours or do it yourself) to Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta will be different in both cases. However, they will depend mostly on these factors:

  • Private tour or group tour
  • Inclusions
  • Tour operators
  • Number of people in your own group

Here are some examples:

  • Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta (one-day) private tour for 2 persons may cost more than group tour for separate days
  • If you are a group of 10, doing separate-day tours may cost less than one day.

3. Final conclusions

From the factors that we’ve just analyzed in the previous part of this article, here are the pros and cons of visiting Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta in one day and in separate days:

Doing all in one day: Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

  • Able to explore a lot in a limited time
  • Time-saving for those who are not interested in deeper experience

❌ Cons:

  • You will have to visit touristy places (Ben Duoc for Cu Chi, My Tho for the Mekong)
  • Rushed time
  • Getting tired of long traveling
  • Touristy experiences

Doing in separate days: Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

  • Able to choose better experiences for each place
  • More time to enjoy, no rush
  • Deeper experiences, able to explore more of Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta

❌ Cons:

  • You will need to spend another half or full-day

Choose it depend on what you need

In conclusion, if you don’t have much time in Ho Chi Minh City and around, and you don’t care much about getting deep experience in culture and history, then doing Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta in 1 day only will be a good choice. Or else, it is best to do them on separate days, which will provide you with much better trips.

In case you want to book a tour, please contact AN Tours Vietnam:

Private Cu Chi & Mekong Delta Tour (Full-day)

Ho Chi Minh City

Private Cu Chi Tunnel Tour With Rice Paper Village

Ho Chi Minh City

Daily Cu Chi Tunnel Group Tour (Half-day)

Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Tre – Mekong Delta Tour 1 Day (Not Touristy)

Mekong Delta

Private Mekong Delta Full-day: My Tho – Ben Tre

HCMC, Mekong Delta

Service: Tours, transfers, activities, visa, hotels,…

Locations available: HCMC, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Da Lat,…

CONTACTS:
📧 info@antoursvietnam.com
☎️ +84 37 4463 732 (Henry) (Whatsapp/ Zalo available)
☎️ +84 70 6666 520 (Vincent) (Whatsapp/ Zalo available)
Elite Of The Seas - Cruise

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.