[Hanoi -17th Sep] The Southeast Asian destination management company, Luxury Travel, has rebranded into Lux DMC Travel in Asia, which marks as a major step forward for this company about a ready expansion plan in a larger playground in the tourism industry over 15 years of non-stop development and its achievements.
Monks at The Shwedagon pagoda in Myanmar
Since it was founded in 2005, Luxury Travel has been known as Vietnam’s first luxury travel company specializing in tailor-made tours in Southeast Asia for serving most of the high-end customers from over the world. They mainly focus on promoting five countries in Southeast Asia including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar.
From now, with the establishment of Lux DMC Travel, they plan to cover their products in Southeast Asia and some of the other countries in Asia such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan…and Korea. At present, they have already had contracts with nearly one thousand suppliers in Asia and especially settled well their branch offices in Southeast Asia. They are planning to expand their net suppliers to almost all countries in Asia with the ambition to bring more luxurious offers for high–end customers traveling in Asia at the most competitive price.
High -end customers from Lux Travel DMC on Bai Tu Long Bay
After 15 years of launching, the rebranding demonstrates how far the company has come by specializing in travel to Southeast Asia and developing a renowned track record for quality, service excellence, and experiential travel delivered to nearly 6 million customers from 300 global travel agents per year. The Luxers’ army today is an organization of more than 200 employees with representative offices globally, achieving several valuable achievements and rewards in the tourism sector. They have their own offices, luxury transportation, cruises, and branch offices throughout Vietnam and Indochina. They aim to open more branch offices in Asia and become one of the top-notch leading high-end DMC in Asia in the next five years.
Their rebranding is featured in the image of their new brand identity with the new look of the logo. Black and Golden Yellow are still used as the main colors in their brand identity as the symbol of luxury and prosperity. The name “Lux DMC travel” is designed simply but elegantly, reflects the professionalism and development of Luxury Travel as a Destination management company in the tourism industry. The “LUX” word is emphasized to guarantee the high-standard services they will serve the most sophisticated travelers. Therefore, their LUX travel experts are highly competent with in-depth knowledge, an excellent set of skills, and the proper attitude, which sets the top quality services for their Lux Services and ensures clients’ expectations are met at all times. They still keep the old slogan “touching hearts” as a certain message to their customers about their sincere services from their hearts, touching their customers’ hearts.
Mr. Pham Ha – CEO of Lux Travel DMC
Despite the transition, “Lux DMC Travel always commits to operating the highest standards of services and professionalism, while continuing to improve on the qualities that make us not just good, but great. Every customer traveling with us will be taken care of in detail. Our Lux team is dedicated to working closely with agents and tour operators and ensures to deliver for our customers authentic luxury travel experiences by using our expertise, know-how, and solid infrastructure”, Mr. Pham Ha – CEO of the Lux DMC Travel said.
Furthermore, Lux DMC Travel is the first and the biggest member of the family of the Lux Group which is embarking on an ambitious phase of growth for the Lux Group in Asia. Lux Group now possesses a diverse range of brands from cruises, accommodations, real estate, resorts, cuisine, media & press, tourism human resource, transportation, and art, etc. Within the last 3 years, the enterprise had launched two exclusive 5-star Emperor Cruises in Nha Trang Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. According to the plan, in May 2019, the third cruise of Lux Group Heritage Cruises will be launched, with an attempt to offer authentic and exclusive experiences to our customers in the Red River and the Gulf of Tonkin. In the future, it is expected to provide a north to South Vietnam trip by cruise.
Emperor Cruises – one of a member of the Lux Group at Bai Tu Long Bay
[Hanoi -17th Sep] The Southeast Asian destination management company, Luxury Travel, has rebranded into Lux DMC Travel in Asia, which marks as a major step forward for this company about a ready expansion plan in a larger playground in the tourism industry over 15 years of non-stop development and its achievements.
Monks at The Shwedagon pagoda in Myanmar
Since it was founded in 2005, Luxury Travel has been known as Vietnam’s first luxury travel company specializing in tailor-made tours in Southeast Asia for serving most of the high-end customers from over the world. They mainly focus on promoting five countries in Southeast Asia including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar.
From now, with the establishment of Lux DMC Travel, they plan to cover their products in Southeast Asia and some of the other countries in Asia such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan…and Korea. At present, they have already had contracts with nearly one thousand suppliers in Asia and especially settled well their branch offices in Southeast Asia. They are planning to expand their net suppliers to almost all countries in Asia with the ambition to bring more luxurious offers for high–end customers traveling in Asia at the most competitive price.
High -end customers from Lux Travel DMC on Bai Tu Long Bay
After 15 years of launching, the rebranding demonstrates how far the company has come by specializing in travel to Southeast Asia and developing a renowned track record for quality, service excellence, and experiential travel delivered to nearly 6 million customers from 300 global travel agents per year. The Luxers’ army today is an organization of more than 200 employees with representative offices globally, achieving several valuable achievements and rewards in the tourism sector. They have their own offices, luxury transportation, cruises, and branch offices throughout Vietnam and Indochina. They aim to open more branch offices in Asia and become one of the top-notch leading high-end DMC in Asia in the next five years.
Their rebranding is featured in the image of their new brand identity with the new look of the logo. Black and Golden Yellow are still used as the main colors in their brand identity as the symbol of luxury and prosperity. The name “Lux DMC travel” is designed simply but elegantly, reflects the professionalism and development of Luxury Travel as a Destination management company in the tourism industry. The “LUX” word is emphasized to guarantee the high-standard services they will serve the most sophisticated travelers. Therefore, their LUX travel experts are highly competent with in-depth knowledge, an excellent set of skills, and the proper attitude, which sets the top quality services for their Lux Services and ensures clients’ expectations are met at all times. They still keep the old slogan “touching hearts” as a certain message to their customers about their sincere services from their hearts, touching their customers’ hearts.
Mr. Pham Ha – CEO of Lux Travel DMC
Despite the transition, “Lux DMC Travel always commits to operating the highest standards of services and professionalism, while continuing to improve on the qualities that make us not just good, but great. Every customer traveling with us will be taken care of in detail. Their Lux team is dedicated to working closely with agents and tour operators and ensures to deliver for their customers authentic luxury travel experiences by using their expertise, know-how, and solid infrastructure”, Mr. Pham Ha – CEO of the Lux DMC Travel said.
Furthermore, Lux DMC Travel is the first and the biggest member of the family of the Lux Group which is embarking on an ambitious phase of growth for the Lux Group in Asia. Lux Group now possesses a diverse range of brands from cruises, accommodations, real estate, resorts, cuisine, media & press, tourism human resource, transportation, and art, etc. Within the last 3 years, the enterprise had launched two exclusive 5-star Emperor Cruises in Nha Trang Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. According to the plan, in May 2019, the third cruise of Lux Group Heritage Cruises will be launched, with an attempt to offer authentic and exclusive experiences to our customers in the Red River and the Gulf of Tonkin. In the future, it is expected to provide a north to South Vietnam trip by cruise.
Emperor Cruises – one of a member of the Lux Group at Bai Tu Long Bay
Over six continuous years, bespoke as the leading high-end DMC in Southeast Asia, Luxury Travel has been recognized its prestige upon the travelers’ reviews on the world’s largest travel website Trip Advisor.
This year 2020, Luxury Travel is proud to announce to receive the award “Best of the Best Traveller’s Choice Award” by Trip Advisor. For the first time, Luxury Travel received the Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor in 2014. It’s been the 6th continuous-time, they are the winner at Trip Advisor by traveler’s choice.
Emperor Cruises at Bai Tu Long Bay
“We greatly thank you our valued customers from over the world who have already chosen us as during the holiday in Southeast Asia. Your consistent trust helps us to be recognized as one of the most tour operators on TripAdvisor over 6 years. This reward will be an encouragement for our entire team to maintain the outstanding and high quality of our services in Southeast Asia and augment it further” said Pham Ha, CEO of Luxury Travel.
TripAdvisor is known as the most world’s largest travel website with more than 860 million reviews and opinions of 8.7 million accommodation, restaurants, experiences, airlines, and cruises. Therefore, it’s considered one of the most trusted sources of information for most travelers around the world. Every year, TripAdvisor announces the certificate excellent award for the businesses which are listed on TripAdvisor. Winners are calculated based on the quality and quantity of the millions of reviews, opinions, and ratings collected on TripAdvisor.
“New this year, all TripAdvisor awards and recognitions fall under the Travelers’ Choice umbrella to more clearly acknowledge businesses and their achievements. Travelers’ Choice winners are now honored as Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best, representing the most exceptional, highest-rated properties around the world. These businesses are among the top 1% of all listings on TripAdvisor (Forbes).
“The Travelers’ Choice program is one way that travelers and diners can benefit from the real-life experiences of other people, so they can plan their perfect trip that meets their needs, budget and style.” – said Lindsay Nelson, chief experience and brand officer at Tripadvisor
As the reward for their achievements over 15 years, Luxury Travel has already won the various awards and recognition from prestigious domestic and international publications besides the award from Trip Advisor, such as the award “Asia’s Leading Tour Operator Touching Hearts” by The Guide, the luxury travel company by the Luxury Lifestyle Award, Asia’s leading luxury tour company and the Asia’s leading tour operator upon the nomination by World Travel Awards…
Happy customers travel to Mekong Delta
Since Luxury Travel found in 2004, Luxury Travel has been continued to grow and flourish and have a firm position in the tourism industry. They have their own three luxury cruises in Halong bay (Emperor Cruises), Cat Ba (Heritage Cruises), and Nha Trang bay (Emperor Cruises). In 2019, they severed nearly 10,000 customers over the world. More than 90% of their customers sent excellent feedbacks after finishing their holidays which are tailored by Luxury Travel. As a result, the percentage of customers who come back and introduce to their friends to this company contributes to over 60% every year.
About Luxury Travel
Founded in 2004 by CEO, Mr. Pham Ha, Luxury Travel is an award-winning DMC that fills a niche in the travel market. Luxury Travel Ltd. specializes in high-quality travel services with an emphasis on the authentic luxury travel experiences in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar.
Contact Luxury Travel at:
Address: No.456 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: (+84) 24 3927 4120
Email: sales@luxurytravelvietnam.com
Hotline: (+84) 1234 68 69 96
Website: https://ift.tt/2wS4Mcx
Over six continuous years, bespoke as the leading high-end DMC in Southeast Asia, Luxury Travel has been recognized its prestige upon the travelers’ reviews on the world’s largest travel website Trip Advisor.
This year 2020, Luxury Travel is proud to announce to receive the award “Best of the Best Traveller’s Choice Award” by Trip Advisor. For the first time, Luxury Travel received the Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor in 2014. It’s been the 6th continuous-time, they are the winner at Trip Advisor by traveler’s choice.
Emperor Cruises at Bai Tu Long Bay
“We greatly thank you our valued customers from over the world who have already chosen us as during the holiday in Southeast Asia. Your consistent trust helps us to be recognized as one of the most tour operators on TripAdvisor over 6 years. This reward will be an encouragement for our entire team to maintain the outstanding and high quality of our services in Southeast Asia and augment it further” said Pham Ha, CEO of Luxury Travel.
TripAdvisor is known as the most world’s largest travel website with more than 860 million reviews and opinions of 8.7 million accommodation, restaurants, experiences, airlines, and cruises. Therefore, it’s considered one of the most trusted sources of information for most travelers around the world. Every year, TripAdvisor announces the certificate excellent award for the businesses which are listed on TripAdvisor. Winners are calculated based on the quality and quantity of the millions of reviews, opinions, and ratings collected on TripAdvisor.
“New this year, all TripAdvisor awards and recognitions fall under the Travelers’ Choice umbrella to more clearly acknowledge businesses and their achievements. Travelers’ Choice winners are now honored as Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best, representing the most exceptional, highest-rated properties around the world. These businesses are among the top 1% of all listings on TripAdvisor (Forbes).
“The Travelers’ Choice program is one way that travelers and diners can benefit from the real-life experiences of other people, so they can plan their perfect trip that meets their needs, budget and style.” – said Lindsay Nelson, chief experience and brand officer at Tripadvisor
As the reward for their achievements over 15 years, Luxury Travel has already won the various awards and recognition from prestigious domestic and international publications besides the award from Trip Advisor, such as the award “Asia’s Leading Tour Operator Touching Hearts” by The Guide, the luxury travel company by the Luxury Lifestyle Award, Asia’s leading luxury tour company and the Asia’s leading tour operator upon the nomination by World Travel Awards…
Happy customers travel to Mekong Delta
Since Luxury Travel found in 2004, Luxury Travel has been continued to grow and flourish and have a firm position in the tourism industry. They have their own three luxury cruises in Halong bay (Emperor Cruises), Cat Ba (Heritage Cruises), and Nha Trang bay (Emperor Cruises). In 2019, they severed nearly 10,000 customers over the world. More than 90% of their customers sent excellent feedbacks after finishing their holidays which are tailored by Luxury Travel. As a result, the percentage of customers who come back and introduce to their friends to this company contributes to over 60% every year.
About Luxury Travel
Founded in 2004 by CEO, Mr. Pham Ha, Luxury Travel is an award-winning DMC that fills a niche in the travel market. Luxury Travel Ltd. specializes in high-quality travel services with an emphasis on the authentic luxury travel experiences in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar.
Contact Luxury Travel at:
Address: No.456 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: (+84) 24 3927 4120
Email: sales@luxurytravelvietnam.com
Hotline: (+84) 1234 68 69 96
Website: https://ift.tt/2wS4Mcx
Luxury Travel Vietnam is honored to announce that it has been nominated again in the three following categories for the 27th annual World Travel Awards including Asia’s Leading Tour Operator, Vietnam’s Leading Tour Operator, and Asia’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator. This is the seventh consecutive year, they are selected into the shortlist of the World Travel Awards.
World Travel Awards has been known as the “Oscars of the travel industry”, the most prestigious awards programme, rewarding for leaders in the tourism, airline, hotel, and hospitality sectors around the world. Each year, the World Travel Awards celebrates individual and collective successes within each key geographical region. All regional winners then go head to head with each other final round of voting to decide who will triumph in the annual World Travel Awards.
In Vietnam, Luxury Travel was listed as in the top of Vietnam’s Tour Operator in 2020. Moreover, this company is also recorded into two different categories: Asia’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator and Asian’s Leading Tour Operator with other big companies such as Asia World Enterprise, Odynovo, Bespoke India Holidays… The voting in Asia will close on September 24, 2020.
Over 15 year bespoke as the leading high-end DMC in Southeast Asia, Luxury Travel has been continued to grow and flourish and have the firm position in the tourism industry. In 2019, they severed nearly 10,000 high –end customers over the world. This year, it will be a challenge year with them however, they are adaptable flexibility to tap into the domestic luxury travel market and outbound department as the current situation in tourism statistics.
In Southeast Asia, they can commit to operating with the highest standards of service and professionalism, while continuing to improve on the qualities that make us not just good, but perfect, with great attention to detail.
In Southeast Asia, they enjoy connections with the best companies in Southeast Asia, such as hotels, cruise lines, local attraction operators & more, they trust that they own the most competitive price at the high- class standard. Their expert advisers are active and trained well to develop their expertise in all aspects of travel, as well as perfect their customer care skills.
They are proud to report that they have a 99% satisfaction rate with much of our business coming from referrals and business network recommendations. In the travel industry and consumer, awards are the testimony to their excellent reputation and that is why more than 60% of their clients are repeat visitors.
About Luxury Travel
Founded in 2004 by CEO, Mr. Pham Ha, Luxury Travel Ltd is an award-winning DMC that fills a niche in the luxury market. Luxury Travel Vietnam focus on high-end travel services in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. They have their luxury vehicles, and luxury cruises in Halong Bay (Emperor Cruises), Cat Ba (Heritage cruises), and Nha Trang bay (Emperor Cruises). Every year, they serve thousands of satisfied high-end travelers.
Luxury Travel Vietnam is honored to announce that it has been nominated again in the three following categories for the 27th annual World Travel Awards including Asia’s Leading Tour Operator, Vietnam’s Leading Tour Operator, and Asia’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator. This is the seventh consecutive year, they are selected into the shortlist of the World Travel Awards.
World Travel Awards has been known as the “Oscars of the travel industry”, the most prestigious awards programme, rewarding for leaders in the tourism, airline, hotel, and hospitality sectors around the world. Each year, the World Travel Awards celebrates individual and collective successes within each key geographical region. All regional winners then go head to head with each other final round of voting to decide who will triumph in the annual World Travel Awards.
In Vietnam, Luxury Travel was listed as in the top of Vietnam’s Tour Operator in 2020. Moreover, this company is also recorded into two different categories: Asia’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator and Asian’s Leading Tour Operator with other big companies such as Asia World Enterprise, Odynovo, Bespoke India Holidays… The voting in Asia will close on September 24, 2020.
Over 15 year bespoke as the leading high-end DMC in Southeast Asia, Luxury Travel has been continued to grow and flourish and have the firm position in the tourism industry. In 2019, they severed nearly 10,000 high –end customers over the world. This year, it will be a challenge year with them however, they are adaptable flexibility to tap into the domestic luxury travel market and outbound department as the current situation in tourism statistics.
In Southeast Asia, they can commit to operating with the highest standards of service and professionalism, while continuing to improve on the qualities that make us not just good, but perfect, with great attention to detail.
In Southeast Asia, they enjoy connections with the best companies in Southeast Asia, such as hotels, cruise lines, local attraction operators & more, they trust that they own the most competitive price at the high- class standard. Their expert advisers are active and trained well to develop their expertise in all aspects of travel, as well as perfect their customer care skills.
They are proud to report that they have a 99% satisfaction rate with much of our business coming from referrals and business network recommendations. In the travel industry and consumer, awards are the testimony to their excellent reputation and that is why more than 60% of their clients are repeat visitors.
About Luxury Travel
Founded in 2004 by CEO, Mr. Pham Ha, Luxury Travel Ltd is an award-winning DMC that fills a niche in the luxury market. Luxury Travel Vietnam focus on high-end travel services in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. They have their luxury vehicles, and luxury cruises in Halong Bay (Emperor Cruises), Cat Ba (Heritage cruises), and Nha Trang bay (Emperor Cruises). Every year, they serve thousands of satisfied high-end travelers.
Filled with bunkers, shelters, and traps, there’s no better example for the ingenuity of the Viet Cong military forces than the Cu Chi tunnels. The astounding underground structure not only housed Viet Cong soldiers and personnel but also provided medical facilities and many other amenities. For a day away from Ho Chi Minh city, the Cu Chi tunnels are definitely worth a spot on your bucket list!
I. General Information
Location
First of all, it is important to note that there are 2 systems of tunnels which you visit. Both of these systems are located in Cu Chi, northwest of Ho Chi Minh city.
The closer tunnel system is the Ben Dinh tunnels, which is roughly 50 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh city. This system was once the operation base for the Cu Chi Party Committee. While less of a hassle to travel to, the Ben Dinh tunnels are less extensive than the other and may provide a more touristy experience. You also miss out on the opportunity to completely leave behind urban landscapes and take in the refreshing greenery of the Vietnamese countryside, since this tunnel system is closer to the city.
The farther of the two systems is the Ben Duoc tunnels, located nearly 70 kilometers off Ho Chi Minh city. As mentioned, Ben Duoc is the more extensive of the two tunnel systems and provides a far superior experience in terms of authenticity. The system was also more pivotal during wartime, as it served as the strategic headquarters not only for the Cu Chi District, but also the entirety of Saigon – Gia Dinh resistance operations.
So what’s our recommendation? Simply put, go with Ben Dinh if you’re pressed for time, but visit Ben Duoc if you’re up for the most authentic experience of crawling through a past resistance facility. Keep reading for insights on both destinations!
How to get there
There are many ways to get to the Cu Chi tunnels. If you are planning to travel on the cheap, a good option would be via public transportation.
There is no direct bus line from Ho Chi Minh city to either of the tunnel systems, but you can catch bus 13 at the 23/9 park in district 1 to get to Cu Chi Station. From there, you can take bus 63 to get to Ben Dinh and bus 79 to get to Ben Duoc. The price of bus tickets is minimal, and a two-way trip should not take more than 2 dollars.
If you feel like taking to the waterways, you can also opt to ride the waterbus at Bach Dang station in district 1. Ticket prices range from 150.000 to 200.000 Vietnamese dong, which is quite higher than regular bus rides. However, the cruising experience offers much in terms of sightseeing, convenience, and speed.
Last but not least, you can also reach Cu Chi quite easily on a trusty two-wheeler. While this is more for the adventurous, renting a motorbike and enjoying a scoot through the varying landscape along the way, from bustling urban to picturesque country, is arguably the best way to reach the tunnels.
Opening hours
Both of the two tunnel systems are open everyday, including Sunday and visitor entry is allowed from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Ticket info
Ben Duoc tunnels: 90.000 VND/pax Ben Dinh tunnels: 110.000 VND/pax
Tickets do come with special discounts for national and international holidays.
II. The history of the Cu Chi tunnels
In the late 1940s, as a military effort during the war for independence from the French colonial regime, the Vietnamese resistance forces began to dig a system of underground tunnels. Due to the lack of equipment, human hands were often the main tool to dig through kilometers of underground soil.
Needless to say, progress was rather sluggish, but it was also consistent. In the early 1960s, in light of the increasing military involvement of the US, the resistance forces further expanded the tunnels to prepare for the oncoming Vietnam War. In fact, the tunnels were extended to as long as 250 kilometers, stretching from the outlying areas of Saigon to close to the borders of Cambodia.
The disguise of the tunnel warfare is so sophisticated that it cannot be found out that under it was a whole complicated system
The tunnels were a key component in the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong’s guerilla tactics against their high-tech and well-armed enemies. Specifically, the tunnels provided shelter against aerial bombings – a strategy employed heavily by the US. Underground, soldiers and civilian forces could rest, cook, receive medical care, discuss strategies, or even enjoy some improvised music performances to ease the burden of war.
The disguise is proof of the intelligence of Vietnamese Soldier
Given the importance of the Cu Chi tunnels, the US had launched several campaigns to undermine this extensive underground system. Specially trained soldiers dubbed ‘tunnel rats’ were dispatched to scout the tunnels indicating key areas and traps laid by the resistance forces.
In a 1966 effort called ‘Operation Crimp’, several B-52 bombers were called in to hammer the tunnel area with powerful explosives. This proved vastly unsuccessful and failed to achieve its goal of sweeping the Vietnamese forces out of the Cu Chi jungle, as most of them had already retreated into the deep and nearly unnavigable tunnels. Another approach in this campaign was to seal off tunnel entrances by throwing grenades or pumping poisonous gases into them. Once again, this was to little effect, as the tunnels’ designs and air filtration prevented these attacks from leaving much impact. A similar campaign called ‘Operation Cedar Falls’ one year later at a bigger scale, but only was not able to fully extinguish the resistance forces hiding deep down below.
Overall, in its years of active use, the Cu Chi tunnels were a massive strategic advantage for Vietnamese forces, allowing them to control the battle and giving them a place to retreat to. Nowadays, while parts of the tunnels have caved in, the remnants have been reinforced and turned into an attractive tourist destination.
III. What to do at the Cu Chi tunnels
Explore the tunnels
Regardless of whether you choose Ben Duoc or Ben Dinh, the experience of venturing through the underground tunnels that used to house one of the most ingenious guerilla forces is both exhilarating and enlightening.
To get the most out of your tunneling adventure, we have assembled a few tips to help you out:
Put on comfortable clothing and footwear so you can move easily. While rooms are quite reasonably sized, the stretches of tunnels connecting them are cramped even by Vietnamese standards (especially in Ben Duoc, where for the sake of authenticity the tunnels have not been expanded as much as Ben Dinh). If you are anywhere taller than 150 centimeters, do expect to lower your head or even crawl through some sections.
Be prepared to get dirty. As mentioned, it is expected that you will have to writhe your way through several portions of the tunnels, so make sure you have a change of clothes ready!
Carry a flashlight. The majority of tunnels are lit very dimly to stay faithful to how they were during the war.
Pay attention! As you make your way through the tunnels, you are likely to encounter functional rooms wherein medical procedures, meetings, cooking, or even entertainment activities have taken place. There are quite a few mannequin reconstructions set in these rooms to give context, so do look around to see if you happen to be in a kitchen, office, or surgery room.
The tunnels contain quite a number of insects, so bug repellents would come in handy.
There are also bats in the tunnels. Be prepared!
The Cu Chi tunnels are NOT for the claustrophobic and nyctophobic. If you find yourself prone to extreme reactions in small and dark places, you can opt to visit a few larger rooms that are closer to the surface or look through the war exhibits on display at both tunnel sites.
Check out the shooting range
A shooting range is set up at both locations for visitors to test their marksman skills. You can choose to fire a range of weapons such as the AK47 and M16 rifles or the M60 and M30 machine guns, each with its own cost per round ranging from 20.000 to 40.000 (0.8 – 1.8 USD).
The staff there does offer you proper guidance and safety measures to get the most out of your experience, but only people 16 and above who are in good health conditions are allowed to take this activity.
Feast on Cu Chi cuisine
Like most places in Vietnam, Cu Chi comes with its own delectable eats. Here is our list of some must-try culinary items when you’re in Cu Chi:
1. Cu Chi young beef (Bo to Cu Chi)
Beef is everywhere, but beef as soft and juicy asBo To Cu Chican only be found here. To achieve its melting tenderness, the beef has to be taken from cows that are no older than 5 or 6 months.
There are a variety of ways in which Cu Chi beef can be prepared and enjoyed. One of the most common way the folks here do it is by steaming thin slices and wrapping them in rice paper with various herbs. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Vietnamese dish without some intricate sauce or dipping, and in this case the options include anchovy sauce, fermented shrimp paste, or the southern-style sweet and sour fish sauce.
Additionally, you can also enjoy somebo nhung giam,which is a mouth-watering beef hotpot with vinegar.
4. Young jackfruit salad (Mit non tron thit)
Jackfruit plants can be found in many areas of Cu Chi. Thus, the local produce goes straight into creating one of the tastiest salads of Vietnam.To be made into salad, pieces of young jackfruit are sliced thinly and added to a mix of various herbs or pickled veggies, along with several kinds of meat or shrimp. While the jackfruit itself doesn’t provide much flavor, its chewy texture is the real star of the dish.This salad can be eaten with rice, grilled rice paper, or just by itself.
3. Boiled cassava root(Khoai mi hap nuoc dua)
While not the most inviting dish, boiled cassava roots are culinary icons of the Cu Chi tunnels. The starchy roots were used as the main source of food for the Vietnamese forces residing in the tunnels, as they are relatively easy to cook and fill you up quickly. Nowadays, you can find this dish in restaurants in both the Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc tunnels, as well as in most restaurants in Cu Chi. Cassava roots are often boiled and eaten with a mix of crushed peanuts, sugar, and coconut milk.
4. Sugarcane juice with durian (Nuoc mia sau rieng)
Having filled your stomach with some tasty treats, the next thing you need is definitely a good refreshment. While sugarcane juice can be found in stalls all across Vietnam, it’s Cu Chi that takes the credit for one of the most unique variations of sugarcane juice – the one with durian added. While the smell of durian can be hard to overcome, its mildly sweet flavor and soft texture add wonders to the regular version of the drink. If you can’t handle durian, however, rest assured that most stalls do offer the usual plain sugarcane juice for you to rehydrate.
IV. Around Cu Chi tunnels
Ben Duoc memorial temple
At the end of the Ben Duoc tunnels stands a grand memorial temple of the same name. The temple was built by the Communist Party Committee to commemorate those in the Saigon-Gia Dinh area who fought and sacrificed themselves throughout both the war against French colonialism and the Vietnam war.
The solemn temple carries an architectural style that is reminiscent of many Vietnamese pagodas and shrines, except for its bright red roof tiles – a symbol for all the blood that had been shed during the two wars. Behind the gates lie a spacious and colorful flower garden, a tower, a grand temple, an inscription house, along with a basement.
Throughout the Ben Duoc memorial temple, you can find paintings, sculptures and statues that depict the Saigon-Gia Dinh people’s heroic fight for freedom and independence. You can also encounter inscriptions of honoring words for the thousands who sacrificed their lives.
Cao Dai Great Temple
The Cao Dai religion, also known as Caodaism, is a distinctly southern religion of Vietnam. Founded in Tay Ninh in 1926 by a Vietnamese official working for the French administration, the religion is unique in worshipping their deity Cao Dai, as well as honoring a range of figures such as Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, Confucius, Julius Caesar, and more.
The Cao Dai Great Temple, situated within the Cao Dai Holy See, is the grandest of all Caodaist temples and serves as a center for pilgrimage and worship. As peculiar as the religion itself, the temple’s cathedral-like layout and colorful wall and ceiling decorations present a blend of architectural styles that intrigues both the mind and eyes.
Coming here, you are promised a visual feast as you admire the gorgeous exterior and interior of the temple. For those passionate about discovering new cultures and religions, you can relish the opportunity to watch Caodaists carry out their daily ceremonies in dozens.
The Cao Dai Great Temple is roughly 55 kilometers away from the Cu Chi tunnels, making it a great addition to your away-from-Saigon trip. To learn more about the temple, check out our Cao Dai Temples article!
V. Travel with us
Ready to dive into the depths of the Cu Chi tunnels? Book a tour with Luxury Travel to get the best out of your trip. We offer custom-made tour itineraries tailored to your demands, along with premium services that cater to your every need and unique cultural insights and experiences from our seasoned guides.
Contact us at:
Address: No.456 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam Phone: (+84) 4 3927 4120 Email: sales@luxurytravelvietnam.com Hotline: (+84) 1234 68 69 96 Website: https://ift.tt/2wS4Mcx
