Experience the Best of Southern Vietnam in One Day: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta with Shooting Guns

This full-day VIP tour offers an impressive combination of Vietnam’s wartime history and lush river life, starting early in the morning with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels and ending with a peaceful cruise through the Mekong Delta. Priced at $38 per person, it’s a well-priced way to pack in a variety of sights, sounds, and flavors of the south—especially if you’re short on time but eager for authentic experiences.

What we love most is how this tour balances meaningful history with scenic natural beauty, and the inclusion of interactive elements like shooting guns. Plus, the knowledgeable guides and well-organized itinerary mean you get a lot of value for your money.

A potential consideration is the long day’s travel time, with about an hour and a half to the tunnels and a full day of activity. If you’re not a fan of busy days or long bus rides, this might be a bit intense. However, for those eager to cover the highlights in one go, it’s a fantastic choice.

This tour suits curious travelers who want a rundown—from wartime underground life to river life—plus those who enjoy hands-on experiences like shooting guns. It’s especially popular among first-time visitors eager to see the core sites quickly yet authentically.

Authentic experiences paired with expert guides make the tour memorable.
Value for money is high, with all entry fees, meals, and activities included.
The tour provides a balanced mix of history, culture, and natural scenery.
Interactive moments, like shooting guns, add a unique thrill.
Due to its full-day format, it’s ideal for travelers with limited time who want a comprehensive look at southern Vietnam.
The tour generally receives glowing reviews for organization, guides, and value.

Starting in Ho Chi Minh City
The tour kicks off early at 7:30 am with hotel pickup, a real plus for convenience. The first major stop is the Cu Chi Tunnels, about an hour and a half away by comfortable, air-conditioned bus. We appreciated the smooth pick-up and the fact that the tour is capped at 15 travelers—making it more intimate than some large group outings.

The Cu Chi Tunnels—a must-see for history buffs—are the highlight of the morning. Guided by experienced instructors, we enter a maze of narrow tunnels that once housed Vietnamese soldiers during the war. An introductory video prepares you for what’s to come, giving context on how these tunnels served as hidden bases, kitchens, hospitals, and even weapon factories.

Inside, you’ll see living quarters, command centers, and trapdoors, with plenty of opportunities for photos. The actual thrill comes from trying your hand at shooting guns (for those 18 and above), which adds a visceral element to understanding wartime life. One review mentioned, “Jimmy the guide was very friendly and told us a lot of information,” highlighting the value of knowledgeable guides. The included guerrilla food—tea and cassava—adds a taste of wartime survival.

Lunch in a Local Restaurant
After exploring the tunnels, the tour moves on to a local eatery for Vietnamese cuisine. The reviews note that the lunch is tasty and authentic, a vital part of the day that offers a break and a chance to sample regional dishes. A reviewer mentioned, “The included lunch features delicious Vietnamese cuisine, adding to the authenticity of the experience.”

The Mekong Delta Experience
Post-lunch, the journey continues into the Mekong Delta, a lush network of rivers, islands, and villages. The boat trip on the Tien River takes you past four scenic islands—Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise—each with its own charm. Expect to feel the gentle breeze from the river and enjoy views of vibrant greenery.

A highlight is a sampan cruise through small canals, which transports you into a tranquil world of floating markets, fruit orchards, and rustic villages. Many reviews mention how peaceful and naturally beautiful this part of the tour is, with one stating, “The warm sunny afternoon and the peaceful feeling of taking visitors into the heart of the unique nature and culture of the Mekong Delta create a memorable experience.”

You’ll visit a coconut candy workshop, sample seasonal fruits and honey tea, and enjoy some traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music performed by local artists. These cultural touches deepen the experience far beyond just a river cruise.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City
The day wraps up with a scenic bus ride back, reflecting on the diverse experiences—from wartime tunnels to lush river landscapes. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth organization and the friendly guides, such as “Jimmy” and “Vinh,” who share insightful commentary along the way.

Knowledgeable Guides
Reviews frequently mention guides like Jimmy, Vinh, and Duy, who are praised for their friendliness, humor, and depth of knowledge. Their ability to share interesting historical facts and cultural insights makes the day more engaging.

Authentic Food and Cultural Interactions
The included lunch and the folk music performance showcase regional flavors and traditions, giving travelers a taste of real Vietnamese life.

Balanced Itinerary
The tour hits a sweet spot—covering history, culture, and nature—without feeling rushed. The boat rides, tunnels, and cultural stops are well-paced, with enough time for photos and questions.

Value for Money
At $38, this tour includes all transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and activities—making it a cost-effective way to see some of southern Vietnam’s most iconic sites.

Comfort and Convenience
Pickup from your hotel, air-conditioned transportation, and small group size mean less hassle and more comfort, especially during the longer travel segments.

Opportunities for Unique Experiences
Shooting guns at Cu Chi and cycling around the Mekong villages are the kinds of moments that stick with travelers long after the tour ends.

The Transportation
The tour uses a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, which is crucial given the long drives. The staff’s punctuality and the capped group size ensure a more personalized experience.

Timing and Duration
Starting early and ending around 6:30 pm, the day is full but manageable. The itinerary balances sightseeing with enough downtime for meals and photos, although some travelers might find long hours a bit tiring.

The Guided Experience
Guides like Mr. Quy and Mr. Duy are noted for providing insightful commentary, which adds depth to the experience. Their ability to answer questions and share stories makes history come alive.

Activities
From exploring the underground tunnels to sampling local candy to boat cruising—these varied activities keep the day lively, engaging, and authentic. The shooting experience, restricted to those 18 and above, adds a memorable adrenaline rush for most.

The Food
The included lunch is regional Vietnamese cuisine, praised for its taste and authenticity. The stop at the coconut candy workshop offers a sweet, hands-on cultural lesson.

Reviews and Feedback
Most reviews are glowing, with travelers emphasizing the organization, guides, and value. One reviewer mentioned, “The tour was very well-organized, and I had no idea about the depth of Vietnamese resilience and ingenuity.”

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Vietnam’s history and natural beauty in one day. It appeals to those interested in military history, as well as travelers eager to experience local culture firsthand. It’s also suitable for families or groups who enjoy interactive activities and scenic boat rides.

While it’s a full day with some long travel segments, the well-paced itinerary and friendly guides make it manageable. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, well-rounded experience that combines education, adventure, and culture, this tour is a solid choice.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Ho Chi Minh City, making it convenient for travelers staying in the city center.

Can I participate if I’m not a good shot?
Shooting guns is an optional activity for those 18 and above. If you’re not comfortable, you can skip it without missing the core parts of the tour.

How long is the overall tour?
The entire day lasts approximately 10 to 11 hours, including travel time, visits, and meals.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and outdoor activities, sun protection, and a camera. The tour provides bottled water, but you might want to bring extra snacks or personal items.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for most travelers, although shooting guns is restricted to adults over 18.

What language is the guide speaking?
The guide speaks English, providing clear and informative commentary throughout the day.

In all, this VIP tour offers a cleverly balanced mix of Vietnam’s powerful history and serene river life, all packed into one meaningful day. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture seeker, or just in search of a memorable adventure, you’ll find plenty to love on this well-organized journey.