Vietnam Travel Guide and Information: The Cao Dai Temple and Cu Chi Tunnel Tour Package

Vietnam has a proud history of successfully resisting the US Forces. This was largely due to the genius creation of their tunnels. At the same time, Vietnam is also a melting pot of Asian religion such as Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Hence, its worth to visit the infamous Cao Dai Temple and the Cu Chi Tunnels for historical and religious appreciation of Vietnamese culture. 

Vietnam Tour Day 1: 

The tour to the Cao Dai Temple and Cu Chi Tunnel started at around 8:30 am when an airconditioned bus fetched us from our hotel. Another hour is spent from fetching other tourists in their respective hotels. So it was about 9:30 am when our bus was officially bound for Cao Dai Temple.

Along the way, we stopped at handicraft factory and store where people with disabilities create beautifully-crafted maches and engravements. For budget travellers, however, cheaper versions of these handicrafts can be bought in the city. 

making art pieces with egg shells

sample art pieces on lacquered wood

It was before lunch time when we reached Cao Dai Temple. Initially, I thought that Cao Dai Temple is just one big temple. I was surprised that Cao Dai Temple is actually a community of temples. There were even housings for volunteers and members of the community. The Cao Dai Temple is about 3 hours from Ho Chi Minh. 

the main temple of Cao Dai Temple

Footwear should be taken off before entering the main temple.  

leaving his footwear behind

We were just in time to witness their noon prayer. 

the devotees' at Cao Dai Temple

From Cao Dai Temple, it took us another hour and a half to reach Cu Chi Tunnels. (We also had our lunch first on a roadside cafeteria.)

There's an entrance fee of 2 USD in the vicinity of the Cu Chi Tunnels. Upon entering the area, we watched an old  20-minute video about the historical significance of the tunnels.

1

while watching a historical video 

 Then our tour guide showed us around the area including the various uses and sizes of tunnels, the traps and the shooting range. 

vietnamese trap made of sharpened bamboos

an entrance to a tunnel

a US tank captured by the Vietcongs

firing some shots

After an hour and a half, we were led into the tunnels to really experience going through them. It was the best part of the day!

inside the tunnel trail

It was almost 6:30 pm when we reached Ho Chi Minh after a day of peeking through the pages of Vietnamese history. 

Expenses:

10 USD -  Tour Package (Tropic Tours)

 2 USD  -  Entrance Fee to the Cu Chi Tunnels

 4 USD  -  Lunch

 1 USD  -  Share for the Tour Guide and Driver's Tip

17 USD  - Total Expenses

Reminders: 

1. Wear a light shirt. Sleeveless are not allowed in the temple. 

2. Wear a hat or bring an umbrella. 

3. Bring water!