The Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive underground tunnel network built during the war for independence and expanded further during the Vietnam/American War by the Vietcong.  It is located in the Cu Chi district of Saigon.  At its peak, it covered 250 kilometers, stretching from near the Cambodian border to the outskirts of Saigon.

Life in the tunnels was difficult.  They are small at 0.5 to 1 meters wide, which is just enough for a person to get around by bending or dragging oneself.  Air, food, water and other supplies were scarce and the tunnel network was infested with ants, poisonous centipedes, snakes, mosquitoes, spiders and other dangerous animals.  Sickness was common in the tunnels, with malaria and intestinal parasites spreading rapidly in the tight underground network.  In addition the tunnels were also very dark and soldiers must remember every path and turn so to avoid falling victim to their own booby traps.  But, as the tunnels grew, some improvements were made such as arms stores, hospitals, bomb shelters, kitchens and even theaters.

The Cu Chi Tunnels have been preserved by the Vietnamese government and is now a war memorial park where visitors are invited to crawl in and around the tunnels.  Some sections have been enlarged to accommodate the tourists and lights have been installed to make travelling through the tunnels much easier.  In addition, the underground network has been sprayed to deter the animals and insects that used to fill the tunnel network.

Underground conference rooms have also been restored and visitors may choose to sample food the Vietcong would have eaten at the time.  Above ground, visitors may extend their experience and have a go at firing an AK-47 or M-16 at a firing range.

A visit to Cu Chi Tunnels is an educating experience.  With Exotissimo, we take this one step further as you tour the underground network with a war veteran who lived in the tunnels for 12 years.  His firsthand account of the war is fascinating.

Learn about the tunnels and the role it played in the Vietnam/American War with our Half Day the Tunnels of Cu Chi – Ho Chi Minh City tour.  You may also learn about the tunnels on two wheels with A Day Biking the Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City tour.  Here you will cycle in and out of villages and get a sense of rural Vietnamese life before visiting the site.  These day trips are great extensions to our Unseen Ho Chi Minh City tour.  Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

The Mekong Delta is a region in South Vietnam where the world’s 12th longest river empties out into the sea.  The numerous tributaries and canals form an extensive and complex network of waterways.  As a result, the area is rich and filled with scenic rice fields and many floating markets.

The delta is one of the world’s greatest producers of rice.  Half of the country’s rice production comes from the delta.  A lot of the country’s fruits also come from the numerous orchids in the area.  In addition, the region’s fauna is quite diverse, with a wide range of fish and crustaceans.  New species of animals are continually discovered, including a species of rat thought to have been extinct.

The Mekong Delta covers nine provinces in Southern Vietnam.  The majority of the people are ethnic Vietnamese with Khmer, Chinese and Cham making up the minority.  Because of this variety, the area is culturally diverse.

Most of the people living in the delta are farmers or fishermen.  They often live on the edge of the river and their homes are built from whatever material is available to them.  This makes housing construction and architecture between regions in the delta distinct and unique from each other.  Most of these houses often have bamboo cages underneath which are used to breed fish.

The Mekong Delta is also home to a thriving snake industry.  Originally created as a research institution for the snake’s venom, Dong Nam Snake Farm in Can Tho (Mekong Delta’s biggest city) is the largest snake farm in Vietnam.  It is home to a wide range of venomous and non-venomous snakes.  Another interesting site common in the delta are bottles of snake wine.  Cobras and other venomous snakes are infused in glass bottles of rice wine or grain alcohol.  Snake wine is believed to possess medicinal qualities and increase fertility.  The venom is dissolved and denatured by the ethanol, so it is safe to consume it.

One of the popular attractions on a Mekong Delta cruise is the region’s vibrant and lively floating markets.  Phung Hiep floating market in Hau Giang Province is the largest and a nearby bridge is an excellent spot to take photographs.    Boats loaded with produce ranging from fruits, vegetables, and fish converge to form a sea of colorful vendors.  Also present at the markets are floating restaurants, gas stations and tour boats filled with on looking tourists.

The Mekong Delta is one of Southeast Asia’s unique areas and a recommended stop for anyone planning to visit Vietnam.  Taking you on a cruise to the heart of the delta, our Deep in the Delta tour brings the cultures and sceneries of the region to life.  Visit a wide range villages, floating markets and craft shops as you navigate through the many waterways of the area.  If you only have a day and would like to explore the delta, you can take Exotissimo’s A Day Cai Be & Vinh Long – Ho Chi Minh City tour.  You will get a chance to explore the region’s floating markets, rice fields and waterways in this enlightening day trip to South Vietnam.  You can also see our recommended Vietnam tours page for other journeys into the always fascinating and charming country of Vietnam.

The Marble Mountains are a group of limestone formations about 10 kilometers away from the port city of Danang in Central Vietnam.  The area is filled with caves and marble crafts depicting mystical creatures and images of Buddha.  Paths leading up to the top of the forested hills offer scenic views of the city and its shoreline below.

There are five formations (mountains) in all, with each being named after the five elements.  They are Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire) and Tho (earth).  Each of these mountains have cave entrances and numerous tunnels waiting to be explored.  There are also quite a few Buddhist sanctuaries and the sounds of bells and chimes set against the elevated terrain with the sea serving as a background is a captivating experience.

Thuy Mountain is the biggest of these formations and offers the most challenging climb. After completing this climb, you will be rewarded with some captivating views.  Thuy Mountain is also home to pagodas dating back to the 17th century.  Hundreds of steep and natural stone steps lead to the peak of the hill to Tam Quan Gate.  Right next to it is the 18th century Vong Giang Tower (Riverview Tower) where you can absorb the view of Mount Kim Son, Troung Giang and the Cam Le rivers and the surrounding coastline.

If you are feeling fit, you can continue up the path and be rewarded with more pagodas, caves and marvelous views.  One of these caves is Van Thong.  Inside the cavern is an ancient stele and a large Buddha image.  Behind the statue is a narrow pathway, called Road to Heaven that leads up to the peak of Thuy Mountain.  You will need to reserve some strength and energy for this because you will need to rock climb in order to move up.  At the end of this climb is a hole that leads to a breathtaking panoramic view of the area.  After absorbing the view, you can head down and visit numerous pagodas, with some hosting fine Buddha statues and other carvings.

Marble Mountains is a popular attraction for visitors to Danang and it is easy to see why.  Nature and culture co-exists peacefully at this site, making for an unforgettable experience.  You may contact us if you would like to experience Marble Mountains in our Absolute Vietnam tour.  Everything that makes the country so unique and vibrant will be experienced in this detailed tour.  A Day Hoi An and My Son – Danang day trip is highly recommended if you are in Danang and would like to explore the area’s historic Champa temples.  You can also see our suggested Vietnam tours for other memorable experiences in this fascinating country.