Cao Dai Temple and Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip from HCMC

The Cao Dai Temple and Cu Chi Tunnels Tour from Ho Chi Minh City is a full-day tour that takes you to two of the most important sites in Vietnam’s history and culture.

The first stop is the Cao Dai Temple, which is known for its unique architecture and the daily noon ceremony performed by worshippers. The second stop is the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War.

8:30am: Pick up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

8:30am – 11:30am: Drive approximately 2.5 – 3 hours to the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh province

11:30am – 12:30pm: Visit the Cao Dai Temple and witness their daily noon ceremony performed by the worshippers

12:30pm – 1:30pm: Have lunch at a local restaurant (depending on the tour package)

1:30pm – 2:30pm: Drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels

2:30pm – 4:30pm: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, including a guided tour of the tunnel complex and seeing exhibits of weapons and equipment used during the Vietnam War

4:30pm – 5:30pm: Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City and drop off at your hotel

Note: The above timings and details are for informational purposes only, and the actual tour itinerary and inclusions may vary depending on the tour operator and package selected.

More information about each destination on the tour:

Cao Dai Temple:

• Location: Tay Ninh province, approximately 100 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City
• Highlights: The temple’s unique architecture, ornate decorations, and the daily noon ceremony performed by the worshippers
• The Cao Dai religion is a syncretic religion that combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Islam, and was founded in 1926 in Vietnam. The Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh province is the largest and most impressive temple of the Cao Dai religion, and features colorful decorations and statues of saints and deities from various religions. The daily noon ceremony is a fascinating spectacle, with worshippers dressed in colorful robes and chanting prayers.

Cu Chi Tunnels:

• Location: Cu Chi district, approximately 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City
• Highlights: The underground tunnel complex used by the Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War, exhibits of weapons and equipment used during the war, and the opportunity to crawl through a section of the tunnels yourself
• The Cu Chi Tunnels were originally built by the Vietnamese soldiers during the French colonial period, and were expanded and improved during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were used to transport supplies, weapons, and personnel, as well as to hide from the enemy. The tunnel complex is over 200 km long and includes living quarters, hospitals, command centers, and weapons storage facilities. The exhibits at the site include traps, bombs, and booby traps used by the soldiers, as well as weapons and equipment captured from the enemy. Visitors also have the chance to crawl through a section of the tunnels themselves, which can be a claustrophobic and intense experience.