What should I wear to the Cu Chi Tunnels?
Wear dark-colored, close-fitting clothes that you don't mind getting dirty and possibly torn on tunnel walls. Long sleeves protect against insects and scraping in the tunnels. Flat closed shoes with grip — no sandals or flip-flops inside the tunnel sections. Bring water (2L minimum), sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small torch if you have one.
The Cu Chi Tunnels site has some specific requirements that most travel clothing fails, and a few that matter more than most guides mention.
Clothing
Dark colors: The clay soil at Cu Chi is an orange-red that stains permanently on light fabrics. Wear something you’re willing to launder thoroughly or write off. Dark blue, dark green, black, or olive — anything that won’t show a red clay handprint.
Close-fitting but flexible: Baggy clothes catch on tunnel wall protrusions during the crawl sections. The tunnels are narrow and low — loose fabric gets grabbed by every outcropping. Fitted jeans, leggings, or similar are better than wide-leg trousers.
Long sleeves: Two reasons. Insects — the forested site has mosquitoes, particularly in the morning. And the tunnels themselves have root systems, nails, and rough surfaces that scrape exposed arms.
Not your nicest clothes: The tunnel crawl section is genuinely dirty. Even if you skip the tunnels, the surface exhibits involve crouching near soil and leaning on wooden structures. Don’t wear what you’d wear to a nice dinner.
Footwear
Closed, flat shoes with grip. The site has:
- Uneven packed-earth paths
- Steps with no consistent height
- Wet surfaces after rain
- Tunnel entrances that require kneeling on dirt
Sandals and flip-flops are a bad idea in the tunnel sections. Sandals on the surface are manageable but suboptimal after rain. Trainers (sneakers) or lightweight hiking shoes are ideal.
No heels, obviously.
What to bring
- Water: 2 litres minimum. The site has a restaurant and some snack sellers, but water prices are elevated inside. Fill up before you arrive.
- Sunscreen: The surface areas have limited shade. The walk between exhibits is in open sun.
- Insect repellent: DEET-based works best for Vietnamese mosquitoes.
- Small torch: The provided lighting in tunnels is functional but minimal. A headlamp keeps your hands free in narrow sections.
- Cash: Entrance fees, optional shooting range, lunch, and the uniform rental (if you want photos in Viet Cong gear) are all cash transactions.
What to leave at the hotel
Large bags and backpacks — there are no secure lockers. Travel light: cash, phone, water, and sunscreen are all you need for a half-day visit.
For everything about the Cu Chi Tunnels trip, see are the Cu Chi Tunnels worth it?, how much does the tour cost?, and how to book a reliable tour.