Cu Chi District is one of the districts within Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This district is known for its extensive historical sites that are still preserved today, along with some exceptional culinary experiences. In this article, we will delve into all the details about Cu Chi District.

Historical Background of Cu Chi District

During the Nguyen Dynasty, Cu Chi was part of Binh Duong Province, under the jurisdiction of Tan Binh District and Phien An Precinct. In 1841, Cu Chi became part of Binh Long District, Tan Binh Precinct, Gia Dinh Province.

In 1911, Cu Chi became a part of Hoc Mon District, Gia Dinh Province. On April 29, 1957, the Saigon government issued Decree No. 138-BNV-HC-NĐ, which established Cu Chi District by separating three communes, Long Tuy Thuong, Long Tuy Trung, and Long Tuy Ha, from Gia Dinh Province to form Cu Chi District in Binh Duong Province.

In 1963, Cu Chi District was divided into two districts, with half of Cu Chi District retaining its original name and becoming part of Hau Nghia Province, while the other half was named Phu Hoa District and became part of Binh Duong Province.

In August 1968, due to war, Cu Chi was divided into two districts, Nam Chi and Bac Chi.

After April 30, 1975, when the revolutionary government was established, Cu Chi District of Hau Nghia Province was merged with Phu Hoa District of Binh Duong Province to form Cu Chi District, which is now part of Ho Chi Minh City.

Since then, Cu Chi District has maintained its administrative subdivisions, consisting of 1 township and 20 communes.

Where is Cu Chi Located, and Which Districts Does It Border?

Cu Chi District is an outlying district located in the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. It is geographically situated as follows:

• To the north, it borders Ben Cat Town in Binh Duong Province and Dau Tieng District in Binh Duong Province.

• To the south, it borders Duc Hoa District in Long An Province and Hoc Mon District in Ho Chi Minh City.

• To the east, it borders Thu Dau Mot City in Binh Duong Province.

• To the west, it borders Trang Bang Commune in Tay Ninh Province and Duc Hoa District in Long An Province.

Cu Chi District covers an area of 434.77 square kilometers, and as of 2019, it had a population of 462,047 people, with a population density of 1,063 people per square kilometer.

The terrain of the district lies in the transitional region between the Southwestern and Southeastern regions of Vietnam. It features gradually decreasing elevations in two directions: northwest to southeast and northeast to southwest, with an average elevation ranging from 8 to 10 meters above sea level. Additionally, the district has abundant fields and fertile land suitable for agricultural development.

How Many Communes Does Cu Chi District Have?

Cu Chi District currently consists of 21 administrative units, including 1 township and 20 communes. Below is a list of the communes and the township in Cu Chi District:

• Cu Chi Township: Covering an area of 3.79 square kilometers, with a population of 28,459 people as of 2021.

• An Nhon Tay Commune: Covering an area of 28.90 square kilometers, with a population of 19,397 people as of 2021.

• An Phu Commune: Covering an area of 24.32 square kilometers, with a population of 11,426 people as of 2021.

• Binh My Commune: Covering an area of 25.39 square kilometers, with a population of 52,302 people as of 2021.

• Hoa Phu Commune: Covering an area of 9.10 square kilometers, with a population of 18,923 people as of 2021.

• Nhuan Duc Commune: Covering an area of 21.83 square kilometers, with a population of 15,517 people as of 2021.

• Pham Van Coi Commune: Covering an area of 23.20 square kilometers, with a population of 8,805 people as of 2021.

• Phu Hoa Dong Commune: Covering an area of 21.79 square kilometers, with a population of 30,830 people as of 2021.

• Phu My Hung Commune: Covering an area of 24.45 square kilometers, with a population of 8,199 people as of 2021.

• Phuoc Hiep Commune: Covering an area of 19.64 square kilometers, with a population of 14,002 people as of 2021.

• Phuoc Thanh Commune: Covering an area of 15.07 square kilometers, with a population of 18,948 people as of 2021.

• Phuoc Vinh An Commune: Covering an area of 16.24 square kilometers, with a population of 26,550 people as of 2021.

• Tan An Hoi Commune: Covering an area of 30.24 square kilometers, with a population of 35,327 people as of 2021.

• Tan Phu Trung Commune: Covering an area of 30.78 square kilometers, with a population of 50,913 people as of 2021.

• Tan Thanh Dong Commune: Covering an area of 26.50 square kilometers, with a population of 48,330 people as of 2021.

• Tan Thanh Tay Commune: Covering an area of 11.48 square kilometers, with a population of 16,702 people as of 2021.

• Tan Thong Hoi Commune: Covering an area of 17.88 square kilometers, with a population of 52,299 people as of 2021.

• Thai My Commune: Covering an area of 24.14 square kilometers, with a population of 14,878 people as of 2021.

• Trung An Commune: Covering an area of 19.99 square kilometers, with a population of 26,809 people as of 2021.

• Trung Lap Ha Commune: Covering an area of 16.99 square kilometers, with a population of 15,441 people as of 2021.

• Trung Lap Thuong Commune: Covering an area of 23.23 square kilometers, with a population of 20,938 people as of 2021.

Important Administrative Offices in Cu Chi District

Cu Chi District People's Committee

Address: 77 TL8, Cu Chi Town, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

• Saturday: 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Cu Chi District Medical Center

Address: 11 Alley 64 Nguyen Van Ni, Cu Chi Town, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

Cu Chi District People's Court

Address: 77B TL8, Hamlet 7, Cu Chi Town, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Cu Chi District Police

Address: Provincial Road 8, Hamlet 5, Cu Chi Town, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM.

Famous Places in Cu Chi District

Cu Chi District is not only famous for its historical sites but also has many tourist attractions. Below are some of the famous places in Cu Chi District that you can visit:

Cu Chi Tunnels

When visiting Cu Chi District, you must explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the significant historical sites of the city. Here, you will be amazed by an underground tunnel system stretching 120 meters in two levels. The Cu Chi Tunnels have a complex design, which helped our soldiers hide from enemy detection.

Today, these tunnels serve as a tourist attraction and have become famous in Cu Chi District and Ho Chi Minh City, attracting numerous domestic and international visitors.

Address: Provincial Road 15, Phu Hiep, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Ben Duoc Memorial Temple

The Ben Duoc Memorial Temple is situated within the Cu Chi Tunnels complex. This temple was constructed to honor the soldiers and civilians, the warriors who sacrificed their lives during the resistance against the French and the Americans.

The temple covers an area of 7 hectares and is a beautiful and sacred site. Besides paying tribute to the heroes, Ben Duoc Temple is also an attractive tourist spot that helps tourists gain a deeper understanding of the history and the lives of the people in this region during the Vietnam War.

Address: No. 6, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Fosaco Eco-Village

Fosaco Eco-Village is like a miniature Central Highlands nestled in the heart of the city. Located about 8 km from the Cu Chi Tunnels, it offers a refreshing and peaceful atmosphere, in contrast to the bustling city.

Fosaco showcases unique Central Highlands architecture and provides a chance to experience the distinctive culture of ethnic groups and their unique traditional festivals. You can participate in nightly activities like cultural performances, traditional dances, and outdoor games, while also savoring delicious Central Highlands specialties.

Address: Ecotourism Area, Nga Tu Hamlet, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station

This is one of the largest wildlife rescue stations in the southern region, housing over 3,000 different rare animal species. Its purpose is to conserve endangered wildlife species at risk of extinction and provide medical care for all animal species.

When you visit this station, you can observe various wild animals such as gibbons, langurs, freshwater turtles, pythons, and listen to guides' interesting stories about these animals and their surroundings.

Address: Provincial Road 15, An Nhon Tay, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Furthermore, when visiting Củ Chi District, you can explore other attractive tourist destinations, such as:

• Một thoáng Việt Nam Tourism Area, located at 109 Nguyễn Thị Sữa Street, Phú Bình Hamlet, Củ Chi, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Green Noen Eco-Tourism Area, located at 816 Nguyễn Thị Rành Street, An Nhơn Tây, Củ Chi, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Bình Mỹ Riverside Eco-Tourism Area, located at 22 Nguyễn Thị Da Street, Ấp 4, Bình Mỹ Commune, Củ Chi, Ho Chi Minh City.

• An Nhơn Tây Củ Chi Water Park, located at 986 Provincial Road 7, An Nhơn Tây, Củ Chi, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Joy Farm (Rice Flower Farm), located at 16 Nguyễn Văn Tiệp Street, An Phú, Củ Chi, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Trung An Fruit Garden, located at Nguyễn Thị Lèn Street, Trung An, Củ Chi, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Liên Trì Pagoda, located at HL2, Tân Phú Trung, Củ Chi, Ho Chi Minh City.

What to eat in Củ Chi?

In addition to its historical sites and attractive tourist spots, the cuisine of Củ Chi is a major draw for visitors. Let's explore some of the standout dishes you can find in Củ Chi.

Củ Chi Beef:

When mentioning Củ Chi, you cannot miss out on Củ Chi beef. Củ Chi beef is known for its perfect tenderness and delightful aroma. It's prepared in various delicious ways, such as steamed beef rolls with rice paper, wild vegetable hotpot with beef, charcoal-grilled beef, and beef dipped in vinegar.

You can visit the following restaurants to savor this excellent Củ Chi beef:

• Xuân Đào Beef, located at 8 Nguyễn Giao, Củ Chi Town, Củ Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Chính Cư Beef, located at 2 Phạm Văn Chèo, Quarter 7, Củ Chi Town, Củ Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Ngọc Thảo Beef, located at 294 Nguyễn Thị Rành, Trung Lập Hạ Commune, Củ Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Hai Nghẹo Beef, located on Provincial Road 8, Ấp 6, Phước Vĩnh An Commune, Củ Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Vĩnh Xuân Beef, located at 262 QL22, Tân Thông Hội Commune, Củ Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Coconut Milk Braised Cassava:

This seemingly simple dish has historical significance, as it was a staple during the resistance war period. Cassava is steamed and then topped with creamy coconut milk, resulting in a delightful combination of soft cassava and rich coconut milk that's both simple and incredibly satisfying.

Recommended restaurant:

• Cau Garden, located at 259A QL22, Tân Thông Hội Commune, Củ Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Pineapple and Durian Juice:

One of the most famous refreshing drinks in Củ Chi is pineapple and durian juice. This sweet and aromatic beverage combines the sweetness of pineapple with the richness of durian, creating a delightful and refreshing flavor, especially on a hot day.

You can easily find stalls selling delicious pineapple and durian juice along National Highway 22. For an authentic taste, visit the Cau Garden at 259A QL22, Tân Thông Hội Commune, Củ Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò):

While beef noodle soup is a common dish in Vietnam, Củ Chi offers its unique version. The standout feature is the use of Củ Chi beef, which is tender and flavorful. Fresh beef combined with a flavorful broth and soft noodles creates a memorable culinary experience.

Visithcmc recommends some great places for delicious beef noodle soup in Củ Chi:

• Ngọc Mỹ Beef Noodle Soup, located on Provincial Road 15, Phú Hòa Đông Commune, Củ Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Huế Sông Hương Beef Noodle Soup, located on Nguyễn Văn Khạ Street, Củ Chi Town, Củ Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Huế Cô Tư Beef Noodle Soup, located at 363 Quốc Lộ 22, Ấp Bến Đò 2, Tân Phú Trung Commune, Củ Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

• O Thơm Beef Noodle Soup, located at 1349 TL8, Trung An Commune, Củ Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Huế Núi Ngự Beef Noodle Soup, located at 01 Đường số 35, Quarter 3, Củ Chi, Ho Chi Minh City.

Eel Porridge (Cháo Môn Lươn):

Have you ever heard of eel porridge? Unlike the eel porridge from other regions, Củ Chi's version offers a unique and delicious experience. This porridge is cooked with tender and tasty eel, soft and creamy taro, all enhanced by the aroma of shrimp paste and lemongrass. It's a nutritious and heartwarming dish, especially on rainy days in Saigon.

Recommended restaurant:

• Hai He Restaurant, located at 1 Bến Than Street, Phú Hòa Commune, Củ Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

In addition to these featured dishes, when visiting Củ Chi, you can also enjoy other delicious items like phở (Vietnamese noodle soup with beef), hủ tiếu (a noodle dish), bánh xèo (sizzling pancakes), bánh khọt (mini savory pancakes), cháo cá rau đắng (bitter melon fish porridge), and ếch ủ rơm (rice field frog). Rest assured, Củ Chi has a wide array of culinary delights to offer. Củ Chi District is one of the significant areas of Ho Chi Minh City, with its strategic geographical location, historical sites, and enticing cuisine. We hope this article helps you gain a deeper understanding of Củ Chi District and discover the exciting aspects of this region when you visit