Cu Chi Tunnels is a famous tourist destination, attracting many international and domestic tourists to visit, study history, and participate in activities that help them gain a deeper sense of understanding about the tough life of a Vietnamese soldier during the war with the US. To preserve memories of this heroic land, the best way is to buy and keep a gift as a souvenir. Therefore, we would like to share some souvenirs for Cu Chi tunnels trip in this article.
Souvenirs made of bullet shells
These products are made from used bullets at the shooting range. The bullet shells of all sizes, in the hands of artisans, turn into familiar souvenirs such as oil lamps, lighters, and keychains, priced from 50,000 VND to over 100,000 VND/item. Cu Chi tourists are very interested in these simple but meaningful souvenirs.
Vietnamese checkered scarf
This checkered scarf is traditional attire in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region. During the Vietnam War, the distinctive checkered scarf was donned by Vietnamese soldiers to identify themselves. The Vietnamese checkered scarf was also widely used by farmers in their work and daily lives.
The scarves have the advantage of being durable, highly absorbent, and quick-drying, making them suitable for the South’s hot climate. Besides the aesthetic beauty, the scarf also has many utilities and common uses, such as: wearing it on the head to block the sun, covering the dew, wrapping it across the forehead to absorb sweat when working, packing a few personal items, bandaging wounds, or becoming an encouragement gift to lovers.
At Cu Chi tunnels, the Vietnamese checkered scarf is one of the most favorite souvenirs, at an affordable price and styles; colors compared with the original were only black and white.
Vietnamese loose-fitting blouse (áo bà ba)
Much like the checkered scarf, the loose-fitting blouse is the traditional costume of the people of South Vietnam.
It was originally a collarless shirt. The back body of the shirt is sewn from a piece of raw fabric; the front body consists of two pieces, and in the middle, there are two buttons running from the top down.
The shirt is tight at the waist, with moderate slits on both sides. The shirt is only long enough to cover the buttocks, hugging the body. Compared to traditional costumes in other countries, perhaps the Vietnamese loose-fitting blouse is the simplest outfit. And at the Cu Chi tunnels, many types of these clothes are sold according to the traditional sewing style, displaying the solidarity of the local people and soldiers here.
Moreover, they are very suitable for the weather for people living in the river delta in general, and in tunnels in particular, especially during the dry season, with a hot, humid climate.
Hats
There are many types of hats sold in Cu Chi, including palm-leaf conical hats, bucket hats, and sun helmets. These items are very elaborately sewn. They also help to recreate the image of the lives of the people and soldiers in this land. And the reason these hats are favored by many tourists is that they are cool to wear and very affordable.
Tire Sandals (dép cao su)
Rubber sandals, made from discarded tires, are a familiar item associated with the image of Uncle Ho’s army during the two resistance wars against the French and the Americans.
To make tire sandals, a section of a car tire is cut out as the base (usually the middle part), with the outer side facing down. The strap of the tire sandals is cut from old car tires; the length varies to suit each foot size.
It is quite easy to manufacture, light and smooth to walk in, very convenient for wading through water and mud, and can protect feet even when stepping on shards of glass or barbed wire.
Therefore, the tire sandals have become the companions of hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese soldiers during the war. Until now, they’re still a “very good friend” for travelers, especially for a trekking, walking, or hiking trip.
So they would be a meaningful gift for their daily exercise as well.
We have shared some souvenirs for Cu Chi Tunnels trip. We’re also running daily tours, package tours or private car from Ho Chi minh to Cu Chi tunnels. You will have a chance to stop at some places for shopping for Cu Chi specialties.
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