Cu Chi tunnels claustrophobia
 

The photos alone of people enclosed in the tiny tunnels are enough to make me anxious. Is a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels absolutely dependent on entering those narrow passages or is there stuff to see without getting completely enclosed?

Seeing what it is like to be in such a small enclosed space is much of the point of visiting the tunnels. If that would be distressing tot you, don't go. Note that what visitors are shown are a reconstruction, not the real thing.

I understand, thank you. I am sure my husband would be interested, but not sure I can handle it.

I visited without going down the tunnels, but I as part of a longet tour that included the Cao Dai temple, which was my main interest. If the tour is only to the tunnels and you are not going down I wouldn't bother, but as part of a longer tour I found it informative.

If it is going to make you anxious then why even bother? Incredible though the history and background is, it is a major tourist trap these days. Lots of other sights to see in and around Saigon. Spend the time and money on something you would enjoy.

Going into a tunnel is optional and only a small part of the tour. You see a movie about them, then walk in the forest with sample rooms recreated above ground. At the end, you can pay extra to fire a machine gun. I went on the tour and took a couple of steps down into a tunnel, but did not go completely into it. It was all interesting, but not a must see in my opinion.

Half of our group went into the tunnels and half did not. I went into one of the shortest and at 5'5 I found it very distressing yet it helped me to imagine the circumstances better. But I couldn't wait to get out! I'm glad we went but don't think you should feel as if you missed something vital if you chose not to go. We stayed in the area for a canoe ride and lunch.