The journey is half the fun on Grasshopper Adventures' new tour of Vietnam's famous Cu Chi tunnels, the first combined cycling and boat daytrip available to the world-renowned historic site.

Grasshopper's Cu Chi Tunnels Bike & Boat trip offers visitors the chance to see the quiet agricultural and riverside communities around Vietnam's biggest city as they travel the waterways and backroads to escape the crowds at Cu Chi.

Setting off early from Ho Chi Minh City's central pier in a comfortable speedboat, travellers will be enthralled as the city sprawl gives way to lush jungle and the informative, English-speaking guide explains the way of life along the Saigon River.

An hour later, it's time to get cycling as the tour takes quiet back roads, trails and paths for a 30km ride through typical South Vietnamese villages and rubber plantations. Along the way, see rice-paper making and various other village industries, as well as farmers working their fields and tending livestock.

After lunch, the ride continues to the Cu Chi tunnels, where a local guide will explain the workings of the incredible Viet Cong tunnel network used during the Vietnam war and escort the group through it.

This small-group tour is guaranteed to run for just one person, with a maximum of eight to ensure an intimate experience. All Grasshopper tours are led by an experienced local guide and an air-conditioned support vehicle lets tired riders take a break with ease. Meals, snacks and clean drinking water are supplied throughout the trip.

Cu Chi Tunnels Bike & Boat is offered daily and costs US$160 per person, with discounts for children aged 15 and under.