Vietnam’s Cu Chi tunnels are an incredible underground network covering over 200 km! Dug by hand over many years, the tunnels were used to connect command posts, hospitals, shelters with ingeniously disguised entrances and convoluted booby-traps not to mention weapon factories never found by the enemy! Letsgo leads you on…..

Located in the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon, the Cu Chi tunnels tell a story of the tenacious spirit of the Vietnamese people during times of war and distress.

Not easily led and even more difficult to defeat, the Vietnamese built these tunnels during the 1960s to help the Viet-Cong remotely control large rural areas nearby.

The tunnels were several levels deep with an entire life-system beneath. The resiliently made trapdoors, living areas, weapon factories, field hospitals, kitchens and even study areas were all ensconced within! It was a nightmare for the enemy if they happened to trespass!

Touring through many of these tunnels helps one understand the way of life for many Viet-Cong soldiers; if you’re lucky one might even be your tour guide!

Tunnel Vision

Back in those days, the tunnels were used by the Viet-Cong during the French-Indochina War as well as the horrific Vietnam War between 1955 and 1975.

It took around 25 years to finish the network; over 124 miles had been utilized constructively and would serve well to protect from the approaching menace. The Cu Chi districts were heavily bombed during the two wars and this led to the creation of the tunnels; and the grotesque booby traps laid out for the condescending enemy.

When visiting the tunnels today, tourists enjoy exploring and experiencing this underground life! It was hardly a fun experience during times of war but the fact that it remains till date is incredible testimony to Viet-Cong soldiers long gone.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are open throughout the year but the best time is between March to May so that you don’t have to experience rains.

The ground in the tunnels is made of hard clay and that is how it was able to support so many structures beneath the ground. Everything was dug by hand and reed baskets were used to line up dirt into craters caused by bomb strikes. The patience required was substantial to say the least!

A Forested Life

The tunnel system was so accurate that the Viet-Congs managed to install large vents to clue in on approaching helicopters as well as smaller vents for cooking smoke exhaust!

The jungle was the Viet-Congs playground and they used it well; particularly gruesome were the sights of killed American soldiers on account of bamboo-stake booby traps. There were several caves to enter and exit on different sides of even tunnels. Enemy dogs were useless in tracking because the Viet-Cong would leave cayenne pepper to block their path; ingenious and frustrating at the same time!

Not surprisingly, the enemy forces were used to use napalm and bombs to kill any Vietnamese on ground but most of them were safe below in the tunnels; however all of the land above was destroyed to cinders.

Be prepared to do a little flexing within the tunnels; many are designed for small frames although once deep down, there are places to stand. They were made small for a purpose; most Americans are bigger!

Besides the tunnels, the entire landscape was checkered with traps for the enemy. Many of the enemies suffered from their feet rotting because of the heat and humidity of the rain forest; instead of boots, the Viet-Congs used rubber tires to create sandals. Many are available for a nominal price so you can try them out.

Trying an AK!

You also get to try shooting with an AK-47 at these tunnels; a simulated nearby firing range where it’s a $1 a bullet—obviously in an extremely safe manner!

Visiting the Cu Chi tunnels is an inspiring experience. Not only do you feel the struggles and the challenges felt by the Vietnamese people but you come out with a real appreciation for a life led with freedom.

Don’t forget to buy some souvenirs! There are shops all around Cu Chi and most sell unique items and delicacies.