Cu Chi Tunnels

Explored the tunnels today, including actually duck walking through three separate ones. Totally crazy. 248 km of tunnels built and used 1948-1974. Located in Cu Chi District, about 40 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Tunnels were originally constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters (Viet Cong) during the 1940s against French colonial forces. The complex network of tunnels was expanded and improved over the years, eventually becoming an important stronghold for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

The first layer underground was for medical and other large meeting rooms, with two sub levels where people could live during large bombing attacks. They had air holes disguised as termite mounds, and had even dug a well. One of the tunnels connected to the river and they alternatively could escape that way. When they cooked, they devised a three thatched roof ventilation system with palm fronds and cotton filtering the smoke so that when it was escaping, it simply blended in with the fog. These tunnels were the main protection from airstrikes, artillery, and ground attacks but also used for storing supplies.

The Cu Chi Tunnels stand today as a symbol of the Vietnamese people's resilience, resourcefulness, and determination in the face of adversity.Read more