CU CHI TUNNELS - A FAMOUS HISTORICAL SITE IN VIETNAM

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a network of underground tunnels located near Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), in Vietnam. These tunnels were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War (1955-1975) as a means of communication and transportation, as well as for hiding and conducting surprise attacks against the South Vietnamese and American forces.

The tunnels were constructed over a period of 25 years, starting in the 1940s, and they extend over 120 miles, reaching as far as Cambodia. They are between 2-3 meters underground and are small, narrow, and dark, making them difficult for soldiers to navigate.

Today, the Cu Chi Tunnels are a popular tourist destination in Vietnam and offer visitors a unique insight into the history of the country and the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore a section of the tunnels that has been enlarged to accommodate tourists, as well as see exhibits and displays about the history of the tunnels and the war.

Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels is an interesting and educational experience for anyone interested in the history of the Vietnam War, and provides a vivid illustration of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Viet Cong during the conflict.

How to get to Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels is a popular travel attraction in southern Vietnam which is 45 km from Ho Chi Minh City center. If your Vietnam travel package is input with Ho Chi Minh City, you can make a short trip to Cu Chi Tunnels. The quickest and most convenient option to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels is driving, taking around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. You can arrange for a private car or book a tour that includes transportation.

Another fancy way is going by river speed boat where you can enjoy the beauty of Saigon River, the scene of Ho Chi Minh City from the river.

Cu Chi Tunnels history

The Cu Chi Tunnels were constructed by the Viet Minh, the communist forces in Vietnam, during the first Indochina War (1946-1954) against the French. The tunnels were used as a base for military operations and as a hiding place for the Viet Minh.

After the French were defeated and Vietnam was divided into North and South, the tunnels continued to be used by the Viet Cong, the communist forces in South Vietnam, during the Vietnam War (1955-1975). The Viet Cong used the tunnels to launch surprise attacks on South Vietnamese and American forces, as well as to transport supplies, communications, and personnel.

The Cu Chi Tunnels were also used as a hiding place for Viet Cong fighters and as a place to treat wounded soldiers. The tunnels were equipped with living quarters, kitchens, and storage areas, and some sections even had air vents to provide fresh air.

During the war, American and South Vietnamese forces attempted to locate and destroy the tunnels, but the Viet Cong were able to conceal their location and use the tunnels effectively. The Cu Chi Tunnels were finally discovered by the Americans in 1966, and a large-scale military operation was launched to try to destroy them. Despite the use of heavy bombardment and defoliation, the Viet Cong were able to repair the tunnels and continue using them.

Today, the Cu Chi Tunnels are a symbol of the bravery and resourcefulness of the Viet Cong and a testament to their determination in the face of a much more powerful enemy. The tunnels have been preserved as a tourist attraction and as a historical site, and they offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into the history of the Vietnam War.

Cu Chi Tunnels tour

A Cu Chi Tunnel tour is a popular tourist activity in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Vietnam. Visitors can tour a section of the original Cu Chi Tunnels that have been enlarged to accommodate tourists, as well as see exhibits and displays about the history of the tunnels and the Vietnam War.

The tour typically begins with a short video about the history of the tunnels and the war, followed by a walk through the jungle to the entrance of the tunnels. Visitors can then crawl through a section of the tunnels to get a sense of what it was like for the Viet Cong fighters who used them during the war.

In addition to exploring the tunnels, visitors can also see exhibits of weapons and other artifacts from the war, as well as participate in activities such as shooting an AK-47 or M16 at a shooting range. Some tours also offer the opportunity to try traditional Vietnamese food that was eaten by the Viet Cong during the war.

Cu Chi Tunnel tours are generally considered safe, but it is important to be aware of the conditions in the tunnels, which can be dark, narrow, and cramped. Visitors should also be prepared to crawl through the tunnels on their hands and knees, as some sections are quite low.

Overall, a Cu Chi Tunnel tour is a unique and educational experience that provides a glimpse into the history of the Vietnam War and the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Viet Cong. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the war and the culture of Vietnam.