Cu Chi Tunnels, Saigon, Vietnam

The Chu Chi Tunnels are underground passageways that run to more than 200 km in total length. The network provides vital access and strategic control over rural areas surrounding Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). For over two decades, Cu Chi Tunnels became an underground complex that includes kitchens, medic care chambers, food caches, ammunition storage caches, workshops and living quarters. The secret underground passages also allowed the Viet Congs to mount surprised attacks, even within the perimeters of US military base and to suddenly disappear without a trace. Although most of the original network were destroyed by bombings that took place in 1970s, some that survived has been restored until today.

The tunnels located about 30 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. I booked the tour through hotel reception with a fee of VND 387,000 (USD 18.00 inclusive admission fees, other agents may not include this admission fee and you have to purchase yourself). I was told to be ready at hotel lobby the next morning at 8.30 am for a pickup. The bus arrived on time and there are 18 of us from Malaysia, France and United Kingdom in the group. The bus went to several locations to pick up before leaving the city. We reached the tunnels in the afternoon and not very fortunate because it was drizzling.

Briefing by Lionel, the tour guide

This is the actual size of the tunnel entrance/exit covered by earth 

Small in size and some tunnels has dead end. An Australian soldier died when trapped in the dead end.

Sample of non-explosive booby traps

Punji stakes often poisoned

Many types of non-explosive booby traps 

Swing type booby trap for doors

Life like diorama of Viet Cong guerillas

Jungle track from one point to another above the tunnels network

A tank destroyed by a landmine

Diorama of a workshop

You may try to shoot with M16, AK 47, M60 and M1 Garand. I tried both the legendary M1 Garand and AK47

Tunnel entrance

Sanple of workshops and meeting room

You have to crawl even though the tunnel has been enlarged

Tapioca for a try

Documentary on the history of Cu Chi Tunnels