Amongst the most well-known attractions connected to the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit and here’s more on what you should know.
What Are They?
During the Vietnam War, to escape the aerial bombings and attacks from American forces, the Viet Cong expanded a series of tunnels creating an extensive network that ran for around 250 km! These tunnels which linked with other bases helped form a kind of underground city that housed troops as well as supported communication and the transport of supplies while providing the perfect cover for surprise attacks.
Planning a Visit
The Chu Chi Tunnels are around an hour’s drive from Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon City. Residence serviced apartment options at properties in District 3 such as Citadines Regency Saigon make an ideal base for excursions to this attraction. Keep in mind that there are two sites with these tunnels namely Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc, with the latter being about 15 km further away. The opening hours of the site are generally from 7:00am to 5:00pm.
Much to Discover
This attraction features around 120 km of underground tunnels that you can explore providing an unforgettable experience of what life must have been like in this labyrinth. The tour begins with a film on the Chu Chi Tunnels before you get to traverse along the unground network complete with hospitals, storage facilities, command centres, kitchens, and trapdoors. Keep in mind that some areas are quite narrow and low so you will have to crawl as well.
Keep in Mind
Some may feel claustrophobic in the tunnels while there are points offering access to emergency exits so one can leave if needed. You will also get to see examples of booby traps as well as the use of bamboo pipes that provided ventilation. A novel experience you can look to enjoy after your underground escapades is to enjoy firing M16 or AK-47 rifles at onsite shooting ranges!
