The Cu Chi Tunnel

Vietnam War is probably one of the most 'talked-about' war in the world. This is one battle that the United States has lost. Yes, the big giant has lost to the little midgets crawling underground. This is what Cu Chi (pronounce Coo-Chi) tunnel is all about.

I have been to the communist's underground tunnel in Hat Yai and at first I thought it should be the same old thing. Little did I know that Cu Chi tunnel is in a totally different league altogether. In fact it should be in the 'wonders of the world' league because it spans 200 kilometres (yes, 200 KM) of tunnels undergrounds spiralling like cobwebs under the land of Cu Chi in Saigon.

The collapse ground shows the tunnel underneath it

It apparently has 3 levels underground that could accomodates whatever they needed to do underground - meeting rooms, medical rooms, kitchens etc. The 'architecture' of the Cu Chi tunnel is so good that although the enemy has been pumping water or gas into the tunnel, no harm done.

I downloaded this diagram from a website to show how complicated the tunnel system is

So, how much effort was involved in digging the tunnel? Apparently 3 people work on a spot for a day will complete about 1 cubic metre of earth. 1 guy gotta dig, 1 guy bring it up to the ground and another guy gotta somehow transport the earth secretly somewhere where the enemy couldn't detect. That's painstakingly slow right?

So, how come the enemy is having a hard time finding the entrance to the tunnel? Let's check it out.

See the small opening slightly bigger than the size of an A4 paper? Yes, this is the secret entrance to the tunnel. We've been asked to look for the entrance just within the area and we couldn't find it.

In the whole group of 14 of us, apparently I'm the only one that could try to go into the tunnel. So I thought I'll be sporting and demostrate it.

I have to lift up my hand in order to fully go inside the opening. Seriously, this is like really small. How big were the Vietcong soldiers anyway?

Another collapse part revealing the tunnel underground

On top of having a hard time tracing the Vietcong, the US soldiers should also beware of the traps everywhere in the jungle / battle ground. Look at the killer trap ... nasty.

Of course the US also has its fair share of destruction done here. Where we are standing is actually a bomb crater drop on the land of Cu Chi.

There is a part of the tunnel that now allows visitors to crawl through to experience the life inside the tunnel. I didn't managed to take any photo inside because it was damn dark and small. Apparently that part of the tunnel has been expanded to accomodate big fat tourist like my (cough) hubby (cough).

Going inside the tunnel. Little boy like my son finds it fun because it is easy for him to crawl thru.

Another reason why the poor Vietcong stand a chance to fight with US is because while they found the bomb that used to belongs to the enemy, they modified them into land mines to attack the enemy in return. Smart!

Bombs belonging to the US army

Modified into land mines and planted around the Cu Chi battle ground

Finally to so-called get in the mood of this historic battle ground, there is a shooting range for visitors to try their hand in every possible weapon you can think of - the AK47, the M16, etc.

Here I am, trying my hand on M-16 ... awesome

In summary, if you are a fan of war movies (like my hubby) or even if you are not (like me), try not to miss this place. This place marks the history of Vietnam, the sheer courage, determination, sacrifices and the victory of Vietcongs in protecting their rights, their people and their country. People Of Cu Chi, I salute you!

Location : Ho Chih Minh, Vietnam
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