The Cu Chi Tunnels are an underground defensive system located in Cu Chi District, about 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. This system was dug by the Viet Minh resistance forces and the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam during the Indochina War and the Vietnam War.
The tunnel system includes a field hospital, numerous living quarters, kitchens, storage rooms, workspaces, and a network of underground passages stretching approximately 250 km, with ventilation systems camouflaged among bushes. The Cu Chi Tunnels were built at the end of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, in an area known as “steel land,” celebrating the resilient defensive spirit of the local people. During the Tet Offensive in 1968, the Southern Liberation Army launched attacks on Saigon from this tunnel system.
History of the Cu Chi Tunnels
For a long time, the Cu Chi Tunnels have been one of the most interesting destinations in Saigon; however, not everyone is aware of the historical formation of this tourist site.
Map of the Cu Chi Tunnels. (Photo: VietNamNet).
The Cu Chi Tunnels refer to various interconnected tunnel systems, established during the period from 1946 to 1948, during the Indochina War. During this time, the local population of Tan Phu Trung and Phuoc Vinh An dug short, simple tunnels used for hiding and storing documents and weapons. Some opinions suggest that the tunneling began spontaneously by the residents in this area in 1948.
The local inhabitants dug individual tunnels to avoid raids by French troops and provide shelter for the Viet Minh forces. Each village built its own tunnel, and later, due to the need for connectivity between the tunnels of various villages, the tunnel systems were connected to form a complex network. This network expanded to many areas, especially the six northern communes of Cu Chi, where the tunnel structures were improved to serve as hiding places for troops and facilitate communication and support during combat.
From 1961 to 1965, the northern communes of Cu Chi completed the main tunnel line known as the “spine”. Subsequently, various organizations and units developed branch tunnels that connected with the main line, creating a comprehensive tunnel system among the hamlets, communes, and surrounding regions. Above ground, the Cu Chi people also dug a dense network of trenches connecting with the tunnels, and at this time, the combat tunnels were divided into multiple levels and numerous passages. Additionally, many fighting bunkers, minefields, spike pits, and punji traps were strategically placed to create a solid defensive area in the guerrilla warfare strategy, referred to as the combat commune.
By 1965, approximately 200 km of tunnels had been excavated. The entire tunnel system spans over 200 km in total length, with three different depth levels: the upper level is about 3 meters from the surface, the middle level ranges from 5 to 8 meters, and the lowest level is deeper than 12 meters. At this stage, the tunnels had evolved from mere shelters to living quarters, medical stations, meeting places, and weapon storage facilities.
Structure of the Cu Chi Tunnels
The tunnels were dug in an area of clay mixed with laterite, giving them high durability and resistance to collapse. The tunnel system lies deep underground, capable of withstanding the explosive power of the largest bombs used by the American military. Air is circulated into the tunnels through ventilation holes. Different sections of the tunnels can be isolated when necessary.
The sophistication in camouflage at a fighting bunker in the Cu Chi Tunnels. In conditions of concealment, a complex system lies undetected underground.
A section of the Cu Chi Tunnels.
The tunnels are dug 3 to 8 meters underground, with a height just sufficient for a person to crawl. The first bunker is located right at the forest’s edge, with a hidden well providing drinking and living water to the entire tunnel area. The tunnel system consists of three levels, with the “spine” extending into numerous long and short branches that connect with each other, some even reaching the Saigon River.
- Level 1 is 3 meters below ground, resistant to shellfire and the weight of tanks and armored vehicles.
- Level 2 is 5 to 8 meters below ground, capable of resisting small bombs.
- The lowest level is 8 to 12 meters below ground.
The access points between the different tunnel levels are concealed with secret trapdoors. Above them, cleverly disguised, they resemble ant mounds, along the tunnels there are ventilation holes. Connected to the tunnels are spacious rooms for resting, storage areas for weapons and food, wells, Hoang Cam kitchens, command bunkers, and surgical rooms… There are also large bunkers with roofs that are airy and cleverly camouflaged for watching movies and cultural performances.
Today, about 120 km of the Cu Chi Tunnels are preserved and have become an attractive tourist destination for visitors to Ho Chi Minh City. Tourists, especially veterans, often choose this site when visiting the city. Visitors get to experience life underground as the residents once did (visiting, enjoying the traditional food of the former tunnel dwellers).
