The bunker is constructed from small stones and clay, making it very sturdy, and is spacious enough to shelter approximately 30 people.
Unique Stone Bunker
This unique bunker is located deep within the ancient forest in Nghĩa Mai commune (Nghĩa Đàn district, Nghệ An province), and was discovered by some locals about 25 years ago while foraging for bamboo shoots.
To reach the bunker, one must ride a motorbike for about 10 kilometers and then trek for approximately one hour along narrow trails.
Leading us was Mr. Trần Xuân Thế (59 years old, a resident of Nghĩa Mai commune), who recounted that in 1997, he and several villagers stumbled upon the bunker while gathering bamboo shoots. Initially, the bunker seemed mysterious, so no one dared to enter it.
After returning home and contemplating the discovery, Mr. Thế and the others decided to bring flashlights to explore what the bunker was. From that point on, they uncovered the uniqueness of this stone bunker.
After several hours of navigating rocky slopes and streams, we finally arrived at the mysterious bunker. The bunker is situated right next to a small stream. From the outside, without Mr. Thế’s guidance, no one would know that hidden behind the dense bamboo thicket is the entrance to the bunker.
“No one has been here for a long time, so leaves have completely covered the entrance. But since I’ve been here before, I can’t forget it. I can recognize it just by looking“, Mr. Thế said as he swept away the dry leaves from the earthen wall to reveal a narrow entrance of about half a meter wide.
The entrance to the bunker is on the earthen wall, obscured by vegetation, allowing only one person to enter at a time.
With a gentle push, Mr. Thế crawled in first and reassured us to follow because “it’s very safe inside; only bats inhabit it, nothing dangerous.”
Once inside, the bunker lacked sufficient light, so we had to turn on multiple flashlights to see clearly around us.
According to estimates, the bunker is about 2 meters high and approximately 3.5 meters in diameter. This bunker is hidden underground, with its walls made of clay. It is spacious enough to accommodate around 30 people seeking shelter.
The interior of the bunker spans about 9m2, enough for dozens of people to take refuge.
Notably, the ceiling of the bunker is constructed from river stones and baked clay. Each large stone is secured with smaller stones to create a strong connection for the roof. Hundreds of stones are fitted together to form a uniquely spiraled stone surface, showcasing artistry.
The bunker’s entrance is made of large stone slabs, held together by just enough clay to allow one person to slip through. The entire structure shows no signs of cement or steel, yet it is very solid, remaining dry and cool inside even during heavy rain or scorching heat.
Inside the bunker, there are also three small niches designed around the walls to serve as cooking areas. Above these niches, there are vents for smoke and air circulation. The stoves still bear evidence of soot from kerosene cooking.
“When we first discovered it, we found many B52 iron bowls used for eating and some other utensils still intact next to the stove. Over the decades, many forest-goers have taken various items from here“, Mr. Thế shared.
Inside this bunker, there are three small niches configured as cooking areas with chimneys leading outside. The stoves still show signs of previous cooking activities.
Could There Be More Secret Bunkers?
According to the elder residents of Nghĩa Mai commune, during the years 1972-1973, the area experienced intense bombing by enemy forces. At that time, there was a repair workshop in the commune specializing in making strategic road-opening machinery, which the enemy wanted to destroy. To protect their troops, many bunkers were created in the forest for hiding.
“There may still be many similar bunkers hidden in the forest that have yet to be discovered,” one local resident mentioned, noting that this is the only bunker found in recent years.
Mr. Đoàn Văn Huấn – Chairman of the Nghĩa Mai Commune People’s Committee indicated that this is the only shelter bunker discovered by the locals to date. After many years, the bunker remains intact. The local government has also encouraged residents, especially those who frequently visit the forest, to work together to preserve and protect it.
