The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting tunnels located in the Củ Chi District of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. Cu Chi Tunnels are increasingly developing, not only is it a military project and a national historical relic, but Cu Chi Tunnels is also an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists, attracting millions of visitors each year. year.
🧭 Overview
The Cu Chi Tunnels comprised an extensive underground network that included earth tunnels, underground bases, storage areas, offices, kitchens, and infirmaries. Spanning more than 250 square kilometers, this intricate system was manually excavated using basic tools. It was constructed by the Viet Minh resistance and the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam during both the Indochina War and the Vietnam War.
The name “Cu Chi Tunnels” refers collectively to several tunnel systems originally built during the resistance against the French between 1946 and 1948. At that time, soldiers and local residents from the Tan Phu Trung and Phuoc Vinh An communes began digging short, simply structured tunnels for concealment, storing documents, and hiding specialized weapons.
Initially, each village created its own separate tunnels for protection. However, the growing need for communication and movement between villages led to the interconnection of these tunnels, forming a complex and coordinated underground system. Six communes in northern Cu Chi played a crucial role in linking these tunnels, facilitating communication, information exchange, and strategic planning for the revolution.
Between 1961 and 1965, the tunnel network expanded significantly, with multiple branches connecting to main routes and forming a continuous underground system that linked hamlets, communes, and surrounding areas. On the surface, a network of trenches was also constructed, connecting various parts of the tunnels. These systems were often multi-leveled and intricately designed with numerous hiding spots. Additionally, the area was fortified with combat posts, bunkers, and minefields organized in defensive clusters, creating a resilient battlefield to support the efforts of the resistance.
By 1965, the tunnels extended approximately 200 kilometers and included three depth levels: the top level at around 3 meters below the surface, the middle at 5–8 meters, and the deepest level exceeding 12 meters. At this point, the bunkers had evolved from simple shelters into fully functional spaces used for living, first aid, weapon storage, and strategic meetings by soldiers and civilians alike.
🌲 What to expect
- Explore the Tunnels Yourself
Parts of the tunnels have been widened for visitors. You can crawl through these dark, narrow tunnels, and get a sense of the living conditions soldiers endured for months or even years.
- Trap Demonstrations
Learn about the ingenious booby traps used by Vietnamese soldiers, including spike pits and swinging traps — all built with basic materials.
- Historical Film & Museum Exhibits
Watch a short documentary detailing the tunnel system’s construction and its role in the war. Explore displays with old weapons, uniforms, war photos, and maps.
- Underground Kitchen (Hoang Cam Stove)
See how soldiers cooked underground without letting smoke rise above the surface — a clever wartime innovation using a smoke-dispersing stove.
- Firing Range (Optional Experience)
Try firing real war-era weapons like the AK-47 or M16 at the nearby shooting range (available at an extra cost).
