The Tunnel Structure

The Tunnel of Cu Chi is a well-known historical remnant of the Vietnamese revolution. As a distinctive architecture, this cobweb-like tunnel complex is a network of underground dugouts of over 200 kilometers long, consisting of many layers and turnings meeting rooms, living and fighting quarters.

 

The tunnels were an excellent way for the Vietcong to move around the countryside undetected by the Americans. The tunnel entrances were so small that American soldiers could not even get inside.

 

We watched a 20-minute black and white film documenting the Vietnam War. Afterward, we were brought across the street, somewhat a lush jungle, where we got to see and experience what it was like to live during the war. We were charged around US$5 per person to get in.

A secret and small entrance into the underground tunnel is 23 cm. wide and 35 cm. long. It suits for a very sporty fit, slim to medium built.

 

I was envious of HB, and I wanted to try it, too. But I was afraid that I might not be able to carry myself up. And so here I am, just contented myself having a pose beside him.. :(

one of the entrances/exits of the Cu Chi Tunnel

Our tour guide also showed us several booby traps. Here's a photo of an open "tiger trap" with deadly bamboo spikes.


The tiger trap is a flat square door-like form on the ground covered with leaves, that swiftly swing around whenever someone steps either on one side thus letting the victim fall.

Here are some of the different traps made.



Dummies of Vietcong guerrillas making weapons.

The FIRST TUNNEL was around 30 meters. We lined up in a single file and went into the hole. I gradually realized how dire our situation was. There were too many people inside the tunnel, plus it was exceedingly hot, airless, dark, and claustrophobic. The ceiling was so low that we had to move slowly in a squat position waddling like a duck. And because of muscular fatigue, we ended up crawling inside the pitch-black tunnel.

 

 

We found ourselves in a most awkward predicament because the line was long and super slow-moving. It was like an endless wait that every second matter. My stomach fluttered. My heart filled with tension and panic.. I felt like I was slowly suffocating, waiting in agony. Even HB felt the same way because there was little air coming down inside the tunnel. He was already shouting to the people in front of us to hurry up. I managed to subdue my growing panic when I saw a streak of light appeared ahead. Then I mustered my final bit of energy to drag myself out of the dark, claustrophobic tunnel. Alleluia!!!

here I am perspiring heavily

After a few minutes of torture, HB came out from the hole. He was drenched in perspiration, breathing heavily, and his shirt all sopping wet and covered with red dust. To top it all, he had a sore leg that lasted until the next day. Too Bad.  tsk, tsk...


Then our tour guide led us to another place. A short flight of steps leading us down into a small underground Conference room. Tadaaa! Let me introduce the Commanders! Shhh! Silence, please! The commander-in-chief is conducting a meeting with his subordinates and giving a creative approach to solving problems. (This is a secret. It's HB!)

The second in command looks like she's sleeping. Nope! She's engrossed in thought of the vital planning and operating functions for the defense workforce improvement. (Shhh, this is also a secret. That's me!)




Here's a photo with some of my loyal Vietcong officers. :) Kidding aside, these are just dummies.



Then we went to National Defence Sports Shooting Range. It was nice to rest for a while and watched the people who tried the shooting range. Available are M16, AK47, and pistols. A bullet will cost you a dollar. Earmuffs are also available.


I enjoyed the tour, and I recommend you visit this place so that you will have the chance to see and experience the strenuous and protracted struggle of the Vietnamese people during the war. Cu Chi Tunnel is unquestionably one of the most riveting places we visited. It was an unforgettable experience we had in Vietnam.