Vinh Moc Tunnels Hue

The Vinh Moc Tunnels, Hue are another must-visit sight in Hue. These tunnels were built in 1966 to escape the massive Ariel and artillery bombardment of North Vietnam. As Vinh Moc village lies just north of the DMZ, it was subjected to heavy bombing and shelling by the American forces. The only way the villagers saw to survive in Vinh Moc -one of the most heavily bombed and shelled strips of land, was to do something about it, and do it fast.

Apart from the choice of fleeing the area and relocating, the only option they had was tunneling and they precisely chose the later and began tunneling into the red earth clay, which surrounded them. The Vinh Moc Tunnels, Hue - a 2.8km maze of tunnels, ranging on three levels from 15m to 26m below the ground, is the result of tunneling of villagers of Vinh Moc.

Thus, an enormous Viet Cong base was established down there, along with accommodation for the civilians and their families who had built the tunnels. Today just a walk through the creepy alleys of the tunnel is enough to send shudders down the spine of visitors and to think that all the while there were people were living down there, while bombs were being dropped right above their heads, is a spine chilling thought.

Living in the tunnel was anything but comfortable, as the space was so small and cramped. The rooms in which the people had to live were tiny - 6 x 3 ft - barely enough room to sit, let alone live comfortably. However, since it kept them safe from what was happening above, so that is all that mattered. People had difficulty walking straight and had to walk with their heads down most of the time. There was minimal lighting and hence limited visibility. Today there are a few very faint lights down here, but it is always better to carry a torch as well.

Though not many people visit this place it is still an important sightseeing site in Hue, Vietnam for those who want a first hand experience of life in a war zone. It makes for an interesting tour especially for the adventurers. In fact, the lesser tourist population here lends an added authenticity to the feeling of being trapped in a war-torn area.