Location:

The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting tunnels located in the Củ Chi District of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country.

 

History of formation:

The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong's base of operations for the Tết Offensive in 1968.

 

The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American forces, and helped to counter the growing American military effort.

 

Structure:

The tunnels were dug on a laterite clay soil, so it is durable and less prone to landslides. The tunnel system is located deep underground, can withstand the destructive power of the largest blockbusters of the US military. Air was drawn into the tunnels through the vents. Different areas of the tunnels can be isolated as needed.

 

The tunnel is from 3 to 8 meters deep in the ground, the height is only enough for one person to stoop. The first basement at the edge of the forest has an underground well that provided drinking water and living for the entire tunnel. The tunnel system consists of 3 floors, from the "backbone" radiating countless long branches, short branches connected with each other, with branches extending to the Saigon River.

 

First floor is 3 meters from the ground, resistant to shells and the weight of tanks, armored vehicles. Second floor is 5m from the ground, able to resist small bombs. And the last floor is 8-10m above the ground. The way up and down between the basements is arranged by secret hatches, above the camouflage discreetly, looking like termite mounds, along the tunnel with vents.

 

The tunnel system consists of infirmary, many rooms, kitchen, storage, working room, underground tunnel system, command bunker, anatomical bunker, large bunkers for rest, places to store weapons, food, water well, Hoang Cam stove, etc. There is also a large cellar with cool roof which was cleverly disguised to watch movies and arts.

 

With a total length of about 250 km and ventilation systems at the bushes, this is the longest tunnel system in Indochina.

 

Community value:

The relic has welcomed more than 20 million domestic and foreign visitors to visit and explore. Underground conference rooms where campaigns such as the Tết Offensive were planned in 1968 have been restored, and visitors may enjoy a simple meal of food that Viet Cong fighters would have eaten.

 

In 2015, Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site received the title of Labor Hero due to its outstanding achievements in labor and creativity.

On February 12, 2016, Cu Chi Tunnels Historic Site received a special National Monument Ranking Certificate.

 

Source: Internet

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