Buzz
The Gò Thì Thùng Tunnel sits at an elevation of about 400 meters above sea level, featuring a series of structures with significant historical importance. It has become a popular tourist destination for those visiting Phú Yên.
Geographical Location of the Tunnel
The Gò Thì Thùng Tunnel is located in Xuân Thành village, An Xuân commune, Tuy An district, Phú Yên province. It is one of the three major tunnels in Vietnam, along with the Cu Chi Tunnel (Ho Chi Minh City) and the Vĩnh Mốc Tunnel (Quảng Trị). Notably, the Gò Thì Thùng Tunnel was built on the Van Hoa Plateau in An Xuân, 400 meters above sea level. Surrounded by lush greenery, the climate here is cool year-round. In 2008, it was recognized as a National Historical Site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
History and Architecture of the Tunnel
On May 10, 1964, the construction of the Gò Thì Thùng Tunnel was initiated by the Phú Yên Provincial Party Committee and the Military Command of Region V. By August 1965, the tunnel was completed. Running in a north-south direction, it stretches nearly 2 kilometers through Gò Thì Thùng, with an average depth of 5 meters, a width of 0.8 meters, and a height of 1.6 to 1.8 meters. These dimensions were just sufficient for individuals to stand and move while carrying backpacks, weapons, and combat equipment.
The entire tunnel system consists of 486 wells, each covered with wooden beams, and a side door placed every 20 meters for camouflage. Above the tunnel, watchtowers with observation posts were set up. Surrounding the tunnel is a complex network of trenches running in all directions. During the intense battles of the Vietnam War, especially after heavy losses on the battlefield, the US sent massive troops into southern Vietnam. Many fierce battles took place on the An Xuân Plateau, where our troops and people achieved significant victories. The battle on June 24, 1966, associated with the Gò Thì Thùng Tunnel stands as the most notable, as the tunnel complex proved crucial in protecting the army and the civilians throughout the conflict.
Activities When Visiting the Tunnel
Explore History at the Tunnel
After the liberation, the traces of war at Gò Thì Thùng remain visible in the form of bomb craters, minefields, and gunpowder remnants. Today, the tunnel has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Phú Yên. Visitors come here to learn more about the struggles of our ancestors and the years of resistance against the US. After touring the historical site, you can sample local delicacies such as wild vegetable soup or sour soup made from dít leaves, which are both delicious and unique.
Visit the Hồ Chí Minh Memorial Church
In addition to visiting the Gò Thì Thùng Tunnel site, tourists can also visit the Hồ Chí Minh Memorial Church to learn more about the history of the war years. To reach the church, you must cross a 10 km forested road shaded by green trees, traveling from An Xuân Commune (Tuy An District) to Sơn Định Commune (Sơn Hòa District). The church, constructed sturdily, offers a spacious and cool environment, following traditional Vietnamese architecture that blends harmoniously with the surrounding greenery and mountains.
Watch the Traditional Horse Racing Festival
The traditional horse racing festival at the Gò Thì Thùng Tunnel takes place every year on the 9th day of the Lunar New Year in the center of An Xuân commune, Tuy An district, Phú Yên. This cultural event is a beloved tradition of the people of Phú Yên, celebrated during the Lunar New Year and attracting both locals and visitors from across the country. What makes this festival special is that the 'riders' on horseback are hardworking local farmers, and the 'horses' racing in the event are those that typically carry agricultural products from the mountainous regions of western Tuy An.
Source: Mytour.vn
***
Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnJuly 30, 2024
