Buzz
When mentioning Quang Tri, memories of a land scarred by bombs and pain come to mind, bearing the infinite suffering and the physical wounds of war. Despite nearly half a century passing since the war, vivid recollections of those years filled with blood and fire persist. The most tangible evidence is the historical sites, the red addresses, and the memorials that remind us of an intense period in the history of the Vietnamese people. Most notably among them is Vinh Moc Tunnels - a magnificent underground architectural feat, where the sons and daughters of Vinh Linh region lived and fought relentlessly for the nation's independence.
Vinh Moc Tunnels
Where are Vinh Moc Tunnels located?
Vinh Moc Tunnels are situated in the area of Vinh Moc hamlet, Vinh Thach commune, Vinh Linh district, Quang Tri province. Faced with the devastating attacks of the U.S. air force and artillery, the village of Vinh Moc in Vinh Thach commune was heavily damaged. However, with the spirit of 'not an inch of land surrendered, not a drop of water abandoned,' the military and residents of Vinh Linh at that time moved their lives from the surface to underground. They created an extensive and unique system of tunnel villages, clinging to the land and the village to fight for survival.
Layout of Vinh Moc Tunnels
Introduction to Vinh Moc Tunnels
History of Vinh Moc Tunnels
A unique aspect of exploring Vinh Moc Tunnels is that whether you join a tour, a group, or go solo, there will always be a guide accompanying you. If the numbers are few, multiple groups may be combined for a joint tour. According to the introduction by our tour guide at Vinh Moc Tunnels, she mentioned: 'Vinh Moc Tunnels is one of the 114 tunnels large and small dug across Vinh Linh district. Although there are 114 tunnels, Vinh Moc Tunnels stand out as the most exemplary among them. It serves not only as a safe shelter for hundreds of people but also a crucial transit station for food and weapons to Con Co Island and the battlefields of the South.'
Vinh Moc Tunnels construction began in early 1965 and was completed within a span of 2 years.
Our accompanying tour guide
Exploring the depths of Vinh Moc Tunnels
Despite the scorching heat of an April day, stepping into the tunnels provides an unexpectedly cool sensation. The entrance is shaded by bamboo groves on both sides, as the entire tunnel area is adorned with bamboo, a symbol deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese culture. Bamboo, with its sturdy root system, effectively holds the soil, preventing erosion and landslides, offering robust protection for the tunnels.
The water well
The pathways for transporting food supplies
The entire system of Vinh Moc Tunnels is divided into three levels, interconnected through a central axis that spans 870 meters. The overall length of the tunnel village is 1,701 meters, featuring 13 entrances (including 6 leading to the hilltop and 7 opening towards the sea) and 3 ventilation shafts.
The ground level of Vinh Moc Tunnels is excavated more than 5 meters above sea level, sloping from 8 to 120 degrees from South to North, and from West to East for efficient water drainage. This design ensures that water easily flows out, preventing any stagnation within the tunnels, allowing normal activities even during the rainy season. As a result, the clay soil inside the tunnels continues to harden over time, maintaining the structural integrity of Vinh Moc Tunnels nearly intact to this day.
The exhibition room of Vinh Moc Tunnels
Photographs depicting the devastation of war
Artifacts used by the people during their time living underground
The showcase of bombshell casings
The first level descends 8-10 meters below the ground, the second level at a depth of 12-15 meters, and the third level at 22-23 meters. The tunnel has a vaulted shape with dimensions of 1.2x1.8 meters in height. Along the sides, residents carved deep inside to create small compartments (family living spaces) sufficient for 2-4 people to carry out daily activities. At a depth of 18 meters on the second level is the Party Committee Headquarters, the People's Committee, and the Military Command Headquarters. The third level, at a depth of 22 meters, serves as a storage facility for logistics, supplying food and weapons to the nearby Con Co Island, supporting both military and civilian operations in Vinh Moc Tunnels.
The entrance leading down into the heart of the tunnels
Lights are installed beneath the tunnels for easy navigation
The upper sections of the tunnels have been reinforced and refurbished by the authorities using cement. However, your guide will lead you along a curve from entrance 3 to exit 5. This route, while the easiest to navigate, preserves the original soil beneath. You can touch the ground to feel its softness, yet remarkable cohesion. Stepping into the depths, you'll be amazed by the well-ventilated system—critical for ensuring absolute safety, allowing hundreds to live and fight within the tunnels. Ventilation is a vital element of these underground passages.
A simulation of the guard post in the tunnels
Families residing beneath the tunnels
The entrance to the assembly hall
Beyond passing through the homes of small families, this complex includes various structures such as an assembly hall accommodating 50-60 people for meetings, activities, movie screenings, and cultural performances. It also features notice boards, maternity wards (where 17 children were born), 3 water wells for daily use, restrooms, guard posts, and an exit at window 4 leading to the sea.
Exit leading to the sea
The tunnels harness natural ventilation
Surviving nearly 2,000 days and nights underground without a single injury showcases the miraculous nature of this legendary construction. The residents here adapted to difficult and harsh conditions, persevering in the ongoing battle against the enemy.
Vinh Moc Tunnels stand as the most authentic testimony to the war years—showcasing fierce resilience, indomitable will to protect the Motherland, and notably, the intelligence and creativity of our people. Visit Vinh Moc once to touch, experience, and feel the enduring hardship our ancestors endured during the war.
Author: Hoang Linh Ha
*Article participating in the Mytour Golocal program
Mytour Golocal is a blogging initiative introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam under the Mytour Go & Share program. This is an excellent opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each eligible article, you will receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a contributor with Mytour. Detailed information about the program can be found at: https://trv.lk/golocal
