English
French
Spanish
ItalianVinh Moc Tunnel
Vinh Moc Tunnel is the largest historical relic in Quang Tri. It is well-known to both locals and visitors when coming to visit this destination. This area beneath the earth protected people to survive the war and built an underground community. The complex network of caves was very well-planned and well-managed for survival at that time. Join Asia King Travel to figure out the specialty of this place.
Vinh Moc Tunnel. Source: Unsplash
Nestled in the beautiful coastal region, lying south of Bien Dong and approximately 28 kilometers east of Con Co Island, is the location of Vinh Moc tunnels. Vinh Moc tunnels were an amazing historical spot and of great use during the wartime period; these functioned as the key site for the North Vietnamese Army.
Now a befitting landmark, the site is quite approachable by car, motorbike, and other locomotives, and one could readily get a glimpse of the prosperous history associated with this region. Much more than peering into the past, a visit to Vinh Moc is highly scenic.
Read more: Vietnam Tour 12 days: North & Center Vietnam Discovery
The tunnels themselves are a testimony to the greatness of the human spirit, one giant stride toward victory, as they were finished in just two years by the hard work and skills of the locals, using nothing more than basic hand tools and the will to work together without the use of even a single piece of modern machinery.
History of Vinh Moc Tunnel. Source: Pinterest
This gigantic work required more than 18,000 labor hours in total, a task needing such great devotion and cooperation on the part of villagers to dig out these underground tunnels.
What really gives this story an added dimension is the brain behind the architecture of the tunnel. The architect was not a professionally trained engineer or a constructionist from any prestigious institution; he was but an ordinary man who had not been able to study beyond his primary classes in school.
But he was a man of extraordinary vision and a natural leader, capable of inspiring and galvanizing his community. For the people of his village, his rallying call turned an ordinary concept into an impenetrable fortress, one in which every villager could seek shelter in refuge. This great odyssey goes to show just how much local knowledge, creativity, and the spirit of collaboration can be achieved without necessarily having a conventional education.
Vinh Moc Tunnels have 3 levels built for different purposes. The first level, about 12 meters underground, is where residents can stay. In fact, there are a lot of rooms for all the different families. The tunnel used to shelter about 60 families in the past.
The second level is some 15 meters underground. It contains the NVA living quarters, plus several areas the locals use to dodge bomb craters because of its depth. The last level is up to 23 meters underground; it contains armament storage and a meeting room. Vinh Moc Tunnels have 13 entrances, with 6 leading to the tops of hills and 7 leading to Bien Dong. You may see the map below.
Three levels of Vinh Moc Tunnel. Source: Shutterstock
The people could reside in so many rooms in former times. Besides that, the ventilation system had to be set up by the locals through which the air can circulate in the tunnels, and that way they will acquire enough oxygen when residing within the deep tunnels. It is the ventilation wells doing that job.
Not only rooms for normal living but also many different rooms, such as operation rooms and maternity rooms. In fact, there were 17 babies born in the time living in the tunnels. Toilets and bathrooms for daily activities were very rudimentary. Other important rooms, such as meeting rooms, drilling bomb shelter rooms, or weapon storage rooms, played an important role in the war.
Vinh Moc Tunnels are best visited in the dry season, roughly between March and September. It was warm, arid, and hence considered ideal for touring the network of tunnels. Because the tunnel remains cool, it creates a perfect shade from the heat above the ground; therefore, summer visits are bearable. During the rainy season (from October to February), when heavy rains may fall and make outdoor visits around the complex a bit disagreeable, the tunnel complex itself would be sheltered.
Best time to visit Vinh Moc Tunnel. Source: Freepik
Take in a visit during the dry months and, better still, come in during the early part of the day to avoid the crowds and get the best out of this visit.
Vinh Moc tunnel complex was used as a shelter during the war by the people of Son Ha and Son Trung commune in the Quang Tri province. Different tour companies in Hue City offer guided tours of the tunnel.
It is better to book a guided tour if you want to learn about the area. Local transportation is also available from Hue City to Vinh Moc tunnel, but it is not easy for foreigners to reach the tunnels by themselves.
How to get to Vinh Moc Tunnel. Source: Istock
Vinh Moc tunnel is one of hundreds of tunnels in Quang Tri province that remain intact. They are now historical sites of significant value reflecting Vietnam’s history and its people’s patriotism, bravery, and creativity. Don’t hesitate to spend your time visiting this special destination; it will help you broaden your knowledge about history and raise your curiosity about human creativity. Join Asia King Travel now!
Read more: Center Vietnam Tour 7 days
