To get insights into a glorious chapter in the Vietnam’s history, historical tunnels which used to be the significant military bases of the former Vietnamese guerrillas are what you will be recommended to. Let’s explore the suggested sites one by one!

Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City

Just 70 kilometers from the heart of downtown Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to the northwest, Cu Chi Tunnels is widely referred to as a Vietnam’s bizarre site, bearing historic meanings during the Vietnam war. Made by hand in the late 1940s, the site depicted as an underground village embraces hospitals, kitchens, equipment sheds, command center, etc. With the stretch of over 200 kilometers, the tunnels are 3-8 meters deep, and each is just enough for only one person to crawl through. In the past, the network was allegedly divided into three levels; the first one provided shelter from the attack of guns, tanks and armored military vehicles while the second was to defend against small-sized bombs. During the wartime, there was no person injured and killed because of the enemies’ attacks, but the number that died for the lack of light and food was up to 6,000.

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Vinh Moc Tunnels – Quang Tri Province

Vinh Moc Tunnels, positioned at Vinh Thach Commune, Vinh Linh District, Quang Tri Province is portrayed as an underground village with different zones for 3-4 people to stay, three wells, meeting rooms accommodating up to 50 people, hospitals, kitchens, food storage facilities, etc. The tunnel system is divided into three levels; while the first one is to stay, the second is to store up food and the bottom is to avoid bombs. The whole underground network accommodates up to 1,200 people, and in the past it was indeed where to bring the certain shelter for the Vietnamese guerillas and innocent inhabitants. Nowadays, Vinh Moc Tunnels is a common travel destination for both domestic and international tourists, especially for vets.

Khe Trai Tunnels – Thua Thien Hue Province

Khe Trai Tunnels is the most historic site closely associated with the Tet Offensive of Thua Thien Hue people in 1968. The tunnel system is located in the hill 160, Huong Tra Town, Thua Thien Hue Province; inside it is a range of living zones and martial zones, such as bedrooms, meeting rooms, kitchens, etc. There is no entrance fee, so you can freely explore this destination. However, a minus point here is that the tour guide is not available.

Vinh Linh Tunnels – Quang Tri Province

Vinh Linh Tunnels was made in 1966 when the invaders were launching an attack on the North. The tunnel network runs for over 40 kilometers and comprises a range of separate zones; each is supposed to be a miniature of an underground Vietnamese village with all constructions that met the people’s basic need during the wartime. However, a part of this site has been damaged by many reasons, so you find it hard to perceive the spirit revolving around its extraordinary structure.

Nhon Trach Tunnels – Dong Nai Province

Just like other tunnels, Nhon Trach Tunnels, located at Long Tho Commune, Nhon Trach District, Dong Nai Province) was made by hand in 1963. The tunnels are 5-7 meters deep and 1-1.2 meters wide. Inside the site consists of air holes, wells, kitchens, etc. The tunnels were designed to defend against the destructive power of 250-kg bombs, and accommodates up to 300-500 people.

Source: tnktravel

5 Historical Tunnels you should not ignore in Vietnam
Nguyen Thanh Van

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. 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.

TRAVEL HO CHI MINH CITY & CU CHI TUNNEL IN 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS:

3D2N ~ Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) + Cuchi Tunnel Tour

Don’t miss to visit Cu Chi Tunnels in Sai Gon
Nguyen Thanh Van

While modernity has swept Vietnam’s southern capital, it’s not hard to find pockets here and there that celebrate its complex history. The architectural imprints of colonial rule still stand, alongside relics of the city’s commercial and oriental roots. If you’re a fan of history, here are seven top Ho Chi Minh City attractions in easy walking distance from the centre.

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War Remnants Museum

Piqued curiosities at the War Remnants Museum in District 3

The War Remnants Museum is a three-story museum holding countless artefacts and graphic photographs, including photographer Nick Ut’s Pulitzer Prize-winning shot, “The Terror of War.” Out-of-commission planes, tanks, bombs and helicopters decorate the courtyard. It is a sombre experience but one that leaves a lasting impression.

Admission: 15,000 VND
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1:30 – 5 p.m. every day including holidays
Address: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 6, District 3

Notre Dame Cathedral

The area around the Notre Dame Cathedral is a solid spot for people-watching

The twin-spired Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception sits at the head of Dong Khoi Street, a peaceful oasis in the busy downtown area. Built entirely from materials imported from France, the construction of the cathedral lasted nearly two decades, from 1863 to 1880.

FUN FACT: The alabaster statue of the Virgin Mary perched in the centre of the square is said to have wept tears on a single occasion in 2005, witnessed by crowds there at the time.

Admission: 15,000 VND
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1:30 – 5 p.m. every day including holidays
Address: 1 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1

Saigon Central Post Office

Send a postcard from the city’s impressive old post office

Opposite the cathedral is Saigon’s charming general post office. Take a stroll inside, where you’ll find a massive foyer flanked by rows of Victorian era wooden phone booths, historic maps on the walls, and a huge portrait of Ho Chi Minh. The architect of the building is sometimes incorrectly credited as Gustave Eiffel, however the design of the complex was based off his blueprints.

Admission: Free
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1:30 – 5 p.m. every day including holidays
Address: 2 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1

The Reunification Palace

Peep the swanky helicopter landing pad on the rooftop.

On the site of the former Norodom Palace sits the Reunification Palace, also known as the Independence Palace. Designed by architect, Ngô Viết Thụ, the palatial estate was the residential and administrative quarters of the President of South Vietnam. These days, visitors can walk the halls and meeting rooms, upholstered in red carpet.

TIP: Don’t miss the former command centre and war rooms in the basement.

Admission: 15,000 VND
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1:30 – 5 p.m. every day including holidays
Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh, District 1

Nguyen Hue Street and City Hall

City Hall overlooking Nguyen Hue Street

Expansive Nguyen Hue St. has become the new stomping ground for pedestrian activity in Ho Chi Minh City. Skirting the perimeter are dozens of high rises, upscale restaurants, commercial arcades and luxury boutiques. Spanning from City Hall to the Bach Dang Wharf, this walking street is perfect for an afternoon stroll and is at its liveliest at sundown. At the northernmost end of Nguyen Hue sits City Hall, the administrative post of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.

Admission: City Hall is not open to the public
Address: 86 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe, District 1

Ben Thanh Market

The city’s most well-known commercial centre

Ben Thanh Market in the centre of the city is a timeless marketplace built atop a reclaimed plot of land which was formerly known as Bo Ret Pond. Today, the indoor market faces Quach Thi Trang Square. Inside, a matrix of aisles sells everything from fresh produce to conical hats, weasel coffee to lacquerware. Toward the end of the hall is a maze of food stalls selling sizzling bánh xèo and freshly assembled bánh mì.

Admission: Free
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1:30 – 5 p.m. every day including holidays
Address: 32-30 Phan Boi Chau, Ben Thanh, District 1

Cu Chi Tunnels

EXPLORE 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR- CU CHI TUNNEL

A guide shows travellers the secret tunnel entrances in Cu Chi

Tunnel your way back in time during your visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Located on the northwestern fringes of greater Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi District is home to a network of over 250 kilometers used by the Viet Cong to evade American and South Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. Enter the tunnels at either one of two entrances, Ben Dinh, which is 35 kilometers away, and Ben Duoc, which is 70 kilometers away. Getting dirty is part of the package, so dress accordingly.

5 HISTORIAL TUNNEL YOU SHOULD NOT IGNORE

Admission: 15,000 VND
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1:30 – 5 p.m. every day including holidays
Address: Phu Hiep, Phu My Hung, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Source: vietnamtourismboard

7 must-see attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
Nguyen Thanh Van