History of the Củ Chi Tunnels
The Củ Chi tunnels are a complex network of underground tunnels located near Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Communist forces started building them in the late 1940’s during their war of independence from French colonial authorities. Historically the tunnels were used for military campaigns, including the Tết Offensive , one of the largest campaigns in the Vietnam War.
(Read about the history of Vietnam here: https://vicariouslytravel.com/a-brief-history-of-vietnam/)
The channels served many purposes; a place for Viet Cong soldiers to hide, weapon caches, supply routes, communication transport, etc.
The underground life was not easy. The Viet Cong had limited food and water, more suspeptibility to disease (such as malaria), and increased exposure to dangerous insects and animals.
Today these tunnels are a popular tourist attraction, however they are no longer used for war.
Fun Facts About the Củ Chi Tunnels
- American soldiers referred to life in the tunnels as “black echo”.
- The tunnels were notoriously set with many “booby traps” which included trip wires, spikes, false doors, etc.
- The booby trap spikes are called Punji sticks.
