On Saturday I woke up early to go to the Cu Chi Tunnels (about 2 hours from HCMC). Cu Chi is a district of HCMC and was the base for the Viet Cong during the Tet Offensive. The tunnels here were part of an extensive tunnel system spreading over 200km through central and western Vietnam. The tunnels were used as a hideout from US soldiers during the day and were extremely elaborate. They were built on three different levels (1m deep, 6m deep and 9m deep) with bamboo shoots reaching the surface to supply fresh air, kitchens, and even "bedrooms". We were able to crawl through parts of the tunnel which was fun although very small (about 1m high by 1/2m wide). Our amazing tourguide (he repeatedly sung songs for us) told us how it was made for Vietnamese, not people with big "boom booms." Aside from the tunnels we also saw the trenches that were dug by the Viet Cong, including several elaborate and brutal trap doors. One of which if you stepped on you'd fall a few meters onto sharpened bamboo that would impale the enemy and break off inside of you on impact. There were also many B-52 bomb craters in this area as well.
After getting back to HCMC in the afternoon I met up with my friend Will (Seattle) where we explored more of the city and found some great local hangouts.
Inside the tunnel - there didn't
used to be electricity. It was hot!
Viet Cong trench and bomb shelter
Trap door with sharpened bamboo
B-52 bomber crater. Or, as sometimes called
here "presents from the US"
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