Cu Chi Tunnels

Today we ventured a little ways north to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels.  The Cu Chi tunnels are part of a huge network of connecting underground tunnels that underlie much of the country.  They were the site of several battles during the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong's base of operations for the Tet Offensive in 1968. 

I think by now you've realized we think this is a beautiful country, but even their highways are beautiful! 

There is no load too big to fit on a scooter! 

Jack fruit tree 

A map of the Cu Chi tunnel network. 

The tunnels were used by the Viet Cong as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for many soldiers. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American forces.

A secret entrance 

David's a bit bigger than your average Vietnamese man.

And I'm a bit bigger too.  I could've wiggled a little, but I decided I didn't really want to get stuck or hurt on the way out!

A boobie trap... 

...with bamboo spears. 

Grace, holding her weapon at another entrance to a tunnel. 

Viet Cong soldiers taking a break. 

An air vent (left side at base of mound) disguised as a termite mound. 

At this point, it got pretty eerie.  Thinking about being on the same turf that a war was fought, with weapons firing in the background, made David and I a little uneasy. 

An M41 tank that was destroyed by a delay mine in 1970 

A door trap. 

This thing had some serious spikes on it!!

Drying rice paper

Heading into the tunnel.

At this point, I had to get out!  Do you see how low they are crouched?  I had no idea I had any claustrophobia in me, but I was having a hard time... And imagine having to live in those tunnels! 

I let the kids go down to the next exit with the guide.

Cooling off and cleaning up. 

A kitchen setup in the tunnel system.  They had diversions for the smoke so that the smoke never came out near the kitchen, and they could only cook in the mornings or evenings when there was fog so the smoke from the cooking fires would blend into the air.

Dining room. 

Rubber trees - where latex comes from to make plastic products. 

Where we had lunch.  Pronounced "fa".  This is where President Clinton and Chelsea had lunch when they visited Vietnam (whoopee), and we even got to see what they ordered when they were there. 

Despite my lack of caring what our former President had to eat, or even the fact that he ate here, the food was delicious!