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Exploring History at Vietnam’s Cu Chi Tunnels

08.08.2009 · Posted in Home and Garden Articles

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. A destination known for its famous war with the Americans throughout the 1960’s until 1975. Learn all about what life was like in the jungle with an interesting visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located 70 km from downtown.nnIn the heart of the jungle, 200km of tunnels were well hidden from American soldiers. Originally built to protect the Vietnamese from French air strikes in the lat 1940’s to 1950’s, they were re-used during the 60’s as a staging ground for attacks on American troops. nnSurprisingly, the U.S. knew that the tunnels were there, they simply could not find them or destroy them. They put everything they had into taking out the tunnels from dispersing agent orange and ****** to relentlessly dropping bombs, but the caves remained in tact. The land didn’t fare as well and the jungle was completely destroyed along with everything in it. Today it is thriving once again however, showing that with time, the earth can repair even the harshest results of destruction.nnSome guides are actual former soldiers that acted as translators for the Americans. They are filled with a wealth of information and if you really listen and forget that you are on a kitschy tour exploiting the horrors of war, you can learn a great deal about the tactics used by a people filled with strong will to defeat a more powerful enemy.nnYou will learn all about how the Vietnamese managed to defeat the powerful Americans. They fought on their home turf being the jungle and they used it to their advantage. Cave entrances were hidden by placing termite hills over top. To throw off their scent to guide dogs, they would sprinkle cayenne pepper confusing the animal. Even if the soldiers managed to find and opening, they were tiny and made for the slight Vietnamese frame. U.S. soldiers would have to blast a hole alerting any inhabitants that they have been found. With 200 km of caves to disappear in, it wasn’t likely that they would be caught. nnThey knew their tunnels well, unlike the American soldier. They would enter the tunnel avoiding the ***** traps placed to **** or maim the enemy. Several different types of crude traps were laid in wait for the poor soldier that had to follow them in or the soldier that was sent to investigate upon a discovery. nnNot only did the Americans have to deal with ***** traps, heat and fear of not knowing what was around any corner in the jungle. They had the added burden of foot rot. Their heavy army boots didn’t allow for room to breathe and being in water and humidity took its toll on their feet making it impossible to walk. The Vietnamese avoided this by wearing sandals made of tire rubber allowing their feet to breathe. These sandals are on display at the tunnels and you can even buy a pair as a souvenir.nnIt is impossible to imagine how people managed to live in these tunnels for several years. The passageways were very tight at less than a meter high and they were dark and filled with disease. They had to deal with insects and venomous snakes and the fear of being found out. However, the Vietnamese managed to carve out a way of life however building kitchens, living areas and first aid stations. nnYour tour will take you through different sections of the tunnels and rooms are staged for you to see what life was like. But you will experience it in a far more pleasant way by walking through tunnels that have been widened for a comfortable visit. Luckily, a portion of the tunnels has been left in tact and if you choose to do so, you can crawl through an original tunnel.nnFirst you will have to enter through a small hole in the ground. This is enough to make many tourists chicken out. Some people won’t even be able to fit inside and will not even have the option to go. But if you can manage to squeeze through, be sure to do so. You will have the one true experience of the day, feeling what it actually must have been like for a soldier to crawl through this claustrophobic space. nnAfter you have thoroughly explored the caves, you will also learn other ways that the Vietnamese managed to defeat America. They could track soldiers easily in the jungle by using plants. You will see how they cooked only during the foggy mornings to hide their smoke and you will learn how farmers smuggled food to the Viet Cong. It is a very informative day.nnOnce you have learned all there is to know and if you are feeling like doing your best Rambo impersonation, you can go to the firing range and fire various guns from AK 47’s to automatic rifles, giving you your complete war experience.nnThe Cu Chi Tunnels are a must see destination for anyone visiting Vietnam. They are a part of its history dating back over 60 years and surviving two major wars. If you happen to make it to Saigon in the future, make sure to book a day trip out to the tunnels. They reasonable, comfortable and well organized.

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