Unlike the famed Cu Chi tunnels, which were used by the Viet Cong for combat, the Vinh Moc Tunnels were bomb shelters predominantly for civilians. During bombing raids, village life carried on underground: kids attended school, women gave birth and families watched movies. The tunnels are an amazing achievement of human toil, engineering and perseverance. If you only have time to see one site in the DMZ, this is it.

The Vinh Moc Tunnels are located on the coast 37 kilometres north of Dong Ha. When the DMZ, the dividing line between North and South Vietnam, was created along the Ben Hai River, the village of Vinh Moc found itself at the precarious southern edge of Northern Vietnam.

Secretly built between 1966 to 1967, the red soil had to be dispersed under the cover of night to avoid detection by enemy surveillance. Three different levels were constructed – 12 metres, 15 metres and 23 metres deep – with 13 entrances/exits, including seven to the coast. Not only did this provide a breeze for ventilation, it was important for supply lines to the sea.

The Ho Chi Minh Trail wasn’t one specific trail. It refers to the entire effort by the North across a network of interconnecting channels to secretly deliver troops and munitions to their fighters in the south. Con Co Island just off the coast from Vinh Moc became part of the north’s Ho Chi Minh Trail of the sea, and supplies were moved to the island via the tunnels. Our DMZ guide explained that while the Americans did not know the exact location of the tunnels, they knew enough to bomb the area so in three years, seven tons of bombs were dropped per person living in the tunnels.
When someone sounded the alarm of an imminent bombing, villagers moved underground and remained there for as long as it took, be it a few minutes or few days. The longest continuous stretch was for five days and five nights. Entering the tunnel through a nondescript hole in the ground, as you move down, down, down into the labyrinth, darkness, ceiling and walls envelope you and it sinks in: 300 people found shelter here for six years. You’ll see nooks used as sleeping quarters, a meeting room and kitchen built with a clever system that could release yet hide the smoke. They played movies with a generator. There was an operation room, a nursery and even a maternity ward – 17 babies were born in the tunnels; six of those people still live in the village today.

Keep in mind that Vinh Moc isn’t the only tunnel system. It is the longest and largest, but there were 114 in Vinh Linh district, with miles of trenches connecting village to village. Vinh Moc survived the bombings but other tunnels were not so fortunate. Some 28 sustained direct hits and souls were buried alive.
Vinh Moc is always included in DMZ tours and it is the highlight. You should book the tour and it means you will have a good guide (with a flashlight!) will illuminate the experience with information. He’ll also point out every slippery step and lead you through the confusing labyrinth.

While the tunnels are bigger than the Cu Chi Tunnels, they are still very small (approximately 1.6 metres tall and 1.2 metre wide) and most visitors will have to awkwardly stoop while walking. It will be a struggle for big folk. Walls are damp and muddy – don’t wear your finest frock. The unexpected dioramas of people in parts of the tunnel will make you jump out of your skin, adding to the vividness of the experience.

We aren’t the most comfortable in tight underground spaces but we were fine. It certainly helped that it was just us and our guide and we had additional lighting with a torch. It was also cold season, and our hats off to the tunnel builders because the cross-ventilation construction brought in the fresh sea breeze. However, we can imagine it would be tough if it is hot and you are in stuck in a conga line of people. If you think you’ll get antsy, wait for the groups to clear out. To those who get claustrophobic: it is probably not for you.

Frequently Questions Are Being Asked About Vinh Moc Tunnels

1. Which Experiences Are Best For Tours In Vinh Moc Tunnels?

   These experiences are best for tours in Vinh Moc Tunnels
   HUE – FORMER DEMILITARIZED ZONE (DMZ) TOUR (1 DAY)

2. What Are The Best Places Plus With Tours In Vinh Moc Tunnels?

   These places are best for tours in Vinh Moc Tunnels:
   PHONG NHA CAVE & VINH MOC TUNNEL (1 DAY)