The 75 mile-long complex of tunnels is where thousands of Vietnamese soldiers supporting the north hid out during the Vietnam War. Even though the tubes have been expanded to accommodate visitors, they are still extremely claustrophobic — just wide and tall enough to walk through stooped over. They are dark. And ventilation in them is poor.
To experience the tunnels, visitors need not get down and dirty or be ready to overcome fears. Knowledgeable guides are there to tell stories and answer questions about what happened in various ‘rooms’ underfoot.
One such guide is affectionately named Uncle Nam, who was born in the district of Cu Chi and lived in the tunnels as a soldier and vegetable grower from 1963-‘75.
For twelve years, he called the subterranean labyrinth home. He even met his wife and became a father down there.
He discovered how many friends he had when he was injured by a U.S. bomb; his comrades gave him the best seat in the house — “near the vent, where there was much more air to breathe,” he recalls.
The 66-year-old nowadays pulls energy from visitors to the tunnels. The visitors hope to learn more about Vietnamese culture. Leading tours keeps Uncle Nam active and bolsters his self-worth.
“I am proud of where I come from,” he says. “It makes me happy to be able to contribute to my hometown.”
I recommend visiting Cu Chi. To get the best glimpse of this fascinating underground network, let Uncle Nam lead the way, for a truly insightful view.
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