Văn La Tunnel: The "Silent Steel Door" in the Heart of Quang Binh's Ancient Village

Văn La Tunnels: "Silent Steel Door" in the Heart of Quang Binh Ancient Village

Located about 10km from Dong Hoi city, Văn La village (Lương Ninh commune, Quảng Ninh district) has long been famous in the "Eight Fragrant Names" of Quang Binh land, being the homeland of the renowned general Hoàng Kế Viêm. However, few know that deep beneath this ancient village lies a "secret" from the time of fire and smoke: Văn La Tunnels – a place that once sheltered hundreds of lives through devastating bomb rains.

1. Born from Fierce Flames

• In 1966, when the US Air Force bombed the North with devastating intensity, Văn La village became one of the coordinates suffering heavy casualties. Faced with the destruction of homes and loss of life, the Party Committee and people of Lương Ninh commune made a life-or-death decision: to dig tunnels to hold onto their village land.
• Construction process: In just one year (from June 1966 to 1967), with human strength and iron will, a tunnel system 100m long, 1.8m high, and 1.5m wide was completed.
• Capacity: The tunnels can protect 400 people at the same time, with a smart design of 3 entrances (1 horizontal, 2 vertical), facilitating air circulation and quick escape.

Photo The path leading to the Văn La historical site

2. From Shelter to Military Medical Station Underground

• In the early stages, Văn La Tunnels were a second home for the elderly and children. However, as the war escalated in 1972, its role changed tragically:
• Wounded soldier treatment: Not just a shelter, the tunnels became a field hospital, where doctors fought for the lives of soldiers and the wounded right beneath the mother earth, amidst the roar of enemy planes above.
• Symbol of solidarity: This is where the bond between the military and the people was strengthened, where hunger, suffering, and danger could not defeat the steel spirit of the people of Lương Ninh.

Photo The only remaining door leading into the tunnels

3. The Heartfelt Story of a "Forgotten" Relic

• After 1975, when peace was restored, Văn La Tunnels gradually faded into the past.
• Current situation: Time and the harshness of nature have caused 2 entrances to be buried, and the tunnel's interior has subsided, leaving only a short section of about 30m.
• Recognition: Although it was classified as a provincial historical site in 2005 and has a commemorative stone tablet, this place is still little known, quietly lying on the sidelines of heritage tourism journeys.

Photo Văn La Tunnels can accommodate about 400 people

4. The Wish to Revive Memories

• For historical witnesses like Mr. Lê Trọng Duận and the people of Văn La, the tunnels are not just meters of dug earth, but a part of the flesh and blood of their homeland. The hope for a day when the tunnels are dredged and restored is not just for tourism, but for future generations to step down into the tunnels, touch the memories, and feel the price of today's peace.

Photo The stone tablet placed in front of Văn La Tunnels

Although not as grand as Mốc Bay, Văn La Tunnels carry the beauty of a "rustic" relic, close within the residential area. If you have the chance to visit the ancient village of Văn La to learn about the renowned general Hoàng Kế Viêm, take a little extra time to stand before the relic tablet of the tunnels, to see that every inch of land beneath our feet is soaked with the sweat and spirit of our ancestors.

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Source: Bá Cường