Vinh Moc Tunnels: The Legendary "Underground Village" Beneath Vinh Linh Soil

Vinh Moc Tunnels: The Legendary "Underground Village" Beneath Vinh Linh

After the heat of the movie "Tunnels: The Sun in the Dark," the public began to focus on the miracles beneath the ground. If the South has Cu Chi, the "steel land," then in Quang Tri, we have the Vinh Moc Tunnels – a unique "underground village" that once made the whole world tip their hats in admiration of the extraordinary survival will of the Vietnamese people.

1. Miracles from Bare Hands

• In the mid-1965s, when the land of Vinh Linh became a "fire coordinate" enduring thousands of tons of bombs daily, the people here made a historic decision: to not abandon their homeland but to dig deep into the ground to hold on.
• The strength of will: Without modern machinery, armed only with hoes, shovels, and bare hands, the people of Vinh Moc persevered for over a year to complete the solid tunnel system.
• Steel shield: This tunnel system protected over 300 people safely through the most devastating bomb rains.

Photo of the entire Vinh Moc tunnel system with 13 entrances, including 7 leading to the sea and 6 leading up to the hills

2. The Structure of an "Underground City"

• The Vinh Moc Tunnels are not just an ordinary shelter, but a complete infrastructure system organized scientifically at depths of 12 to 23 meters:
• Three separate deep levels: Each level has its own function, capable of withstanding even the strongest penetrating bombs.
• Living conveniences: Inside the dark earth, the people still constructed a complete living space: from family apartments, water wells, medical stations, assembly halls to even... maternity houses.
• Vibrant life: 17 children were born right in the heart of the tunnels, proving the indomitable spirit even in the "darkness" of war.

Photo of the tunnel structure with 3 levels, where the top level is 8 - 10 m deep, the second level is 12 - 15 m deep, and the third level is 23 m deep, with the levels and branches connected by a main axis 780 m long

Photo of a statue depicting daily life inside the "Vinh Moc underground village" during the war years

3. A "Red Address" on the Heritage Tourism Map

• More than half a century has passed, and the Vinh Moc Tunnels have become a special National Heritage Site. This is a must-visit destination for those who want to experience the feeling of walking through history:
• Realistic feeling: Visitors will walk through nearly 2 km of tunnels, feeling the cool air and the silence of the earth, thus gaining a deeper understanding of the courage and the "golden heart, iron will" of their ancestors.
• Symbolic value: This site serves as a reminder of a fiery period, where humanity and solidarity triumphed over the destructive power of weapons.

Documentary photo about the days when people and soldiers lived inside the Vinh Moc tunnels. Currently, the documents are on display at the 17th Parallel Exhibition House and the aspiration for reunification

If you are in Dong Ha, it only takes about 45 minutes to drive to Vinh Linh, where you can stand on the cliff looking out at the deep blue East Sea and dive into the Vinh Moc tunnels. The feeling of stepping from the bright light into the dark tunnel, then looking out to the sea from the tunnel entrance is truly unforgettable.

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Source: Ba Cuong