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Vinh Moc Tunnels

Vinh Moc Tunnels: A hidden underground world of Vietnam

28/05/2025 485 views

Deep beneath the red soil of Quang Tri province lies a remarkable feat of human resilience and ingenuity: the Vinh Moc Tunnels. This underground sanctuary was carved out during the Second Indochina War and remains one of the most awe-inspiring wartime relics in Southeast Asia. Tucked in the quiet village of Vinh Thach, the Vinh Moc Tunnels tell a story of survival, community, and determination in the face of relentless bombing.

1. A glance at Vinh Moc Tunnels

  • Location: Vinh Moc Village and Son Ha Village, Vinh Thanh Commune, Quang Tri Province
  • Vinh Moc Tunnels entrance fee: VND 50,000
  • Opening hours: 7 AM – 5 PM

Vinh Moc Tunnels were built from 1965 to 1967 in response to the U.S. military’s intense bombing campaign in North Quang Tri. This rural community, situated along the former DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), became the target of thousands of bombs. In a bold display of resistance and unity, the villagers of Vinh Moc chose not to evacuate but instead to dig deep and create a world beneath the earth.

Guided by the motto “một tấc không đi, một ly không rời” (“not an inch we leave, not a fraction we part”), the people of Vinh Moc began digging with rudimentary tools, carving an elaborate tunnel system over the course of nearly two years. These tunnels became their homes, schools, infirmaries, and shelters. During its peak, the tunnel system housed over 1,200 civilians. Remarkably, 17 babies were born safely underground during this period, a symbol of hope and perseverance in the darkest times.

Beyond serving as a shelter, Vinh Moc Tunnels also played a crucial military role. They formed part of a supply route to Con Co Island, allowing hundreds of covert support missions to aid soldiers stationed there. Fishermen and soldiers alike braved enemy patrols to transport food, ammunition, and messages from the tunnel’s sea-facing exits. Despite the brutal conditions above ground, no civilian deaths occurred within the tunnels, a fact that speaks to the effectiveness of their construction and the determination of those who lived there.

The legacy of the Vinh Moc Tunnels was officially recognized when they opened to the public as a museum in 1995. In 2014, they were designated a national special relic. Today, the tunnels attract thousands of domestic and international visitors each year, drawn by the incredible story of resistance etched into every meter of this underground world.

Vinh Moc Tunnels

Vinh Moc Tunnels in Vietnam were not just a symbol of civilian survival but of active resistance (Source: Collected)

Read more: Vietnam travel 2025: TOP places to explore nature, culture, and cuisine

2. The unique structure of Vinh Moc Tunnels

Spanning over 1,060 meters in length, Vinh Moc Tunnels, Vietnam, feature 13 entrances – six leading into the hills and seven opening to the sea – offering strategic escape routes and access points for supplies. The height of the tunnels ranges from 1.7 to 1.8 meters, with their walls and ceilings carefully shaped in a vaulted form for stability and durability.

The tunnel system is divided into three distinct levels, each constructed at increasing depths to avoid U.S. bombs. The first level, built 8 to 11 meters below the surface and stretching over 421 meters, was primarily used for temporary shelter and basic operations.

The second level, deeper at 11 to 15 meters with a total length of 508 meters, served as the main residential area. It included living spaces, meeting areas, and essential amenities for long-term habitation.

The third and deepest level lies about 21 to 22.5 meters underground and measures 130 meters in length. This level was designed to resist even the deepest penetrating bombs and includes critical escape routes to the sea, fresh water wells, and additional living quarters.

The structure of Vinh Moc Tunnels

The structure of Vinh Moc Tunnels is a testament to engineering under pressure (Source: Collected)

This architectural masterpiece was built by the bare hands of local villagers using self-made rudimentary tools over a period of nearly 20 months. Villagers relied on water-filled bottles to measure level ground and plumb lines made from stones to ensure vertical alignment.

An estimated 6,000 cubic meters of earth and rock were excavated, most of it discreetly transported and discarded in the sea or into bomb craters. Entrances were designed with steep chutes to help people descend quickly during emergencies, and many alcoves were built along the passageways to serve as defensive shelters or storage spaces. 

The underground complex included family quarters that could house two to four people, a medical station, a meeting hall, and a kitchen equipped with Hoang Cam stoves that cleverly dispersed smoke to avoid detection. Above ground, defensive systems such as trenches, artillery bunkers, and sea barriers completed the defensive architecture.

Vinh Moc Tunnels Vietnam

Vinh Moc Tunnels is a community where life could go on despite the war above (Source: Collected)

Explore: Vietnam where to go 2025: TOP extraordinary places for travel lovers

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3. Unmissable experiences on your visit to Vinh Moc Tunnels

A visit to the Vinh Moc Tunnels is not just about walking underground – it is about stepping back in time and witnessing how an entire community defied war with ingenuity and unity. Here are the must-do experiences when visiting this extraordinary historical site.

3.1. Visit the exhibition house

Begin your Vinh Moc Tunnels tour at the exhibition house, located at the entrance of the site. This space functions like a mini museum, providing vital context before you enter Vinh Moc tunnels. It features archival photos of life underground, wartime artifacts, personal items, and a detailed Vinh Moc Tunnels map showing all three tiers and exits.

Before you go underground, you will also be invited to watch a 30-minute documentary film. This video uses rare footage and testimonials to paint a vivid picture of how the tunnels were built and how people lived during bombings.

Exhibition House at Vinh Moc Tunnels

The exhibition house is where visitors can learn more about the formation of the tunnels (Source: Collected)

3.2. Explore inside the tunnels

Stepping into Vinh Moc Tunnels is like entering a different world – dark, narrow, and filled with silent stories of survival. The tunnel network is surprisingly extensive, with pathways that twist through the earth and lead to various functional spaces. As you walk through, you will encounter small alcoves carved into the walls that served as family rooms, each barely large enough for two to four people. These modest spaces were home to entire families for years, highlighting the resilience of those who lived there.

One of the most moving areas inside the tunnels is the maternity room, where 17 babies were safely born during wartime. Nearby, you will find the meeting hall – a large underground chamber that could hold up to 60 people and was used for film screenings, cultural performances, and village meetings. The surgical station and medical room served wounded soldiers and civilians, while the kitchen area was equipped with a smokeless Hoang Cam stove.

As you explore deeper, you will come across cleverly engineered water wells, air ventilation shafts, and secret exits that led to the sea. These exits were crucial for transporting supplies to Con Co Island. The tunnel walls are curved for bomb resistance, and sloped entries near the mouths of the tunnels allowed for quick descent to safer depths when under attack.

Taking Vinh Moc Tunnels photos inside

Taking photos inside Vinh Moc Tunnels is an unforgettable part of the visit (Source: Collected)

Check out: Things to do in Vietnam: : A fully updated guide for your trip in 2025

4. How to get there?

Vinh Moc Tunnels are accessible from several major cities in Central Vietnam. Vinh Moc Tunnels from Hue are about 110 kilometers to the north, making for a scenic 2.5- to 3-hour drive. Follow National Road 1A north until you reach Ho Xa town, then turn right and follow the signs east toward Vinh Moc. A Vinh Moc Tunnels tour from Hue is also a great option, as it often includes other historical sites along the way.

If you are coming from Dong Hoi in Quang Binh Province, head south on National Road 1A for about 90 kilometers. The route is direct and takes around 2 hours by car or motorbike.

Discover: Vietnam map: : 14 top-rated places that travel enthusiasts should NOT miss

 

5. Tips for visiting Vinh Moc Tunnels

Visiting the Vinh Moc Tunnels can be an unforgettable experience, but a bit of preparation goes a long way. To make the most of your trip and stay comfortable and safe, keep these practical tips in mind.

  • Wear sneakers or trekking shoes: The tunnel floor can be damp or slippery. Avoid sandals.
  • Bring a flashlight: Some areas are dim, especially if you venture beyond guided sections.
  • Claustrophobic? Skip the narrow paths: Some tunnels are tight and steep – if you are uncomfortable in confined spaces or have low blood pressure, avoid these parts.
  • Bring water and wear light clothes: It’s cooler underground but still humid.
  • Go with a guide: For the best experience, join a Vinh Moc Tunnels tour with an English-speaking guide who can explain the significance of each area.
visiting Vinh Moc Tunnels

Vinh Moc Tunnels reviews often describe the experience as awe-inspiring and humbling (Source: Collected)

You should know: Travel to Vietnam tips: 17 things travelers whisper to each other

Vinh Moc Tunnels are not just a tourist stop – they are a living memory of a community’s courage and resourcefulness. They offer a rare, immersive experience into Vietnam’s recent past, far from the typical attractions.

After exploring Quang Tri and the tunnels, consider heading south to Hoi An – just 180 kilometers away. There, you can unwind and enjoy the vibrant charm of the Old Town or spend a fun day at VinWonders Nam Hoi An – a family-friendly amusement park blending culture, nature, and entertainment. From traditional craft villages to thrilling rides and a wildlife safari, it offers a fun and relaxing contrast after a day of exploring historical sites.

spend a fun day at VinWonders Nam Hoi An

VinWonders Nam Hoi An is the perfect destination for families and travelers of all ages

 

Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket now

 

For accommodation, treat yourself to a stay at Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, where relaxation meets luxury by the sea. The resort offers a private beach, spacious villas/rooms, a world-class golf course, infinity pools, a full-service spa, and multiple dining options to complete your coastal getaway.

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