In 1954, the Genève Agreement on Indochina which was signed in Geneva, Switzerland ended the French colonial presence in Indochina. The agreement provided for a cease‐fire, established a provisional military demarcation line at the 17th parallel, empowered the two Vietnamese “parties” (later to be called North and South Vietnam). The border line (the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone) was located in Quang Tri Province, Central Vietnam where inadvertently became one of the most devastated places during the Vietnam War. The Vinh Moc Tunnels which called “the 3-story underground village” is one of the greatest living witnesses left.
History
Vinh Moc (Vĩnh Mốc) is a tunnel complex in Quang Tri province. During the Vietnam War it was strategically located on the border of North Vietnam and South Vietnam. The tunnels were built to shelter people from the intense bombing of Son Trung and Son Ha communes in Vinh Linh county of Quang Tri Province in the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone.
A family-room in Vinh Moc Tunnels (Photo: Flickr)
Vinh Moc tunnels were not the first one in Vietnam. The first tunnel appeared in 1947 in Tan Binh district, Ho Chi Minh city. From 1961 to 1965 a tunnel system in 5 communes in Cu Chi district created the strong Cu Chi Tunnels with a total length of over 200 km. Therefore, the people of Vinh Linh were suggested to create a tunnel like Cu Chi at the end of 1963 because of its ideal geological topography. The tunnels were build from 1965 and completed on February 18th, 1966 with rudimentary equipments and anold compass. The work was directed by former lieutenant colonel Le Xuan Vy.
the structure of Vinh Moc tunnels
During the war, more than 60 families moved into three levels of tunnels running for almost 2000m. The villagers still lived there while bombs rained down overground. There is a family room every 4m along the tunnel which is only 0.8m wide and 1.8m long. The common height in a tunnel is from 1,5m – 1,8m. There were 3 wells, 1meeting hall, infirmary, maternity home, kitchen, food store, telephone station, … in the tunnel in order to ensure the daily life of residents. There were 17 children born inside the tunnels. The villagers only went out when needed and not dangerous. The tunnels were created on the red basalt soil with 3 levels:
+ the first level: (12m deep) for fighting and hiding.
+ the second level: (15m deep) for living.
+ the third level: (23m deep) for food and weapons storage.
The structural plan of Vịnh Mốc Tunnels. (Photo: internet)
It itself has 7 exits to the sea and 6 exits to the hill. The hatches are reinforced with wooden bars to prevent landslides. The tunnels are completely clay, so it has become harder and stronger by time. That’s why most of Vinh Moc Tunnels are still kept in the original form until today.
The tunnels today
Vinh Moc Tunnels was recognized as a Vietnamese historical site which has been open to visitors since 1995. At the present, there are about 1000m tunnels in the relic area but thanks to the solid structure, the tunnels arealmost original. Experiencing inside the tunnel still causes a little hesitation for many visitors, but it’s definitely worth a try. Vinh Moc Tunnels are decorated with lights with guide plates, so a visit has become a lot easier. Within 30 minutes under the tunnel, we will be able to relate to the difficulties and the steel will of people in Vinh Linh.
one of the entrances into the Vinh Moc Tunnels. (Photo: internet)
Coming to Vinh Linh these, we will no longer recognize the land that has passed through the war years. Instead, it is a green scenery of the peaceful countryside. If you want to learn more about history and see “the 3-storey underground village”, a day trip to the DMZ will be a great choice. The local guides of JPTraveltime with extensive knowledge of Vietnamese history will surely satisfy your desire.
(Justin Ngoc Pham)
