Vinhmoc tunnel

TheDMZ (a tunnel complex of Vietnam), lies on the south of China Sea,north of Ben Hai River. Within this complex, Vinh Moc tunnel is locatedin Vinh Moc, Vinh Thach Commune, Vinh Linh District, Quang TriProvince. The complex in Vinh Linh has as many as more than 60 tunnelssuch as Tan My, Mu Giai, Tan Ly tunnels, among which Vinh Moc is themost solid and firm village tunnel, with 3 floors and round staircase,still remaining as in its past days.

Geographical features

History

Thoseknown of Vietnam’s heroic historical war must have some understandingof the tunnel network in Quang Tri citadel – a witness of the severewar. The Vinh Moc spectacular tunnel network within the zone stands asa testament to the endurance, wisdom and bravery of the local people intheir fight for independence.

TheVinh Moc tunnel complex was built to shelter the people of Son Trungand Son Ha communes in Vinh Linh county of Quang Tri Province. It wasconstructed in several stages, beginning in 1966 and coming into useuntil 1971. The complex grew to consist of wells, kitchens, rooms foreach family and clinics. Around 60 families lived in the tunnels; asmany as 17 children were born inside the tunnels as well. Finally, thetunnels were a success and no villagers lost their lives thanks tothem. The only direct hit was from a bomb that failed to explode, theresulting hole was utilized as a ventilation shaft.

Historical Name. "Theirreal name is Son Vinh Tunnels," one designer witnessing this said,"From the very beginning we called it Son Vinh tunnels. Son meansmountain and Vinh not only refers to Vinh Moc, but to the Vinh Linhpeople. The people of Son Trung and Son Ha communes and the men ofborder-post also helped build the tunnels."

Tenyears after the war had ended, I heard that the Vinh Moc Tunnels wereopened to tourists. Arriving at the tunnels tourists always put theirhands on the wooden planks to feel how cold they were. These days, thegovernment is striving to preserve their existence.

Tunnel gate

Afterthe meeting, an initial plan to construct a U-shaped tunnel on theseaside cliff was put forward. The US had not yet begun using theinfamous B-52 bombers at Vinh Linh, but it was only a matter of time.As the plan manifested, the soldiers followed up with two A-shapedtunnels, connecting them with the U-turn and forming a connected chainof tunnels and bomb shelters. This initial network also acted as a baseto retaliate against the enemy if they landed at Vinh Linh andconveniently as an entry point for supplies to the Con Co Island nearby.

Yet,of course it wasn’t that simple. The tunnels needed 5m-deep ventilationopenings, and as the community within expanded, they had to developwells, kitchens, bedrooms and health-stations. The tunnels also had tostore provisions for the army and locals, and had to be able to houseas well as transport hundreds of tonnes of rice. The tunnels are notjust famous for the uniqueness of the constructors’ endeavor, but forthe meticulous ingenuity of their design. All the kitchens requiredchimneys, which had to be able to disperse their smoke withoutattracting enemy planes, no easy feat for a designer who was trying tofight a war.

Architecture

Whenthe underground channels were designed, the designers had the foresightto consider their protection as well as their construction. They mustbe well against damage long, tropical rains, and monsoon.Architecturers would like to visit this historical and solid shelter tofigure out how their elders could succeed in constructing such acomplex, huge, but firm and sufficient place of living. The tunnel isaccurately a miniaturized image of a deep underground village with allneccessary services (houses for all families, birthplace,health-stations, etc.), but can stand still firmly until now. Theanswer may be revealed in a heroic mentality and great endeavour of thepeople in that historical period.

Today,people no longer need the tunnel to shelter but consider it as one ofthe top destinations of some history-discovering tour. You are fond ofhistory, and you prefer adventure, the foremost suggestion is a visitto Vinh Moc tunnel!