Vinh Moc Tunnels: Exploring the underground village in Quang Tri

Enter the 1,700m labyrinth where 17 children were born amidst bombs and bullets. Vinh Moc Tunnels is not only a relic but also a vivid story of the will to survive.

A symbol of the will to survive

Located in Cua Tung commune, Quang Tri province, Vinh Moc tunnels are an extraordinary testament to human resilience during war. This structure, more than 1,700 m long, is not only a shelter system but also a complete underground "village", where life still sprouts amidst bombs and bullets. The prestigious travel magazine Lonely Planet honored Vinh Moc as one of the 15 most attractive experiences in Vietnam, stating that "ordinary people have done extraordinary things".

One of 13 entrances to Vinh Moc tunnels.

Architecture of an underground "village"

Vinh Moc Tunnels were built from 1965 and completed after two years, with more than 6,000 m³ of earth and rock dug and transported by hand. The structure is structured into three deep floors , with 13 entrances, of which 7 doors lead to the sea and 6 doors lead to the hill, both as passages and vents.

Inside the solid red basalt soil, a community life is fully recreated. Every 4 meters there is a small cellar, enough for a family of 4 to live in. In addition, the tunnel also has common spaces such as a hall, maternity ward, surgery station, toilets and three fresh water wells, ensuring the basic needs of hundreds of people.

The space inside the tunnel is recreated like a miniature village.

Common living area for households in the tunnel.

A story of intense life

During the most fierce years of the war, Vinh Linh land had to endure more than half a million tons of bombs and bullets. However, the people still steadfastly held on with the spirit of "Not an inch gone, not a millimeter moved". To maintain the race, families had to disperse and live in many different bunkers.

Miraculously, during the 2,000 days and nights of shelter, 17 babies were safely born in the underground maternity home, becoming a symbol of the will to live and the indomitability of the people here.

One of three wells that once served the lives of people in the tunnels.

Experience exploring Vinh Moc today

Today, visitors to Vinh Moc can walk through the almost intact tunnels themselves to feel the historical atmosphere. The journey often ends at a tunnel opening straight to the blue sea. This is also the place where the army and people of Vinh Linh organized hundreds of boat trips to supply the outpost island of Con Co.

A tunnel entrance of Vinh Moc tunnel leads straight to the sea.

Recognized as a special National Monument in 2015, Vinh Moc relic site also has a museum, which displays artifacts and stories about the lives of people nearly 60 years ago. Walking under the cool green bamboo rows and learning more about the heroic history of this land is an experience not to be missed when coming to Quang Tri.

The museum displays historical artifacts at Vinh Moc relic site.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/dia-dao-vinh-moc-kham-pha-ngoi-lang-duoi-long-dat-o-quang-tri-402427.html