Vinh Moc Tunnels

Vinh Moc Tunnels is one of the prominent historical tourist destinations in the central region of Vietnam. Here, you can experience a vivid visual view of war and the suffering and loss caused by it.

At the same time, you will clearly see the love of life and the desire for peace, along with the resilient spirit and strong will of the Vietnamese people in their fight for reunification and freedom.

Visiting Vinh Moc Tunnels can also help you appreciate the value of freedom and independence and love and cherish the peace that we have.

About 13km east of National Highway 1A, Vinh Moc Tunnels is located in Vinh Moc village and Son Ha village, Vinh Thach commune, Vinh Linh district, Quang Tri province, Central Vietnam. This famous historical site was built in 1965 and completed in 1967.

The tunnel consists of a more than 1,060m long tunnel system built on 3 layers, hidden deep inside the red basalt hill located close to the coast.

• The first floor is 8-10m below ground level, with a total length of 421.82m.
• The second floor is 12-15m below ground level, with a length of 508.08m.
• The third floor is 20-25m below ground level, with a length of about 130.35m.

The tunnel has 13 entrances to go outside and enter, including 7 entrances to the sea and 6 entrances to the hill. All of them were hidden carefully under the trees.

The tunnel was created to provide a bomb shelter for the Vinh Moc people during the war. At the same time, it was also a base for hiding food, weapons, and ammunition and a secret base of operations for the revolutionary forces to supply South Vietnam and Con Co Island during the war.

Inside the tunnel, people dug many small niches, estimated to be nearly 2m long - 1m wide - 1 to 1.4m high, used as living areas for people while avoiding bombs and mines. Some similar small niches were reserved for midwives, clinics, surgery stations, kitchens, wells, and meeting rooms. In the tunnel, there was also a hall area, with a capacity of about 40-60 people, used as a place for meetings, performing arts, screening movies, etc.

According to historical records, up to 17 children were born in the tunnels. Those cries were heard in minimal and challenging medical and living conditions, but they were proof of life born underground.

Throughout the years of fierce war, Vinh Moc Tunnels were like a miniature village, silently protecting the underground heartbeat. Hundreds of households hid, lived, and fought in this tunnel. Although the sky was only 2 meters high, and the path was narrow and dark, with only the flickering light from small lamps, the people here bravely endured the rain of bombs and bullets.

Currently, inside the tunnels, the relic management board has built several human statue models, simulating the lives of the people living here. It also hangs some pieces of old news or persevering water well, giving you the most realistic view.

A small note: An electric lighting system has been installed along the tunnels so you can move around and visit conveniently. However, the tunnels are still quite dark, so you may have to use additional light from a flashlight or a mobile phone flashlight during the tour. Therefore, remember to charge your phone before going to visit the tunnel.

The tunnel is low, and therefore, those with modest heights have quite an advantage in moving, but it is hard for tall guests. In addition, you need to be careful of steep sections, narrow stairs, or when passing through the well area to avoid slipping.