Saigon/Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Tunnels

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We arrived in Saigon Saturday afternoon, very much like Bangkok, so not to much to tell. I probably wouldn't make a special visit again unless it was to visit the Mekong Delta. Unfortunately due to lack of time we wont be able to go as it is a full day trip.

We decided to go to the Cu Chi tunnels instead today which took most of the day.

For those who don't know, this is where the Viet Cong hid from the Americans during the war in the 1960's. In the district of Cu Chi alone there was 250klm of tunnels. The network parts of which is 3 levels deep, included trap doors, constructed living areas, field hospitals, weapons factories , storage facilities and many more. They allowed the Vietnamese to launch surprise attacks wherever the tunnels went. The tunnels have been enlarged for tourist to get down some of them...eg: us.....lol

Yes, I went through a tunnel that was only 5 meters long with about 10 others, very squashy and had to crouch down to get through, no light and very hot. I couldn't wait to get out as people in front were stopping and you couldn't see where you were going. It was 39 deg today at the site and about 47deg in the tunnel due to the bodies.

Jacqui managed to fit in to the opening of an original tunnel but had to have help to get out as there is no foot pegs to lift yourself out.

The boy's wanted their photo's taken on an American tank that was bombed and they all got to play with an AK47 and fire real bullets.....no ear muffs though....Vietnamese don't know what work place and safety means....

By the way the traffic in a way got better not the traffic on the road however just the speed. Remember me saying about out trip from the airport doing 130klm an hour, well we have since found out that is not the norm and he was just an idiot....

The tour guide told us that 10,000 a year people die in Saigon alone just from scooter accidents.....

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Photos

Jacqui
Jacquie in an original tunnel

Cu Cui Tunnel
Demo of a tour guide getting in the tunnel and then putting the top on

Boys will be boys
Boys and their toys, an American tank that was bombed

Sea Saw trap
This trap would be set in a hole and then covered with leaves.....Ouch....

Brad firing an AK47
All the boys paid to have a go at shooting

Going in to a tunnel
The look of horror on my face

Inside the tunnel
Brad decided to take a photo of my butt in the tunnel....This is how we had to get through.

The Girls
Thank god for the end...all hot and bothered, couldn\'t wait to get back on air conditioned bus.