Cu Chi Tunnels

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A really early start saw us on the road to the Cu Chi Tunnels about an hour and a half’s drive outside Saigon. These were a tunnel complex dug by the Viet Cong from 1946 to 1968, covering an area of something like 200 sq kms. There were several similar tunnel systems in Vietnam, but the Cu Chi Tunnels are particularly famous as they were in the heart of America’s control area around Saigon.

We were given a particularly detailed and interesting walk through the rubber forest where some of the tunnel complex was based and shown some of the variety of man traps that were set up to thwart the American advance.

There was an opportunity to go through the tunnels. First we were shown the ‘real version’ - a tiny little opening leading to a very small tunnel. Chuck managed to squeeze through and then scared our guide by taking off through the tunnels ... apparently this isn’t allowed. Eventually we got to the ‘tourist tunnels’ which have been made slightly larger to cater for all sizes. However, I’ve got to confess that I went down, had a look, decided it really wasn’t for me! John and all the others went through, coming up either at 10m, 20m, up to 100m as the tunnels got progressively smaller.

Back in Saigon we wandered through a local covered market before going back to the hotel for showers and a rest. Its been much cooler today, as we haven’t been in full sun at midday! Another early night was planned tonight as we have an early start tomorrow. However, flicking through the TV we’ve just found the Rugby Six Nations live on a South African station so looks like we might be sleeping on the bus to Cambodia tomorrow!

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Comments

[Jo]

six nations !!!!!
So glad you got to see how well you beat us !!! It was so embarrassing , I shall never be able to hold my head high again. Dirty play cost us 17 points plus 9 points missed in penalties, the shame......