The Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam

IG: @bethsandland

The Cu Chi tunnels are located just over 40km outside of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). They are the remains of the actual tunnels used by the Vietcong (North Vietnamese army) during the Vietnam War and can only be visited with a tour guide.

It’s an open air museum which gives a detailed insight into how the tunnels were used during the war. Hidden away in the thick Vietnamese jungle, the Vietcong used guerrilla tactics and the tunnels were key to this. The tunnels are an intricate network of incredibly narrow passages which have been widened to allow western tourists to pass through. They lead to a number of underground rooms which were essential to the soldiers including a kitchen, dormitory and armoury space. Entering the tunnels themselves is an optional part of the visit; they’re small and claustrophobic and there’s still plenty to see if this doesn't suit you.

Models of Vietcong soldiers working in the tunnels

In addition, the the museum shows the ingenious traps the Vietcong created and how they worked. There is also small hole (designed so the Vietcong could hide quickly from their enemy) which you can lower yourself into for the classic tourist photo. A must see site to begin to appreciate Vietnam’s tumultuous history.

Samples of the food the Vietcong ate during the war