Day 223, Saigon, Vietnam

Sunset over Saigon

Another early start, this morning we visited the the tunnels of Củ Chi, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Cu Chi district, about 70 k's north of Saigon. The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War. 

The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American forces, and helped to counter the growing American military effort.

Booby traps

We were shown the booby traps that the Viet Cong soldiers devised to protect their tunnels; various viscous traps to seriously hurt or kill the enemy. 

The worst part (for me anyway) was getting to go down into the tunnels and basically having to crawl to get through; they are so low and narrow that's it's extremely claustrophobic.

The tunnels were dug by hand, over 120 kilometres long, over various levels. The dirt dug out had to be carefully scattered in the surrounding area, some on the riverbank and some around trees. Cooking was done early in the morning in the tunnels so that any smoke blended with the morning mist. Men were malnourished and malaria was rampant.

It was altogether a very interesting and fascinating visit.

Not made for my height 

Back to a Saigon and Samantha and I had to change hotel as the tour is finished and the other hotel was fully booked. 

Then we met up with the others and went up the Bitexco a Tower for a look over the city from the 52nd floor and to have a (very expensive) drink. The views were truly beautiful, a great sight watching the sun set over the city and we stayed up there for quite a while just soaking in the vistas.