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Out of Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City

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Out of Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City
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Out of Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels
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Out of Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels: Cu Chi tour with the family
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  • yep - another picture of a Westerner in a tunnel! - Ho Chi Minh City
    yep - another picture of a
    Westerner in a tunnel!
    by thedouglas, 1 more photos
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    The children enjoyed the day trip we had to Cu Chi - as they have all seen Vietnam war movies from the American perspective, and were a little agog after the introductory video and the general diaglogue of our guide. We had also been to the War Atrocities Museum, and they were aware of the general anti-American sentiment. As Aussies, we didn't really know where we fit in the mindset! Nobody could dispute the ingenuity of the CuChi network - and the intrepid souls who must have designed, constructed, used and actually resided in them! Our guide told us that people were married and born in there! These tunnels apparently started out as a network between houses, which was much extended to the 200 or so Kms they are today. We found this setup very well done - gave a really good visual perspective of the tunnels, how they were used as an obviously effective means of fighting the war, and, regardless of politics or war affiliation in general, you could not but be impressed by the capability and capacity for enduring extreme conditions of the Viet Cong - and perhaps the survival instincts - of the builders and dwellers of this area. It is a must see museum if you have the opportunity.


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    Out of Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels: Of Black PJs and Tunnels in Cu Chi ( Tay Ninh)
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  • We have enough of her, this pesky tourist...... - Ho Chi Minh City
    We have enough of her, this
    pesky tourist......
    by bpacker
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    Historical Tip:If you've heard about the Vietnam War, chances are, you would have heard about the stealthy tunnels in Cu Chi. Yup, these tunnels were used by the deadly Black PJ gang (Viet Congs) to infiltrate unsuspecting US base camps and Ho Chi Minh, 39km away . Amazing, if you consider that in total, this underground tunnel has a combined length of more than 200 km ! More amazing, if you consider that the soil in Cu Chi is very hard and that very simple tools were used to dig the elaborate network. Well, the black PJ gang used only simple spades ( something that looks like a kimchi soil digger ) to hack away the hard, red earth. And by sheer will, they created underground wells, hospitals, sleeping areas....well, a mole-heaven for their clandestine but deadly activities. That's not all, this hard labour was fueled only on a meagre diet of tapoica, sugar and peanuts. It sure defies the old belief where monkey work is expected if you pay in peanuts. This ain't no monkey work man, it is a serious and deadly network of tunnels! Personal Experience: If you do decide to come here, you'll get a chance to go into those holes and tunnels and feast on those peanut delights. And, if you do grumble that the wee tunnels are bloody narrow, your guide will tell with a grin that they're already enlarged (for fat hogs like us). Most probably, he'll ask you whether you'll like to have a go at an even smaller but orginal, hellishly-dark hole. Well, I did just that just out of foolish pride and came back with very sore legs after duck-walking for 30m in a hole that was more suited for Dr Evil's mini-me. To top it off, my back was covered with red dust. Guess I was not too bright. Since Cu Chi is a little off the beaten track (it's 2-3hr bum-rotting bus ride away from Saigon) , I've provided the link and address of a reliable tour agency in Saigon that'll take you there for only USD4

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  • Address: 246 - 248 De Tham St., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City,
  • Phone: info@sinhcafevn.com
  • Directions: To see photos of the Black PJ Uniform, deadly traps set for the poor American soldiers and other curiousities, click on b'packer's HCMC page
  • Website: http://www.sinhcafevn.com/

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    Out of Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels: The women VC at Cu Chi
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  • Always one on the lookout to prove that girls CAN do everything - I was really impressed by the apparent equality between the male and female footsolidiers of the Viet Cong. The small stature and agility of the girls, as well as their undoubted overall capability from a rural life, enabled them to contribute just as much to the war as the males. As stealth and general motor skill ability were undoubtedly the major skills requirements, I am sure they more than matched their male counterparts! An additional obvious need was the emotional commitment to the cause, which is quite clearly evident in the history of Cu Chi - and the enduring pride these people have in the wartime achievements. The "war hero" honour for killing an American was indicative of the mindset that must have motored them along every day and night. The other role that women had was demonstrated by the more traditional roles of industry, making uniforms and preparing meals.


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    Out of Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels: How to fit it in - Cu Chi and Mekong experience
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  • We had only a few days in Ho Chi Minh - and we managed to book a daytrip that took us to both Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. As a family of 5, we constituted the whole tour - and had the small comfortable bus and the guide all to ourselves! He was an excellent guide, with very good English, and engaging sense of humour, and a clear appreciation for the guide he handed us to for the Mekong part of the day! And, he understood teasing! Lunch was part of the enjoyment of the day, as we ate at a small restaurant along the Mekong, sitting on the water - and ate elephant ear fish! This fish is really do die for - and costs a bomb at home. It was an early start and a late finish, but the whole day was very much enjoyed by all of our family - taking the easily bored son into account as well. When we went for the Mekong part of the day, were taken to Unicorn Island - which was a very small island about 10 minute boat ride from the mainland. There were a number of cottage industries there, all of which involved consumption - of honey based alcohol, honey based sweets, fresh fruit and some live entertainment of local girls and musicians! Guide told us she worries about getting fat - refer to picture! She was also a wonderful guide - great English, and keen to learn some Aussie slang! The guides we had for this one day were the best we had for the whole Asian holiday, in three countries. Makes such a difference to what you learn and how much you enjoy the experiences.


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    Out of Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels: Shooting activity at Cu Chi
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  • Of all the things he's ever done - this is another - Ho Chi Minh City
    Of all the things he's ever
    done - this is another
    by thedouglas, 1 more photos
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    A highlight of the day for our son was shooting an AK47 at Cu Chi - I know all the reservations expressed by people about this as a money making leisure activity in the context - howerver, taken at face value, an enjoyable first experience for a boy from Australia. No such opportunities at home. The attention to safety was fine, and he enjoyed the experience - and the girls shot a few bullets. I don't think any psychological damage was done! At US$1 per bullet, this was always going to be limited!


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    Out of Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels: Essential Cu Chi Tunnel Survival Kit
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  • Trying the Actual man-hole size - Ho Chi Minh City
    Trying the Actual man-hole
    size
    by stellatan, 1 more photos
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    Some useful tips after experiencing it : 1. Dress lightly, as casual as possible. 2. Don't wear your favourite clothings as during crawling your clothings will definitely be coated with some soils. 3. Don't wear slippers as it will be quite difficult during tunnel crawling. 4. Don't bring bulky bags, best is just a small waist pouch/sling. 5. Bring insect repellent. 6. Last but not least, MUST bring a touch-light. In summary, the tunnel is only very short (30/40m), but the guide goes super fast that my hubby being the one after him could not even catch up with him. However with the touch-light that we have allow us to see where we are going. And those people way behind us really have trouble as it was a total darkness in the tunnel. The tunnel size is quite alright for Asian size, for those that has big belly & bigger size, will find it quite tough. Anyway, is a good "work-out". Excursion can be booked in the Backpackers area and all agency has the flat rate of US$4 excludes US$5 entrance fees. Depart at the agency at about 8.15am


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    Out of Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels: Cu Chi Tunnels
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  • We took only a half day trip to the tunnels with Sinh Cafe. Even if you can't manage the tunnels it is still a great day. I went down both tunnels and it was scary!!!! I think it was the hardest thing I did psychologically while we were in Vietnam. I found that whenever the person in front went out of sight I started to panic. Of course I knew the roof wasn't going to cave in and I couldn't possible take the wrong turn and never be seen again but all these thoughts went through my head when nobody was in sight. The bus ticket cost us $US4 then there was a fee of $US5 to get in once we arrive. We left at 8am an dreturned to HCM at 2pm. Highly recomend it.

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  • Directions: Any travel agent in HCM can book the trip.

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    Out of Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels: Experience The Cu Chi Tunnels
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  • Fall back in time and experience how the Viet Cong outsmarted the Americans by surviving in these unbelievably hot and stuffy tunnels, some so narrow, bigger size folks would find most uncomfortable. Claustrophobics need not bother.

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  • Directions: Most day tours out of Ho Chi Minh has this on the itinerary.

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    Out of Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels: Cu Chi Tunnels
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  • our guide showing an original sized entrance - Ho Chi Minh City
    our guide showing an original
    sized entrance
    by TomorrowsAngel
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    Cu Chi was one of the most devastated areas of Vietnamduring the war in the 1960s, and is home to over 200km of underground tunnels. The tunnels were originally built in the 1940s during the war against the French, but were greatly expanded during the 1960s, to the point of stretching from HCMC all the way to the Cambodian border. Today you can crawl through some of the hard red clay tunnels connecting rooms like the medical 'clinic', HQ, the commander's bedroom, a kitchen/dining room etc. Tunnels leading to these rooms have been enlarged for tourists. It was amazing how hot it is underground. As the tunnels got smaller and smaller, we were reduced to crawling on hands and knees.

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  • Address: Cu Chi
  • Directions: 30kmnorthwest of Ho Chi Minh City

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    Out of Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels: See the Viet Cong traps! OUCH!
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  • Take the Cu Chi tunnel day tours and you can see for yourself the simple yet effective traps the Viet Cong invented to torture the mighty Americans. Wince and feel the pain. The worse trap belonged to this swinging pole with metal spikes that had two portions - the top going for the chest and the bottom piece allowed to swing and going for the gonads. OUCH!!!!

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