Impressive Facts and Figures about Vinh Moc Tunnels: A Underground Legend of Quang Tri

Vinh Moc Tunnels have a total length of approximately 1,701m to nearly 2,000m (depending on whether secondary branches are included). The main axis is about 768m long, designed in a domed arch shape with a height of 1.5 - 1.8m and a width of 0.9 - 1.2m. The entire system is divided into multiple branches, closely connected to 13 entrances/exits (7 facing the sea and 6 facing the hills). These doors are not only emergency exits but also serve as a smart natural ventilation system, utilizing sea breezes to circulate air inside the tunnels.

With this scale, Vinh Moc Tunnels once sheltered hundreds of local residents (about 60-90 households) and revolutionary forces for many years. Locals dug them using crude hoes and shovels, mobilizing about 18,000 working days under fierce bombing conditions to create a true “underground city.”

One of the factors making Vinh Moc Tunnels special is its depth from 10 to 23 meters below ground level. The tunnels were constructed on a basalt red soil hill, 28 meters above sea level, with the tunnel floor sloping from 8 to 120 degrees to ensure effective drainage.

The tunnel system is divided into 3 levels with distinct functions:

• Level 1 (depth of 8-11m): Total length is 421.82m, width from 0.90m to 1.1m, height from 1.6m to 1.75m. The tunnel has an arched shape, with fairly flat floors, walls, and ceilings. This level was used for living and shelter for the residents.
• Level 2 (depth of 11-15m): Length is 508.08m, height from 1.6m to 1.94m, width from 0.8m to 1.1m. The tunnel features a vaulted arch shape with a solid basalt red soil structure. This level served as storage for food, weapons, and essential supplies.
• Level 3 (depth of 21-22.5m): The main axis of Level 3 runs mainly to the South and then turns East, measuring 130.35m long, 1.6m to 1.74m high, 0.8m to 1.1m wide, with a vaulted ceiling. This level has two water wells, one bathroom, five bunker rooms arranged alternately on both sides of the main axis, along with two exit systems (No. 10 and No. 12) leading to the sea. In addition, there is a main connecting corridor system between levels, guard posts, and emergency exits to the sea.

This depth not only helped the tunnels withstand heavy bombing attacks but also created a safe living space where hundreds of people lived normally, even giving birth and raising children right underground. Walking through the narrow tunnel passages, you cannot help but admire the ingenuity and perseverance of those who created this miracle.

Vinh Moc Tunnels are not just a shelter system, but a true underground village complete with essential facilities for daily life. The room system includes:

• 13 entrances/exits: Ensure ventilation and serve as strategic emergency escape routes.
• Meeting room and hall: Where meetings, cultural events, and propaganda activities took place.
• Family living rooms: Each family was provided with a small living space.
• Medical and maternity room: Marking the miraculous birth of 17 children right underground.
• Water wells and restrooms: Meeting the basic daily needs of the residents.

This system was constructed with careful calculation, from ventilation to drainage, ensuring optimal living conditions under severe war conditions. During your visit, you will witness small yet deeply meaningful rooms where life went on despite the bombs and bullets.

Vinh Moc Tunnels are not only a historical relic but also a living lesson in patriotism, resilience, and solidarity. Upon stepping foot here, you will feel the breath of history through every tunnel pathway, every piece of basalt red soil, and the stories of people who turned the impossible into possible.

In addition, Vinh Moc Tunnels are located on the famous DMZ tour route, where you can combine visits to locations such as Hien Luong Bridge, Ben Hai River, or Truong Son Cemetery. Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and an open heart to fully appreciate the value of this place!

Visiting suggestions:

• Ideal time: March to September, when the weather in Quang Tri is dry and easy for traveling.
• Note: The tunnels are quite narrow and low, so be careful while moving and bring drinking water.
• Entrance fee: Reasonable ticket price of 50,000 VND (adults).

Vinh Moc Tunnels stand as vivid evidence of the intellect, bravery, and united strength of the soldiers and people of Quang Tri during the fierce war years. Every figure associated with the tunnels—from the depth of 23 meters to nearly 2km of pathways—holds touching stories of life, sacrifice, and an unshakable faith in tomorrow. This is not only a historical site, but also a place for today's generations to gain a deeper understanding of the values of freedom and peace.

To fully feel the historical depth and untold stories, join the Vinh Moc Tunnels tour with Sovaba Travel's professional tour guides, where you will be guided through every corner of the “underground village” and listen to authentic, vivid accounts of life under bombardment.