January 20, 2013

OAT Ancient Kingdoms: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Cu Chi Tunnels

 Who can forget this dramatic evacuation of Saigon from the rooftop of an apartment building (NOT the American Embassy as many believe) late April, 1975? Once one of the tallest buildings, it is now dwarfed by modern edifices in Ho Chi Minh City.

 Can you imagine being a soldier walking through the forest knowing the extensive Cu Chi tunnels lay beneath? These tunnels were hand-dug from 1948-1975 and are the most extensive in the world - estimated to be 250 km including numerous networks and levels.  
 

 Our guide demonstrated how well hidden tunnel entrances and shooting turrets were.

 Some entrances and tunnels have been enlarged to accommodate larger visitors.  We saw how hospitals worked and people lived in these tunnels - and the occasional bat.


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