Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are an immense network of underground tunnels in the Cu Chi district of Saigon. The tunnels were used by Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding spots during combat. These tunnels, although they look rather claustrophobic, are actually much wider nowadays (made wider for tourism). With the original tunnels you would have crawled through on your arms and knees and they would have felt even hotter than today. It felt very strange being down there now, as part of a tour group. Our guide was a friendly man from Cu Chi. He explained his part in the war as an interpreter for the Americans but ultimately he wanted nothing to do with it and said "in the end what is it all for? ...everyone should just smile and be happy and then there would be no problems." We liked his philosophy.