What are the Vinh Moc Tunnels?
The Vinh Moc Tunnels are an extensive underground network built by villagers in Quang Tri Province, right in the heart of Vietnam’s former Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). Dug by hand during the Vietnam War, these tunnels served as a shelter for hundreds of civilians who were trying to escape intense U.S. bombing campaigns.
Unlike other tunnel systems used mainly by soldiers, Vinh Moc was a place where entire families lived—complete with kitchens, wells, storage rooms, and even a maternity area. Located near the coast and close to the border that once divided North and South Vietnam, it’s one of the most remarkable surviving sites from the war.
History of the Vinh Moc Tunnels
The Vietnam War and the DMZ
During the Vietnam War, the country was split into two sides: the communist North and the U.S.-backed South. The dividing line was the 17th parallel, marked by a narrow strip of land called the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). Ironically, this “demilitarised” zone became one of the most bombed and dangerous places in the country.
Quang Tri Province, where the Vinh Moc Tunnels are located, sat just north of this dividing line and became a key target during U.S. airstrikes aiming to cut off supplies to the South and destroy northern villages suspected of supporting the Viet Cong.
Why the tunnels were built
Vinh Moc was a small fishing community, but the nearby villagers of Son Trung and Son Ha were accused of supplying North Vietnamese forces stationed on nearby Con Co Island. In response, American forces dropped more than 9,000 tons of bombs on the area. The goal was to bomb the region into uninhabitability.
Rather than abandon their land, the villagers decided to go underground. Construction of the tunnels began in 1966 using basic hand tools and local knowledge. They dug through dense red clay, which hardened on contact with air, forming strong and stable walls resistant to collapse—even during heavy monsoon rains. The result was a durable and self-contained underground village.
The tunnel network eventually expanded to nearly 2 kilometers in total length, spread across three levels at depths of 13, 15, and 23 meters. There were 13 entrances and exits, including 7 that opened to the sea and 6 hidden in the hills, with wooden doors that were regularly reinforced.
Life Underground
Around 60 families moved into the Vinh Moc Tunnels and lived there for over six years. The tunnels included sleeping areas for each family, wells for drinking water, kitchens, rice storage rooms, a medical station, and even a small hospital.
Amazingly, 17 children were born underground. Education and daily life continued as normally as possible under the circumstances. Not a single resident was killed during the war—only one bomb ever struck the tunnels directly, and it failed to explode. The resulting crater was later used as a ventilation shaft.
The Vinh Moc Tunnels were not the only ones in the area. Over 100 tunnel systems were dug across this region, but many collapsed under bombing or were reclaimed by nature. Nearby Vinh Quang village, for example, also built a tunnel system, but it wasn’t as strong—and it didn’t survive the bombings.
Visiting the Vinh Moc Tunnels
A powerful underground experience
Today, the Vinh Moc Tunnels are open to visitors and offer one of the most authentic and moving war-related experiences in Vietnam. Unlike many historical sites that have been heavily reconstructed, these tunnels remain largely original. Only a few sections have been reinforced to ensure visitor safety, so what you see is very close to what villagers built and lived in during the war.
As you step inside, the air cools and the sound from above fades away. The corridors, about 1.6 meters high and 1.2 meters wide, are surprisingly tall compared to the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, but still narrow enough to feel a little claustrophobic—especially after several minutes underground. You’ll walk through rooms once used as family living spaces, kitchens, and meeting areas. Some rooms now feature photos of the people who once lived there, adding a very human layer to the visit.
What you can see and do
The tunnel complex includes multiple levels and branches, though not all areas are open to visitors. The main walking route leads you through several rooms and exits at a small doorway opening out to the sea—a powerful moment when you imagine what life was like hiding underground while the bombing raged above.
Next to the tunnel entrance is a small but well-done museum. Here you’ll find wartime photos, maps, simple tools used for digging, and short videos that explain the history of the tunnels and the surrounding area. It’s worth spending a few minutes here before or after your tunnel visit to better understand what you’re seeing underground.
You can explore the site independently, but there are local guides available at the entrance who speak decent English. Hiring one adds a lot of value—they share stories, point out details you might otherwise miss, and give insight into what daily life was like during the war.
Practical information
- Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Entrance fee: 40,000 VND
- Location: Vinh Thach Commune, Vinh Linh District, Quang Tri Province
- Guides: Available on-site for a small additional fee
Cu Chi Tunnels vs Vinh Moc Tunnels
Both the Cu Chi and Vinh Moc Tunnels are powerful reminders of the Vietnam War—but they tell very different stories and offer very different visitor experiences.
History and purpose
The Cu Chi Tunnels, located just outside of Ho Chi Minh City, were mainly used by Viet Cong fighters as a base for guerrilla warfare. The system included fighting bunkers, supply routes, and trapdoor networks used to launch surprise attacks on American forces. They played a key role in the war’s southern front and are often shown as a symbol of tactical resistance.
The Vinh Moc Tunnels, on the other hand, weren’t used for combat. They were built by civilians—entire families who had no choice but to move underground to survive the intense U.S. bombing near the DMZ. The tunnels became an underground village, complete with living quarters, wells, and even places for giving birth. It’s less about the fighting and more about survival.
Visiting today
Cu Chi is much more developed for tourism. There are walking paths, shooting ranges, and displays of booby traps and war relics. It’s easy to reach from Ho Chi Minh City and attracts large crowds, which can make the visit feel a bit commercial, but it’s also more interactive for those wanting a broader war museum-style experience.
Vinh Moc, in contrast, feels raw and remote. Located in the countryside near Vietnam’s central coast, there are no big cities nearby and very few tourists. You’ll likely have large parts of the tunnels to yourself. The atmosphere is more reflective, and the focus is entirely on the tunnels and the quiet museum next to them. You go much deeper underground here, and the tunnel network is more extensive in terms of length and levels.
Tunnel size and experience
Physically, the Vinh Moc Tunnels are also more accessible. While you won’t be able to fully stand up inside, the tunnels are taller and wider than those in Cu Chi—making the experience less claustrophobic, especially for taller visitors. In Cu Chi, crawling is often required, and some parts can feel very tight.
Which one to visit?
In the end, both tunnel systems are real and historically important, but they offer very different perspectives. Cu Chi is easier to reach, more interactive, and better for travelers who want a broader war-themed experience with more things to see above ground.
Vinh Moc feels more authentic, less touristy, and offers a deeper emotional insight into how ordinary people lived through the war. If you’re already traveling in central Vietnam—or want to avoid the crowds—it’s absolutely worth the detour.
How to visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels?
The Vinh Moc Tunnels are located in Vinh Linh District, Quang Tri Province, inside the former DMZ and next to the coast. While remote, the site is reachable by road and can be included in day trips or multi-stop journeys through central Vietnam.
Day tour from Hue
The most popular way to visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels is on a DMZ day tour from Hue. These tours are a great way to explore the history of the region with a local guide. Shorter tours often focus on Vinh Moc and Hien Luong Bridge, which is nearby and also part of the former border between North and South Vietnam.
Longer DMZ tours include other important war sites like Khe Sanh Combat Base, Camp Carroll, and the Truong Son Cemetery. You can choose between group tours (usually in shared limousine-style buses) or private tours by car. Private tours offer more flexibility and a quieter experience but come at a higher price.
Private car with driver
Another option is to hire a private car with driver, especially if you prefer to travel at your own pace. This is a convenient choice if you want to visit several DMZ sites in one day or make photo stops along the way.
Keep in mind that drivers are not tour guides—they can bring you to the sites, but they won’t provide detailed explanations. Luckily, at Vinh Moc Tunnels, you can hire a local guide on the spot for a small fee. It’s highly recommended if you want to understand more about what you’re seeing underground.
Traveling between Hue and Phong Nha
If you’re planning to visit both Hue and Phong Nha, a great way to include the Vinh Moc Tunnels is to stop along the way. Instead of making it just a transfer, you can turn the journey into a sightseeing trip through the former DMZ.
Vinh Moc Tunnels and Hien Luong Bridge are fairly close to the main route, making them ideal stops. Other sites like Khe Sanh or The Rockpile require more time and longer detours, but if you’re interested in war history and don’t mind a longer travel day, it can be a rewarding and memorable experience.
Tips for visiting
Planning a visit to the Vinh Moc Tunnels doesn’t require much preparation, but a few practical tips can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
What to wear
There’s no dress code at the Vinh Moc Tunnels—it’s not a cemetery or religious site—so you don’t need to worry about covering up. The tunnels are surprisingly clean and high enough that you won’t need to crawl, but it’s still best to avoid wearing your best clothes. During the rainy season, the ground can get a bit damp and muddy, especially around the entrance.
Closed-toe shoes are the best choice. Sandals are not ideal, especially if you plan to walk through the full tunnel route.
Visiting the tunnels with claustrophobia
Although the Vinh Moc Tunnels are taller and wider than the Cu Chi Tunnels, they still go deep underground and can feel tight in places. If you’re prone to claustrophobia, it might be best to skip this experience. Unlike Cu Chi, there isn’t much else to see above ground—so if you don’t go into the tunnels, the visit may feel very limited.
Safety
The tunnels are original but well maintained, and completely safe to visit. Although unexploded bombs are still being cleared across Quang Tri Province, the area around the Vinh Moc Tunnels has been declared safe, so you don’t need to worry about that.
As for insects, spiders, or snakes—sightings are very rare, but not impossible. The tunnels are surrounded by forest, but inside, you’re unlikely to encounter anything unexpected.
Other Vietnam War sights in the DMZ
If you have time, you can combine a visit to the tunnels with other important war sites in the area.
- Hien Luong Bridge – Just a short drive from the tunnels, this historic bridge crossed the Ben Hai River and marked the border between North and South Vietnam. It’s a powerful symbol of the country’s division and easy to combine in a half-day visit.
- Khe Sanh Combat Base – A former U.S. Marine base that saw one of the war’s longest and bloodiest sieges. It’s much farther inland from Vinh Moc and better suited to full-day DMZ tours.
- Truong Son National Cemetery – The largest war cemetery in Vietnam, dedicated to the North Vietnamese soldiers who died along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. A sobering and meaningful stop for those interested in the deeper human cost of the war.
For a full guide to all sights in the region, check out our DMZ Vietnam Travel Guide.
