On the outskirts of Vịnh Mốc, a village in central Vietnam, lies an underground complex of tunnels constructed to protect the residents during the Vietnam War. The tunnel system was built in 1965 and lasted for two years, providing a safe haven for hundreds of residents.

Life in the Tunnels

The tunnels were designed as a self-sustained underground village, with main connecting tunnels tall enough to stand in and spacious enough to house living spaces for individual families. The complex was impressive and ingenious, with subterranean pathways carved in zigzags to absorb blast waves and arched ceilings and thick walls to better adapt to bombings.

Residents spent six years beneath the under-fire village, with daily routines structured around survival. People remained underground during the day and emerged at night to farm, fish, and gather supplies. The villagers had to cook, but the challenge was preventing smoke from appearing on the surface. The solution was the Hoàng Cầm stove system, which allowed smoke to cool and disperse before exiting through camouflaged vents.

Birth and Life in the Tunnels

Despite the harsh conditions, new life cut through the darkness underground. At least 17 children were born in Vịnh Mốc, with the umbilical cord cut with a simple knife and the newborn wrapped in old clothes. Infants were first breastfed, then gradually fed mashed cassava or sweet potatoes.

The tunnel system is among the most popular day trips from Huế, a UNESCO-protected imperial city famous for its palaces, shrines, and tombs. Visitors can explore the tunnels and experience the claustrophobic conditions that the residents endured for years.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.