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Trying to fit in as an American at the Cu Chi Tunnels
Posted On Mon, Nov 11, 2013 by Sam Antonio
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Vietnam is a unique country in many ways. First, it’s Southeast Asia’s “skinniest” country. Second, the country is still divided over geographical, political and cultural lines. The North and South divide is an active component here in Vietnam. They have a saying here, “Same, same but different.” Third, the Vietnam war (or the “American” war as some call it here) still lingers in the minds of most American travelers.

In Sai Gon (it is official called Ho Chi Minh City, but I like to call the city by its pre-communist takeover name), remnants of the war can be seen in its monuments, museums and day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a vast network of underground tunnels about 45 km from Saigon. The Viet Cong used these tunnels to not only hide from American forces, but used them as living quarters, a hospital, a supply route, weapons cache and as a base of operations for the Tet Offensive.
 
If you are claustrophobic and dark places make you want to scream, then the tunnels shouldn???t be on your list of places to visit while in Saigon. Since the tunnels are a popular destination for so many Western tourists, they have enlarged some of the tunnels to accommodate them.

Unfortunately, this is still a problem for many American tourists. We like our beers, juicy burgers and overpriced Starbucks coffee that contribute to our obesity. Fortunately, I’m not one of those Americans, but I still had problems crawling through the tunnels. You have to remember the average Viet Cong soldier was very short and skinny.
 
Map of Cu Chi Tunnels - Day trip from Ho Chi Minh CityMaps of Cu Chi Tunnels
Entrance and Exit at Cu Chi Tunnels - Cu Chi Tunnels TourVisitors are suprised by the entrances and exits at Cu Chi Tunnels
Tags: Ho Chi Minh City experience, Cu Chi Tunnels
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