Van La Underground Tunnel

Photo: baophatluat.vn

Location & History

The Van La Tunnel, the only underground tunnel complex built in Quang Binh, stands as a remarkable testament to the ingenuity and unity of the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War.

Construction of the tunnel began in June 1966, as residents of Luong Ninh village sought protection from devastating bombings by American forces. Existing communication trenches and personal cellars had proven inadequate against such attacks, prompting the community to create a more secure underground refuge. The Van La Tunnel was meticulously crafted within a hill overlooking rice fields, allowing villagers to quickly seek shelter while engaged in their daily activities. This strategic design was complemented by a network of roads and trenches, forming a comprehensive underground defense system. The tunnel itself takes an L-shape and measures over 150 meters in length, 1.5 meters in width, and 1.8 meters in height, featuring a parabolic ceiling.
Photo:baoquangbinh.vn

After more than a year of construction, the Van La Tunnel was completed, providing sanctuary for as many as 300 individuals at various times during the war. It served as a crucial lifeline, protecting the locals of Luong Ninh village along with soldiers and messengers from across the nation from the threats posed by American military operations.

Recognizing the significant historical importance of the tunnel, the Quang Binh Provincial People's Committee initiated a full renovation of the Van La Tunnel in 2006, designating it as a national historical site. This effort was made to preserve the legacy of this extraordinary structure and to allow visitors to appreciate its historical value and the remarkable story behind its creation.

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