Hidden beneath a residential area in An Tinh Ward, the tunnels form a distinctive military structure that reflects the determination and unity of local soldiers and residents during the war.
Constructed between 1961 and 1965, the tunnels were designed to help forces withstand repeated enemy sweeps. From 1966 to 1968, they were expanded into a complete combat system linked with bunkers, communication trenches and defensive minefields.
The network features a zigzag, Z shaped layout, with vaulted chambers about 3 metres underground. Tunnels average 0.8 to 1 metre in width and 1.2 to 1.4 metres in height, with multiple bends designed to reduce the impact of bombs and shells.
Pham Van Tho, a local resident and site caretaker, said the tunnel system once stretched for many kilometres, though around 750 metres in the central area have been preserved.
Inside, triangular firing ports connect to the surface, allowing troops to observe and engage the enemy while remaining concealed.
The fountain area inside the An Thoi tunnels complex.
Today, the site includes a memorial area honouring those who died in the struggle, as well as exhibition spaces displaying wartime artefacts such as captured weapons and maps detailing enemy movements between 1961 and 1965.
The path leading to the exhibition room is paved with laterite stone, a highly durable material that can last for hundreds of years, underscoring the endurance of the site.
Tho introduces a map showing enemy attack directions into the An Thoi tunnels area between 1961 and 1965, helping visitors better understand the strategy and significance of the site.
Two M16 rifles, captured by local troops during the fighting, are now displayed at the site for visitors studying its history.
Recognised as a national historical and cultural site on July 23, 1993, the An Thoi tunnels cover more than 3 hectares across two main zones.
Together with the Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, the site stands as a testament to the endurance and fighting spirit of the Vietnamese people during the war.