Unveiling the Unique Marvels Within Hanoi's Underground Tunnel Network

Hidden deep within the heart of Hanoi lies an exceptional secret - the Nam Hong underground tunnels. Despite being officially recognized as a national historical relic since 1996, it's not widely known that these tunnels were constructed during the resistance against French colonial rule.

Positioned in Nam Hong commune, Dong Anh district, Hanoi, the Nam Hong tunnels served as a covert haven for numerous local officials, providing a sanctuary for their clandestine operations. It was a hub of secretive activities for guerrilla forces and is considered the nation's pioneering tunnel system from the wartime period.

In 1996, the site gained recognition as a national historical relic by the state. However, local inhabitants share a common sentiment that the preservation efforts have been inadequate, resulting in the gradual deterioration of this historical treasure. Presently, the expansive 11-kilometer network of tunnels has dwindled to a mere 200 meters, winding beneath the residences of local families, and an additional 100 meters integrated into the road infrastructure. Only two tunnel entrances remain out of the initial dozen.

Observations reveal that one entrance is concealed beneath the bed of Ms. Pham Thi Lai, while the other discreetly nestles in a corner of Mr. Pham Van Doc's house. These houses have retained their original structure, albeit with some modifications, to accommodate the daily routines of their inhabitants.

Mr. Pham Quang Hai, son of Ms. Pham Thi Lai, recounted his mother's memories: "Amidst the intense attacks by the French forces, many young men from our village participated in tunnel construction. This endeavor was accompanied by the creation of 465 secret chambers, 2,680 fighting pits, and thousands of meters of trenches, all dedicated to the cause of combat. The Nam Hong tunnels boasted over 10 hidden entrances, concealed beneath beds, gardens, burial sites, and various other locations."

It's worth noting that the tunnels were strategically buried over a meter below the ground to withstand bomb explosions above without collapsing. The tunnels' height ranged from 60 to 80 cm, with a width of approximately 50 cm. Trap doors were ingeniously constructed beneath beds, ponds, and embankments. As multiple tunnels were gradually dug within the village, they were eventually interconnected to form an intricate underground network that facilitated both movement and secrecy.

Within Mr. Doc's house, a corner of the kitchen still harbors an entrance leading down to the tunnel. He shared, "During the construction of the tunnel, I was just a child. My father was the one responsible for guarding the entrance and protecting the officials hidden inside. Back then, the elders often recounted stories of the days when the French invaders swept through Nam Hong."

Without a doubt, the Nam Hong tunnels - hidden beneath the village's surface - serve as an enduring testament to a period of sacrifice and unwavering determination. Although only two entrances remain accessible today, the tunnels continue to silently bear witness to a pivotal chapter in Hanoi's rich history.

It's not widely known that within Hanoi lies the Nam Hong underground tunnels (located in Nam Hong commune, Dong Anh district, Hanoi), a historical site built during the resistance against French colonial rule. This site was officially recognized as a national historical relic in 1996.