Mention Vietnam and the majority of people’s minds will drift towards the ‘American War’ as the Vietnamese call it. Vietnam versus the US, communism versus capitalism. As we travelled south through Vietnam, we were reminded of the war along our journey. From the demilitarised zone near the old capital of Hue in Vietnam, the atrocious impact of the war spilling over the borders into neighbouring Laos and Cambodia, and the after affects of unexploded ordinances (UXOs) we wrote about in The bombs of Laos.

The War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City

war remnants museum ho chi minh

The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a no holds barred account of the war from the Vietnamese point of view. The images are graphic, the video clips horrific and the accounts of those who experienced it harrowing to read. The museum puts a heavy emphasis on imagery, including the stories behind the photographers, the majority of whom perished in the war. Photo evidence of the after affects of agent orange and napalm are also evident, with shocking photos of deformed foetuses and children.

Some have called the museum propaganda, and whilst the language used is aggressive, as outsiders to the war we saw it as a strong and graphic account of the terrible events of those years in a country ripped apart by conflict. Without wanting to wade into controversy, we found the museum very useful to understand the main points of the Vietnamese point of view regarding the war. It was also interesting to track the subsequent impact on the US political system, its relationship with the media and the transparency of war. We’d absolutely recommend a visit to the museum, but be prepared to be shocked by some of the imagery.

The Cu Chi Tunnels

We also visited the Cu Chi tunnels, a couple of hours from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. This was an area where the Viet Cong were in their element. An elaborate system of underground tunnels allowed the Viet Cong to move around undetected, moving underneath US forces, disappearing from view and appearing later behind the enemy, ambushing them.cu chi tunnels, things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
cu chi tunnels, things to do in ho chi minh
things to do in ho chi minh city
cu chi tunnels, ho chi minh cityA small section of the tunnels have been restored here, and you have the opportunity to experience a part of what it was like for the Viet Cong. As you can imagine, conditions were atrocious. It is estimated at any given time half of the troops would have had malaria and almost 100% would have some form of ‘intestinal parasites of significance’. The tunnel we experienced had been enlarged, but as we descended the steps into the tunnel, a dizzying feeling of claustrophobia swept over us.

Imagine crouching inside a tunnel around a metre in height and you get a sense of what the Viet Cong experienced. It was dark and damp and the goal was to walk 100 metres underground. As we entered the tunnel, we knew instantly we wouldn’t make it to the end. Knowing there are exits every 20 metres was reassuring, and Laura and I bailed out at 40 metres. We probably could have gone further, but we’d seen enough. It is genuinely unimaginable having to live down there for months, and fight a guerilla war at the same time.

We also saw some of the other methods they used to kill and maim the enemy, including spike pits.war remnants museum ho chi minh
war remnants museum ho chi minh

The war was a horrific drain on all sides involved, and visiting these two sites gives you a real feel of both the horror of war, and the extraordinary lengths the Vietnamese went to to achieve success. For anyone visiting Vietnam, these resources are a must see to fully understand and appreciate the horror that took place here in the not too distant past.

For more Vietnam inspiration, check out our other articles here.