Tales From The Ho Chi Minh Trail – NVA Tunnel
NVA tunnel complex west of Xepon
Just west of Xepon, there is a tunnel complex along the Ho Chi Minh Trail built by the NVA (Northern Vietnamese Army) that runs between 2 mountains. It served as a base on the Trail among other things. Inside the tunnel has collapsed. So it still holds a few secrets which we will try to uncover.
It’s a short run down to Xepon from Villabuli, where we head next. I have been here before, but wondered about a second entrance. So the plan was to try and find it. We arrive in Xepon and checked into the guest house I always use. Just off the main road, it’s friendly and pretty cheap. Plus, we know the owners so it’s always nice to return here. Today we rest and get cleaned up, fix the bikes, drink some beer, and plan tomorrow’s events.
Hitting the Trail, Finding the Tunnels
Bright and early in the morning we set off of for the short drive along the trail to the Xepon NVA tunnel area where we will locate our guide and head into the bush. We found our man easily and of we went. On arrival at the sight, its clear to see its been busy here. Apparently the Vietnamese have been here checking out the site. The trail is big and well trodden, easy to get to this time.
The Tunnel has caved in about 10 metAbout 10 meters in is the where the tunnel has caved in, but we must be careful looking around as the the site was mined back in the day. However, we did see signs of small digs so maybe the Vietnamese checked the site for UXO. It’s a really remote area which makes me wonder how they choose locations?
I initially found these in 2016 with help of the Vietnamese army which we have contact with. Looks like we need to get in touch again and find out more if we can. We will revisit at some point, want to join us? Our tour on the trail “The Road to Freedom” goes to this site, check it out.
