Cu chi tunnels - a journey under the surface

Yesterday was an incredible day of culture and learning as we ventured beyond the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City to the rural district of Cu Chi. The 2.5-hour journey took us from the energy of the big city to the quieter countryside, passing rice paddies, banana and rubber trees, and fields of local produce along the way.

Our visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels was both fascinating and confronting. This extraordinary underground network—stretching for hundreds of kilometres and dug entirely by hand—offered the Viet Cong sanctuary and strategic advantage during the Vietnam War. Learning about the resilience, ingenuity, and hardship experienced by those who lived and fought within the tunnels gave us a powerful insight into the realities of the conflict.

We meandered our way through the dense jungle, and the teacher team breathed a collective sigh of relief when everyone who ventured underground returned in one piece!

Back in Hi Chi Minh, in the afternoon we discovered a hidden talent within our group during a two-hour Vietnamese painting class. Guided by local artists, we each created our own masterpiece—and were genuinely surprised by the level of creativity and skill on display! It was a joyful and mindful experience, offering a chance to slow down, connect, and express ourselves in a completely different way. Laughter, colour, and a few paint-splattered aprons made for an afternoon to remember.

In the evening, we gathered for our first session of sharing the stories of past Anzacs who served in the Vietnam War. Lara’s group kicked things off, delivering a moving and powerful tribute. Each story helped bring to life the experiences of brave service men and women—ordinary people who faced extraordinary times.