(VOVWORLD) - The film “Tunnels: Sun in the Dark”, directed by Bui Thac Chuyen, has been captivating audiences nationwide. Its success has sparked a growing interest among tourists, especially young people, to visit the Cu Chi tunnels.
 Before entering the tunnels, tourists are given general introduction of the Cu Chi Tunnels . (photo: Vu Huong/VOV) |
“Tunnels” is set in 1967, during the peak of the struggle for national liberation, at the Bình An Đông base, part of the famous Củ Chi tunnel system.
Dark and narrow, the tunnels were only wide enough for one person to pass through at a time. Every meter of the underground tunnels reflects the courage and sacrifices of the southern Vietnamese people and soldiers. Since the film’s debut, an increasing number of visitors, particularly young people, have been flocking to the Cu Chi tunnels to explore the historic site.
Vo Thanh Lam from Hanoi said: "I'm really excited about tours like this. Young people don’t just care about trending things. We also love history, in our own way, with a different approach and learning method."
A nighttime tour of Cu Chi, called “Moonlight at the Resistance Base”, welcomes about 200 visitors every evening. They can view sand table models, watch 3D films recreating the Cedar Falls operation, and explore the nighttime countryside atmosphere of Cu Chi.
Hoang Thi Thao from Ho Chi Minh City said: "I've heard about this historic site for a long time but never had a chance to visit until now. Back before liberation, I only heard the sound of gunfire. Coming here I finally get to witness the reality of those times."
The number of visitors has increased 20-30% this year, said Nguyen Minh Tam, Deputy Director of the Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site. "The film “Tunnels” has gone viral and helped increase the number of visitors to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Thanks to the film, the Cu Chi tunnels site is becoming more popular."
 Foreigners visit Cu Chi Tunnels. (photo: Vu Huong/VOV) |
A day tour called “Return to the Steel Land” offered by BestPrice Travel has been almost fully booked. Vietluxtour also serves a growing number of tourists interested in cultural and historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City, said Deputy General Director Nguyen Ngoc An.
"I believe that this film and other programs featuring the April 30 victory and the historical legacy of Ho Chi Minh City will create a trend and more tourists will be drawn to the city's historical and cultural sites," said An.
The film “Tunnels: Sun in the Dark” has created momentum for historical tours in the leadup to Vietnam’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of southern liberation and national unification, giving travel companies an opportunity to diversify their tours.