Brian Jeffrey
The ancient Thach Tan village temple, situated in Tam Thang commune just northeast of Tam Ky City, stands as a testament to the area’s rich history. Built more than 300 years ago, the temple’s original wooden structure and intricate ‘ruong gia thu’ architecture have been preserved through various restoration projects.
Aside from its architectural significance, the temple holds a deep connection to the village’s wartime resilience. In 1964, villagers dug two underground chambers beneath the temple to serve as infirmaries and storage spaces for supplies during the regional conflict.
Following this initiative, a vast tunnel network known as the Ky Anh Tunnel was constructed, expanding to 32 kilometers by 1967. This underground labyrinth provided a strategic advantage for the local community, enabling them to launch surprise attacks against enemy forces.
Veteran Huynh Kim Ta recounted the challenging conditions under which the tunnel system was excavated, highlighting the villagers’ resourcefulness and determination in the face of adversity.
In 1968, the temple faced a direct threat from U.S. troops who attempted to destroy it. Despite the enemy’s efforts to topple the structure using tanks and chains, the temple miraculously stood its ground, becoming a symbol of resistance and resilience.
The unwavering spirit of the villagers, coupled with what Mr. Ta described as “spiritual pressure,” deterred the enemy forces, leading to their eventual retreat and the temple’s preservation.
Recognized as a national historical site in 1997, the Ky Anh Tunnel stands as a testament to the courage and ingenuity of the people of Tam Thang commune. It joins the ranks of Vietnam’s other renowned tunnel systems, such as the Cu Chi Tunnel in Ho Chi Minh City and the Vinh Moc Tunnel in Quang Tri Province.
