The command bunker in Saigon
The small house in Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), which once served as a secret hiding place for almost two tonnes of weapons for the Saigon commandos during the spring offensive and the 1968 uprising, has a fascinating story to tell. This unassuming house was once the scene of secret operations and strategic defence during the Vietnam War.
The Saigon Commandos were a brave unit that played a crucial role in the fight for Vietnam's independence. Their secret bunkers and hideouts like this small house were vital to protect their equipment and weapons from the enemy and to successfully carry out their missions.
In 1988, the small house was officially declared a national monument of culture to honour the importance and contribution of the Saigon Commandos to the history of Vietnam. It now stands as a symbol of the bravery and sacrifice of these brave fighters and a reminder of the difficult times and challenges they overcame during the war.
Today, visitors have the opportunity to visit this historical monument and learn more about the history of the Saigon commandos and their heroic deeds. The small house is a place of remembrance and appreciation for the sacrifices and courage of these brave soldiers who risked their lives to defend their country.
The declaration of this small house as a national heritage site emphasises its cultural and historical significance and gives us the opportunity to connect with Vietnam's past and explore the stories and background of this crucial chapter in history.
The bunker in Saigon is located in a house in Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3, and was used to conceal the armoury of the Sai Gon Commandos. Among them are about 2 tonnes of weapons prepared for the Tet Offensive (January 1968).
Previously, this house was bought by Tran Van Lai (Lai Lai - Mai Hong Que) and he also trained there secretly. At that time, to avoid suspicion, he used the excuse of fixing the toilets. He took his wife and children to Go Vap (another neighbourhood of Ho Chi Minh City), stayed alone in the house and spent the nights building his bunker.
So as not to arouse suspicion, the rubble produced after digging was stored in boxes and disposed of in the car.
After 7 months, the bunker was finished, had a length of 8 metres, a width of 2 metres, a depth of 2.5 metres and a thick layer of waterproof cement. The bunker has emergency exits and numerous ventilation openings.
On 16 November 1988, the "Remains of the Saigon Rangers Tet Independence Palace 1968 Armoury" was recognised as a national monument of culture.
Tip
Make sure you arrive early, as the bunker is very busy.
Opening hours & admission prices
Address: Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, 287/70 District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Entrance fee: free of charge
Opening hours from 8:00 am
