Ho Chi Minh City is known as a dynamic, youthful and modern city. The buildings and architectures bearing the breath of the present era such as Landmark 81, Bitexco… have been relentlessly developing. Yet, in the picture of a vibrant city, there are several destinations that still hold the traces of an epic history.
Breakfasting at “the headquarters”
Pho is undoubtedly a favorite food of many people. If you have the opportunity to pass by Ly Chinh Thang street, you must stop over at Pho Binh, located near the corner of Ly Chinh Thang and Hai Ba Trung streets to enjoy Pho in a very special space. Pho Binh used to be the headquarters of the F100 unit of Saigon Special Forces where 1968 Tet Offensive occurred. It was both a Commo-liaison Station and a Forward Command Post – Division 6 (Saigon – Gia Dinh Special Zone). In the late 50s, Mr. Ngo Toai (aka Ngo Duy Ai) brought his recipe of making Pho from the North to the South to introduce this delicious food to customers.
Address: 7 Ly Chinh Thang, Ward 8, District 3
Enjoying the racket coffee at a rendezvous for Saigon Special Forces
Do Phu Coffee Shop – Korean Broken Rice situated right at “the hazard” facing the Korean Army Residence (South Korea) and adjacent to Ngo Quang Truong’s – General Lieutenant of Saigon Government at the time. This place used to be a Station of Commo-liaison as well as a rendezvous for Saigon Special Forces to meet up. The house is almost kept intact to recreate the history. Visitors can both enjoy the racket coffee (a typical kind of “Saigon coffee”), and explore the secret tunnel, the underground basement and the secret letterbox of the “legendary” special forces in a nostalgia of the old Saigon.
Address: 113A Dang Dung, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1
Saigon Special Forces Museum – the underground bunker
Enacting as the billionaire contractor Mai Hong Que being in charge of interior décor in the Independence Palace, Mr. Tran Van Lai was assigned to be operate in the inner area of Saigon. At the time, he transported tons of weapons into the inner districts, built over 20 reliable and self-designed facilities, 7 basements in inner areas for hiding weapons and the personnel operating in inner Saigon, including this house. The bunker has a strategic significance to ensure weapon support in the battle of Independence Palace and some other crucial targets. The house was erected as a manufacturing base of upholstery, sofa, curtains, drapes… providing for the Independence Palace to disguise the enemy’s eyes. Visiting the house, you will be in awe of the weapon bunker along with many artifacts and images that have historical values.
Address: 287/72 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ward 5, District 3
