Original Vietnamese content is translated by LaoDongAI

The secret behind the cabinet - the remnants of the ancient Saigon World Trade Center

NHƯ QUỲNH (báo lao động) 21/04/2025 13:53 (GMT+7)

Ho Chi Minh City - Do Phu Coffee Shop - a favorite destination for diners, used to be a secret activity of the Saigon Border Guard in the past.

In the heart of the bustling city, Do Phu coffee shop at 113A Dang Dung, District 1, is not only a nostalgic destination for diners, but also contains a special historical story, a secret activity of the Saigon Border Guard.

Can nha nay duoc xay dung tu nhung nam 40 cua the ki truoc. Noi day von la quan ban ca phe, com tam cua vo chong ong Do Mien va vo la ba Nguyen Thi Su. Anh: Nhu Quynh
This house was built in the 40s of the last century. This place used to be a coffee and rice shop of Mr. Do Mien and his wife, Ms. Nguyen Thi Su. Photo: Nhu Quynh

Before 1975, this was the secret operation facility of the Saigon Border Guard, under the management of Mr. Tran Van Lai, also known as Nam Lai, Hero of the People's Armed Forces.

Inside the restaurant, few people expect that right at the bottom of the old, wooden wardrobe placed in a corner of the house was a secret basement, which was a shelter for the Saigon Storm Force during the fierce years of resistance.

Can ham bi mat cua doi Biet dong Sai Gon nam xua. Anh: Nhu Quynh
The secret tunnel of the old Saigon Border Guard. Photo: Nhu Quynh

The tunnel is only a few square meters wide, enough for 2-3 people to take shelter. When the cabinet door opens, the bottom is designed like a small door leading to the ground. This is the place that once left the footsteps of the brave villa soldiers, where they planned, took shelter, organized meetings, delivered letters, confidential documents, and raised and buried officers...

Khi co dong, cac chien si biet dong vao ben trong tu khoa trai cua, mo nap ham va thoat ra con duong phia sau can nha. Anh: Nhu Quynh
When there was a signal, the soldiers rushed into the left door lock, opened the tunnel cover and exited the road behind the house. Photo: Nhu Quynh

In addition, a floating tunnel less than 20 cm wide was camouflaged against the walls, under the wooden floor. This tunnel was designed and built by Mr. Tran Van Lai himself to hide letters, documents, medicine, money, gold, etc.

Ham noi duoc thiet ke sat vach tuong, giua nha 113A Dang Dung va 113B Dang Dung. Anh: Nhu Quynh
The floating tunnel is designed close to the wall, between houses 113A Dang Dung and 113B Dang Dung. Photo: Nhu Quynh

Today, Do Phu coffee shop is still open to visitors to visit, learn about history and preserve many relics of the Saigon Border Guard in the past.

La co cua Mat tran Dan toc Giai phong mien Nam Viet Nam tung bay phap phoi truoc quan. Anh: Nhu Quynh
The flag of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam flew in front of the restaurant. Photo: Nhu Quynh
Nhieu hinh anh, but tich cua cac vi lanh dao tung toi tham quan ca phe Do Phu. Anh: Nhu Quynh
Many photos and penciles of leaders who have visited Do Phu coffee shop. Photo: Nhu Quynh
Du khach vua tham quan, vua chup anh luu niem tai quan ca phe Do Phu. Anh: Nhu Quynh
Tourists visit and take souvenir photos at Do Phu coffee shop. Photo: Nhu Quynh

Read the original here

Same category