Saigon Commandos Hidden Gem
Saigon Commandos: A Historic Hidden Gem in Downtown Ho Chi Minh City
Beyond the well-known War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels lies a compelling, secret chapter of history hidden right beneath the surface of downtown Saigon. The Saigon Commandos (Biệt động Sài Gòn) trail allows travelers to retrace the steps of wartime intelligence officers through hidden bunkers, secret letterboxes, and museum exhibits.
1. Kick off at Do Phu Cafe & Dai Han Broken Rice
Address: 113A Dang Dung Street, Tan Dinh Ward.
Start your morning in a nostalgic atmosphere with a cup of rich butter coffee or sweet bạc xỉu. Don’t miss trying “Dai Han” broken rice—a fascinating culinary blend of classic Vietnamese broken rice and Korean kimchi. Disguised as a local eatery serving workers and nearby Korean soldiers during the war, this house was secretly operated by Mr. Tran Van Lai (Nam Lai) as an intelligence hub housing hidden trapdoors, underground floating bunkers, and secret letterboxes.
2. Retrace the Historic 1968 Tet Offensive Trail
Follow the courageous footsteps of the commandos along historic central thoroughfares that played a pivotal role in the 1968 Offensive:
Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street (formerly Phan Dinh Phung Street).
Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street (formerly Hong Thap Tu Street).
Le Duan Boulevard (formerly Thong Nhat Boulevard) and the former US Embassy area.
3. Pay Tribute at the Saigon Commandos Monument
Location: 108 Nguyen Du Street, Ben Thannh Ward (at the rear gate of Independence Palace).
This solemn 4.5-meter granite monument honors the 15 heroic fighters of Team 5, Saigon Commandos, who launched a daring assault on the Independence Palace during Tet 1968. The relief features the National Flag, symbolizing national unity and unyielding bravery.
4. Explore the Interactive Saigon Commandos Museum
Address: 2nd Floor, 145 Tran Quang Khai Street, Tan Dinh Ward
Built in 1963 as a secret operational base, this house now serves as a private museum. Visitors can ride a 100-year-old vintage iron elevator and explore over 100 m² displaying more than 100 original artifacts, including Solex mopeds, Guigoz milk tins, Yashica cameras, and secret weapon stashes. Interactive touchscreens and indoor dioramas bring these historic moments back to life.
5. Nearby Bunkers & Guided Tour Booking
Extend your trip with a 15-minute drive to hidden weapon bunkers at 287/2 Vo Van Tan Street and 287/70 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street (Ban Co Ward). To book a full guided tour, contact official travel providers:
Vietravel: travel.com.vn
Saigontourist: saigontourist.net
Fiditour: fiditour.com