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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
