The Saigon - Gia Dinh Regional Party Committee Base Historic Site, Bến Tre

History of the Saigon - Gia Dinh Region Party Committee Base

After the Tet Offensive in 1968, the enemy launched a series of large-scale attacks to destroy revolutionary bases in the urban areas of Saigon. Faced with escalating military pressure, the Saigon-Gia Dinh Regional Party Committee decided to relocate its base to Tan Phu Tay, Mo Cay District (now part of Mo Cay Bac District, Ben Tre Province). This historical site was known by its code names Y4 and T4. It became the headquarters for directing the anti-American resistance efforts in the urban areas, led by revolutionary leaders such as Vo Van Kiet (Secretary of the Regional Party Committee), Tran Bach Dang, Mai Chi Tho (Deputy Secretaries), and the heroic A6 unit.

Special Structure of the Party Committee Base
The Saigon-Gia Dinh Regional Party Committee base was primarily built using simple, locally available materials, with the construction carried out by local guerillas and soldiers. The base consisted of 16 above-ground bunkers and 14 secret underground bunkers scattered across the two communes of Tan Phu Tay and Thanh An. These bunkers were carefully constructed and interconnected to support one another during times of need.

Above-ground bunkers: These were used as living quarters, meeting spaces, and command centers for the Regional Party Committee leadership, medical teams, and the communications unit. Despite their simplicity, these bunkers offered good protection in the midst of intense warfare.
"House of Happiness": A particularly notable bunker within the base was called the "House of Happiness." This space was used for organizing wedding ceremonies for the soldiers of Y4, symbolizing optimism, love, and sacrifice during wartime.
The Party Committee Base - A Source of Pride for the People of Ben Tre
Although the Saigon-Gia Dinh Regional Party Committee base was only operational for a short time (from August 1969 to October 1970), it played a critical role in maintaining and directing the resistance against the American forces in the southern region. The base not only had strategic importance but also witnessed the strong unity between the military and civilians, as well as the deep patriotism and sacrifices made for the nation's independence.

In October 1970, when the enemy discovered and began attacking the base, Comrade Vo Van Kiet and other Party Committee leaders decided to relocate, ensuring the safety of the local people. During the base's operation, the people of Tan Phu Tay, Mo Cay District, and Ben Tre provided shelter and support to the revolutionaries, showing their deep commitment and solidarity with the struggle for national liberation. The people of Ben Tre take great pride in having served and supported the revolutionaries, who sacrificed so much for the freedom and peace of their homeland.

The Party Committee Base - A Popular Tourist Destination
Today, the site has become one of the most famous historical tourist destinations in Ben Tre Province. Visitors to the site can explore the reconstructed bunkers and structures while hearing emotional stories about the sacrifices and patriotism of the revolutionary fighters. Tour guides at the site help visitors understand the daily lives of the soldiers at the base and the crucial role the Saigon - Gia Dinh Regional Party Committee Base played in the anti-American resistance.

The Saigon-Gia Dinh Regional Party Committee Base is not only a historical tourist spot but also a cultural heritage site of immense value, reflecting the national spirit of patriotism, unity, and sacrifice for independence. Visiting this site offers a chance to reflect on a challenging yet proud chapter in the history of the Vietnamese people.