Quân Khu 7

As far as I can trace back Quân Khu 7 has always served a military purpose.

It was built up on the sparse lands surrounding the airport and reached its heyday when American assistance began pouring into Vietnam.  The land itself used to be much bigger than the current plot as far as I've read, including the old Saigon golf course (which is now Gia Định Park).  The land is encircled by Phổ Quang, Hồ Văn Huê, and Hoàng Văn Thụ Streets.

Inside are broad boulevards and tree lined streets that certainly look beautiful if only they were accessible. The land itself served as the Joint General Staff Headquarters prior to 1975.  All branches of the South Vietnamese military had a presence here.  It was also one of the last strongholds to resist on April 30.  

The most prominent feature of the base is the main entrance on  Hoàng Văn Thụ.  Travel to the airport and you'll go right past it.  It still has bunker surroundings on both sides and a distinct 1960's design on the gate.  

Surprisingly I noticed they were doing some work on the gate the other day which may drastically change the look which has remained the same for probably 50 years or more.  It'll be interesting to see the transformation.

Photo taken by one Mr. Hoggard

Present Day