Formerly known as Thaeng, Dien Bien Phu is the capital of Dien Bien Province in the northwestern region of Vietnam. It is among the most historically eminent cities in Vietnam.
Dien Bien Phu, a destination where the epic memories of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu still ring true, has become a favorite destination for many Vietnamese and foreign backpackers. Although the war has been over for decades, the story lives on in Dien Bien's many historical landmarks, including the Independence Cemetery, A1 Hill, French Bunker, Dien Bien Phu Victory Headquarter, Monument, and Museum. Dien Bien is also known for the enchantment of its natural beauty, which includes the Muong Thanh Rice Terrace, Pa Khoang Lake, Pha Din Hill, Pa Thom Cave, and Xa Nhe Cave. When you visit Dien Bien, you will also have the opportunity to sample many exotic foods that can only be found in Vietnam's North Western Region.
Dien Bien Phu attractions:
The complex of the Dien Bien Phu victory relics
- Him Lam Hill - One of three camps that was defeated right at the beginning of Dien Bien Phu campaign on March 13, 1954.
- A1 Hill - The most important camp of the French colonists in Dien Bien Phu. Here, our soldiers and the French colonists fought for a single piece of land. After fighting fiercely for 56 days and nights, we seized the camp in the evening of May 6, 1954.
- Bunker of the French General De Castries - The commanding bunker of the French General De Castries and the staff at Dien Bien Phu stronghold. The original shape and size, structure and arrangement of the bunker are kept intact.
- C1, D1, E1 Hills - Strongholds to protect the central region of the enemy where many fierce fights took place. Atop Hill D1 stands the Dien Bien Phu Victory Monument.
- Dien Bien Phu Museum – Built in1984 during the year 30th year after Dien Bien Phu Victory. In the end of 2003, it was upgraded and divided by 5 displayed areas. Now there are 274 objects and 122 photos due to each subject to describe about the Dien Bien Phu campaign and Dien Bien Phu of the present.
- The Command of Dien Bien Phu Campaign (Muong Phang) – Located in a primitive forest in Muong Phang commune of Dien Bien district. It is about 25 km from Dien Bien Phu city towards the east. There are many historical relics here such as the commanding bunker of General Commander-in-chief Vo Nguyen Giap and Hoang Van Thai, the working house of the command, etc.
Other attractions
- Hoang Cong Chat Temple - Built in the centre of the Ban Phu Citadel (Chieng Le Citedal) to worship Hoang descent line and 6 leaders of the insurgent army. It is an important cultural and historical relic in the local to worship the great devotion of Hoang Cong Chat general, a farmer hero, who was born in Thai Binh province, in the resistance war to protect Muong Thanh (Muong Then) from the occupation of Phe enemy. Besides, the temple is also a worshipping place of the local people on the full-moon day, the New Year festival, especially in the traditional festival on the 24 - 25 of the second month of every lunar year.
- Pa Khoang Lake - Locates in Muong Phang commune, Dien Bien district. Its position is very convenient, near the road 279, about 20 km from Dien Bien Phu city, linking Dien Bien Phu city with Muong Phang historical and cultural forest where the relics of the Command of Dien Bien Phu campaign remains. The lake is lying in the centre of ranges of mountains, in a place of beautiful natural sceneries. In spring, mist covers the mountains and small houses which create a mysterious picture. In summer, the weather is quite nice with blows of cool wind. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty in the distance or row a boat for sight-seeing. All makes a peaceful and romantic picture that is attractive to visitors and tourists. In the lake region, there are the villages of Thai and Kho Mu ethnic groups who still follow traditional customs and habits of ethnic groups in the North West of Vietnam.
- Pha Din Pass – Located 1,000m above sea level. Pha Din means the earth and the sky in the language of the Thai ethnic group. The pass is full of twists and turns, one side is a upright cliff and the other is a deep gulf. Therefore, visitors will have a chance to enjoy the natural landscape in the north-west area.
- Tham Pua Cave - Located in Bung Lao commune, Tuan Giao district. It is an ancient cave, deep and wide, about 1,000 meters high with many narrow paths. Coming here, visitors have chance to see in their own eyes a number of stalactites in various shapes which look like such animals as dragons, phoenix, lions, elephants, and beautiful orchids. The local people have found out many historical remains such as axe, stone pestle, and fossil bones. Tham Pua Cave is also the first Commanding Unit of The Dien Bien Phu campaign. It is the place where the decisive meeting for the Dien Bien Phu campaign was held on January 14, 1954.
The major attraction is the battlefield, its associated museum and relicts, and more recently, the largest statue in Vietnam erected to commemorate the 2004 anniversary. It is noticeable that for the adventurous visitor, this is an attractive center for majestic scenery and an access point for encounters with wide variety of ethnic minority groups that have hardly been touched by tourism.
