Dien Bien Overview
Dien Bien is a province in northwestern region of Vietnam. It is bordered by Son La province to the east and Lai Chau province to south, Pu'er City, Yunnan, China, to the north, and Phongsaly Province in Laos to the west. Dien Bien is a new province which was created in early 2004 by dividing the former Lai Chau province, both themselves were a part of the Lan Xang kingdom, then switched ownership to Vietnam during the French Colonial period. Dien Bien includes all the land to the south of the Da River, and Lai Chau province includes all the land to the north of the Da River (Black River).
Dien Bien is a province which have much in tourism potential, especially historical, cultural, and natural discovery aspect. The most highlight attractive site is the historical relics in the battle of Dien Bien Phu. Historical relics of Dien Bien Phu victory is the gold mine of Dien Bien tourism, the invaluable tourism resource. Historical sites of Dien Bien Phu consist of headquarters of Dien Bien Phu - Muong Phang, Ban Keo hill, Him Lam hill, Doc Lap hill and hills of A1, C1, D1, E1 and command bunker of General De Castries. All are gathered into a continuous relic cluster evoking a vivid picture of the glorious historical campaign of the Vietnam nation.
Today, when talking about Dien Bien Phu Victory, many domestic and foreign visitors admire and desire at least one time to visit this place. Historical relic of Dien Bien Phu victory have very important value for the tourism development of Dien Bien. Besides that, there are many other relics imbued with glorious historical stamp in the past and beautiful landscapes that can satisfy the most discerning visitors. Ban Phu citadel, Uva hot mineral spring, Sang village, Pe Luong, Pa Thom cave, Muong Luan tower, Pa Khoang lake, Chieng So, Huoi Pha, Hong Khenh or primitive forest in Muong Nhe are indispensable attractions in Dien Bien. Visiting Dien Bien, visitors should not miss to visit mountainous ethnic markets bearing the characteristic of mountainous region. Tua Chua has 3 major fair including Muong Bang, Ta Sin Thang, and Xa Nhe. At the fairs in Tua Chua district, visitors will not be invited with the insistence, but only see the ingenuous faces of ethnic people in colorful clothing. They go to the market for purposes of not only buying and selling but also pleasing with customers, with market.