Sun 20th Jul 2008
- Dien Bien Phu Travel Guide & City Information
Dien Bien Phu is a small village in the north west corner of Vietnam. Situated in a beautiful valley near the Laotian border, the area has special significance to the modern State of Vietnam. It was the site of the decisive battle that led to the end of French colonial occupation. In May 1954 the Vietnames forces (the so-called Viet Minh) destroyed the the local French garrison. There is an interesting museum to visit that informs about the battle. The area is inhabitant by hill-tribe people, most notably the Tai and Hmong. A journey to this remote region provides a visita of picturesque mountain terrain and glimpses of ethnic villages living a lifestyle unchanged for centuries.
This place in nearly a must for every French visitor who is interested in history. The victory of the Vietnamese against the French foreign army was the trigger for the French to move out of Vietnam. During the tourist season you can easily get a flight from Hanoi to this historic place. Some travellers come by motor-bike you can hire in the capital. From Dien Bien Phu you can continue to Sapa.