Dien Bien Phu
For history buffs, a trip to Vietnam is simply not complete without a visit to Dien Bien Phu in the northwest region. The site of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu during the first Indochina War, the small town was fortified by the French in 1953 until it was seized by the Viet Minh, leading to the end of the war and French colonization.
Today, the town is home to more than 100,000 people, many of Thai derivation. Much of the tourist sites are remnants of fortification or war monuments, though the city is also becoming a hotspot for shopping and eating - as well as catching a bus to neighboring Laos.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
A1 Hill
Known to the Vietnamese as A1 Hill and to the French as Eliane, this area was once part of the French fortification. Now, it is home to a monument paying tribute to Viet Minh soldiers who died while fighting the French army.
Bunker of Colonel de Castries
This old French battle defence has been recreated as tourists have shown an interest in the area’s history. Explore the bunker and check out some of the discarded tanks around it - remnants of the battle now 60 years ago.
Cemeteries
As a town with a bloody history, cemeteries are one of the main “attractions”, so to speak. On one side of the Ron River is a French cemetery with a monument commemorating the 30th anniversary of the battle; on the other side, the Dien Bien Phu Cemetery for fallen Viet Minh soldiers.
Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum
Visitors can learn more about the history of Dien Bien Phu through five exhibits discussing its location, the strategies of both sides during the war, and the present-day city.
Vietnam Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
Multi-Country Specialists
Vietnam Goes Well With
Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Into the Mist with Sapa’s Authentic Hill Tribe Culture
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Sapa or “Sa Pa,” is situated near the border with China in Lao Cai province. It’s a difficult place to reach — the most popular way in is by overnight train
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
