HOME > VIETNAM > Dien Bien Phu

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

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

VIETNAM Regions

Central

Mekong Delta

Northern

Southern

START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY

vietnam Goes Well With

EXPLORE OTHER ITINERARIES

Where to go

Choose Your Destination

What to do

Choose Your Interest

When to go

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Bangladesh

Bhutan

Brunei

Cambodia

China

Hong Kong

India

Indonesia

Japan

Kazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan

Laos

Macao

Malaysia

Maldives

Mongolia

Myanmar

Nepal

Oman

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Siberia

Singapore

South Korea

Sri Lanka

Taiwan

Tajikistan

Thailand

Tibet

Turkmenistan

Uae

Uzbekistan

Vietnam

Amazing Landscapes

Architecture

Art

Beaches

Bicycling

Celebrations

Cuisine

Diving

Glamping

Heritage

Luxury Cruises

Luxury Trains

Motorcycling

Off The Grid

Responsible

Romance

Skiing

Spirituality

Sports

Trekking

Tribal

Unesco

Wellbeing

Wildlife

With Kids

FILTER TO SELECT YOUR ITINERARY

TRAVELOGUES

Top 6 Beach Hotels in Vietnam

Author : Travelogues

There’s no shortage of beach hotels in Vietnam, but to get the right mix of quiet, sand, and style, there are a few you should put at the top of your “go now” list.

5 Most Scenic Hotels in Vietnam

Author : Travelogues

Some travelers like their resorts to do the heavy lifting when it comes to scenery. These five luxe hotels let guests settle in and enjoy the view.

Phong Nha Ke Bang: Four Vietnam Caves Worth Visiting

Author : Nam Cheah

Son Doong, Tra Ang, Paradise Cave, and of course Phang Nga – Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is every cave lover's dream destination.

Ao Dai: A Short History of Vietnam’s Most Popular Dress

Author : Ronan O'Connell

For 300 years now, the ao dai has been a symbol of Vietnamese femininity. Since that time, however, it has evolved.

Reverie Review: Inside Saigon’s Most Extravagant Hotel

Author : Ronan O'Connell

When it comes to Saigon, there isn't a better room to be had anywhere in Ho Chi Minh City than at the Reverie, with an extravagant Italian design and world-class amenities.

The Bill Bensley Trail: InterContinental Danang

Author : Tyler Roney

Travelogues from Remote Lands speaks with the inimitable Bill Bensley about design, temples, and monkeys at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, the final stop on the Bill Bensley Trail.