Welcome to Dien Bien Phu

Situated in the Northwest corner of Vietnam, in one of the most remote parts, is Dien Bien Phu, the location of one of the most decisive battles in world history. In early 1954 after a 57 day siege, French forces were defeated by Viet-Minh forces culminating in the eventual abandonment of French attempts at colonial rule of Vietnam. Dien Bien Phu is located in a valley surrounded on all sides by lush mountainous terrain. The Viet-Minh used these mountains to hide their artillery during the siege in order to barrage the French positions located on the valley floor. Dien Bien Phu seems as if it is an oasis in the middle of nowhere. It is only 55 miles from the Lao border and is 758 miles from Hanoi. It is said to take 16 hours by vehicle at best. The only practical method of transportation is by plane on Vietnam Airlines. The airline usually runs flights three times a week and the schedule varies according to demand with the busiest season during July and August.

Dien Bien Phu Travel Tips

Upon arrival at the airport, don't expect taxies as usually found at all the other airports. Instead, be prepared to encounter a barrage of motorbikes who will laugh if you ask for a taxi. A couple of hotels do have their own taxis but make sure you arrange this in advance rather than expect them to answer the phone when you get there, otherwise you may have to resort to the laughing motorbike drivers or walk into town.

Make sure to bring plenty of cash since there are no ATM's or credit card machines available and all hotels accept cash only.

The best place to stay is the Muong Thanh Hotel which can be found in the Lonely Planet travel guide to Vietnam. It has a swimming pool with a mini wild animal zoo located behind the pool.

Although most battlefield points of interest are fairly close together, transportation is still a problem given the heat and the lack of taxis. If you stay at the hotel previously mentioned, for a nominal fee their driver will take you around wherever you want to go.


This is a view of the scenery on the way to Dien Bien Phu. What you see here is the Red River outside of Hanoi.		This view is of one closer to approaching Dien Bien Phu. It helps to give a better appreciation of the incredible task accomplished by the Viet-Minh in transporting their artillery to Dien Bien Phu, mostly by hand.

This is one of the French artillery pieces used to defend Dien Bien Phu during the 57 day long siege.

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