Dien Bien Phu Vietnam- A Complete Travel Guide

Dien Bien attracts visitors with its remarkable natural landscapes, including waterfalls and lakes, as well as its unique ethnic villages, offering visitors an immersion into the distinctive cultural life of these communities. You can check some travel tips to Vietnam while planning your next journey.

Dien Bien Phu Vietnam

Battle of Dien Bien Phu History

Best Time to Visit Dien Bien Phu

It is not recommended to go to Dien Bien between June and August, because the period coincides with the rainy season, which spoils, even stinks, any visit or hike.

How To Reach Dien Bien Phu

• Hanoi (10-12 hrs)
• Lao Cai Province (8-10 hrs)
• Lai Chau Province (6-8 hrs)

Places To Visit In Dien Bien Phu 

• Pa A Chai

Pa Chai is a must-visit destination for trekking and mountain climbing enthusiasts. It is located within the territory of Sin Thau commune, Muong Nhe district, Dien Bien, it’s also a place situated at the border between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Trekking is one of the things to do in Dien Bien Phu.

It’s recommended to come here in mid-January or February ro experience the best moments. Or come between September and December when the place is immersed in the vivid yellow of ripe rice fields. There are many things to do in Vietnam, do check that as well.

In addition to this, the experience of climbing, conquering the landmark number 0 is probably what attracts most tourists here. It’s also the place where you can admire the most beautiful sunset in Dien Bien. 

• Pa Khoang Lake

The lake is located on the border between the two communes of Muong Pang and Ba Khoang, 8 km west of the Dien Bien Phu battle site, and is the largest lake in Dien Bien. Relaxing at the lake side and enjoying it throughout the day is one of the things to do in Dien Bien Phu.

Around the lake you will explore more than 300 animal species and 700 plant species which have been recorded. It is one of the best places to visit in Dien Bien Phu.

• Pha Din Pass

It is nicknamed one of the Four Great Peaks of the West, it’s truly an experience everyone wants to have. You will enjoy the thrilling sensation of conquering winding turns and curves.

According to legend, this place was once considered the separation between Dien Bien and Son La. 

• Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum

This place has a very impressive design with a symbol shaped like a truncated helmet. It is decorated with an image of a helmet, symbolising the mask of Ho Chi Minh’s old conical hat.

You will discover and learn more about the culture when you visit here. It’s a tourist attraction in Dien Bien that you cannot miss.

• A1 Hill

The historical site of A1 Hill is one of the must-visit places when visiting Dien Bien, Vietnam. The important part of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954 took place here.

A1 Hill symbolises the spirit of resilience and sacrifice of Vietnamese soldiers and people during the war, and to this day, it is considered an important historical symbol of the country. 

Visiting this place not only allows visitors to better understand the history of Vietnam but also to pay respect to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of the nation.

• Ban Phu Citadel

The Ban Phu Citadel is a tourist attraction in Dien Bien. It was built over 200 years ago, and the scene of many significant events for the heroism of Hoang Cong Chat. He was a symbol of the great unity spirit of the people in the struggle against foreign invasion.

Around the walls, the residents piled up earth and planted thorny bamboo for protection. Thanks to this, the fortress walls have been protected until now.

Different variety of Cuisine

• Xoi Dien Bien (Dien Bien sticky rice)

Dien Bien rice is famous not only for Vietnamese but also for foreigners because of its fragrance and fluffy texture. It is highly recommended that you shouldn’t miss this dish made from rice, especially xoi nep (sticky rice).

Dien Bien Sticky Rice is renowned for its delightful fragrance and extremely fluffy rice grains. 

Place– Dan Toc Restaurant – Thanh Truong, Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien.

• Pa Pinh Top

This is one of the special dishes of Dien Bien that surprises many tourists with its name. It’s also a traditional dish of the Thai people in the Northwest region.

This grilled fish is carefully prepared from various freshwater fishes such as carp, tench, and catfish, etc. Once grilled, the fish has a distinctive flavour and is very different from other grilled fishes.

Place–Huong Dong Noi Restaurant – 68B, Quarter 6, Thanh Truong Ward, Dien Bien Phu City, Dien Bien.

• Grilled Mac Khen Chicken

Grilled Mac Khen Chicken is a famous dish of the Thai people in Dien Bien. The chicken is perfectly grilled over a warm wood fire, and then it is grilled slowly. This ensures that the chicken meat remains juicy.

Once the chicken is well-cooked, the spicy Mac Khen sauce is then applied on top.

Place– Cong Hoan Restaurant – 563 Street 7 – 5, Tan Thanh, Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien

• Steamed Pork in Banana Leaves

This special dish is prepared from finely minced pork meat marinated with various seasonings, then tightly wrapped in banana leaves. It is then steamed for 1 hour. 

Place– Song Hy Dien Bien Restaurant – 236 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Muong Thanh, Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien.

Additionally, there are many best restaurants in Vietnam tourists may explore while travelling in this vibrant country.

What are the famous festivals?

• Bauhinia Flower Festival

In order to celebrate the beauty of the bauhinia flower, declaring its value. The festival in Vietnam serves as an opportunity to promote the traditional cultural beauties and values of the 19 brotherly ethnic communities of Dien Bien province. Also, 

• Ban Phu Citadel Festival

A rich traditional festival in local colour in Dien Bien is the Ban Phu Citadel Festival. It is celebrated on the 24th and 25th of the 2nd lunar month every year.

The festival consists of two parts: 

1. The ceremony and the festival- The ceremony includes executive rites, incense offerings, and prayers to the heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the homeland. The festival provides an opportunity to engage in entertainment and cultural activities such as peach picking, fishing, pig chasing for reward, duck-shaped boat racing, and many more.
2. Additionally, in the festival part, ethnic minorities in Dien Bien showcase their distinctive performances such as dance, theatre, and circle dance. 

Places Near Dien bien phu

• Bitexco Financial Tower

Address: 2 Đ. Hai Trieu, Ben Nghe, Quan 1, Thanh pho Ho Chi Minh, VietNam

Opening hours: Opens at 09:30-21:30(Admission ends at 20:45)

Distance: 2.09km

• Hop On Hop Off Vietnam

Address: 210 Dien Bien Phu, Vo Thi Sau, District 3, Ho Chi Minh

Opening hours: Opens at 08:00-21:00

Distance: 951m

• Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre

Address: 55B D. Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phuong Ben Thanh, Quan 1, Thanh pho Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Opening hours: Opens at 18:00-19:15

Distance: 1.47km 

• Landmark 81

Address: 720A Dien Bien Phu Tang 79, 80, 81, Phuong 22, Quan Binh Thạnh, Thanh pho Ho Chi Minh 700000 Vietnam

Opening hours: Opens at 08:30-23:00

Distance: 2.83km

Suggested Read: Best Honeymoon destinations in Vietnam

Hotels In Dien Bien Phu 

• Khach san Muong Thanh Grand Dien Bien Phu

Location– 514 Vo Nguyen Giap, Phuong Him Lam, Thanh pho Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien, Vietnam

Rating– 4.1 

• Homestay Muong Troi

Location– 92Q8+FMJ, Muong Thanh, Thanh pho Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien, Vietnam

Rating– 4.7

• Hong Ky Boutique Hotel & Cafe Restaurant Dien Bien

Location– 60 Hoang Cong Chat, Phuong Muong Thanh, Thanh pho Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien, Vietnam

Rating– 3.7

• Hotel Hai Nam

Location– So 173 To 5, Thanh Binh, Thanh pho Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien 32000, Vietnam

Rating– 5.0

• Pharma Hotel Dien Bien

Location– 813 D. Vo Nguyen Giap, Tan Thanh, Thanh pho Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien, Vietnam

Rating– 4.1

Conclusion

Besides, Vietnam being one of the hottest travel destinations in the world, through its historical places, vibrant culture, and amazing hospitality, Dien Bien Phu gives visitors a chance to dive deep into the heart of Vietnam’s past and present. 

There are 25 places in Vietnam visitors can explore and several  adventure activities for thrill seekers.So, hurry up and pack your bags today to explore this amazing place more.