Dien Bien Phu

 

Dien Bien Phu is well known as the site of Vietnamese historic victory against the French colonial force. Located in the Dien Bien province, about 500 km west of Hanoi city, it is a historical relic complex consisting of many famous sites such as Him Lam Hill, Muong Thanh Bridge, Exhibition Museum, Dien Bien Phu Cemetery, A1 Hill, C1 Hill, etc, which still bears the scars of the wars reminding Vietnamese people of the decisive battle in the past. Probably two biggest attractions among heaps of sites are A1 Hill and Dien Bien Phu Museum.

A1 Hill situated in Muong Thanh Ward is regarded as the most important post in the group of fortresses the French set up in Dien Bien Phu. There stands a monument here to commemorate martyrs in the war. Besides, remaining evidences of the bitter fighting can still be found here such as the enormous crater left after the explosion made by Vietnamese force to destroy the French fortification. Visiting A1 Hill will draw in tourists' mind clearer images of the fierce battle as well as the courageous morale of Vietnamese troops.

                            

Lying opposite the cemetery in Hill A1 is the Historic Victory Exhibition Museum built in 1984 in celebration of the 30^th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu victory. It has five exhibition sections storing documents, photos and other items featuring the glorious victory. There is also a model of Muong Thanh plain illuminated to describe the course of the combat.

Dien Bien Phu has long been embedded in every Vietnamese's mind, which recalling them of soldiers' services rendered to the country. Of a great historical value, it has been the popular destination for foreign and domestic tourists alike.