Dien Bien Phu Victory Statue

Located in a fertile valley surrounded by mountains, this famous battleground of the Indo-China war is a favorite haunt for war historians. It was here that the French lost their final hold on Vietnam. The Vietnamese troops, hidden in the surrounding mountains, showed remarkable courage and fortitude, dragging heavy field guns and artillery up the steep trails.

Two hundred and fifty thousand Vietnamese porters carried food to the soldiers. The French fortifications and underground bases in town were encircled by a net they could not break. Many museums proudly tell the story, displaying the equipment which defeated the French. One can still visit the last French underground holdout, and admire the nearly impossible feat which still inspires the Vietnamese people.

Now a peaceful town, with many hill tribe groups, such as the Black Thai, H'Mong, Dao, Xa Phang, the streets are alive with color in the crowded market place and at dancing parties in houses built on stilts.

 

Flower H'Mong Girl

Red H'Mong Women's Address

A1 Hill French Commander's Officel