Dien Bien

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Dien Bien

Area: 9,562.9 sq. km.
Population: 547.8 thousand habitants (2015).
Capital: Dien Bien Phu City.
Administrative divisions:
- Town: Muong Lay.
- Districts (7): Tua Chua, Tuan Giao, Dien Bien Dong, Muong Tra, Muong Nhe, Dien Bien, Muong Ang.
Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Thai, Mong, Dao, Giay.

◊ GEOGRAPHY

Dien Bien Province is on the North-West Viet Nam. It is next to Lai Chau, Son La provinces, Laos and China. The province has many mountains stretching along north-west and south-east direction. Muong Thanh Valley is largest one of this region. The topography includes forests, high mountains, narrow valleys, small plains, and springs.

Climate: Dien Bien is mountainous tropical area. There are the dry and the rainy seasons. The average temperature is about 21^oC-23^oC.

◊ TOURISM AND ECONOMY

Dien Bien possesses charming natural scenery such as Pa Khoang Reservoir, Tham Bang Cave, Ban Phu Citadel, Museum of Dien Bien Phu Victory…

Dien Bien are also proud of many historic sites: Noong Nhai Vestige, Muong Phang Forest, especially, Dien Bien Phu Vestige with a global well-known victory in 1954.

Traveling from Ha Noi to Dien Bien Phu, it takes 1 hour by plane. But by road, travelers go over kilometers of mountainous road and cross Pha Din Pass. The stretch of road goes uphill and downhill alternately with many sharp bends. It is a memorable event for everybody in this superb mountain.

Command bunker of De Castries (Dien Bien Province)

◊ TRANSPORTATION

Dien Bien Phu City is 93km from Muong Lay Town, 180km from Lai Chau City, 150km from Son La City, 474km from Ha Noi and only 34km from Tay Trang Border Gate (to Lao Border).

Bus: There are direct buses between Ha Noi (My Dinh and Giap Bat Bus Station) and Dien Bien Phu City.

Air: Dien Bien Phu Airport is 4km from the Dien Bien Phu city-centre, Daily flights connect Dien Bien Phu with Ha Noi.