Province / City

Province

Province Name

Dien Bien

Population (June 2025)

673,091


Overview

Điện Biên is a mountainous border province in Vietnam’s Northwest region, located about 470 km from Hanoi. It is the only province in Vietnam that shares borders with two countries—Laos and China—and the only province in the Northwest with an airport offering direct connections to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The name “Điện Biên” was bestowed by Emperor Thiệu Trị in 1841, meaning “a steadfast frontier.” Today, this land is not only a historic destination that captivates visitors from near and far with the nationally significant Điện Biên Phủ Battlefield—forever linked to the legendary victory that “shook the world”—but also a welcoming cultural haven. Home to 19 ethnic groups, Điện Biên preserves rich traditions, folk songs, dances, music, and distinctive cuisine, along with vibrant festivals that embody the spirit of the highlands.

Beyond its cultural treasures, Điện Biên boasts majestic cave systems, natural hot springs, and serene lakes scattered across the landscape, creating an alluring and pristine beauty that makes this province an unforgettable destination.

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

Must-Play Golf Courses

Dien Bien does not have any golf courses yet…stay tuned for future projects in this spectacular province!

Must-Visit Destinations

Điện Biên Phủ Battlefield – A National Special Historical Site

The Điện Biên Phủ Battlefield stands as a golden milestone in Vietnam’s history, marking the decisive victory of 1954 in the long resistance against French colonialism. This triumph forced France to sign the Geneva Agreement, restoring peace in Indochina and ushering in a historic turning point for the Vietnamese Revolution—liberating half of the country and laying the foundation for national reunification in 1975.

The site comprises 46 historical relics, with highlights including: Campaign Headquarters Hill A1 (Éliane 2), De Castries’ Bunker Victory Monument on Hill D1, Him Lam Stronghold, The Hand-Pulled Artillery Road, and more.

Hầm De Castries

Located at the heart of the Mường Thanh Valley, this 20-meter-long, 8-meter-wide bunker served as the command post and living quarters of General De Castries and his staff. It was here that the French commander was captured by the Vietnamese People’s Army on May 7, 1954, marking the victorious end of the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign.

Hill A1 (Éliane 2)

Known as Éliane 2 by the French and A1 by the Vietnamese, this strategic stronghold was the most fortified position in the eastern defensive line. The fierce battle lasted 39 days and nights, claiming the lives of over 2,500 Vietnamese soldiers. Today, visitors can witness remnants of the epic struggle, including a 18-ton tank, fortified bunkers, trench systems, and the massive crater left by the Vietnamese explosive charge.

Điện Biên Phủ Victory Museum

Inaugurated in 2014 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the historic victory, the museum is designed in the shape of a soldier’s camouflage helmet. It houses over 1,000 artifacts and documents, along with immersive historical displays. The highlight is the Panorama Painting of the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign, covering 3,225 m², vividly recreating iconic moments of the battle and showcasing the military artistry and heroic spirit that defined an era.

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

Pa Khoang Lake

Located about 20 km from Điện Biên Phủ City, Pá Khoang Lake is a serene gateway connecting the city with the pristine Mường Phăng forest. Blessed with a cool, fresh climate year-round, diverse flora and fauna, and varied terrain, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

In the winter, a mystical blanket of mist creates a dreamy, romantic landscape. Summer brings refreshing breezes and open skies, perfect for boating, sightseeing, or camping on Cherry Blossom Island. Spring is the most enchanting season, when thousands of cherry trees burst into bloom—an unforgettable backdrop for photography and check-in moments.

Visitors can also enjoy cycling, leisurely walks, and cultural experiences, including exploring the Victory Parade Ground, the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign Headquarters, and immersing themselves in the unique traditions of the Thai and Khơ Mú ethnic communities living around the lake.

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

Cloud Hunting – Chasing the Sea of Clouds

Thanks to its highland climate, Điện Biên is home to breathtaking “cloud hunting paradises,” where visitors can recharge and marvel at endless seas of drifting clouds amidst the majestic Northwest mountains. In the crisp, gentle chill, the pure white clouds blend with the golden glow of sunrise, creating a heavenly scene on earth. These ethereal moments captivate travelers, offering a sense of peace and a deep connection to nature.

Among the most stunning spots are Tầng Quái Lầu, with its layered cloud carpets blanketing the Mường Khoe Valley, and Keo Lôm Peak, an ideal vantage point to witness a radiant sunrise over a vast ocean of clouds.

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

Muong Thanh Field

Mường Thanh Field is the largest rice plain in northwest Vietnam, spanning over 4,000 hectares across the Điện Biên basin. This fertile land is steeped in legend, tied to the ancient tale of “Đẻ đất đẻ Mường”—the creation of land and villages—reflecting the soul and spirit of Vietnam’s mountains and rivers.

In the harvest season, viewed from above, Mường Thanh transforms into a shimmering “golden valley”, a breathtaking sight for visitors. The field is also home to Điện Biên’s renowned specialty—Điện Biên rice. Thanks to its unique climate, rich soil, and high sunlight intensity, the grains are large, firm, sweet, aromatic, and exceptionally sticky. These qualities make Điện Biên rice irresistible to those who have tasted it—and even to those who have only heard its name.

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

Terraced Paddies

For many travel enthusiasts, the green and golden rice seasons are the most beautiful times of the year to pack your bags and go. In Điện Biên, terraced fields stretch endlessly, layer upon layer, cascading toward the horizon. Wherever you travel in the province, these stunning landscapes await—perfect for capturing breathtaking photos at any time of day.

Head to Tủa Chùa in April and May for the water-pouring season, or in September and October for the golden harvest. On the gentle mountain slopes, the terraces form a mesmerizing maze of gold, interwoven with peaceful stilt houses and winding paths that curve through valleys like soft silk ribbons. From a distance, the entire scene—terraces glowing under the autumn sun, villages nestled among green hills—feels like an open invitation for travelers to explore and experience the magic of Điện Biên.

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

Ta Phin Stone Valley and Vang Long Citadel

About 35 km north of Tủa Chùa Town lies Tả Phìn Commune, home to a spectacular ancient rock field stretching nearly 4 km. Here, jagged limestone formations rise dramatically from valley floors to hilltops, resembling stone stalagmites pointing skyward—a truly majestic sight.

While in Tả Phìn, visitors can also enjoy the cool, refreshing climate and tranquil scenery and explore the mysterious Vàng Lồng Citadel—an ancient architectural wonder steeped in legend. According to local elders, the citadel was built by a wealthy Hmong family to protect their home and treasures. Constructed entirely by hand using a dry-stone stacking technique without any binding materials, the walls form a perfect circular enclosure. Large stones were placed at the base, gradually layered with smaller ones to create a flat surface. The structure stands about 3 meters high and over 1 meter wide, sturdy enough for both people and horses to walk along its top.

To this day, Vàng Lồng Citadel remains shrouded in fascinating stories and mystery. Together with the Tả Phìn Rock Field, it offers an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking adventure and cultural discovery.

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

Traditional Festivals

Home to 19 ethnic groups, Điện Biên celebrates 39 traditional festivals each year, showcasing rich customs and diverse cultural identities. Among them, the most iconic is the Ban Flower Festival, a vibrant celebration held annually in March.

Ban Flower Festival – March

The Ban Flower Festival, with many unique cultural and artistic activities, is no longer just for the Thai ethnic group but has become a celebration for all ethnic communities in Điện Biên Province and the Northwest region every spring when white ban blossoms cover the hills and mountain slopes.

The festival day is an occasion for young men and women to meet, court, and share feelings, enjoying lively festivities with distinctive performances. The vibrant echoes of pí flutes, khèn pipes, drums, and gongs fill the air—boys playing the khèn, girls gracefully dancing the xòe. Visitors from afar can immerse themselves in the bustling, joyful atmosphere of the festival to enjoy and experience the unique cultural features of the highlands.

Swallowtail Boat Racing Festival – New Year’s Day

Every spring, the Swallowtail Boat Racing Festival brings excitement to the Đà River. Sleek wooden boats glide powerfully across the water as rowers and spectators cheer in unison, creating a thrilling scene against the backdrop of mountains and rivers. Revived in 2015, the festival not only preserves local heritage but also promotes the beauty and culture of Mường Lay to friends across Vietnam and beyond.

Water-Splashing Festival “Bun Huột Nặm” – April 14-16

Celebrated by the Lao ethnic community, this traditional New Year festival symbolizes purification and renewal. Rituals include offerings to ancestors and prayers for favorable weather and abundant harvests. Visitors can join in joyful water-splashing and take part in folk games such as rùa ấp trứng (turtle hatching eggs), buộc chỉ cổ tay (thread tying), and lively traditional dances—an unforgettable cultural experience.

Buffalo Fighting Festival – Lunar New Year

The buffalo fighting festival reflects the agricultural culture and economic characteristics of the local community. A unique feature of the festival in Điện Biên Đông District is that, at the end of the competition, all participating buffaloes are not slaughtered but selected for breeding. They are strong, healthy breeds, providing valuable genetic resources to develop and promote livestock farming in the area.

The buffalo fighting festival is not only an occasion to create a joyful and festive atmosphere at the beginning of the Lunar New Year but also a place for people to learn and exchange experiences in animal husbandry and breed selection. Winning or losing is not important; when the festival ends, everyone feels happy and excited because they have met, shared, and learned from one another.

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

Cultural Tourism Villages

Community-based tourism is increasingly popular among both domestic and international travelers. In Điện Biên, visitors can immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of cultural tourism villages, where ethnic minority communities preserve their rich traditions and vibrant heritage.

Here, guests can experience daily life in the highlands, enjoy traditional folk songs and dances, and savor authentic local cuisine prepared by the villagers themselves—such as grilled fish, smoked buffalo meat, and sticky rice from upland fields. Travelers can also shop for handmade souvenirs and specialties, including brocade scarves, woven bags, and colorful textiles, crafted with skill and care by local artisans.

Currently, Điện Biên boasts 12 cultural tourism villages offering community-based experiences: Bản Ten, Bản Noong Bua (Mường Thanh Ward); Bản Mển, Bản Pe Luông (Thanh Nưa Commune); Bản Co Mỵ, Bản Hoong Lếch Cang, Bản U Va (Thanh Yên Commune); Bản Che Căn (Mường Phăng Commune); Bản Him Lam II, Bản Phiêng Lơi, Bản Noong Chứn (Điện Biên Phủ Ward); Bản Nà Sự (Mường Chà Commune).

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

Traditional Craft Villages

Lao Ethnic Weaving – Na Sang II Village

Just 28 km from Điện Biên Phủ City, Na Sang II Village boasts a long-standing tradition of brocade weaving.

Today, the Na Sang II Brocade Weaving Cooperative is a model of cultural preservation and craftsmanship in the province. Lao brocade patterns symbolize nature—flowers, plants, animals, the universe—and stylized motifs of daily life, all woven with intricate color blending and thread-changing techniques. The result is stunning, meaningful textiles used to create traditional garments such as skirts (sỉn), blouses (sửa), loincloths (phá biêng), baby carriers (đà), and scarves (phả). These products were even recognized in a comprehensive craft study by JICA in 2004.

Thai Bamboo and Rattan Weaving – Nà Tấu

Using locally sourced materials like bamboo, rattan, and cane, skilled Thai artisans in Nà Tấu craft exquisite items such as woven tables and chairs, trays, baskets, backpacks, and even sports crossbows. Today, Nà Tấu’s bamboo and rattan products are not only popular within Điện Biên but also sold in provinces like Hòa Bình, Sơn La, Lào Cai—and exported abroad.

Xạ Phang Embroidered Shoes

The Xạ Phang people have passed down a delicate craft for generations: embroidered shoes. Each pair, along with embroidered collars, aprons, cuffs, and headscarves, is more than fashion—it’s a work of art, reflecting creativity and cultural pride. Xạ Phang women do not follow fixed patterns; they embroider freely, expressing dreams and emotions through every stitch. Visitors can admire these vibrant creations and even join the process—choosing fabric, threads, and learning embroidery techniques. This hands-on experience offers a deeper understanding of the craft and the passion behind it.

When visiting Điện Biên, travelers can not only admire Xạ Phang women in their traditional attire paired with vibrant, intricately embroidered shoes, but also have the opportunity to take part in the production process—from selecting fabrics and threads to stitching and sewing. This will surely be an exciting experience, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the craft of embroidered shoes and the passion the Xạ Phang people have for their trade.

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

Must-Try Specialties

Pa Pinh Top (Grilled Fish)

Grilled fish, called Pa Pỉnh Tộp in the Black Thai language. This is a typical dish, easy to make, carrying the distinctive flavor from the skillful and harmonious combination of original spices of the Northwest mountains.

To make the most delicious grilled fish, choose carp or grass carp weighing about 1–1.5 kg. The fish is cleaned, drained, then rubbed with a layer of roasted salt inside and outside. The seasoning mixture for marinating includes: mắc khén (wild pepper) roasted until fragrant, grilled fresh chili crushed, minced fish intestines and liver, chopped scallions, dill, herbs, and coriander. Mix everything well, then stuff into the fish belly, let it absorb the spices, and use bamboo clamps to grill the fish over hot charcoal.The grilled fish is evenly cooked, golden, releasing the aroma of spices, with the sweet and rich taste of fish inside, the spiciness of chili and mắc khén, and the firm, sweet texture of the meat. When eating, wrap with upland sticky rice or forest vegetables and dip in chẳm chéo sauce.

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

Nhua pho (Grilled Minced Pork Wrapped in Banana Leaves)

The main ingredient is minced pork shoulder, marinated with just enough spices to retain the pure flavor of the meat. The meat is wrapped in several layers of banana leaves and grilled over charcoal. The person grilling must be very skillful so that the meat is evenly cooked, has the characteristic golden color, and the outer dong leaves only dry out without burning. The aroma of the spices combined with the rich sweetness of the meat captivates every visitor.

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

Nhua giang (Dried Meat)

One of the best-known specialties of the ethnic minorities in Dien Bien, with main ingredients including pork, buffalo meat, and beef. The distinctive flavor of this dish comes from the careful marination process, wherein the meat is infused with a unique blend of local spices. Afterward, it is placed above a wood stove at a distance, allowing the smoke and gentle heat to dry the meat slowly over time. When ready, the pieces of meat take on an enticing red hue, warm to the touch, and release an aroma that captures the essence of the highlands. It is not only the fragrance of the meat itself but also the subtle, intoxicating notes of thin smoke—together evoking the pure, original flavors of the mountains and forests.

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

Cay pinh (Grilled Chicken)

After being marinated with the distinctive spices and herbs of the local people, the chicken is carefully wrapped in fragrant lemongrass leaves and grilled over glowing coals. As it cooks, the skin turns golden and crisp, while the meat inside remains tender and sweet, infused with an unmistakable aroma. Nothing can compare to enjoying the dish in Dien Bien. Surrounded by untamed nature, sitting beside a crackling fire, savoring grilled chicken, and sipping a glass of local wine creates a moment that lingers long after—an unforgettable memory of the mountains and their people.

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

Lap Chin (Stir-Fried Meat)

Lạp is prepared in two variations: Lap Chin (cooked meat) and Lap Song (fresh meat), with Lap Chin being the most popular. This dish is crafted from fresh, tender cuts of buffalo, beef, or pork, finely minced and fried before being mixed with thinly sliced boiled pork skin, sour bamboo shoot juice, and a blend of local spices. The result is a dish that embodies simplicity yet delivers extraordinary flavor—rich, aromatic, and irresistibly captivating.

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

Com lam (Rice Cooked in Bamboo Tubes)

Com lam has long been a signature dish in the culinary culture of the Thai ethnic people, embodying the rustic flavors of the mountains and forests. What makes it special is its unique cooking method: sticky rice is placed inside bamboo or reed tubes, then slowly roasted over fire. As the rice cooks, the natural fragrance of sticky rice blends with the subtle aroma of bamboo, creating a flavor that is both simple and captivating. The soft, sticky rice infused with bamboo aroma offers an unforgettable taste of the highlands.

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

Tua Chua Shan Tuyet Tea

Shan Tuyet tea from Tua Chua (a district of Dien Bien) is renowned for its large, gray-white buds, each leaf covered in a delicate layer of fine white hairs—earning it the poetic name “snow tea.” These tea trees, several hundred years old, thrive at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level, where the cool climate and year-round mist nurture their distinctive character.

With more than 8,400 ancient trees spread across 30 hectares, Tua Chua district in Điện Biên province boasts one of the highest densities of Shan Tuyet tea in Vietnam. After harvesting and careful drying, the leaves retain their natural green hue when brewed. The first sip reveals a bold astringency, followed by a lingering sweetness. Its aroma carries subtle notes of mountain herbs, interwoven with a gentle bitterness – an echo of the resilient life of the Mong ethnic people in the rugged land of Tua Chua. Currently, artisans have processed this tea into various types: White tea, Black tea, and Pu-erh tea, elevating the value of Dien Bien tea for export.

Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center
Photo Credit: Dien Bien Tourism Information & Promotion Center

GNGCD Awards