Dien Bien Phu was the battle field between the French and Viet Minh where the harshest fights took place. It was here in 1954 defeated the beleaguered French garrison after 57-day siege, forcing the French government to surrender and its colonial control over Indochina; this marked the end of French Rule in Indochina region. The vestiges from the war can still be seen in the battle sites: trenches, bunkers, camps, and bases on the hills. The old command post of General Christian de Castries was reconstructed in 1994 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the victory.

Passed its hard time during the war, this heart-shaped valley of Dien Bien Phu becomes an isolated place embraced by the steep forested hills near Laos's border with the area of 18 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide. The area is the peaceful home of hill tribe people, notably Thai and Hmong who largely continue their traditional lifestyle.

Situated 500 kilometers from Ha Noi, Dien Bien Phu can be reached by plane, but the most impressive way is taking a drive trip along the roads snaking through the beautiful valley, offering spectacular view of the region. Although a 5-day round trip is required, it is worth doing it.

To experience the lesson from the war, you can visit the town's museum which hosts a display of weaponry as well as photo exhibits of the catastrophic war or trek around the battle sites where the real events would take place. Trekking to the ethnic villages is also a possibility in this region.