I’m a photography enthusiast, and the landscapes in Northwest Vietnam seem incredible for capturing scenic views. Are there any specific spots that are particularly photogenic...
Dien Bien is a province in the mountainous north-west of Vietnam. It is the majestic land of glorious victories, notably the proud aerial victory of Dien Bien Phu. Traveling to Dien Bien, visitors will overwhelmed by the magnificence of its mountains and forests, the greatness of the legendary Pha Din Pass, and the splendid summer colors of the Muong Thanh rice fields.
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1. About Dien Bien
A border province with Lai Chau and Son La to the east, Chinese Yunnan to the north, and Lao Phongsaly to the west, Dien Bien is appreciated by adventurous travelers for its dangerous roads and difficult itineraries. It lies over 500 km northwest of Hanoi, and the most popular means of transport are buses. If you're flying from Ho Chi Minh City or the southern provinces, take a flight to Hanoi before starting your Dien Bien tour.
2. Best Time to Visit Dien Bien
You can come here at any time of year.
Dry season
The dry season in Dien Bien runs from October to the end of April, and the climate is rather dry and sometimes can be cold or hot, depending on the year. Traveling to Dien Bien at the end of the year, you'll enjoy the romantic scenery of buckwheat fields in November, or immerse yourself in the bright yellow color of hills full of wild sunflowers in December. At the beginning of March, spring will be the time when bauhinia - the typical flower of the mountains and forests of the northwest - blooms white and takes over the whole horizon.
Rainy season
The rainy season extends from May to the end of September when Dien Bien is bathed in the golden color of ripe rice paddies. Indeed, during the rainy season, the best time to visit Dien Bien is in May, when you join in the joyous atmosphere to celebrate the victory of Dien Bien Phu (May 7 every year).
3. What to See in Dien Bien?
The Hill A1 and the Dien Bien Phu Historic Victory Museum
Located in Muong Thanh district, Dien Bien Phu town, Dien Bien province, the hill A1 was the French colonialists' most important stronghold at Dien Bien Phu. The hill stretches in a northwest and southeast direction and comprises two peaks: the northwest is 490m high, and the southeast is 493m high. It was the brutal battleground of the People's Army of Vietnam forces that took place on May 7, 1954, forcing the French colonialists to surrender.
Next to Hill A1 is the Museum of the Historic Victory of Dien Bien Phu, whose unique Vietnamese Communist cone-shaped architecture is inspired by the inseparable objects of revolutionary soldiers. The museum displays objects and images recalling the events of the historic battle of Dien Bien Phu.
Pha Din Pass
Besides the relics of Dien Bien, tourists who love the North-West region and are passionate about conquering nature will want to visit Pha Din Pass at least once. The majestic beauty of the mountains combined with the poetic features of the villages steeped in the plateau's cultural identity are unforgettable experiences on a trip to Dien Bien.
With an altitude of over 1,000m above sea level, the Pha Din Pass is, with its dangerous location and deadly curves, one of the "four great passes" of north-western tourism, along with the Ma Pi Leng, Khau Pha, and O Quy Ho passes.
A Pa Chai - The Westernmost Point Of Vietnam
Belonging to Sin Thau commune, Muong Nhe district, Dien Bien province, the westernmost point of A Pa Chai is marker 0, located at the crossroads of the border between Vietnam, China, and Laos. This place is known as the destination where "a rooster crows and the three countries hear it".
The road to conquer A Pa Chai is arduous due to the steep and winding topography, with the road having to be crossed by more than 10km. But the harder it is, the more exciting the feeling of conquest when you reach Vietnam's most westerly point.
Pa Khoang Lake
Pa Khoang, which lies in the heart of the northwest, is the next tourist destination that Izitour wants to introduce to the Dien Bien travel itinerary. Situated at an altitude of almost 900 meters, the lake covers an area of 2,400 hectares and is an important ecotourism site in Dien Bien province.
Like the tourist land of Ninh Binh, with its overlapping mountains and rich vegetation, Pa Khoang is also known as "Ha Long Bay on land", but it belongs to the Northwest mountains and forests.
Muong Thanh rice fields
Rice fields of the Northwest are one of the signature landscapes of Vietnam tourism, and Muong Thanh rice fields are also one of the most beautiful rice fields among them. Located in the Dien Bien Valley, the Muong Thanh rice fields resemble a woven carpet of green rice, which turns golden on summer days in August.
Admiring Dien Bien's nature under the golden sun and breathing in the scent of new rice will give you a thrilling feeling on your Dien Bien tour.
Ta Sin Thang Ethnic Market
Located 42 kilometers from the town of Tua Chua, the Ta Sin Thang market is held every six days. It's a tourist destination that fully embraces the identity of a mountain market, allowing you to immerse yourself in the life of the locals.
As you stroll through the market, take time to explore the stalls of brocade made by the skilled hands of the Hmong ethnic minority, sip a cup of fragrant corn wine, sing along to the sound of the Khen flute, and enjoy all kinds of Dien Bien specialties.
4. Notes
Dien Bien is an unspoiled border area. If you're planning to travel to Dien Bien, we recommend you take these notes for the best trip.
- Don't visit Dien Bien in July when it rains heavily, which can cause dangerous mudflows.
- Rent a motorcycle instead of a cab to get around easily.
- Pack a first-aid kit containing basic medicines for fevers, colds, stomach aches, etc.
Dien Bien is a special tourist destination because it has a combination of nature, people, culture, and history. Therefore, if you are looking for a perfect mountainous tour in Vietnam, IZITour recommends that tourists visit this place once to be able to fully feel the uniqueness of this Northwest province.
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