Dien bien travel guide
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Dien Bien Overview

The recent name "Dien Bien" originated from King Thieu Tri in 1841. This name "Dien Bien" described the stable of a land lying in the frontier area. However, long time ago, the first name of this land was Muong Thanh. It derived from "Muong Then" of Thai people, which meant "The Place for God". Therefore, here is considered as the origin of Thai People in South East Asia. If you intend to visit some destinations where Vietnamese ethnic minorities have been living, the name of Dien Bien will be indispensable in your lists.

Dien Bien is well-known because of the Dien Bien Phu Battle in 1954 between Viet Minh Forces (commanded by General Vo Nguyen Giap) and French Forces (commanded by Christian de Castries). It is remarkable that this is the place where Vietnamese people defeated the French Colonist with the Great Victory of Dien Bien Phu. This helps to attract a huge number of foreign tourists coming to Dien Bien, especially the French veterans - who want to come back to the old battle field to recall the past. Although peace was established in Dien Bien a long time ago, the remains of war are still existing as an obvious evidence of an unforgettable period of history of Vietnamese people in general and Dien Bien’s in particular. On 28th April of 1962, Dien Bien Phu Vestiges is officially recognized as one of the National Vestiges. Furthermore, in order to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory, the largest monument named Monument of Dien Bien Victory was built in 2004 – fifty years after the war (1954). It is such a pity if you travel to Dien Bien without spending some times visit Dien Bien Phu Vestiges.

Thanks to the geographical location, Dien Bien possesses the tropical climate of the high mountain which divided into two main seasons: dry season and rainy season with the average temperature of 21ºC – 23ºC. Nowadays foreign tourists also travel to Dien Bien for enjoying its beautiful mountain scenery of fresh air together with experiencing the life-style of some Vietnam Ethnic Minorities in Dien Bien like the Thai, Hmong, Dao, etc and visiting some highlights such as Pha Din Pass, Tham Pua Cave or Pa Khoang Reservoir … 

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