Điện Biên, Administrative province in northwestern Vietnam
Điện Biên is a province in northwestern Vietnam, covering mountainous land with narrow valleys and forested slopes. Springs flow through the landscape at different elevations, while mountain ranges and river basins shape the region.
In 1954, the Vietnamese army won a decisive battle against French forces in the region. This military success ended French colonial control in Indochina and marked a turning point for the entire area.
Thai, H'Mông and Kinh communities live across valleys and hillsides, practicing distinct agricultural methods and building styles. Stilt houses rise beside terraced fields, where hand-woven textiles and traditional crafts remain part of everyday routines.
Regular flights from Hanoi to the airport at Điện Biên Phủ shorten the journey, while long-distance buses run through mountain roads. The overland route takes several hours and offers a view of the rural surroundings.
The Muong Thanh valley stretches 18 kilometers and preserves military artifacts from the 1954 battle. Visitors can see trenches, bunker remains and artillery positions scattered across the valley floor, offering insight into the course of the fighting.
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