The name Dien Bien Phu will always be linked with battle, for it was here that Viet Minh soldiers overran a French garrison on May 7 th 1954 and ended French colonialism in Indochina.

To achieve this legendary victory, Vietnamese forces under the command of General Vo Nguyen Giap dismantled heavy anti-aircraft guns, lugged them up the sleep slopes overlooking the town of Dien Bien Phu and reassembled them. Encircled by artillery, the French could not receive supplies or reinforcements.

Today, most visitors who reach this outpost come for the history. But along with the old army headquarters, a museum and monuments, Dien Bien Phu offers pristine mountain scenery and fascinating minority cultures. Those, who go overland will travel through some of Vietnam's most rugged and spectacular mountains.