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Surrounded by mountains and rice fields, the sleepy town of Dien Bien Phu is the capital of Lai Chau Province. Dien Bien Phu, the site of the fiercest battle in the Vietnamese-French War, is known around the world as the place where the Vietnamese finally gained independence from the colonial powers. On the road to Dien Bien Phu, Black Thai and H’mong hill tribes live in close-knit villages and it is possible to see tea plantations and orchards along the road.
Lai Chau town
Stretching along Nam Lay Stream valley, Lai Chau is a charming town by the T-junction of rivers: Da and Nam Na. Lai Chau has many rice fields and stilt houses of white Thai ethnic people. There are high gorges standing both sides of the town, up there are houses of H’mong people. Not far away Lai Chau town are two famous bridges named Hang Tom and Lai Ha. The Hang Tom bridge crosses Da river and the Lai Ha Bridge crosses Nam Ha river. There is a remaining of Deo Van Long villa, a Thai King in French colonial time.
Tam Duong town
Endowed with the stunning landscape at the foot of Hoang Lien Son Mountains, Tam Duong is a stop for a break or for an overnight on the way to Sapa from Lai Chau. Hill tribe markets at Binh Lu & Tam Duong (on Sunday, Thursday) and at Muong So (on Monday) are worth visiting.
Dien Bien Phu battle field
Located in the Muong Thanh valley, a 20-km long and 6-km wide heart-shaped basin, Dien Bien Phu was the site of the fiercest battle in the Vietnamese-French War. Dien Bien Phu is known around the world as the place where the Vietnamese finally gained independence from the colonial powers in 1954. A small museum and a re-creation of the headquarters of French commander, Colonel Christian de Castries, offer visitors an insight into the savage battle. Travelers can also visit a memorial on A1 Hill (code named Eliane) and explore the valley floor to find old French tanks and heavy artillery guns still intact. On the road to Dien Bien Phu, Black Thai and H’mong hill tribes live in close-knit villages and it is possible to see tea plantations and orchards along the road. Muong Phang, 36km northeast of Dien Bien Phu, is now easily accessible where visitors can find General Giap’s legendary tunnels |
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