Muong Phang commune in Dien Bien district was the headquarters of the Command Committee of the Dien Bien Phu campaign 60 years ago.
Every square meter of Muong Phang contains memories between local villagers and General Vo Nguyen Giap, who led the Dien Bien Phu Campaign to the world shaking victory. Muong Phang now becomes a destination for those who want to come to see the vestiges of the battlefield.
The historical relic site of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign Headquarters is located in Muong Phang commune, Dien Bien district, around 40 km from Dien Bien Phu City. Along the road to the place, there are beautiful mountains, forests and particularly a 60 ha reservoir which provides water to the hydroelectric projects of Thac Bay and Na Loi.
The reservoir also includes hundreds of small islands and over 200 ha of forest vegetation cover floristic composition, therefore it’s very potential for developing ecological tourism.
Lying around 1,000 m above sea level, the Dien Bien Phu Campaign Headquarters is covered by the forests with many century old trees. The forest is called the General’s Forest where General Vo Nguyen Giap had chosen as the General Headquarters of Dien Bien Phu Campaign from January 31 to May 15, 1954. Visitors to the relics will have chance to pass through the 69 m long tunnel through the mountain where General Vo Nguyen Giap and Major General Hoang Van Thai and other commanders discussed military affairs.
Visitors to the place can also learn about the hardships commanders and soldiers had to bear during the war time. From the commander tunnel to the mountain is around six km. Up to Pu Huot Mount is where General Vo Nguyen Giap placed watch tower. From there, visitors can see the whole Dien Bien Phu City, Muong Thanh valley and entrenched fortifications of French troops such as Him Lam Hill, Doc Lap Hill, D1 Hill, Muong Thanh bridge, ect.
60 years have passed but the remnant of the Dien Bien Phu campaign’s HQ and surrounding landscape have been well preserved by the people of Muong Phang. It is now a tourist mecca and a place for veterans to recall their memories of the battlefield.
