We returned to Dien Bien Phu City, Dien Bien Province when the bustling atmosphere of the Dien Bien Phu Victory celebration had cooled down and the city’s life had returned to normality. It was late summer, and the weather was still hot and dry. To escape the summer heat, a local friend suggested we visit Huoi He Waterfall, where Vietnamese soldiers were stationed 70 years ago.
Huoi He waterfall: A retreat for the summer heat in Dien Bien Province (Photo: Nguoi Dien Bien)
Huoi He Waterfall is located in Na Nhan Commune, 20 km from the centre of Dien Bien Phu City.
We were not the only visitors to the waterfall on that day. Several groups of local people and tourists also headed to the cool waterfall to relax and have a picnic on the weekend.
The trek to the waterfall includes 2 km of hiking trails. Since there was no road, we had to walk through a tiny path, making everyone sweat. But our efforts were finally paid off.
In the middle of the green forest, Huoi He Waterfall appears spectacularly with many layers, and water roaring over the towering cliffs.
In the local Thai ethnic language, “Huoi He” means a stream with lots of bamboo.
Swimming while admiring the majestic scenery around, and listening to the chirping of forest birds, it was truly a pleasant experience.
While others rested at the foot of the waterfall, we continued to climb higher to reach the unique “infinity pool”, a rock cavity with clear water at an altitude of about 600 m above sea level.
Swimming while admiring the majestic scenery around, and listening to the chirping of forest birds, it was truly a pleasant experience.
The Dien Bien-based friend told us that next to the waterfall is Huoi He Cave - the host venue for meetings between General Vo Nguyen Giap and members of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign Command. The cave's entrance features a plaque, with the words “Dien Bien Phu Campaign Command in Huoi He Cave”.
The trip in nature not only helped us escape the summer heat but also learn more about heroic historical stories of the country. It is expected that with historical value and ecotourism potential, Huoi He Waterfall will receive proper investment to become more popular among tourists to Dien Bien Province.
Hai Lam - Translated by NDO
