Dien Bien Phu 2013

Dien Bien Phu 2013: mr.hotsia's third trip to the war city and the lifestyle of the Black Tai people

This is the third time I, mr.hotsia, have returned to Dien Bien Phu (Điện Biên) in northern Vietnam. This journey was filled with memories and unique experiences. I started this trip at the end of 2012 after my first solo backpacking trip in 2007 and the second trip with my nephew in 2011. The feeling of returning again in 2013 was still filled with the aura of the war city that was once a fierce historical battlefield and the simple, warm lifestyle of the Black Tai people.

More convenient routes and beautiful scenery along the way

For those interested in the current route to Dien Bien Phu, I can say it’s no longer as complicated as before. There are morning buses from the city of Chai or Udom Chai arriving in Dien Bien Phu by evening or night. No need to spend the night in Khoa, Phongsaly Province anymore because the bridge over the Ou River in Khoa is now completed. Roads have greatly improved, making travel noticeably easier. For those traveling through Laos, Dien Bien Phu, to Sapa, I think this route is a good and interesting option.

On the way from Dien Bien Phu to Son La, where I continued my journey after staying two days here, the mountainous scenery is as complex and beautiful as Pai in Thailand. You can see rice fields and Black Tai villages intermittently. The Black Tai people here still wear traditional costumes and walk vibrantly along the roads. This route impressed me greatly because it allowed me to get close to the real lifestyle of the locals. (Read more aboutBus from Dien Bien Phu to Son La)

Accommodation and atmosphere in Dien Bien Phu city

In Dien Bien Phu, I stayed two nights. The first night I chose a hotel opposite the bus station, which was disappointing due to slow internet and an unpleasant atmosphere. But on the second night, I moved to Phuong Hien Hotel in the alley next to the bus station, which was affordable and had fast internet, allowing me to upload clips and share experiences much more conveniently (see video below). Here, you still need to use mosquito nets because Dien Bien Phu has a lot of mosquitoes.

In Dien Bien Phu city, there is a war monument located in the center on a high hill. I climbed up to enjoy a panoramic view of the city, seeing the peaceful town hidden among raw and charming landscapes. The morning and evening markets of Dien Bien Phu are still full of the vibrant colors of the Black Tai people who come to sell and shop lively. I strolled through the market and talked with Black Tai vendors who speak Thai well, understanding the language like meeting relatives at home. It was a very warm feeling. (Read more about the Black Tai people atThe Black Tai Capital City, Dien Bien Phu)

Local food and Dien Bien Phu white liquor that impressed me

One unforgettable memory of Dien Bien Phu was tasting the local white liquor with simple local snacks. The place I ate was on the street opposite the bus station. The atmosphere was simple but the food and white liquor were truly excellent. It’s an experience I highly recommend to anyone visiting here. Additionally, there was a shop selling VinaPhone 3G SIM cards where I bought one before heading out to explore Vietnam, allowing me to use the internet continuously without interruption during my journey.

For those who want to watch clips of food and lifestyle that I filmed, you can follow the grilled squid videoWatch videoVietnamese Chicken BiryaniWatch videoand Vietnamese Nem PhangWatch videowhich clearly show the taste and atmosphere of dining here

A living historical city

Dien Bien Phu is not just a city of past wars but a lively city with many lovely locals. I spoke with the Black Tai people here, who call themselves "Tai Lam." Getting to know the locals and learning their culture, greeting in a familiar language, made me feel truly at home.

If anyone wants to deeply experience this atmosphere, I recommend spending at least 2 days in Dien Bien Phu to explore the markets, Dien Bien Phu battlefield tunnels, and climb up to the monument in the city center on the hill. You can also plan to continue your journey to Sapa via the route I wrote about in the articleTraveling from Dien Bien Phu to Sapawhich is a route that opens new experiences filled with beautiful views of northern Vietnam

Summary of Dien Bien Phu 2013 experience with mr.hotsia

My third trip to Dien Bien Phu gave me a deeper and different feeling than before. The more convenient travel, beautiful city and mountain views, friendly Black Tai people, and delicious local food that I must share. Dien Bien Phu is a city full of stories and vibrant life that I bring to you through this article.

Don’t forget that this trip’s information and real experiences are all collected in the articleTravel Dien Bien PhuandTravel Dien Bien Phufor those who want to read more details and prepare before traveling

For anyone planning a trip to northern Vietnam, don’t forget to stop by Dien Bien Phu, a war city full of life and the warmth of the Black Tai people waiting for you.
With love from the real field
mr.hotsia
January 2013