Dien Bien Phu 2015

Dien Bien Phu 2015: The Gateway to Northern Vietnam That Still Captivates mr.hotsia

Dien Bien Phu, a small town in northern Vietnam, where I, mr.hotsia, have had the chance to visit several times. Not only because of its historical significance or the famous Dien Bien Phu battlefield in the past, but also as an important stopover for travelers from Thailand heading to Sapa and other northern Vietnamese towns. The town itself remains warm and charming, with locals living simple lives and the lifestyle of the Tai Dam people, which I have mentioned in previous articles.The Capital of the Tai Dam People, Dien Bien PhuWhich makes this place distinctly different from other towns in Vietnam.

Atmosphere and Lifestyle in Dien Bien Phu

I arrived in Dien Bien Phu during the summer of 2015. The noticeable change was that the town now has more hotels and accommodations for tourists, especially small hotels located in alleys near the bus station, where I have stayed several times.Khach San Ban Romor in Thai called “Nam Rom Hotel” is a place I recommend without hesitation. This hotel is only 200 meters from the bus station towards the city center monument. The atmosphere here is comfortable, with air-conditioned rooms, hot water, and high-speed internet available. Most importantly, the room price is only 450 baht per night.

What impressed me the most is that on the ground floor of the hotel, there is a Vietnamese-style massage shop located right at the bridge neck on the monument side. Travelers like me, arriving after a long journey from Laos or other places, can stop by for a relaxing massage at a friendly price of about 200 baht per hour, which helps relieve fatigue excellently.

Morning Market and Local Food That Retains Its Original Charm

I usually start my day in Dien Bien Phu by strolling through the Tai Dam morning market, which is a hub of local food and products. Here, you can closely experience the lifestyle of the Tai Dam people, hear understandable Thai language, smell the enticing aroma of local dishes, and enjoy a friendly atmosphere like visiting old friends. Main products include sticky rice, Vietnamese pork sausage, grilled chicken, and fresh local vegetables. I have sat here eating rice while sipping local white rice wine called Dien Bien Phu rice wine, whose strong taste and fragrant aroma remain unforgettable.

The restaurant opposite the bus station still retains the delicious flavors I encountered ten years ago, offering both Vietnamese and some Thai dishes skillfully prepared by the Tai Dam people. For those who enjoy watching Vietnamese food clips like me, try watchingVietnamese Chicken BiryaniorVietnamese Nem Fangwhich truly evoke the authentic taste of food here.

Traveling to Dien Bien Phu in 2015

Traveling to Dien Bien Phu in 2015 still required patience and some route knowledge, especially coming from Thailand via Chiang Khong, Chiang Rai Province, crossing Huay Sai checkpoint in Bokeo Province to Oudomxay in Laos, then taking a vehicle to Khoa town in Phongsaly Province before crossing the border to Dien Bien Phu. The total travel time could take 10-12 hours. But for me, mr.hotsia, it was a worthwhile adventure because I got to see the Tai Dam people's lifestyle and the nature along the way in full view.

In the past, transferring vehicles in Khoa town to Dien Bien Phu required local knowledge and connections, but nowadays it is much more convenient. Dien Bien Phu bus station has ticket sellers who speak good English and you can buy tickets to Sapa or other towns in advance. I have bought tickets to Lai Chau Province, which is on the way to Sapa, making the onward journey much easier.

Experience and Feelings Toward the Locals

During this trip, many people asked me what nationality I was. I noticed that northern Vietnamese people have different attitudes toward visitors who are Chinese compared to those who are Thai. If locals know we are Thai, they open their hearts and offer much more warmth. I felt this was a great opportunity to truly understand and exchange cultures with them.

In Dien Bien Phu, there are Tai Dam people who speak Thai and communicate well. I had the chance to talk with Tai Dam vendors at the market, get a haircut from Tai Dam people, and make new friends who made me feel at home. These encounters are the charm of travel that I, mr.hotsia, cherish the most.

Places to Visit and Activities in Dien Bien Phu

Besides the morning market and the city center monument, which are important landmarks of Dien Bien Phu, the Dien Bien Phu battlefield located in the city center is a fascinating historical site. It is easy to walk to from the town, and there is also a Vietnamese-style massage shop nearby to relax your body after sightseeing.

For those planning to continue to Sapa, there are daily mini-vans departing early morning from Dien Bien Phu bus station around 6:30 AM. I recommend buying tickets in advance at the Dien Bien Phu bus station to ensure safety and convenience rather than buying tickets on the vehicle, which may have uncertain prices. For more details, seeTraveling from Dien Bien Phu to Sapa

Summary of Dien Bien Phu Trip 2015 with mr.hotsia

Dien Bien Phu in 2015, for me, mr.hotsia, remains a small town full of stories and the charm of simplicity, yet deeply rich in history and culture blending Vietnamese and Tai Dam people. I love the atmosphere of the morning market and the warmth of the locals that make me feel like coming home. The journey is not overly convenient but becomes a fulfilling memory.

For anyone planning to travel northern Vietnam, I recommend passing through Dien Bien Phu to experience the real life here and enrich your travel feelings. I, mr.hotsia, guarantee this place will not disappoint you.