- Vietnam Overview
- Main Cities in Vietnam
- Regions in Vietnam
- Other Cities in Vietnam
- Getting to Vietnam
- Getting Around Vietnam
- Language in Vietnam
- Education in Vietnam
- Vietnam Activities
- Vietnam Attractions
- Vietnam Money & Shopping
- Eating and Drinking in Vietnam
- Dress Code in Vietnam
- Gift Giving in Vietnam
- Public Behavior in Vietnam
- Art Performance
- Custom and Habits
Muong Phang Forest
The forest is where the General Headquarters of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign was located and now becomes a destination for those who want to come to see the vestiges of the battlefield.
Muong Phang Forest (Mường Phăng) - 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 town. 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 town, Muong Thanh valley and entrenched fortifications of French troops such as Him Lam Hill, Doc Lap Hill, D1 Hill, Muong Thanh bridge...
At present, together with the natural landscapes, the whole relic site has been restored to attract tourists at home and abroad and also war veterans who come to see the vestiges of the former battlefield. To commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory, a giant stone monument featuring General and Commander in chief Vo Nguyen Giap with armed forces celebrating the victory of Dien Bien Phu has recently been completed. The monument is placed on the way to the relic site in Muong Phang commune.
Going to Muong Phang, visitors not only have a chance to enjoy the imposing landscape of the region but also learn about the history of the Vietnamese revolution.