The only one province in Vietnam share the border with two nations : Laos and China in Apachai custom
The largest’s ricefield, Muong Thanh, in the far Northwest of Vietnam
The resounding battlefield Dien Bien to defeat the French rule in 1954
The first and the only province in the West North owns the airport
Muong Lay,the smallest town in Vietnam
The origional name is Muong Then, the second one is Muong Thanh and Dien Bien in Viet language means the safety of Vietnam border. Muong Then has its own history up and down due to the length of history.
In the early of history ,premitive human relics were discovered Tham Khuong cave and Tham Pon cave to perform Vietnam culture. By then, local ethnic group called as Lu people established Sam Mun fortress for their protection.
From 11th and the 12th century, the leader of Thai group left Nghia Lo, to discover new culture. Under his leadership, Thai’s soliders completely conquered Muong Then.
Until 13th century, Xam Mun citadel was under invasions from Phe ethnic group. The alliance between Thai and Lu removed to live on mountainous areas. Due to real context, Thai group linked with Hoang Cong Chat, a leader of Viet movement. Xam Mun fortress was freely reunified . till 1758 , Hoang Cong Chat decided to completely build Ban Phu – the new name of Xam Mun after 4 years.
Lai Chau province was established under French rule, but on 1st January 2004 it was divided into two provinces Dien Bien and Lai Chau.
We can reach for Hang Tom bridge, the border between Dien Bien and Lai Chau province as driving along to the national highway 12 . Originally, the old Hang Tom bridge was built under support by Chinese architectures but they left this work in 1968. Until 1973, the new construction was completely built and became the largest bridge in South East Aisa. In 2010, the water reserve Hang Tom was constructed, therefore, the imigration to new residence already did.
The travellers love to see the peak Pu Den Dinh of Dien Bien, 1886m, the highest mountain steep from North to South located in Muong Nhe. Due to the steep topography, Muong Phang – the command post of Dien Bien phu campain.
Exploring Dien Bien, do not forget to see Muong Thanh the largest ricefield in North West, the second – Muong Lo ( Yen Bai province), the third – Muong Than ( Than Uyen, Lai Chau) and the fourth – Muong Tac ( Phu Yen, Son La).
There are three rivers include Da river, Ma river and Mekong river. Specifically,the minor river Nam Ron from Mekong river flow into Dien Bien and back up to Laos country.
The traveller on drive to Muong Phuong really enjoy Pa Khoang fresh water lake where local people called it fresh water reserve. This lake is also known for being a tourist attraction in Dien Bien.
Recently, the local government focus on developing tourism and industry because growing agriculture can not take advandtages of expanding in this mountainous area. The another minerals mining to be mentioned can be listed as : gold, silver, charcoal, lead and so on.