Upgrades almost complete on relic sites of historic Dien Bien Phu battle
A number of relic sites on the historic Dien Bien Phu battlefield are being upgraded as part of a project conducted by the northwestern province of Dien Bien's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory (May 7, 1954-2024).
Visitors at the A1 Hill relic site on Dien Bien Phu battlefield (Photo: VNA)
Dien Bien (VNA) – A number of relic sites on the historic Dien Bien Phu battlefield are being upgraded as part of a projectconducted by the northwestern province of Dien Bien's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to markthe 70th anniversary of the victory (May 7, 1954-2024).
With a total investment of nearly 20 billion VND (810,194 USD), the project willrepair the welcome gate, the fence system, the reception hall, bas-reliefs, signboards, and toilets, along with the installation of power supply lines for the tunnel andsound system, and outdoor lighting. Other key relic sites are also being refurbished, including the command bunker of FrenchGeneral De Castries, the headquarters of the Dien Bien Phu campaign, and the Muong ThanhBridge. According to Nguyen Anh Dao, head of Dien Bien province Relics Management Board, about 65% of the project has been completed. The project should be completed before December31, 2023, to welcome tourists to the famous battlefield. The Dien Bien Phu Campaign lasted from March to May 1954 underthe command of General Vo Nguyen Giap. The victory on May 7, 1954, led to thesigning of the 1954 Geneva Accords in which France agreed to withdraw forcesfrom its colonies in Indochina. Theformer battlefield has become a major tourist attraction in Dien Bien province. The complex of Dien Bien Phu battlefield features 45 relic sites scattering in Dien Bien Phu city, Dien Bien and Tuan Giao districts./.
Dien Bien province, with its name attached to the epoch-making Dien Bien Phu victory 70 years ago, should turn its historical heritage into assets and potential into resources, while mobilising all investment for development, stated Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh while working with the northern province's Party Committee on April 9.
Sixty-nine years after its liberation day, Dien Bien has achieved unprecedented economic growth, resulting in significant enhancements to the cultural and social well-being of its residents while simultaneously bolstering national defence and security.
69 years ago in the heart of the Muong Thanh valley, the flag “Determined to fight, Determined to win" of the Vietnam People's Army flew on the roof of the General De Castries’ bunker, marking the victory of the Dien Bien Phu campaign.
An art programme entitled “The epic of Dien Bien” was held in Dien Bien Phu city, the northwestern province of Dien Bien, to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu historical victory (May 7,1954-2023).
President of the National Association of Former Prisoners of Indochina (ANAPI) Gen. Philippe de Maleissye has showed the clumps of soil and rocks he had brought back from his recent trip to Vietnam, which were taken from Hill A1, the site of some of the fiercest fights in the Dien Bien Phu campaign, while talking with Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Paris.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
Visitors at the A1 Hill relic site on Dien Bien Phu battlefield (Photo: VNA) 
