INTRODUCTION:
The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was a significant military engagement that took place during the First Indochina War from March 13 to May 7, 1954. It was fought between the French Union’s colonial forces and the Viet Minh communist revolutionaries led by General Vo Nguyen Giap. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Viet Minh, leading to the end of French colonial rule in Vietnam and setting the stage for the division of Vietnam into North and South, ultimately paving the way for the Vietnam War.
(5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS)
Flight to Dien Bien Phu. On arrival in DBP, pick up and transfer to the city center. Arrive in your hotel, check in, lunch and have a rest.
Afternoon:
We will drive 26km from Dien Bien Phu city to Muong Phang commune. stopping at the entrance of Muong Phang headquarters.
Enjoy a walking route inside the green primeval forest of chestnut and explore the military base of Viet Minh with various working place positions, including radio operators, telegraph operators, switchboard operators, the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, and a non-smoked kitchen. Then, walk through the Underground Tunnels, which is famous with over 96 meters-underground tunnels hand-dug by local people during the French War, stretching from Hoang Van Thai's hut to General Giap's working place.
On the way back, make a stopover at the legendary Route of Cannon Hauling in the Dien Bien Phu Campaign. Walk up hundreds of heavy steps until you reach the cannon-pulling monument. Capture photos of it and the surrounding areas from the height of this position.
Stop at a Thai village, enjoying the local live dancing shows that is the unique performances of the villagers. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Thai people are described by the dancing act. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well (optional with surcharge).
Overnight in Dien Bien Phu city.
DAY 2 | DIEN BIEN PHU CITY - TUA CHUA DISTRICT (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)
Morning:
06h30 AM: Check out. Breakfast at the hotel.
Welcome by driver and tour guide at the lobby then enjoy travel forward to Tua Chua via Tuan Giao.
Enjoy a 4-hour drive from Điện Biên to Tua Chua. Your journey will take you through the most beautiful and peaceful areas, passing by a series of villages and rice fields in the mountainous region. Take a rest in the middle of the way, where tea and coffee are available. After your short break, continue driving straight to Tua Chua town.
11h00 AM: Once you arrive in Tua Chua town, enjoy a tasty lunch served by local restaurant.
We will continue our trip to the west, arriving early so your tour guide can escort you for a walk around the peaceful villages to the center of the commune. We will make a stop at the entrance of a village to visit the traditional black smithing where farm tools are forged, hosted by Thao A Vu.
You can test your ability with doing work (optional with surcharge). We will then progress to a stretch of natural rocky plateau, offering one of the best vantage points to enjoy the area surrounded by cultivated corn fields. Here and there, you will see some small houses of the Mong ethnic minority people who have lived and cultivated among the rocky plateau for many generations. You can leisurely walk down the road, combining deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements. Feel free to take photographs along the way.
Arrive at Ta Phin Commune in the late afternoon, optional homestay accommodation is available. Check in to your accommodation and enjoy an authentic dinner with local dishes. We will stay overnight in a traditional Mong house, where you can learn about their fascinating culture first hand.
DAY 3 | EXPLORE THE AREAS BEYOND TUA CHUA (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)
07h00 AM: Wake up and enjoy the fresh air and peaceful atmosphere in the countryside. Boost up the energy with a delicious breakfast.
Farewell to your host of homestay, and drive to Ta Sin Thang commune.
En route, you can make a stopover at the bustling weekly local market, one of the most famous ethnic markets in Northern Vietnam, and witness the vibrant trading culture between different minority groups. The market is a colorful spectacle with people wearing traditional costumes, and it often takes place on the Mouse and Horse dates.
Stop at a local house and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by Xa Phang ethnic hosts. You will have the opportunity to savor traditional dishes and engage in cultural exchanges to learn about the art of knitting, embroidery, and customs of the ethnic minority villagers.
Continue moving forward to Sin Chai commune, enjoy a short walk to explore the tea trees is interlaced with village houses and fields.
As you continue moving forward to Sin Chai commune, enjoy a short walk exploring the tea trees interlaced with village houses and fields.
NOTE: Sin Chai is the commune with the largest number of ancient Snow Shan tea trees in Tua Chua district, around 4,000 trees. These ancient tea trees have been part of the Mông people’s life throughout generations, and they continue to yield fresh green tea buds and income for the local. The people here are born to the sight of tea trees, grow up with the tea trees, tender them, plant more trees, and pick the leaves to produce fine teas as guided by their forefathers.
Continue driving and spend this afternoon traveling on more winding and stunning roads, longer passes, and discover more beautiful landscapes. This is another opportunity for you to stop and capture more amazing photos of the upland terrace rice fields named Hang Khua, which are shaped like what locals refer to as a "golden tray and pearl tray."
Upon arriving at Huoi So Commune in the late afternoon, optional homestay accommodations are available. Check in to your chosen accommodation and enjoy a leisurely stroll, sightseeing, and capture beautiful photos of the stunning bridge that spans over the green Pa Phong Bay.
NOTE: Tua Chua is one of two districts in Dien Bien province with areas flooded by the creation of the Song Da Reservoir. Since the completion of the Son La hydropower project, low-lying areas in Tua Chua district have been submerged. The landscape around the Song Da Reservoir, with undulating rocky mountains reflected in the water, creates a charming and enchanting picture.
Have dinner and stay a night at a local Dao ethnic homestay.
DAY 4 | LEAVING TUA CHUA BACK TO DIEN BIEN PHU CITY (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)
Wake up and enjoy the fresh air and peaceful atmosphere in the countryside. Boost up the energy with a delicious breakfast.
Then, enjoy a boat cruise and explore the natural scenery along the reservoir to do some sightseeing of the charming landscape of Huoi So commune.
On your return cruise, you can leisurely walk along the Dao ethnic village near the shore to explore the traditional handmade weaving fabric and boat building done by the villagers.
Lunch is ready and served by the homestay hosts. Enjoy your delicious meal, then take a break with a short nap. Check out of the homestay and continue your trip back to Dien Bien Phu city.
Stop on the way to visit the magnificent Kho Chua La cave and take pictures as you command.
The cave, which was formed millions of years ago, was discovered by local people in 2008. It is located about 1,000m above sea level, with a depth of over 800m, divided into three compartments. The mouth of the cave is small and deep, facing the southeast.
NOTE: Kho Chua La Cave is about 15 km from the centre of Tua Chua District. With its wild beauty and many splendid stalactites and strange shapes, the cave is a rare natural beauty compared to other caves in the district. The cave is named in the Mong ethnic language. Kho means cave, Chua means rocky mountain or rock, La means monkey. Thus, Kho Chua La means rocky monkey cave.
On the middle of the way, have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue your driving, arrive at the Dien Bien Phu city around late afternoon, get warmly welcomed at reception.
07h00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a morning tour of Dien Bien Phu historical sites, Victory Museum, Elian 2, Dominique 2, De Castries headquarter, Beatriece.
Check out and settle your bill at reception. Have lunch at a local restaurant.
Free at leisure for relaxing or go shopping until transfer to the airport for the departure flight back to Hanoi. End of your tour. Good bye and see you again!
PACKAGE FOR ONE PERSON: 8,190,000 VND (for a group of 20 people)
- You will be enjoying the 4-star hotel comfort during your stay, which includes luxurious amenities and exceptional service.
- Homestay can be a bit challenging because they are in remote areas with limited access to electricity.
Please kindly review the details of the Terms and Conditions.
The schedule above is subject to change depending on time, budget, and other external factors. To better accommodate your trip, please contact us. Based on your needs, Hoang Nam Travel will be able to design the perfect itinerary for you. Thank you.
Children from 0 – 5 years old: Free of charge
(One child traveling with two adults will be free of charge; the 2nd child will pay 50% of adult price)
Children from 6 – 10 years old:
Sharing bed with two adults: 75% of adult price
Sharing room with two adults, using extra bed: 80% of adult price
Twin-sharing room with one adult: 100% of adult price
Children from 10 years old: 100% of adult price
TOUR INCLUSIVE & EXCLUSIVE
Inclusive:
• Accommodation basing on twin-sharing with daily breakfast at 4* hotels, and 2 days at homestay of Mong and Dao ethnic minority.
• Meal: B, L, D
• Private air-conditioned transfer.
• Safe and equipped boot and ship.
• English or French-speaking guide service.
• 04 Breakfast; 09 Main meals (without drinks) at local restaurants as specified.
• 02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
• Sightseeing, admission fees, entrance and boat fees as specified.
Exclusive:
• VAT and service charge.
• Personal Expenses
• All meals and beverage unspecified.
• All other services not clearly mentioned as included
• Travel insurance.
• All of the airfares (starting at ……….. vnd / person), airport tax, visa fee
• Personal expenses, optional visit and other services unspecified
• Beverages & Tips (Tips is up to you)
• Surcharge for a special occasion, local village shows, gala dinner on Christmas, New Year, etc.
CANCELLATION POLICY
After registering for the tour, deposit 50% of the total tour fare. Please pay the rest balance: 7 days before departure.
The charge will be applied if cancellation is made within:
• Last-minute or no-show: 100% of the tour fare.
• Within 24 hours before departure time: 90% of reservation cost.
• 2-4 days prior to departure date: 50% of reservation cost.
• 5-7 days prior to departure date: 30 % of reservation cost.
• After booking confirmation: 10% of reservation cost.
ADDITIONAL INFORS
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
• Infants must sit on laps.
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
• Most travelers can participate.
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infant seats available
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
USEFUL INFORS
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, drink water and bring insect repellent (though there's no threat of Malaria these days.)
- Pack your medicine for health in your carry-on bag.
- Giving a smile when meeting local people. Visiting the local village, gifts are not required, but a pack of sweets to share with the children would be appreciated.
- You should ask permission in advance whenever you would take photograhps or enter the house.
- Your experienced tour guide: Mr. Hoan cell phone: +84912545289