The Dien Bien Phu historical relic is of special value to tourism, experts said at a March 13 workshop in the northwestern province of Dien Bien which was held by the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) and the provincial authorities.
Dien Bien Phu is the place witnessing a fierce battle ending with Viet Nam’s victory that put an end to the French colonial rule in Viet Nam in 1954.
VNAT Deputy General Director Hoang Thi Diep said Dien Bien Phu has been designated at one of the 46 potential national tourism sites. However, the special values of the site have not been fully brought into play, which is due to a lack of coordination among regional provinces, she noted.
At the workshop, participants put on the table issues related to tangible and intangible cultural values of the site, the conservation of the relic, the situation and potentials of tourism in Dien Bien province, and regional tourism connection.
The number of visitors to Dien Bien province has been on the rise, from 178,000 in 2004 to 380,000 in 2013. While only 10,000 foreign tourists came to the province in 2004, the figure last year reached 66,000.
With a host of activities planned to mark the 60 th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954), the province hopes to welcome 440,000 visitors, including 75,000 foreigners this year.
Alongside the Dien Bien Phu historical site, Dien Bien is also home to several famous sightseeing spots such as Muong Nhe primitive jungle, Hua Pe and U Va hot springs, and the Pa Khoang and Huoi Pa lakes.