A 3D virtual reality exhibition on the theme of Dien Bien Phu Victory will be displayed online for the first time, featuring 300 documents and images depicting the northwestern province of Dien Bien from the era of the Hung Kings (2879-258 BC) to the present day, including various rare documents.

Images of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in Muong Thanh Valley, Dien Bien Province.

The exhibition is organized by the Dien Bien Province Department of Home Affairs with the support of the National Archives Center I and relevant departments to mark the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory and the 115th anniversary of the founding of the province.

The exhibition will be available from April 26 at archives.org; facebook.com/luutruquocgia1; and snv.dienbien.gov.vn.

The exhibition is divided into three thematic sections. The first is entitled 'From the Ancient Land to the Name of Today's Dien Bien', featuring documentaries on the history of the province before the 19th century and under the Nguyen dynasty.

According to historical archives, Dien Bien was home to ancient Vietnamese inhabitants. Archaeological evidence also shows that people have lived here since the Stone Age.  

Dien Bien held a strategic position under the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1884), bordering China to the north and Laos to the south.

The bunker of the French general De Castries during the battle of Dien Bien Phu.

The second part of the exhibition is entitled "Dien Bien - The Rendezvous of Patriotism" and includes two chapters: Dien Bien during the French Colonial Period and Dien Bien Phu Victory - A Golden Milestone in History.

Valuable documents on display include the Decree of the Governor General of Indochina establishing the province; President Ho Chi Minh's 1953 letter to all Vietnamese compatriots, soldiers, and officials; and pictures of the Dien Bien Phu victory.

The Battle of Dien Bien Phu in Muong Thanh Valley, Dien Bien Province, between the Vietnamese People's Army and the French Army was the most decisive battle of the First Indochina War.

The victory at Dien Bien Phu led to the signing of the Geneva Agreement to end the war and restore peace in Indochina, abolish French rule and recognize the independence of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

The third part of the exhibition: "Dien Bien - Journey of Development" features images and documents about today's Dien Bien, a province with an area of 955,409.70 hectares and a population of 440,300 people. By 2024, Dien Bien boasts 33 recognized and classified relics and 18 national intangible heritage sites. Its beautiful landscapes and magnificent nature have captured the hearts of many travelers at home and abroad.

Pha Din Pass in Dien Bien Province is one of Vietnam's four great passes - a symbol of natural beauty and historic resilience. Photo: Traveloka