The "Visit Vietnam Year - Dien Bien 2024" program aims to promote the tourism values and potentials of the northwestern province of Dien Bien and help make tourism a leading economic sector in the region.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Trinh Thi Thuy said at a press conference in Hanoi on February 21 that Visit Vietnam Year 2024, linked to the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory (May 7, 1954-2024), is expected to bring endless experiences to tourists.

Tourists at a historical site in Dien Bien Province. Photo: Xuan Tu/The Hanoi Times

Under the theme "Glory of Dien Bien Phu - Endless Experience", Visit Vietnam Year - Dien Bien 2024 will feature 169 programs and events throughout the year, including dozens of cultural and arts events.

A highlight of Visit Vietnam Year - Dien Bien 2024 is the Ban (Bauhinia variegata) Flower Festival, which will open on March 16 to coincide with the launch of the program. There will also be a special art show and aerial fireworks display on the evening of May 6, and a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory on May 7, 2024.

Other activities include the North-West Dien Bien Phu Tourism Fair, the National Cuisine Festival, the North-West Dien Bien Phu Industry and Trade Fair, and traditional festivals.

Vu A Bang, Vice Chairman of the Dien Bien Phu People's Committee, said the province expects to welcome 1.3 million tourists this year and earn about VND2.2 trillion (US$89.66 million) from tourism. In the coming period, local authorities will build many new unique tourism products, especially the tourism route connecting with Laos.

In 2023, Dien Bien hosted a record more than one million visitors, up nearly 25% year-on-year, with 7,500 international holidaymakers.

A bomb crater on Hill A1, evidence of fierce fighting during the Resistance war against the French. Photo: VNA

Visit Vietnam Year - Dien Bien 2024 is expected to be a very important driving force for the socio-economy in general and for tourism of Dien Bien Province in particular to prosper, creating conditions to attract investment in the development of new and attractive products, contributing to creating momentum for the socio-economic development of the province in 2024 and beyond," he said.

Today, Dien Bien Province is a peaceful beauty amidst the mountains and forests of the northwest. It is home to 19 ethnic groups: Mong, Thai, Dao, Hani, and Laos, which makes Dien Bien a land of diverse cultures and experiences for tourists to explore.

Bordering China and Laos, Dien Bien Province currently has 33 historical relics, including a special national historical relic of the Dien Bien Phu battlefield; 18 national intangible cultural heritages, including Xoe dance (people holding hands and dancing in a circle) of the Thai and Then practice (essential ritual practice in the spiritual life of the Tay, Nung and Thai people) inscribed by UNESCO as representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Visiting Dien Bien, tourists can enjoy the beauty of Bauhinia variegata flowers and dishes made from the flower. Photo: VNA