Running from March 6 to March 12, this experience reconstructs the field kitchens used by Vietnamese soldiers during the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign. Dug deep into the earth within the heritage grounds, the stove is connected to smoke-dispelling trenches covered with branches and damp soil. From these vents, only thin wisps of smoke emerge before quickly dissipating into the air.

Many visitors were astonished to witness this “smokeless” cooking method firsthand. Steve Karole, a tourist from the United States, expressed his fascination while recording the model on his phone. He shared that the experience helped him visualize how these undetectable logistics hubs, hidden deep in the forest during a fierce war, contributed significantly to Vietnam’s victory. For him, it was an unexpected and highly educational discovery.

The space has become a magnet for families looking to teach their children about history. Bùi Quang Chi, a veteran from Hải Phòng, visited with over 20 family members. Having participated in the resistance against the Americans, he took the opportunity to explain the stove’s mechanics to his grandchildren. He noted that while the younger generation had heard of the Hoàng Cầm stove, seeing it in person helped them truly grasp the creativity and resilience of their ancestors.

Local resident Dương Văn Toàn from Điện Biên Phủ ward echoed this sentiment, adding that bringing such practical experiences to the festival makes history far more vivid and accessible than mere lectures or static displays.

Beyond the mechanics, many visitors enjoyed trying their hand at keeping the fire going and preparing a “soldier’s meal.” Simple foods like corn, sweet potatoes, and forest bamboo shoots were boiled on the stove and served immediately to guests. These rustic snacks offered a glimpse into the humble life of a soldier on the battlefield, fostering a deeper connection to the past.

Phạm Thị Thảo, Vice Director of the provincial Monument Management Board, explained that the model was faithfully recreated by soldiers from Regiment 82. Invented by the cook Hoàng Cầm during the Hòa Bình Campaign (1951-1952), the stove became indispensable during the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign.

By diluting smoke through earth-covered trenches until it becomes mere water vapor, the stove allowed troops to cook during the day without being spotted by enemy aircraft. Amidst the thin, drifting smoke, the past feels closer than ever, reminding every visitor of the ingenuity and indomitable spirit that defined a milestone in history.