Điện Biên is rich in historical, cultural and natural assets. Highlights include the Điện Biên Phủ Battlefield Special National Relic Complex; traditional festivals of ethnic groups such as Thái, Mông, Khơ Mú, and Hà Nhì; and a wealth of scenic landscapes and natural attractions. However, its remote location and uneven transport and tourism-service infrastructure have long limited the province’s ability to fully capitalize on these strengths.

Aware of the importance of linkages in tourism development, Điện Biên has in recent years proactively strengthened cooperation and expanded connections with provinces in the northern midland and mountainous region, the extended Northwest, and many localities nationwide. In particular, in implementing Resolution No.03-NQ/TU dated May 7, 2021 of the provincial Party Committee on tourism development through 2025, with a vision to 2030, the province has identified regional linkages, product diversification and service quality upgrades as priorities, anchored in historical and cultural tourism, while gradually developing community-based and ecotourism.

To put these policies into practice, Điện Biên has actively participated in tourism promotion conferences and forums, and signed cooperation agreements onwith provinces, cities and travel businesses in Hanoi, Hồ Chí Minh City and other major tourism hubs. As Head of the Tourism Development Cooperation Group between the extended Northwest provinces and Hồ Chí Minh City in 2025, the province hosted the 2025 Northwest Essence Festival - Điện Biên, as well as the 2025 Northwest - Hồ Chí Minh City Tourism Promotion and Development Conference. These events helped showcase local strengths, promote images and signature tourism products, and deepen regional linkages.

Alongside this, fam trips and press trips have been organized on a regular basis, enabling travel companies and media outlets to conduct field surveys and firsthand experiences, thereby developing new tour routes and promoting destinations. Several notable linked products have taken shape, including the historical-cultural route “Hanoi - Điện Biên - Luang Prabang (Lao PDR)” and the “Điện Biên - Lai Châu - Sa Pa” route focused on nature exploration and local cultural experiences, gradually integrating Điện Biên more deeply into the regional tourism value chain.

A major milestone in strengthening connectivity came on December 24, when national carrier Vietnam Airlines officially launched the Hồ Chí Minh City - Điện Biên - Hanoi route, operating two flights per week. The new service not only shortens travel time and facilitates trade and mobility, but also expands tourism markets, particularly from southern Vietnam.

In parallel with domestic linkages, the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has stepped up international cooperation to promote destinations and products and attract foreign visitors. Key initiatives include coordinating with the Thai Embassy to host a seminar on “strengthening tourism cooperation for sustainable development”; organizing Điện Biên Culture Week in Luang Prabang province (Lao PDR) and Yunnan province (China); and promotional activities in potential markets such as Japan, the Republic of Korea and Russia. As a result, the image of Điện Biên has gained broader international exposure.

Along with expanding partnerships, the province has focused on developing tourism products and improving service quality. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has advised and organized a range of major activities, including the flag-raising ceremony and project inauguration at the A Pa Chải Flagpole; the recognition of two additional tourist sites: D1 Hill Relic and the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Monument; and F Hill Relic and the Martyrs’ Temple at the Điện Biên Phủ Battlefield. Efforts have also focused on enhancing experiential activities at the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Museum and other special national historical relic sites.

Numerous cultural and sporting events linked to tourism promotion have been held, such as the 2025 Ban Flower Festival and the 8th provincial Ethnic Culture, Sports and Tourism Festival; a seminar on sustainable community-based tourism development in Phiêng Lơi village; the Pu Tó Cọ mountain-climbing challenge “Explore Mường Thanh Basin”; the 2025 expanded provincial youth cross-country race themed “Let’s go back to Mường Phăng”; and the 9th Vietnam-Laos-China Three-Nation Throwing Festival in 2025. These events have created highlights and enriched the province’s tourism offerings.

Practical experience shows that tourism in Điện Biên is shifting strongly toward experiential models closely tied to community life. Visitors not only tour historical sites but also engage with local culture, traditional cuisine and the daily lives of ethnic communities. Many homestay and community-based tourism models have emerged and are becoming more professional, helping improve service quality while creating livelihoods for local residents.

Strengthened connectivity and more effective use of tour routes have helped drive steady growth in visitor numbers. During 2021-2025, Điện Biên welcomed more than 5.45 million visitors, up 83% from 2016-2020; total tourism revenue exceeded VND 9.4 trillion, an increase of 98.64%; and value added from tourism-related services accounted for 5.78% of GRDP. In 2025 alone, the province is estimated to receive 1,454,600 visitors, with total revenue of VND 2,645.32 billion, reaching 110.2% of the target.

With clear direction, strong provincial leadership and coordinated action across sectors and localities, expanding linkages within and beyond the province and effectively developing tour routes will remain a key solution, helping put Điện Biên tourism on a stable and sustainable growth path and making a positive contribution to the province’s socio-economic development in the new phase.