Summer is always the most eagerly anticipated time of the year for children. After months of diligent study, they finally have the opportunity to relax, have fun, and travel with their families.

While many families once preferred beaches, tourist attractions, and entertainment parks to begin their summer holidays, historical sites in Điện Biên province have increasingly become a favored choice among parents, students, and visitors in recent years. These trips are more than simple sightseeing excursions; they are journeys back to the nation’s roots, helping people gain a deeper appreciation of Vietnam’s history.

The family of Trần Vi Yến, from Điện Biên Phủ ward, has two children currently attending lower and upper secondary school. Unlike previous years, when they would visit relatives in Hưng Yên province and then spend time at seaside resorts after the school year ended, this year they chose a local holiday, beginning with a journey to explore the historical landmarks of their own homeland.

Inside the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Museum, where thousands of artifacts are displayed, historical stories come alive through engaging presentations by museum guides. Yến’s children listened attentively and frequently asked questions about battles, artifacts, and historical figures they had previously learned about in textbooks.

Yến shared: “Children have countless entertainment options during the summer. What matters is that parents accompany them and guide them toward meaningful activities. When we visit historical sites together, I can see how excited my children are. History lessons become much more vivid and easier to understand. It is also an effective way to teach patriotism and gratitude to the generations who sacrificed for national independence.”

This choice made by Yến’s family reflects a growing trend among many families this summer. Visitor numbers have increased noticeably at sites within the Điện Biên Phủ Battlefield Relic Complex, including A1 Hill, De Castries Bunker, A1 National Martyrs’ Cemetery, the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Museum, and the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign Headquarters in Mường Phăng commune.

After two weeks of summer vacation, Vũ Ngọc Phương Linh, a pupil from Trí Quả Primary School in Bắc Ninh province, traveled to Điện Biên province with her mother to visit relatives. During the trip, Linh had the opportunity to explore several historical sites. Her mother said that after visiting attractions in the city center, they planned to travel to the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign Headquarters in Mường Phăng commune and experience homestays operated by local ethnic minority communities.

This summer, the museum has become even more vibrant thanks to an exhibition featuring 70 children’s paintings under the theme “The Điện Biên Phủ Victory and today’s Điện Biên.” Many young visitors spend considerable time admiring each artwork. Through the innocent yet expressive brushstrokes of children from across the country, scenes of soldiers hauling artillery, frontline civilian laborers, and youth volunteers are vividly recreated. Alongside these historical images is a portrayal of a modern Điện Biên province, with expanding roads, developing villages, and well-preserved ethnic cultural identities.

Early one morning, teacher Nguyễn Thị Tươi and 32 students from Class 6A1 of Trần Can Secondary School arrived at A1 National Martyrs’ Cemetery to offer incense and pay tribute to fallen heroes before continuing their journey to A1 Hill and the museum.

Tươi said that such field trips serve as invaluable visual history lessons, helping students better understand the value of peace and the tremendous sacrifices made by previous generations, particularly when they watch documentary footage about the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign.

According to Vũ Thị Tuyết Nga, Director of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Museum, between May 15 and June 5, the museum welcomed 7,873 visitors interested in learning about history, including nearly 3,000 school and university students. These figures demonstrate the growing appeal of historical tourism and traditional education among younger generations.

After exploring artifacts and documents related to the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign, visitor groups from Hải Phòng city, Quảng Chu Preschool in Thái Nguyên province, and veterans from Chiềng Cơi ward in Sơn La province gathered for commemorative photographs in the museum grounds.

Their bright smiles under the early summer sunshine reflected the significance of a journey where history is experienced through authentic encounters rather than simply read about.

Not only do these historical sites attract domestic visitors, but they also leave a lasting impression on international tourists.

Inside the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Museum, Charles and Nick Daltrg, visitors from the United States and New Zealand, carefully examined the exhibits. Both expressed surprise that Điện Biên province has preserved so many valuable historical relics and artifacts. They were also deeply impressed by the friendliness of local residents.

Visiting Điện Biên province for the first time, the two tourists had already explored A1 Hill, De Castries Bunker, and the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Museum. They planned to rent motorbikes and travel to ethnic minority villages to experience local culture firsthand.

Although summer has only just begun, the revolutionary heritage sites of Điện Biên province have already become living classrooms of history, where stories of the past are told through artifacts, memories, and the very landscapes that once witnessed fierce battles.

These journeys provide not only enjoyable and enriching summer experiences but also help nurture love for the homeland, national pride, and a sense of responsibility among today’s younger generation.