Preserving historical value

The Special National Relic Site of the Điện Biên Phủ Battlefield - marking the historic Điện Biên Phủ Victory, famously described as “resounding across five continents, shaking the globe”, is among the first 10 most significant special national relics designated in Vietnam in 2009. The complex comprises 46 recognized component sites.

To preserve these historic traces, the relic management authority has proactively advised and implemented key tasks with a strong sense of responsibility and dedication. Điện Biên province has developed a master plan for preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of the battlefield relics; delineated protected zones, installed boundary markers, cleared land, and issued land-use certificates for relic sites; upgraded and repaired facilities to mark the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory; implemented the President Hồ Chí Minh Memorial House project; and invested in additional works at Hill E2 while compiling scientific dossiers to propose further recognition within the relic complex.

To date, many sites have been restored and upgraded. Of the 46 component sites, nine have been put into operation, becoming meaningful destinations that attract visitors seeking to reconnect with the nation’s heroic past.

Phạm Thị Thảo, Deputy Director of the Relic Management Board under the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that in addition to preserving the original historical values, efforts have been made to improve landscapes and create highlights at each site. Attention is also given to improving the quality of staff responsible for welcoming and guiding visitors, helping create memorable and emotional experiences.

The management board has coordinated with Regiment 82, the provincial Military Command, the Youth Union of the provincial Police, and schools to clean and enhance environmental landscapes, plant and maintain greenery and flower gardens at relic sites. Regular maintenance, landscaping, and security measures are ensured to provide safe and pleasant visits.

Driving tourism development

Considered an invaluable tourism resource with a distinct identity, the Điện Biên Phủ Battlefield relic complex is being preserved alongside the development of unique tourism products. “Back-to-the-root” tours, historical journeys combined with cultural and culinary exploration of ethnic communities are becoming increasingly attractive.

From these relic sites, visitors can extend their journeys to local villages, exploring the lifestyles and customs of ethnic groups, thereby lengthening stays and increasing tourism value while amplifying the appeal of Điện Biên as a historic destination.

Between 2020 and 2025, the relic site welcomed around 1.6 million visitors, including approximately 14,000 international tourists. Through visits and experiences, tourists gain deeper insight into the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign while helping promote the image of Điện Biên to both domestic and global audiences.

Nguyễn Hà Linh, a visitor from Hanoi, shared: “Visiting the Điện Biên Phủ relic sites is a meaningful journey that helps young people like us better appreciate the value of peace today.”

However, challenges remain in fully unlocking the site’s potential for tourism. Infrastructure is still inconsistent and not yet meeting development demands; distinctive tourism products are limited; and the tourism workforce linked to relic sites remains insufficient and lacks professional skills.

To address these issues and gradually turn tourism into a key economic sector, the Relic Management Board has proposed and implemented a range of comprehensive solutions.

These include prioritizing investment in restoration to preserve historical integrity; diversifying tourism products tied to historical values; and strengthening connectivity between destinations to meet increasingly diverse visitor demands. Digital technologies such as virtual reality (VR), QR codes, and smart tourism applications are also being introduced to enhance visitor experiences.

Promotion efforts are being intensified across media, the internet, and social platforms, alongside cooperation with press and broadcasting agencies to spread the image of this historic land. Public-private partnerships are being strengthened, encouraging businesses and investors to develop tourism services, accommodation, and cultural experience spaces linked to the relic sites.

From the heroic imprints of the past, the Điện Biên Phủ Battlefield relic complex is gradually being “awakened”, becoming a valuable resource for tourism development. When preservation goes hand in hand with effective utilization, each site not only tells a historical story but also opens up opportunities for economic growth and improved livelihoods. Điện Biên is turning its “gold mine” of heritage into a sustainable driving force, enabling this historic land to shine, attract visitors, and rise on the tourism map.