During the war, the French military transformed it into a formidable defense system with layers of interconnected bunkers and elite legionnaires, earning it the reputation of a “steel door.” Recognizing its strategic importance, the Campaign Command selected Him Lam as the target for the opening battle. On the evening of March 13, 1954, Vietnamese forces launched their attack and successfully seized control of the position by nightfall. This victory served as the catalyst for the entire campaign and was immortalized by the heroic sacrifice of Phan Đình Giót, who blocked a bunker’s embrasure with his own body to pave the way for his comrades.

To properly honor this legacy, the restoration project features a massive natural stone relief measuring 460m2 (45 meters long and 8.9 meters high) that depicts the heroic momentum of the battle. In addition to the relief, the project included the construction of an incense house and landscape improvements designed to provide a solemn space for research and reflection.

Veterans Nguyễn Hữu Chấp and Bùi Kim Điều, who personally participated in the battle and still live nearby, noted that while the restoration is a significant improvement, they hope the province will continue to recreate the bunkers in even more vivid detail. They believe that emphasizing the specific sites of sacrifice, such as where Phan Đình Giót fell, is essential for helping visitors truly grasp the scale of the hardships endured by the soldiers.

The site is also evolving into a vital “outdoor classroom” for local schools. Nguyễn Thị Trang from Phan Đình Giót High School, shared that the newly renovated space has become a source of immense pride for students. Teachers are now integrating the history of Him Lam into subjects like History, Literature, and Geography, while student groups participate in volunteer activities and commemorative ceremonies at the site. This educational integration ensures that the spirit of the campaign remains a living part of the local identity.

Historically, the Him Lam site had not been utilized to its full potential due to incomplete infrastructure. However, with the completion of Phase II, the provincial Monument Management Board is preparing to integrate the center into a synchronized historical tour route.

Under this new plan, Him Lam will serve as the chronological starting point for visitors, leading them from the opening battle through the various stages of the campaign and concluding at the heart of the Điện Biên Phủ fortification.

This narrative journey will allow tourists to gain a seamless understanding of the campaign’s progression and military artistry, ultimately enriching the province’s tourism products and contributing to its socio-economic growth.