Điện Biên brings unforgettable impressions on highland flavours

ĐBP – I arrived in Điện Biên Phủ City on a misty evening in November, 2024. The cool mountain air and the warmth of its people left an indelible impression on me. The heartfelt hospitality of Điện Biên’s residents, from their eager greetings to their wistful farewells, deeply moved me.

Tourists join a traditional folk dance with local people at Phiêng Lơi Cultural and Tourism Village in Điện Biên Phủ City.

Táo Mèo wine – A highland treasure

Sitting with the ethnic locals over a glass of táo mèo wine, I learned about the sơn tra fruit, a unique produce found only in mountainous regions. Previously, I had only heard of this fruit in childhood tales, but now I can see it with my own eyes, touch it with my hands, and taste its essence.

Táo mèo wine from Điện Biên Province is not only aromatic and sweet but also rich and profound, much like the highland life itself. Each glass brims with unspoken sentiments. I discovered that the best fruits for winemaking are those that have been touched by insects – a rustic yet meaningful philosophy: "If it's good, even insects are drawn to it."

The sơn tra trees grow sparsely across the mountains, yielding limited harvests but of unmatched quality. The golden, smooth táo mèo wine is a prized gift that every visitor to Điện Biên wishes to bring home.

Mường Then Homestay’s staff prepare accommodations for guests.

Sticky rice – A gift from nature

Điện Biên is also renowned for its sticky rice made from nương glutinous rice – a dish simple yet exquisite. Cultivated on terraced fields that soak in the essence of earth and sky, this rice is the pride of the local people.

Connoisseurs attribute its exceptional quality to the rare, potassium-rich soil and meticulous care it receives. The grains must be tender yet firm and fragrant to create the celebrated nương sticky rice. When combined with colorful ingredients and natural dyes, it transforms into vibrant five-colored sticky rice, a dish as visually appealing as it is delicious, embodying the culinary essence of the highlands.

Điện Biên – A Place Where Time Slows Down

In Điện Biên, I didn’t just savor its specialties. I also felt the serenity and depth of its way of life. Surrounded by the resonant sounds of the ethnic flute, sipping táo mèo wine, and enjoying a plate of nương sticky rice, I found an unparalleled peace of mind.

Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Điện Biên felt like a sanctuary, gently urging visitors to linger.

Điện Biên is not only a land of stunning landscapes but also a repository of rich cultural values. Humble offerings like táo mèo wine and nương sticky rice are more than just food. They are gifts from nature, infused with the soul and identity of the highland people.

With everything Điện Biên offers, it is undoubtedly a destination that captivates the hearts of travellers from all corners of the country. Điện Biên is a land to remember, to cherish, and to return to.

Đinh Thành Trung
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'Ensuring seedling supply for the reforestation season

    Ensuring seedling supply for the reforestation season

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - The reforestation season in Điện Biên province typically begins in mid-May and lasts until the end of July each year. To meet the demand for seedlings, nurseries and enterprises have been preparing for months, cultivating and nurturing forestry seedlings to ensure high-quality supply for the new planting season.
  • 'Vibrant youth month

    Vibrant youth month

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP -  In response to the 2025 Youth Month, young members of various youth union chapters across the province have launched numerous meaningful and practical activities, projects, and initiatives at the grassroots level. These efforts vividly demonstrate the pioneering spirit, volunteerism, and creativity of Vietnamese youth, echoing President Hồ Chí Minh’s teaching: “Wherever there is a need, there are youth, wherever there is difficulty, there are youth”.
  • 'The sad fate of the Youth Village project

    The sad fate of the Youth Village project

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Tân Quang hamlet was once recognized as the first model Youth Settlement Village in the border commune of Na Tông (Điện Biên district, Điện Biên province), carrying high hopes of bringing a “new breeze” to transform the socio-economic landscape of this challenging region. However, nearly two decades later, both the name and the “traces” of the Youth Settlement Village have all but disappeared.
  • 'Private tutoring in Điện Biên follows regulations

    Private tutoring in Điện Biên follows regulations

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Since the implementation of Circular No.29/2024/TT-BGDĐT issued by the Ministry of Education and Training on private tutoring (Circular 29 in short), many enterprises and individuals in Điện Biên have registered to provide paid tutoring services outside of school settings. These establishments are operating in accordance with regulations, with no reported cases of widespread or unregulated tutoring.
  • 'Countering false and hostile viewpoints ahead of the National Party Congress

    Countering false and hostile viewpoints ahead of the National Party Congress

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Ahead of each National Party Congress, hostile forces often propagate false viewpoints, misinformation, and spread slanderous accusations aimed at distorting, discrediting the Party, and undermining the State. In response to these schemes, local Party committees and authorities have proactively implemented preventive measures, focusing on disseminating positive and official information while strictly handling violations.
  • 'Điện Biên tries to mitigate disruptions in safe agricultural supply chain

    Điện Biên tries to mitigate disruptions in safe agricultural supply chain

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - To meet consumer demand for clean food and promote sustainable agriculture, the province has encouraged stakeholders to establish safe food supply chains. However, due to high investment costs, stringent processes, and inconsistent supervision, the number of certified supply chains remains limited. Many chains, even after certification, fail to operate effectively and, in some cases, cease operations entirely.
  • 'Food safety first: Protecting consumers’ health

    Food safety first: Protecting consumers’ health

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Promoting public awareness, strengthening inspection and supervision activities, and strictly handling violations have significantly contributed to raising awareness and compliance with food safety and hygiene laws among organizations, individuals, and businesses.
  • 'Tuần Giáo makes efforts to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses

    Tuần Giáo makes efforts to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In an effort to support disadvantaged households facing housing difficulties, ensuring they have stable and secure homes to focus on economic development and achieve sustainable poverty alleviation, Tuần Giáo district, Điện Biên province has been implementing flexible measures to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses for the poor in the area.
  • 'Effective career guidance: Unlocking the future

    Effective career guidance: Unlocking the future

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Career orientation and guidance play a crucial role in helping high school students choose the right career path that aligns with their abilities, strengths, and the labor market’s demands. Recognizing its importance, educational institutions across Điện Biên province have implemented various career counseling initiatives to support students in making informed career decisions.
  • 'Talks on breakthrough science and technology initiatives

    Talks on breakthrough science and technology initiatives

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP -  On the morning of March 29, the Điện Biên provincial Department of Science and Technology held a working session with Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) and STEAM for Vietnam to discuss breakthrough science and technology (S&T) initiatives for 2025 and beyond.
  • 'Tủa Chùa women active in start-up movement

    Tủa Chùa women active in start-up movement

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In implementing the project “Women’s start-up period 2017-2025”, the Women’s Union of Tủa Chùa district, Điện Biên province has organized various programs and activities to support and encourage women in starting their own businesses. These efforts have helped to promote the strengths and expertise of union members, enabling women to develop economically.