%%Lai Châu is the northwestern province in North-Vietnam borders on China and Laos. Its provincial capital - Lai Châu - is situated in a valley near the junction of Nậm Rốn River and Đà River. Lai Châu province is inhabited by up to 23 ethnic groups, most notably the Thái and the H'Mông. The most attractive tourist site in Lai Châu is the former battlefield of Điện Biên Phủ, which is now situated in Điện Biên Phủ district. Điện Biên Phủ lies in Mường Thanh Valley and is surrounded by steep, heavily forested hills and mountains. This valley witnessed the extremely heroic attacks by Vietnam People's Army (VPA) against the French forces. On May 7, 1954, the VPA forces overran the headquarters of the beleaguered French garrison at Điện Biên Phủ after a 56-day siege, capturing General Christian de Castries and all his staff and troops. Since then, Vietnam has been famous for its resounding victory at Điện Biên Phủ. Those French men who had involved in the Điện Biên Phủ battle are particularly interested in returning to Vietnam to visit the old battlefield. Places of interest in Dien Bien Phu include Hill A1 and Hill C2 (known as Eliane 2 and Eliane 4 by the French) where fierce fighting took place. Other places worth seeing are the headquarters of General de Castries, and the shelter of Pirot, commander of the French artillery, who killed himself in despair on March 15,1954 in his shelter. Also open to tourists is the cemetery for fallen Vietnamese soldiers. A one-hour flight from Hà Nội will take you to Mường Thanh airport in Điện Biên Phủ. If you travel by car, you will pass Pha Din Pass. In the local language, Pha Din means Heaven-Earth, and according to local legend, it was the frontier between Heaven and Earth. Climbing and descending the slopes with their bends and deep gorges is a really interesting trip amid such a magnificent scenery.