Resilient and Innovative People on Historic Land

Dien Bien is known not only for the victory that “resounded across five continents and shook the world,” but also as the homeland of 19 ethnic groups, mainly Thai, Mong, Kinh, Kho Mu, and Dao. On this historic frontier land, the people of Dien Bien continue to uphold traditions of resilience, diligence, and creativity, values that define the highlands’ cultural identity and drive the province’s progress toward a modern, sustainable, and globally integrated future.

An international visitor explores local cultural activities

Resilient and diligent – the spiritual heritage of a historic land

The history of Dien Bien is inseparable from the glorious pages of Vietnam’s past. During the Dien Bien Phu Campaign in 1954, more than 25,000 civilian porters braved mountains and forests to transport food and ammunition to the front, contributing to a victory that “shook the world.” Heroes such as To Vinh Dien, who used his body to block artillery; Phan Dinh Giot, who sacrificed himself to block a bunker loophole; and Be Van Dan, who used his shoulders as a gun rest for his comrades, have become immortal symbols of the Dien Bien spirit. From that proud history, the flame of tradition continues to burn brightly as today’s generations build and develop their homeland.

On mountainous terrain that covers more than 90% of its area, with harsh weather and limited infrastructure, the people of Dien Bien have endured hardship with determination. Over 70% of the province’s 80,000 households rely on agriculture, cultivating rice, corn, and cassava, raising livestock, and developing forests and medicinal plants. The “Dien Bien Rice” brand has reached demanding markets such as Japan and South Korea. The new rural development movement has also made strong progress. Before July 1, 2025, 26 of Dien Bien’s 115 communes met new rural standards, 5 reached advanced standards, and 2 achieved model status, reflecting the unity and perseverance of highland communities.

Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory

Creativity - the engine of sustainable growth

Beyond resilience and industriousness, the people of Dien Bien are known for their innovation and adaptability. Many outstanding individuals have brought the province wider recognition, including Prof. and Dr. Lo Van Hung, a researcher of Thai culture with over 30 scientific works; Meritorious Artist Lo Thi Hong, a Thai folk singer who has performed at international events; and entrepreneur Lo Van Bien, who has successfully introduced Dien Bien agricultural products to foreign markets.

Entrepreneurship among ethnic minority youth is also flourishing. In 2023, more than 120 startup projects received support, many of which applied digital technology in smart agriculture, community tourism, and education.

Rural Dien Bien undergoing transformation through agricultural restructuring and new rural development

With a population of more than 673,000 in 2025, over 80% of whom are ethnic minorities, Dien Bien is undergoing a strong transformation toward becoming an economic and cultural center of the Northwest region. On this journey, people remain the decisive factor.

The spirit of “resilience, diligence, and creativity” is not only a cultural symbol but also an intrinsic source of energy that enables Dien Bien to overcome limitations, expand connections, and achieve sustainable development in the new era. It is a spirit forged in the past, shining in the present, and inspiring the future.

By Ha Thanh, Vietnam Business Forum