Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 Ban Flower Festival in the northwestern province of Dien Bien Province on March 8, calling on the locality to make tourism a key driver of growth for both the province and the wider Northwest region.
From mid-February, ban (bauhinia) flowers – a signature blossom of Vietnam’s northwestern mountains – come into full bloom along streets, in parks, and throughout residential areas in Dien Bien Phu ward, Dien Bien province. Their pristine white petals not only signal the arrival of spring in the mountain town but also create a romantic setting that attracts both residents and visitors.
The event was held in the lead-up to the 96th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3, 1930–2026) and to mark the success of the 14th National Party Congress.
A lively lineup of cultural events and festivals has drawn large crowds to Dien Bien in the early days of 2026. This strong start points to robust growth ahead, giving fresh momentum for the province’s tourism to continue gaining ground.
After more than one year of implementation, the nationwide programme to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses has been basically completed, achieving its goal five years and four months ahead of schedule.
When the cockscomb flowers bloom brightly on the hillsides, it is also the time for the Cong ethnic people in Nam Ke commune, Dien Bien province, to joyfully celebrate their traditional cockscomb blossom festival.
The Thai people in Dien Bien province have long been conscious of preserving and promoting their traditional cultural beauty.
Na Bung commune in Dien Bien province remains one of the most disadvantaged areas, with over 50% of households living in poverty. Local livelihoods largely depend on small-scale farming and natural conditions. In recent years, officers and soldiers of Na Bung Border Guard Station have worked closely with residents to boost economic development, reduce poverty, and build a better life.
The Hmong are one of the three largest ethnic groups in Dien Bien province. Among their many cultural traditions, costume stands out as a defining feature, that has been preserved across generations.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh rushed to the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien on August 3 afternoon to console residents and direct emergency response efforts after devastating floods and landslides killed 10 local people and injured 12 others.
On the afternoon of August 3, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Dien Bien province to inspect and direct efforts to overcome the aftermath of floods, flash floods, and landslides. The Prime Minister met with and offered words of encouragement to residents in severely affected areas, and praised the efforts of the police, military, and local militia in rescue operations and in helping people stabilise their lives.
Three Vietnamese border guard stations based in Dien Bien province have set up twinning relations with Border Guard Company 119 from the Military Command of Laos’ Phongsaly province.
Every March, Dien Bien province hosts the Bauhinia Flower Festival to celebrate the beauty of this iconic Northwest flower. To ensure a striking display, local authorities have been actively tending to the trees, applying bloom-inducing treatments to synchronise flowering with the festival.
At the start of the new year, Muong Lay town in the northwestern province of Dien Bien bursts with excitement and joy during the annual Swallowtail Boat Racing Festival. Over the past decade, the festival has become one of the region’s most iconic cultural events, serving as both a thrilling sporting occasion and a bridge connecting local ethnic communities.
In the spirit of serving the people, the Ministry of National Defense has funded the construction of 100 "Great Solidarity" houses in Dien Bien Province, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory and the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army. These homes are nearing completion and will soon be handed over to residents, just in time for the New Year.
With their exceptional embroidery skills, Ha Nhi ethnic women in Dien Bien province create distinctive costumes featuring vibrant colours on a black indigo background adorned with intricate decorations. Their craftsmanship enriches the cultural diversity of ethnic groups in the northwestern region.
In the disadvantaged commune of Ang Nua, Dien Bien province, the 'Voices for Equality' project, is helping ethnic minority women by providing financial aid and training on gender equality.
Muong Lay, the smallest town in Vietnam located in Dien Bien province, rests peacefully beside the Son La Hydropower Reservoir. Each year, the reservoir's water rises for six months, from October to March, transforming the landscape.
Tủa Chùa, a highland district in the northeast of Dien Bien province, is home to seven ethnic groups. To preserve and promote their traditional cultural values , the district has developed a night market into a unique tourism product.
In a gesture of solidarity and cooperation, a delegation from the Huoi Puoc border guard station in the northern province of Dien Bien presented essentials to Border Guard Company 161 and Border Guard Company 163 under the Military Command of Laos' Luang Prabang province, at the Huoi Puoc border gate on June 5.