Điện Biên Phủ
Điện Biên Phủ (Vietnamese: [ɗîənˀ ɓīən fû] is a city in the northwestern region of Vietnam. It is the capital of Điện Biên Province. The city is best known for the decisive Battle of Điện Biên Phủ, which occurred during the First Indochina War of independence against France. The region is a center of ethnic Thai culture. In prior history, the city was formerly called Muang Thaeng.
This article is about the city. For the battle, see Battle of Dien Bien Phu. For the film, see Dien Bien Phu (film).
Điện Biên Phủ lies in Mường Thanh Valley, a 20 km (12 mi)) long and 6 km (3.7 mi) wide basin sometimes described as "heart-shaped." It is on the western edge of Điện Biên Province, of which it is the capital, and is only about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the border with Laos.
Until the creation of the province in 2004, Điện Biên Phủ was part of Lai Châu Province. The Vietnamese government elevated Điện Biên Phủ to town status in 1992, and to city status in 2003.
Demographics[edit]
Statistics on Điện Biên Phủ's population vary depending on definitions—figures are generally between 70,000 and 125,000. The city is growing quickly and was projected to have a population of 150,000 by 2020.[2]
According to statistics from the government, as of 2019, the city had a population of 80,366 people,[1] covering an area of 308.18 km2.
Transport[edit]
National Route 12 connects Điện Biên to Lai Châu. Điện Biên Phủ Airport serves the city with air route to Hanoi capital and Ho Chi Minh City.