Transport

Vietnam Airlines operates flights between Hanoi and Dien Bien Phu with the trip taking around an hour. There is a direct bus service that runs from Hanoi to Dien Bien Phu (11hours) leaving in the morning. Buses also travel to Muong Lay (3 hours), Son La (4hrs), and Sapa via Lai Chau (10hrs). The bus station is located at Group 4, Thanh Binh Precinct, Dien Bien Phu City (T: 0230 3825776 or 3828487). The 470km drive from Hanoi to Dien Bien Phu on Highway6 and Highway 42 takes around 12 hours.

For those travelling on to Laos, buses cross the border most days to Muang Khua (Phongsali Province) in Laos. The journey typically takes between seven and eight hours but could be longer depending on the roads and border formalities. For most tourists a one month Laotian visa can be obtained upon arrival at the border however it is best to check the regulations for your country first. Most nationalities must already have a valid Vietnamese visa if returning to Vietnam. From Muang Kha tourists have the choice of a boat down to Mong Noi or a bus on to Oudamsai and onto the World Heritage listed Luang Prabang.

Banking

There are three banks in Dien Bien, all with ATMs:

    Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Group 10, Muong Thanh Precint, Dien Bien Phu City (National Highway 7/5)
    Bank for Investment and Development, Dien Bien Province Group 10, Muong Thanh Precinct, Dien Bien Phu City (National Highway 7/5)
    Vietin Bank No 14 – Tran Đang Ninh, Thanh Binh Precinct, Dien Bien Phu City