Find the vestiges of the observatory of the Dien Bien Phu campaign on the top of Pu To Co

Pu To Co Peak with an altitude of 1,700 m was once set as an Observation Deck during the 1954 Dien Bien Phu campaign. Over the years, traces of the Observatory are now gone. Recently, Dien Bien Tourism Promotion Information Center and Unesco Hanoi Travel Club organized a survey team and placed a powder-coated stainless steel spire to create accents and check-in points for visitors. .
According to Dien Bien Tourism Promotion Information Center, Pu To Co peak is the highest of the three peaks of Pu Don mountain range in Kha village, Muong Phang commune (Dien Bien Phu city, Dien Bien province). According to historical documents, on May 6, 1954, General Vo Nguyen Giap went up here to observe the battlefield before launching a general offensive order on May 7, 1954.

From the Observation Deck, the soldiers could have a panoramic view of the Muong Thanh valley. Therefore, there are often scouts and information soldiers monitoring the situation of Dien Bien Phu campaign headquarters. The journey to discover and experience when going to the top of Pu To Co starts from Kha village with a distance of more than 4 km following the trail of the people in the area. In which, the first 3 km, the road is quite easy to go, the rest of the road is quite steep. The journey from Ban Kha to the top of Pu To Co is about 4 km long. The first 3 km is quite gentle, following the trails of people in the area. Along the way, quite a few flowers bloom purple on the side of the mountain. Visitors also encounter a lot of fruits and products. Many kinds of fancy flowers on the climbing journey. However, for many people, the forest journey consumes a lot of energy. About the last 1 km, the road is quite steep. Can’t even see the path without a guide marking it. About the last 1 km of the journey there is an abandoned house on stilts, where it is a rest stop before reaching the top of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign Observatory. For those familiar with the forest road, the distance of more than 4 km takes more than 1 hour. However, for most tourists, the journey will take 4 hours. Over the years, traces of the Observatory have disappeared. Therefore, the landmark marking Pu To Co peak will create a highlight for visitors to check in. Dien Bien tourism industry expects this to be a new destination for those who love to explore and learn about the nation’s history. Photo: PRED