Nestled in a valley near the Lao border, Dien Bien Phu remains one of the most remote parts of Vietnam. Surrounded by steep heavily forested hills, Dien Bien Phu was the site of a decisive battle in 1954 between Viet Minh forces and the French. Ultimately, it was a result of the historic battle that took place here that forced the French government to abandon its attempts to resume colonial control of Indochina.