Dien Bien Phu hotels and restaurants guide
Him Lam Hotel in Dien Bien Phu has a lovely lake
Given the remote location of Dien Bien Phu, it is not surprising that accommodation and dining options for foreigners are more limited here than elsewhere in Vietnam. With just a handful of hotels and almost no restaurants with an English menu, visitors don’t have to think too long before making decisions about where to stay and eat.
Hotels in Dien Bien Phu
Muong Thanh: This is most people’s choice in DBP – near the centre with a variety of rooms and a decent restaurant, among other services. There’s nothing special about the rooms but they’re clean and good value, and staff are helpful. US$20-30. (Muong Thanh, tel: +84 (0)230 381 0043.
Him Lam: Most government-run places are drab with uninterested staff, but this is an exception. Rooms and bungalows are spacious and kept spotless. Located a few kilometres out of town, it has a swimming pool, tennis courts, a restaurant and a small ‘zoo' where animals are kept in a sorry state. US$20-30. Highway 279, tel: +84 (0)230 381 1999.
Binh Long: A small, family-run place with smallish rooms that are well-maintained, and breakfast is included in the price. US$15. 429 Muong Thanh, tel: +84 (0)230 382 4345.
Viet Hoang: this is the best of a clutch of places near the entrance to the bus station, so is convenient if you’ve just arrived from a long trip or are about to set out on one. Rooms are smallish but clean and some have small balconies. US$7-8. 67 Tran Hang Dinh, tel: +84 (0)230 373 5046.
Restaurants in Dien Bien Phu
Lien Tuoi (Vietnamese): This place serves up decent portions and has an English menu, though something seems to have been lost in translation here. Hoang Van Thai, tel: +84(0)230 382 4919. $
Both the Him Lam and Muang Thanh hotels have restaurants with passable food, and there’s a cluster of simple foodstalls opposite the bus station where you can get a bowl of noodles or rice.
Price guide
$ – dishes under $3; quart of beer $1; whiskey shot $1.50;cocktails $2
$$ – dishes $3-10; quart of beer $1.50; whiskey shot $2; cocktails $2.50
$$$ – dishes $10-20; quart of beer $2; whiskey shot $2.50; cocktails $3
$$$$ – dishes over $20; quart of beer $3; whiskey shot $4; cocktails $5
