Observatory on the top 1,700m
In the complex of special national relics of Dien Bien Phu battlefield, the Campaign Command in Muong Phang can be considered the "heart", while the Pu To Co Observatory is the "eyes".
Pu To Co peak (in Kha village, Muong Phang commune, Dien Bien province) is 1,700m above sea level. From this location, it is possible to clearly observe the entire Dien Bien Phu Group's center, including the airport, the bases and the entire basin.
According to the Thai ethnic language, "To Co" means "drainage cage", according to the people, this mountain was previously a place for dragon trapping, so it was named Pu To Co.
During the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, reconnaissance soldiers chose this rugged mountain top to set up an observation station to study and grasp the situation on the battlefield. This location is both near the Campaign Command, ensuring absolute confidentiality and safety, and is convenient for direction.
From this "magic eye", General Vo Nguyen Giap and the Campaign Command regularly appeared to grasp the developments of the war. From there, he made accurate and effective decisions and orders, contributing to the victory of Dien Bien Phu "famous in five continents, shocking the world" in 1954.
The journey "in the footsteps of the General"
To get to the Observatory, take a walk from the front gate station of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign Command (in Muong Phang) and walk about 9 km through the forest. A journey takes 3-4 hours, full of challenges but also full of excitement.
Currently, Pu To Co has become a favorite destination for many Famtrip groups and tourists who are passionate about trekking and exploring. From the top, visitors can not only see historical sites such as Dien Bien airport, Pe Luong lake, Hong Khenh lake... but also admire the majestic beauty of Pa Khoang lake and Dien Bien basin.
According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dien Bien, the Department of Dien Bien Phu Campaign Command in Muong Phang is one of 46 component relic sites of the Dien Bien Phu battlefield Special National Monument, an invaluable tourism resource of the province.
To promote that value, in 2024, the People's Committee of Dien Bien province approved the 1/2,000 scale zoning plan for urban complexes, services, and Dien Bien Phu cable car.
According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in the coming time, the province will focus on three directions for tourism development at the Muong Phang Command Headquarters relic.
Accordingly, a tour tour will be built "Following the General's footsteps", connecting from the center of Dien Bien Phu ward - Do Cat tunnel - A1 hill - Muong Phang. Increase explanation and documentary presentation (3D models, documentaries, and campaign recreation using virtual reality technology).
In addition, exploiting the strengths of the primeval forest landscape, Pa Khoang lake and the cultural villages of the Thai, Kho Mu ethnic groups...
At the same time, developing community tourism associated with preserving ethnic culture (cuisine, costumes, folk arts); promoting the digitization of relics with QR codes, 360-degree virtual tours, digital tour guide applications on phones.
With proper investment, Pu To Co Observatory promises to become a vibrant tourist destination, harmoniously combining the heroic past values and modern development.
