Independent reviews and recommendations by Rusty Compass. No advertorial, no paid placements and no sponsored content.

Colonel de Castries' bunker, Dien Bien Phu

By Mark Bowyer | 27 Jan 2012

1 of 6

This memorial to fallen French soldiers is nearby the bunker.
Photo: Mark Bowyer
Colonel de Castries' bunker, Dien Bien Phu
Photo: Mark Bowyer
Photo: Mark Bowyer

Map

Colonel de Castries' bunker, Dien Bien Phu

Map

Add to plan

Our rating

By Mark Bowyer 27 Jan 2012

Colonel de Castries was the French commander at Dien Bien Phu. His bunker was overrun by Viet Minh forces on 7 May 1954 ending the battle.

Note: The information provided in this review was correct at time of publishing but may change. For final clarification please check with the relevant service

The bunker from which Colonel de Castries was captured on May 7 1954 has been recreated in its actual location. There's not a whole lot to see here but if you've studied the history, the bunker and nearby Muong Thanh bridge were vital strategic positions.

There are French tanks, guns and other war junk in the surrounding fields.

Travel tips
Easily reached by bicycle from town. The French war memorial is nearby.

Mark Bowyer is the founder and publisher of Rusty Compass. read more
Twitter: @rustycompass

Support Rusty Compass
Rusty Compass is an independent travel guide. We’re focused on providing you with quality, unbiased, travel information. That means we don't receive payments in exchange for listings and mostly pay our own way. We’d like tourism to be a positive economic, environmental and cultural force and we believe travellers deserve disclosure from publishers. Spread the word about Rusty Compass, and if you're in Saigon, pop in to The Old Compass Cafe and say hi. It’s our home right downtown on Pasteur St. You can also check out our unique tours of Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney at www.oldcompasstravel.com Make a financial contribution using the link below. Even small amounts make a difference. Thanks and travel well!