Capital city:     Dien Bien Phu
Area (sq km):     17,133
Population:     616,300
Average temp:     23°C
Ethnic data:     Viet/Kinh, Cong, Giay, Ha Nhi, Khang, Kho Mu, La Hu, Lao, Mang, Mong, Phu La, Si La, Thai.
Districts/wards:     Dien Bien Dong, Lai Chau Town, Muong Lay, Muong Te, Phong Tho, Sin Ho, Tua Chua, Tuan Giao.
Description
Lai Chau Province is located in the northwest of ViêtNam and is bordered by Lao Cai to the north, China to the northwest, Laos
to the south, and Son La to the east.

Economy
Forestry and, increasingly, tourism.

Natural beauty sights
Pha Din Pass. Tuan Giao (1) has wild scenery of passes through the mountain ranges - Sa Pa lies to the northeast.

Historic sights
The best known site is the battleground of Dien Bien Phu (2) where the French occupiers demonstrated to it's ignominy and shame, the futility of defending a valley.
 
The inferior Viêtnamese Army delivered the resounding defeat in 1954, which resulted in the French being turfed out of northern ViêtNam and HO, Chi Minh's declaration of independence.

Museums
Army Museum, Dien Bien Phu Museum.

Festivals
Han Khuong Festival, Sprout Shooting Festival.

Transport
Dien Bien Phu is accessible by both air and road. The provincial capital is 480 kilometres from Ha Noi (a good days journey), 110 kilometres from Lai Chau and 150 kilometres from Son La.  

Transport - Air
Dien Bien Phu Airport (DIN) is located northwest of Dien Bien Phu on Provincial Highway 12 and has scheduled services to Ha Noi.

Transport - Road
Buses run from Ha Noi to Son La where Travellers change to another bus that runs to Dien Bien Phu. Wise Travellers stop over in Son La for the night.
   
Lai Chau Travel Tip, Lai Chau travel guide, Map of Lai Chau

http://www.howtotravelvietnam.net/English/moredetail_Laichaus