Dien bien: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the opening ceremony of the Ban Flower (Bauhinia) Festival 2026 in Dien Bien province on March 8 evening, during which he urged the locality to turn tourism into a key driver of growth for both the province and the wider Northwestern region. Themed 'Hoa Ban - Khat vong Dien Bien,' the festival was a highlight of the Dien Bien Culture and Tourism Week running from March 6 - 12. The annual event celebrated the beauty of the iconic Ban flower and promoted the culture, history and tourism potential of the Northwestern region.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the Ban Flower Festival serves as a significant cultural event that not only showcases the natural beauty of the Bauhinia flower but also highlights the unique cultural and historical aspects of the region. The Prime Minister's presence at the festival underscores the government's commitment to leveraging cultural events as a means to boost tourism and stimulate economic growth in the area. The festival, which is a part of the Dien Bien Culture and Tourism Week, aims to attract visitors and enhance the visibility of Dien Bien on the tourism map.