A performance at the opening ceremony of the cherry blossom festival.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mrs. Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Member of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Central Committee's Mass Mobilization Commission; Mr. Takio Yamada, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam. On the side of Dien Bien province, there were comrades: Tran Quoc Cuong, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Mua A Son, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Le Thanh Do, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Lo Van Phuong, Chairman of the Provincial People's Council; Vu A Bang, Deputy Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, along with leaders of departments, sectors, and a large number of local people and tourists.

Mr. Vu A Bang, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, delivered the opening speech at the 2024 Dien Bien Phu Cherry Blossom Festival.

In his speech, Mr. Vu A Bang, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, emphasised that the Dien Bien Phu Cherry Blossom Festival has become a well-known brand and an attractive destination, attracting tourists from both domestic and international locations, enriching the province's tourism resources and unique products. This contributes to strengthening exchanges, tightening the friendship and solidarity, introducing Japanese image and culture to the people of Dien Bien province and the Northwest region, and forming a tourism development connection among provinces in the Red River Delta and the Northern mountainous region. Furthermore, the festival provides opportunities for investment cooperation and helps promote and spread the cultural identity of the ethnic groups in Dien Bien province to international friends.

Takio Yamada, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam, Takio Yamada, affirmed that the diplomatic relationship between Japan and Vietnam is currently at its best stage in history across all fields, including politics, economics, and culture. Over the past year, the two countries have celebrated the 50th anniversary of their establishment with various meaningful exchange activities. Furthermore, the relationship between Japan and Vietnam has been elevated to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world" in November 2023. The people of both Japan and Vietnam hold deep respect and affection for each other. The deepening political trust between the two countries will bring tangible benefits to the people of both nations.

 During the festival, visitors will have the chance to see thousands of Japanese cherry blossoms at Pa Khoang Lake’s Flower Island.

Located at Pa Khoang Lake in Dien Bien Phu City, Flower Island will host various cultural activities featuring both Vietnam and Japanese culture during the festival, such as a Vietnam-Japan cultural exchange, a Japanese and Dien Bien Province traditional wine event, a Japanese and Mong ethnic pot dishes event, Japanese and Vietnamese traditional folk games, and more. 

A marathon competition, an exhibition of Dien Bien agricultural products, a cooking competition, and workshops to experience Japanese tea, the traditional Kimono dress, and Mochi cakes will also be held during the festival.

After the Opening Ceremony, the Delegates took souvenir photos together.

Here are some outstanding images from the opening ceremony of the Cherry Blossom Festival - Dien Bien Phu 2024:

Dienbien.gov.vn