Hoang Hoa Tham Campaign was from 23-March to 28-March-1951 and from 4 to 5-April-1951. During the campaign there were important battles around and at Mao Khe, and it is known as the Battle of Mao Khe to the French. Viet Minh's targets included French positions along Route 17 and 18.

The battle was one of Viet Minh's initiatives aimed at French strongholds in the lowland of northern Vietnam. General Giap tried to breach the going-to-be defence line by De Lattre.

Phase I: 23 to 29-March-1951: Targets along Route 18

 23-Mar Night: Outposts around Vang Danh and the water source to Hai Phong was eliminated by Viet Minh.
 25-Mar: Chap Khe removed.
 27-Mar: Targets around Uong Bi Town along Route 18. Bi Cho, Trang Bach removed.
 28-Mar: French left Uong Bi for Quang Yen, unexpected by Viet Minh.
 Viet Minh changed target to Mao Khe: Town by E36 and Coal Mine by E209. Two targets 2km apart, planned to attach on night of 29-Mar.

 29-Mar E36/F308 attacked Mao Khe Town (without receiving the withdrawal order earlier. French at Mao Khe Town had been enforced by the 6e BPC and garrison from 150 to 700).
 E209 attack Mao Khe Coal Mine and faced barrage of artillery from Dong Trieu and had to withdraw.
 
End of Phase I.

Phase II: 4 to 5-April-1951: Targets along Route 17

1-April: French enforced Dong Trieu 2 battalions + GM4 from Luc Nam (Bac Giang).
4-April: Night: Viet Minh attacked Bến Tắm (E102), Bãi Thảo (E88), Hoàng Gián (E209), Hạ Chiêu (E98); all failed due to walls of fire by artillery barrage.
No signs of enforcement by GMs.

5-April: End of Hoang Hoa Tham Campaign.

 Results: 2,900 French troops eliminated.
 Viet Minh: 2,000 = 500 killed, 1,500 wounded (p169).