Introduction Lima Site 85 (LS-85 alphanumeric code of the phonetic 1st letter used to conceal this covert operation) was a clandestine, military installation in the Royal Kingdom of Laos guarded by the Hmong “Secret Army“, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the United States Air Force used for Vietnam War covert operations against communist targets in ostensibly neutral Laos under…
The largest bomb crater site in the province. Located at Baan Khai approximately 33 kilometres from Phonsavan. The bombs were dropped back in the second Indochina war by B 52 Bombers. In many cases indiscriminately on the way back from a bombing run or part of the carpet bombing of the Plain of Jars as both sides fought over…
Phou Keng or Keng Mountain is one of the largest quarry sites. The jars once completed were moved to Jars Site 1. Ten kilometres away. Keng Mountain is 1400 metres above sea level. There are 1250 steps to the top. Big steps too. If normal size, easily 2000 steps. I made it 3/4 of the way up and had…
What to do next? In Phonsavan and Hmong New Year is still a few days away. Thinking what to see and do next? Over beers started chatting with some Australian archaeologists from James Cook University that are here checking out various Jars sites. They highly recommended heading out to Site 52. It is approx 27 km out of town…
Xiang Khoung province was one of the most heavily bombed areas during the second Indochina war and is littered with millions of UXOs. Bomb crater scars are visible from the road in front of the houses. The locals we spoke with buy the scrap UXO from others and then melt it down in a kiln to make spoons and…
The temple was built in the 14th century and it is believed that the same craftsmen also built Vat Si Phom located a few blocks away. In the 19th century, bandits looted and invading armies damaged Vat Phiavat as they searched for riches. Fighting during the first Indochina War damaged the temple and its large Buddha image in 1953….
Chilling in Phonsavan. Having tagged along with Chris for the first part of his tour. Decided to hang out in Phonsavan with Tanoy from Cranky T Bar & Cafe for a few days. Chris and the group continued to head south on their journey. Tanoy informed me a few months earlier that the Hmong New Year in Phonsavan is…
Three reports covering Long Chieng trips. Aussie Tim’s first trip back in 2013 when on a work trip with Phou Bia Mine. Long Tieng (Chieng) LS 20a Thongkhoon, Oddvar and myself have a reccy and see if it is possible to get in with out passes and approval from Vientiane. The reccy was in a 4 WD then…
Adventure Riding Southern Laos. Recently back from a fantastic 9 day ride in Southern Laos with Chris and Mike. Chris took some time out from Moto Lao based in Luang Prabang to join us.. Big effort for him to meet us at Muang Nong.. Well done.. Basically we crossed Chong Mek / Vang Tao.. Then turned left a…
Viengxay – City of Victory. The Viengxay caves in Houaphanh Province of North-Eastern Laos are an extensive network of caves in limestone mountains. Four-hundred eighty of these caves were used by the Pathet Lao during the Second Indochina War to shelter from American bombardment. Up to 23,000 people lived in the caves, which contained a hospital, a…