Secret war tour 4 days

We start our tour by leaving Luang Prabang and heading south through twisting terrain to Xiang Ngeun and up into the mountains to the Kasi Pass. From there it’s all downhill and we will pass by Lima Site 25 near Kasi and Lima Site 16 which served as the airstrip runway in Vang Vieng, where we stay overnight.

What used to be rice fields set amongst some of the most scenic mountains and surroundings, turned into a backpacker haven fifteen years ago. It became famous for its tubing down the river, rows of bamboo huts selling Lao and western food and showing "Friends" rerun on TV. This vibe is still there, but now the town is starting to attract a more sophisticated traveller coming for the beautiful landscapes, hiking and light adventure. Vang Vieng is a fun place, and great for our first night’s stop. (200 km)..

Today's journey takes us climbing up and around the Nam Ngum Lakes. Reaching those Lakes gives us some great, not to be missed views of the surrounding countryside. Then we hit the new road, and ride down into Long Tieng. Long Tieng was a military base, which during the Laotian Civil War, served as a town and airbase operated by America’s Central Intelligence Agency.

During the Secret War in Laos from 1964-73 no place stood out more than Long Tieng. Only years prior it was all but uninhabited, only to become Laos' second largest city and one of the busiest airports in the world. Filled with 40,000 Hmong fighters dressed in traditional clothing, Khmu and Lao Teung in military uniforms, Thai mercenaries and American pilots and advisors, all in a valley perched on top of a mountain range and surrounded by dense jungle accessible only by plane.

We will tour the airbase site known as Lima Site 20A, visit General Vang Pao’s House along with the King's Palace, Skyline Ridge, the Runway and for the fit amongst us we can climb the speed brake. We’ll see some of it today, and the remainder tomorrow morning.

Overnight stay at a local guesthouse.

After breakfast we will resume touring Long Tieng area. There is a lot to take in, and we will cover anything we missed the day earlier and go over some areas again with a different light.

Then we leave for Phonsavan, which we will reach in the afternoon passing through Xam Thong Lima Site 20 which played a major role in the war. A new school stands on the old Hospital base, and the Air America bunk House Chimney is still standing.

Upon arrival in Phonsavan we will visit the Plain of Jars; a huge site of stone urns, some with lids. What the jars were used for isn’t known, but there are many guesses. The most popular guess is that the jars were used as a ‘burial ground’. Time permitting, we will visit the 1000 step Mountain  and the spoon Village. That evening we will enjoy a nice local style Lao meal in town and then back to our guesthouse, and our last night ‘on the road’

(120 km)

On our last day we get up early and hit the road.  Route 13 heading back to Luang Prabang via Phou Koun takes us high into the mountains, traversing bends, twists and turns. Exciting roads with "jaw dropping" views which are hard to beat anywhere in the world. We will make stops to take photos and take in the views before arriving in Luang Prabang where we will have our final dinner together, undoubtedly talking about the great time we had, and our visit to the "most secret place on earth".