Vieng Xai, Laos

My first destination in Laos was Vieng Xai. The town is located 55 km away from the Vietnam/Laos border in Na Meo. 

Some sad facts 

The caves were a refuge to thousands villagers and government during the horrific 9 year bombing campaign in the US secret war against the Pathet Lao. In these caves the Pathet Lao established a “Hidden City” which supported around 20,000 people. 

Theater inside cave. During nine years of almost constant bombing, they sheltered in caves and surrounding jungle. Most of their daily lives were led under cover of darkness. Schools, hospitals and markets as well as government ministries, a radio station, a theater and military barracks were all hidden in the caves.

From 1964 to 1973, the U.S. dropped more than two million tons of ordnance on Laos during 580,000 bombing missions—equal to a planeload of bombs every 8 minutes, 24-hours a day, for 9 years – making Laos the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. It is more than all the bombs dropped on Europe throughout World War II. 

Up to 80 million bombs did not detonate. More than 34,000 people have been killed or injured by cluster munitions since the bombing ceased in 1973, with close to 300 new casualties in Laos every year. Close to 60% of the accidents result in death, and 40% of the victims are children. 

The grave of the son of the Red Prince

Common scenes, bomb shells along the roads in the villages in Laos