Long Tieng Laotian Military Base in Xaisomboun, Laos
Long Tieng (also spelled Long Chieng, Long Cheng, or Long Chen) is a Laotian military base in Xaisomboun Province. During the Laotian Civil War, it served as a town and airbase operated by the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States.
During this time, it was also referred to as Lima Site 98 (LS 98) or Lima Site 20A (LS 20A). At the height of its significance in the late 1960s, the “secret city” of Long Tieng maintained a population of 40,000 inhabitants, making it the second largest city in Laos at the time, although it never appeared on maps throughout this period.
Climb Phou Mork Mountain near Cheng Village, and look down on the misty “sea clouds”. Nearby, explore the 2 x 2-metre Khoum Molakot Battle Bunker built from bombshells in 1969, by General Vang Pao’s troops.
While in the area, check out the Palace of King Sisavang Watthana. Constructed in 1967, as the vacation home for the royal family during the dry season. Upon achieving independence in 1975, the government renovated the building into a museum.
And don’t miss General Vang Pao’s House, built in 1966 during the Indochina War. The 21-room residence is open to the public during working hours, and serves as a memorial to the country’s history. The old Long Cheng Airfield, used during the wall, still stands nearby.
