Long Tieng, Phonsavan Travel Guide

Long Tieng, also known as Long Chieng or Long Cheng, is a former military base and town shrouded in history, located in the remote Xaisomboun Province of Laos. During the Laotian Civil War, this valley became the headquarters for Major General Vang Pao and a clandestine airbase operated by the CIA. Codenamed Lima Site 98 (LS 98) or Lima Site 20A (LS 20A), it played a pivotal role in the conflict, earning the moniker 'the most secret place on Earth'.In its heyday in the late 1960s, Long Tieng was the second-largest city in Laos, with a population of around 40,000. It housed a diverse community of Hmong soldiers, Thai mercenaries, and American pilots, creating a unique cultural melting pot. The town featured a 1,260-meter runway, which became one of the busiest airports in the world at the time. Hmong entrepreneurs established businesses, offering services ranging from taxi services to equipment repair.After the U.S. withdrawal and the end of the war, Long Tieng faded into obscurity. For many years, it remained restricted to the public. Today, Long Tieng is a Laotian military base and a historical site open to visitors. Travelers can explore the remnants of the former airbase, including the runway and various buildings. The surrounding landscape offers stunning views of the mountainous terrain.