Riding south towards Long Cheng is on a stone and hard packed sand 4WD road.
The base is pretty sandy, I can recall 3 areas of red clay with some gradient to them that would be tricky in the rain
20km North of Long Cheng and houses made of war scrap
5km away, headed south, you come around a mountain bend & there it is – The Most Secret Place On Earth!
Looking south, the north end of the LS 20A runway is just the other side of those two pointed mounds
2km north of Long Cheng, you hit the “Long Cheng” sign and the Pathet Laos Army checkpoint
In 1962, the CIA set up a headquarters for Vang Pao at Long Cheng, by 1966 Long Cheng was one of the U.S’s largest foreign military bases on foreign soil. Protected by mountains from 3 sides at am elevation of 1,000 meters, so a good cloud/ fog covering, its made for the perfect B52 bomber base. It was so secret it wasnt on any maps.
Off the goat path and onto the main Army access road up King’s Royal Palace, I can see it, I wonder what reception im going to get when i get there?
Getting close to the King’s old Royal Palace, I gave out a “Sabai Dee” so not to startle anyone. Did seem to cause much reaction so i carried on. What other Laos motorcycle tour can offer you this?
There was a second building to the SE that seemed to be being used as the Army’s kitchen.
Firewood for cooking chopped and ready.
What a strategic viewpoint the King & Army General had.
Looking south east over Long Cheng.
The soldiers didnt seem to bothered by me, so i proceeded into their courtyard
Sounded like their were 4/5 soldiers talking inside the house.
Presumably a platform for a water tower, maybe a lookout.
The Pathet Laos soldiers seemed pretty relaxed.
After a good look around, headed down. This is the in double track up Vang Pao’s Royal Palace.
There is a steep walking trail short cut to the east taking you down to Long Cheng village.
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