MUANG KHAM – VANG VIENG

The smallest ones have already been taken away by the collectors, and the scientists are still wondering about the meaning of the pots, there might be two versions: these were meant either for rice or wine storage. We are driving through Xieng Khouang province which is the most bombed province in this country. At the times of the war between USA and Vietnam, Laos has signed an agreement that restrained the country from the military actions. However, the American military service officers have found another way how to use Laos’ location: they came in as civilians, took off with light cessna planes for espionage and reconnaissance by force. Then they gave a smoke sign to ally bombers piloted by freelancers from Thailand and Laos. Sometimes, due to weather, the bombers couldn’t get to Vietnam, so they emptied over the East of Laos before flying back to the far western airdromes of the country. From 1964 to 1973 half a ton of the explosive per person was released here. Many places are still keeping the bombs and other war equipment here and there.