Lung Xuan and I at the Plain of Jars

In the midst of preparing for my presentation, the other SAILers and I  were able to take a trip to Xieng Khouang.  It was such a scenic trip.  The rolling hills and mountains against a backdrop of blue skies and white clouds were more impressive to the eye than anything I have ever seen in a picture. My first impressions of Xieng Khouang was that it was a dusty little town, something out of a Western movie, with one main street in and out of the city.  Everything seemed to shut down after 11pm, which made walking the streets at night a bit of an adventure.  While walking back to the guesthouse one night, Toby, Michael and I were invited to join two parties. The people there were extremely hospitable.  I did notice the large amount of Vietnamese that was spoken in the city. Apparently, Xieng Khouang is a major stop between Hanoi and Vientiane, contributing to the growing Vietnamese presence there.

Aside from Xieng Khouang nightlife, we visited the Plain of Jars, Muong Khun (famous for its ancient stupas and temples that were ravished during the war).  My favorite part of the trip was the visit to Tham Phiou.  From 1964 to 1968, the cave was used as a safe haven for local residents during the bombing campaigns that took place in the province.  More than 300 civilians were killed when missiles were fired directly into the cave. For most of my life, I heard stories about the “legacies of war” from the experience of those who made it to the United States.  I learned from the visit to the cave that such atrocities are as valid and should not be forgotten.  It is a tragedy of war no matter what side one supported. Innocent people suffered all over the country and it is important to remember their stories.

Burial sites on the cliffsides below Tham Phiou