Journey Back to Laos

With Audley's Assistance, A War Veteran Was Able to Revisit The Region in Which He Fought

By Audley Travel

January 14^th, 2015

a return to laos

For one year of my life, while serving as an Air Force Intelligence Officer during the Vietnam War, I flew 116 combat missions over Northern Laos in support of America’s so-called “secret army”. Under the leadership of General Vang Pao, the army fought the North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao for control of Laos. For years, I have felt a compelling need to return to Laos.

I wanted to make a connection with the Lao people, experience first-hand the war’s impact on the population, honor the memory of those who had died, and discover that part of me that had been left behind.

With the capable assistance of Southeast Asia specialists Hannah Jones and Julie Ganski, we planned a trip that took me to the villages and cities of my choice. With Audley making all travel arrangements in the countries I visited and providing me with outstanding guides and drivers, all of my focus could be directed at immersing myself in all things Laos.

As a former educator, I took great delight in visiting several schools and enjoyed incredible experiences interacting with students and teachers alike, several of whom I am still in contact with through the Internet.

Like youth everywhere, the children of Laos were inquisitive, friendly, and smiled perpetually. It was pure joy.

the people of laos

Another highlight of the trip was when we stopped at villages to meet the people of Laos. I was so impressed and overwhelmed by the hospitality extended to total strangers.

Laos is filled with kind-heartedness, gentleness, and love.

We were immediately invited into their homes and almost immediately food and drink appeared.

I met people who, unbeknownst to us, the paths of our lives had crossed 45 years ago. Regardless of whether we had been adversaries or comrades during the war, we experienced an immediate bonding and friendship based on respect for one another. I met one citizen who had been an officer in the North Vietnamese Army, another fought for the Pathet Lao, and two others fought with the Americans.

When we parted, there were hugs, tears, and kisses, as well as blessings for peace and good health.

One of the most moving parts of the trip was meeting some of the innocent victims who suffered mightily when war came to their villages.

Two boyhood friends lost legs when they were hiding in the woods, trying to avoid the falling bombs. A woman lost her mother, grandmother, and five siblings when rockets destroyed Tham Piu Cave in 1968. A young man was born in a cave in 1973 when his family sought safety and refuge in a cave. They felt no anger toward America, were content to leave the past in the past, and looked only to the future. I was humbled by their forgiveness.

the trip of a lifetime

Both of my Country Specialists, Hannah and Julie, were professional, knowledgeable, and most helpful. They made some great arrangements for accommodations, in-country flights, travel arrangements, and the absolute best guides.

Thanks to Audley, I enjoyed a trip of a lifetime. I accomplished what I had hoped to achieve, and I am at peace. My thoughts and prayers are with the beautiful, loving, and kind Lao for a lifetime filled with peace, prosperity, and good health. I am already planning to travel to Southeast Asia in the future and will depend on the resources of Audley to make it just as rewarding..

Footnotes

To start planning your own tailor-made journey to Laos, contact one of our Southeast Asia Specialists today at 1-855-838-0125 or visit us online at www.audleytravel.com/us.

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FootNotes

To start planning your own tailor-made journey to Laos, contact one of our Southeast Asia Specialists today at 1-855-838-0125 or visit us online at www.audleytravel.com/us.