The caves sheltered the Pathet Lao officers during the second indo-china war in the 1960s. The United States believed Laos was crucial in the prevention of communist expansion, so became caught up in the conflict between the US and the North Vietnamese, known as the Secret War.
Up to a third of the bombs dropped did not explode. In 2008, 300 people a year were injured or killed and today that figure is closer to 50. Uncleared land still poses a threat to farmers and villages and sadly people still suffer injuries today, often lost limbs or eyesight.
Motorcycling in Laos, for a good cause! Riding Laos on a motorcycling holiday last year was a real eye opener for me. The scenery is nothing short of stunning the trails are hidden and follow through rugged mountains forever. We were humbled by what we saw, the people, poor as they are, are warm
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