Laos War Museum Near Xepon And Other POI'S Co-ords

bsacbob

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Chiang Rai
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The excellent Laos War Museum (N16.63481 E106.42899) is located in the middle of many other areas of interest the nearby Viengxay Hotel in Xepon ( N16.70008 E106.20864 ) the perfect base for day loops to discover remnants of both the French and American war era. At the foot of this post i will put co-ord's and pictures of some points of interest nearby.




Here are some pictures of what can be found at the museum and grounds.

Many great photographs





























Rifles and other artefacts on display.

















Outside there is a pretty impressive display of all kinds of weaponry found in the region.


































































Bomb casings


























Artillery pieces












This 20' mural was outside drying i imagine it will be part of the display at some time.












Nearby points of interest.








Downed Helicopter in Phin N16.53467 E106.02203

More information can be found here about the helicopter rescue mission. KNIFE 61 & 62




















Bombed bridge (graded trail to this point) N16.27966 E105.95857 the other bombed bridge is 5 hours further south on narrow trail.














French Era pillbox N16.70093 E106.21387













Xepon bombed bridge N16.69846 E106.21680













Aircraft fuel cell boats on slipway N16.69585 E106.21747














French Era shot up wat and bank safe N16.68196 E106.23630






















Preserved section of Ho Chi Minh Trail N16.49739 E106.48623











Bombed village so much stuff here N16.25906 E106.57989 A rough trail does continue South to Saravan.












Long Bamboo bridge (South to Saravan) N16.35729 E106.47076
















Halo UXO Offices stop by and give them a donation they are doing great work N16.68411 E106.25196















That's it have fun




 
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Last week while en-route in Laos we made a quick stop in Phine to have a look at the helicopter. After quite a bit of digging around we just found out from Peter Alan Loyds website that the chopper was a CH-3E from the 21st SOS stationed at NKP which was shot down by ground fire on 6 October 1969 near Phine. It’s tail number was 64-14222, and it’s call sign was Knife 61. There were two CH-3s lost that day, the other was Knife 62, tail number 62-12579. They were part of a mission to fly about 200 indigenous personnel to a landing strip at Muang Phine with a group of 10 helicopters. Both were hit by ground fire forcing them down, with Knife 61 going down first. A Jolly HH-3E called in to rescue the downed crews was hit by ground fire, and limped back to NKP. Two Jolly H-53s eventually rescued the crews before nightfall. More info here: Knife 61 & 62

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Great thread. I'm planning a trip down south in a few months by 4wd. Went down there around 2004 on 2 wheels. Enjoying the pics here. Thanks for posting
 
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