Life in Vientiane Laos during the conflict years

Life in Vientiane appears to have been complex and significantly shaped by the ongoing political and military conflicts in Laos. 

• Political and Military Instability: Vientiane was the centre of a "three-way struggle for power" involving the legal government of Prince Phouma, Captain Kong Le's paratroopers, and General Nosavan's force. The city was under the control of the legal government but faced the expectation of an attack. There were concerns about generals betraying the interests of the armed forces and the nation, suggesting internal conflict and mistrust within the military. A "change in the high command" was seen as a potential way to improve the army's efficiency.
• Fear and Displacement: On one occasion, Vientiane transformed from a "teeming" city into an "eerie ghost town" after Kong Le's forces abandoned it, and General Phoumi's men were nowhere to be seen. This led to the entire civilian population either fleeing or remaining in hiding. This highlights the fear and disruption caused by the conflict.
• Governmental and Strategic Centre: Despite the instability, Vientiane served as the seat of the Laotian government. The Vientiane government became "increasingly desperate to stem the threat to the Mekong Valley" and actively involved itself in tactical planning. Vientiane also served as a communication hub, with reports of events in other areas, such as Long Tieng, being relayed to "Vientiane and Headquarters". The US Mission in Vientiane was actively involved in making arrangements related to the Hmong resistance.
• Presence of Opposing Forces: Interestingly, the Pathet Lao, the communist forces, were also present in Vientiane for "R&R" and stayed at a compound across the street from the morning market. While there, they generally remained within their compound and were wary of being photographed. This suggests a peculiar situation where opposing sides co-existed in the city, albeit separately.
• Foreign Presence and Influence: The US had a significant presence in Vientiane, with the US Embassy continuing to operate even after the city had become deserted. Changes in US policy in Washington had repercussions and were "echoed in Vientiane".
• Infrastructure and Living Conditions: One mentions the Lido Hotel in Vientiane as a "rundown old French hotel," indicating the presence of French-era infrastructure, some of which may have been in disrepair. The fact that someone staying there felt the need to keep a rope for fire escape suggests potential safety concerns.