Long Tieng (Lima Site 20A) was the CIA's main base in Laos from 1962 to 1975. It is now a restricted military area, and visiting requires official permission and a local guide.
Advisory Status (July 28, 2026 Update)
• US State Department: Rates Laos Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) and Xaisomboun Province Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) because of civil unrest.
• UK FCDO: Advises against all but essential travel to the province, and travel insurance may not cover you there.
• Canada: Advises permission and caution around Long Tieng.
Check each government site before you book.
What Long Tieng Was
Long Tieng, known to the US as Lima Site 20A, was the headquarters of the CIA-backed Hmong army during the Secret War, from 1962 to 1975. General Vang Pao directed operations from here. At its peak the valley held a town, an airstrip, and a large civilian population. Vang Pao was airlifted out on May 14, 1975, and the valley changed hands almost overnight.
Why It Matters to American Travelers
For Americans, and especially for Hmong American families, Long Tieng is a place where family history and US foreign policy meet. Heritage visits have been increasing, as the Star Tribune reported in May 2025. That interest is exactly why we want you to plan with accurate information.
The Visiting Reality
Long Tieng is a restricted military area. You need official permission, and you should travel only with a licensed guide who has current knowledge of the local situation. The province around it is under a Level 3 US advisory. Canada specifically cautions about the area around Long Tieng, and the UK warns that insurance may not apply. Do not rely on a blog, a forum post, or a driver who says it is fine.
How to Prepare If This Is a Heritage Trip
- Start early: Begin six to eight weeks ahead.
- Verify permission: Contact a licensed operator, ask in writing whether permission is available at this moment, and ask what happens if it is refused.
- Confirm insurance: Ensure your coverage explicitly applies to the region in writing.
- Have a Plan B: Keep alternatives ready, such as the Plain of Jars and a Hmong cultural program in Vientiane, so your trip has value regardless of the answer.
A Respectful Approach
This is a place of loss for many families. Go quietly, ask before photographing people, and let your guide set the pace. See also our history piece: The Secret War in Laos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tourists visit Long Tieng?
Only with official permission and a licensed guide. It is a restricted military area.
What was Lima Site 20A?
The CIA's main base in Laos from 1962 to 1975, located at Long Tieng.
When did Vang Pao leave Long Tieng?
He was airlifted out on May 14, 1975.
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