The Constellation: War Hotel

In the capital city of every war-torn country exists a curious oddity: a War Hotel. In Beirut, it was The Commodore; In Saigon, The Caravelle; In Sarajevo, the Holiday Inn. War Hotels are the one sanctuary amidst the chaos and destruction of war, where journalists, diplomats, pilots, spies, war profiteers, smugglers, soldier, and mercenary, congregate to chat, snoop, make deals, reacquaint, and otherwise shake the menace of war from their daily lives over stiff drinks, and wafts of tobacco and other smoke. The Constellation Hotel in Vientiane, Laos was so full of intrigue and charm, the famous novelist John Le Carre used it as a setting for his magnificent spy thriller The Honourable Schoolboy. I have teamed with Emeritus Professor - and acclaimed Vietnam War correspondent - Dr. Martin Stuart-Fox to tell the story of The Constellation, the War Hotel of the Secret War in Laos, in a 15-minute video with original film, photos, and stories of those who stayed there and fought and covered the war. [The pic at 1:36 of the four men is a 1970 photo, left to right, Charles Mann (USAID Director), U.S. Ambassador G. McMurtie Godley, Jack Williamson (USAID Refugee Affairs Officer), and Hugh Tovar (CIA Station Chief)]
‪@CarterOnConflict‬

[@gilmueller4803]

Again, a deft touch of a time and place that still touches each of us who call SE Asia home. Paul's understated eloquence is always effective. His insights are always relevant.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Gil, thank you so much for watching and commenting. That you appreciate is humbling and flattering.

[@winaiwongsurawat7080]

Nicely done! Great photos and fascinating stories. These war hotels were surely the inspiration for the Continental in the John Wick movies.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Dr. Winai, I appreciate you taking the time to watch the video and comment! Well, I must check out the John Wick series! Thank you again.

[@crispusattucks4007]

Excellent interviews with Martin-Stuart Fox

[@CarterOnConflict]

Sir…..thank you for reviewing !

[@noman1974]

Bravo! Thank you for this interesting and informative video.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you sir for watching and commenting! Glad you liked it.

[@user-vj4oc7zz8d]

Good story. One thing that you didn't mention was that when Laos opened for tourists for the first time since 1975, in 1989, the hotel that everyone went to in Vientiane at the time was the Constellation, but I am not sure if the name of the hotel had changed yet. I was there myself at that time. There were few other places that one could stay at in Vientiane in 1989. Anyway, for at least a short period, the hotel was the center of things then as well, but soon other places became more popular.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you for watching and your comment. I believe the name was the Asian Pavillion at that time, the sign that still graces the front.

[@user-vj4oc7zz8d]

@@CarterOnConflict You might be right, but I do know that they did a major renovation in the 1990s, and I think that might be when the name changed to Asian Pavillion. In fact, I am pretty sure that I noticed that the name had changed then. Anyway, it was a very serious renovation at the time.

[@vanmalaphongsavan551]

, Thank you Dr. Paul T. Carter for your history sharing and this was so refreshed my memoir the Journey In Times.....Love your story. My house was behind the National Radio Station in VT.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Ha, wonderful!!! Glad you enjoyed. Thank you for watching and sharing.

[@vanmalaphongsavan551]

I have shared with my friends and workers they love to watch with your best videos @@CarterOnConflict

[@tonyzola8550]

Really well done Paul. Bravo indeed!!!!

[@CarterOnConflict]

Well thank you Mr. Zola, I know you stayed there and experienced it first hand. Thanks for watching and leaving a note.

[@CarterOnConflict]

The pic at 1:36 of the four men is a 1970 photo, left to right, Charles Mann (USAID Director), U.S. Ambassador G. McMurtie Godley, Jack Williamson (USAID Refugee Affairs Officer), and Hugh Tovar (CIA Station Chief).