The C123s used in Laos were just one type in the most 'mixed bag' of aircraft types I have ever come across in one organisation's inventory. Vientiane was a hive of activity with constant re-supply flights using C46s, 123s, Helio Courers, PilatusPorters, Dornier 27 and 28s(?), a civilianised Hudson, Beech !8s with Air America, plus helicopters and other types involved in local 'businesses'. The reference to 'interesting' approaches to Laos airfields could have included a local Ex-French Marine (self-taught pilot !) who provided 'unusual cargo' transport to remote strips in a Beech 18, the approach being made from a known mountain peak above cloud descending on a timed heading and descent rate to a valley cloud break !! It was most certainly 'cowboy country' including one ex Zantop (?) Airways captain who wore the essential low slung belt with a pair of pearl-handled revolvers. We made one of our regular visits using a 'borrowed' Twin-Pin instead of the Devon and gave a demo to the Air America people - who seemed impressed.
John le Carre's "The Honourable Schoolboy" mentions at least one character from the time - the manager of the Constellation 'hotel' Maurice Cavallieri (sp?)