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COPE Visitor Centre
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Landmark
The COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane is a vital educational facility that addresses the lasting impact of the Secret War in Laos. Established in 1997, the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) provides rehabilitation services and prosthetic limbs to people with disabilities, particularly survivors of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Between 1964 and 1973, Laos became the most heavily bombed country per capita in history, leaving millions of cluster submunitions scattered across the countryside. The centre features moving exhibits on the history of the conflict, the types of ordnance used, and the ongoing efforts to clear contaminated land. It serves as a hub for raising international awareness and securing funding for medical treatment and mobility aids. Visitors gain a deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities and the resilience of those recovering from trauma.
- Location: Laos
- Top sights: City Pillar Shrine · Coffee Ah' · COPE Visitor Centre
- Nearby: Nam Ngum Reservoir (16 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 25 | 28 | 31 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 8 | 13 | 35 | 62 | 168 | 170 | 203 | 246 | 204 | 85 | 16 | 6 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane is a museum and information centre open to the public. Admission is free, but a donation is expected to support the organisation's work.
Typical hours
The centre is typically open Monday to Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday 9 am-4 pm. Sunday is usually closed; hours may change on holidays.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the exhibition rooms, but without flash to protect sensitive items. In some areas with personal stories, video recording is discouraged.
Time needed
A thorough visit to the museum takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on engagement with the exhibits. The adjacent small cinema shows an impressive documentary.
Combine with
The centre is near That Luang Stupa and the COPE compound itself. You can combine the visit with a walk to Patuxai Arch or Wat Si Saket.
Getting there
The COPE Centre is on Khat Thong Road in Vientiane, easily accessible by tuk‑tuk or taxi. From the city centre it's about 10 minutes; parking for motorbikes and cars is limited.
Insider tip
Take time for the short film at the end of the exhibition - it powerfully conveys the human side of the bombing aftermath. Donate on site or buy handmade products in the adjoining shop.
Geography
Facts
- COPE was established in 1997 as a non-profit organization.
- Laos endured more than 580.000 bombing missions during the Vietnam War.
- An estimated 80 million unexploded cluster bombs remain in the soil.
- The visitor centre provides free prosthetic limbs to low-income survivors.
- The facility is located within the Centre of Medical Rehabilitation.
- It features an iconic sculpture made from defused UXO casings.
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Sights in the town COPE Visitor Centre (7)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the COPE Visitor Centre?
It informs about unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos and the rehabilitation of victims.
Is there an entrance fee?
Entry is free, but donations to support COPE's work are welcome.
Where is the centre located?
It is located in Vientiane, not far from the center on Khouvieng Road.
How long does a typical visit take?
Plan for about 1 to 2 hours to watch the films and read the exhibits.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, it is very educational, but the themes can be heavy for very small children.
COPE Visitor Centre: where is it located?
COPE Visitor Centre is located in Laos.
COPE Visitor Centre: what is there to see?
Highlights include City Pillar Shrine, Coffee Ah', COPE Visitor Centre.
COPE Visitor Centre: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
COPE Visitor Centre: why is it worth visiting?
The COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane is a vital educational facility that addresses the lasting impact of the Secret War in Laos.
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A former temple in Vientiane that today serves as a museum for religious art and ancient Laotian artifacts.
Wat Si Saket
The oldest surviving Buddhist temple in Vientiane, known for its thousands of small Buddha statues in the walls.
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A museum in Vientiane showcasing the history, culture, and revolutionary struggle of the Laotian people.
Chao Anouvong Statue
A prominent bronze monument along the Mekong in Vientiane, dedicated to the last king of the Kingdom of Vientiane.
Pha That Luang
The most important national monument in Laos, a large gold-covered Buddhist stupa in the center of Vientiane.
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An unusual sculpture park along the Mekong River that houses over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.
More places
Patuxai
An imposing triumphal arch in Vientiane, dedicated to those who fought for independence from France.
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The central freight port of the Laotian capital on the banks of the Mekong River, essential for the import and export of heavy building m…
Haw Phra Kaew
A former royal temple in Vientiane that now functions as a museum of religious art and once housed the Emerald Buddha.
Wat Si Saket
The oldest surviving temple in Vientiane, known for its thousands of tiny Buddha statues in the gallery walls.
That Dam
A massive weathered stupa in the center of Vientiane, believed by many Laotians to be inhabited by a seven-headed Naga.
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An interactive organic farm that introduces families and children to traditional Laotian agriculture and sustainable practices.
Mekong Riverside Park
A popular park along the river in Vientiane where locals gather in the evenings for sports, play, and relaxation.
Mekong River Valley at Vientiane
The wide alluvial plain surrounding the capital city, Vientiane, formed by the Mekong River.