COPE Visitor Centre – A Journey of Hope and Healing in Vientiane, Laos
The COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane, Laos, is one of the most meaningful and educational attractions in the country. It offers visitors a deep understanding of Laos’s tragic past and its ongoing recovery from the devastating effects of unexploded ordnance (UXO). More than just a museum, COPE (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise) stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and compassion, helping thousands of people who have been injured by leftover bombs from the Indochina War.
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A Glimpse into History
Between 1964 and 1973, Laos became the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. Millions of cluster bombs were dropped, and even today, many unexploded devices remain hidden in the soil, posing a danger to rural communities. The COPE Visitor Centre was established to raise awareness about this issue and to support those affected by UXO through rehabilitation and prosthetic services.
Since its founding in 1997, COPE has worked alongside the Laos Ministry of Health and international partners to provide free medical assistance, artificial limbs, and rehabilitation to survivors. The centre serves as both a humanitarian project and an educational hub for locals and foreigners who wish to understand the ongoing impact of war on Lao people.
What You’ll Discover Inside
The COPE Visitor Centre features a series of interactive exhibitions, short documentaries, and real-life stories of survivors. Visitors can learn about the dangers of UXO, the process of prosthetic production, and the challenges faced by people living with disabilities in Laos.
One of the most powerful parts of the experience is the multimedia room, where visitors can watch emotional short films that share the personal journeys of UXO survivors and their road to recovery. The centre also showcases prosthetic limbs, rehabilitation equipment, and educational displays that highlight the hard work of medical teams helping people regain mobility and independence.
Why COPE Matters
The COPE Visitor Centre is more than a tourist destination—it’s a reminder of the human cost of war and the strength of those who rebuild their lives afterward. By visiting, you directly support COPE’s mission to provide prosthetic care and rehabilitation to victims who cannot afford treatment. Every donation, purchase, or entry helps fund essential medical programs that give people a chance to walk, work, and live again.
Visiting COPE Visitor Centre
Located near the Vientiane city center, the COPE Visitor Centre is easy to reach by tuk-tuk or taxi. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged to support the organization’s work. The centre is open daily, and visitors can enjoy a relaxing break at the on-site café and browse the gift shop, which sells locally made souvenirs and handicrafts that benefit UXO survivors.
Final Thoughts
The COPE Visitor Centre is one of the most important and inspiring attractions in Vientiane, Laos. It connects history, humanity, and hope in a way few places can. For travelers looking to go beyond temples and landscapes, a visit to COPE offers a meaningful experience that stays with you long after you leave. It is a place that reminds us not only of the past but also of the compassion and resilience that define the Lao spirit.
