UXO Lao Visitor Center: A Reminder of Laos's Hidden War

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Learn about the Secret War in Laos and the ongoing efforts to clear unexploded ordnance at the UXO Lao Visitor Center in Luang Prabang.

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UXO Lao Visitor Center

The UXO Lao Visitor Center in Luang Prabang serves as a sobering reminder of the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) on Laos from the Vietnam War era. Visitors can learn about the history of the bombing, the dangers that UXOs still pose, and the ongoing work of UXO Lao to clear these explosives and educate the public.

A brief summary to UXO Lao Visitor Center

V4JP+QH7, Luang Prabang, LA

Monday 8 am-12 pm
Tuesday 8 am-12 pm
Wednesday 8 am-12 pm
Thursday 8 am-12 pm
Friday 8 am-12 pm
Saturday 8 am-12 pm
Sunday 8 am-12 pm

Local tips

The center is open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Admission is free, but donations are welcome to support UXO Lao's important work.
Allow at least one to two hours to fully explore the exhibits and watch the documentary.
The center is located a short walk south of the city center, near the Chao Anouvong Monument.

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Getting There

Walking

The UXO Lao Visitor Center is located south of Luang Prabang's city center, near the Chao Anouvong Monument. From the city center, walk south along the main road (Sisavangvong Road). Turn left onto Kingkitsarath Road, then turn right after 220m, the destination will be on the left. The walk takes approximately 12 minutes. There are no entrance fees.
Tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Luang Prabang. A short tuk-tuk ride from the city center to the UXO Lao Visitor Center typically costs around 20,000 LAK. Negotiate the price with the driver before starting your journey. The journey takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. There are no parking fees.

Discover more about UXO Lao Visitor Center

The UXO Lao Visitor Center in Luang Prabang offers a stark and important lesson about theSecret War in Laos. From 1964 to 1973, Laos became the most heavily bombed country per capita in history, as the US dropped over two million tons of ordnance in an attempt to cut off supply routes to North Vietnam. Tragically, a large percentage of these bombs, particularly cluster sub-munitions known locally as 'bombies,' failed to detonate upon impact.The center showcases the ongoing consequences of this hidden war, where unexploded ordnance continues to injure and kill civilians, many of whom are children. Through exhibits of deactivated UXO remnants, photographs, and informative displays, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by local communities. The center also highlights the work of the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao), founded in 1996, which works to clear UXOs, support victims, and educate the public about the risks.The UXO Lao Visitor Center provides a space for reflection on the impact of conflict and the importance of humanitarian efforts. It's a place to learn about a little-known chapter of history and to support the ongoing mission to create a safer future for the people of Laos.