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COPE Visitor Centre: A Testament to Resilience

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Explore Laos's hidden history, witness the resilience of its people, and support rehabilitation efforts at the COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane.

The COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane offers a moving and educational experience, shedding light on the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos from the Vietnam War era. Through exhibits and personal stories, visitors gain insight into the challenges faced by UXO survivors and the ongoing efforts to provide rehabilitation and support.

A brief summary to COPE Visitor Centre

  • Monday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Entry to the Visitor Centre is free, but donations are greatly appreciated to support COPE's work.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the exhibits and gain a deeper understanding of the issues.
  • Consider purchasing souvenirs from the gift shop or enjoying a treat at the Karma Cafe; all proceeds go to supporting COPE.
  • The center is closed on official holidays, so check the opening hours before planning your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Green Park Hotel, walk across Khouvieng Road to the Centre for Medical Rehabilitation (CMR) grounds. Follow the road in and turn right at the indoor stadium. Head straight towards the white building at the end of the road with “COPE Visitor Centre” painted on it. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses in Vientiane can drop you off within walking distance of the COPE Visitor Centre. Look for buses that stop near Khou Vieng Road. Once on Khou Vieng Road, the COPE Visitor Centre will be easily recognizable. Bus fare is approximately 5,000 LAK.

  • Taxi/Tuk-tuk

    Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Vientiane. Show the driver the address or a picture of the COPE Visitor Centre. A short taxi or tuk-tuk ride within the city center will typically cost between 43,655 LAK (€1.90) base fare, plus 33,315 LAK (€1.45) per kilometer. Negotiate the fare beforehand, as tuk-tuks do not have meters.

Discover more about COPE Visitor Centre

The COPE Visitor Centre stands as a poignant reminder of theSecret War's lasting impact on Laos. Established by the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE), the center raises awareness about unexploded ordnance (UXO) and supports those affected by it. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring historical context, various types of UXO, and displays of prosthetic devices. The center showcases personal stories through video testimonials and survivor accounts, offering a deeply human perspective on the challenges faced by individuals with mobility-related disabilities. Interactive exhibits and a documentary screening room further enhance the educational experience.COPE provides physical rehabilitation services nationwide for people with mobility-related disabilities, many of whom are UXO survivors. The center's gift shop offers handicrafts made by survivors, and the Karma Cafe provides fair-trade coffee and ice cream, with proceeds supporting COPE's work. The COPE Visitor Centre is located on Khouvieng Road, within the grounds of the Centre for Medical Rehabilitation (CMR).

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