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MAG UXO Visitor Information Centre: Unveiling Laos's Hidden Scars

Explore Laos's hidden history: Discover the impact of UXO and the ongoing efforts for a safer future at the MAG Visitor Centre.

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The MAG UXO Visitor Information Centre in Phonsavan offers a sobering yet essential look into the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos, the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world. Through exhibits and personal stories, visitors gain an understanding of the challenges faced by local communities and the ongoing efforts to clear these deadly remnants of war.

A brief summary to MAG UXO Visitor Information Centre, Phonsavan

Local tips

  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully absorb the information and exhibits at the center.
  • Consider making a donation to support MAG's UXO clearance efforts in Laos.
  • The center is closed for lunch between 12:00 and 13:00, plan your visit accordingly.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Plain of Jars to gain a broader perspective on the region's history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are staying in central Phonsavan, the MAG UXO Visitor Information Centre is accessible on foot. From the Phonsavan central market, head southeast on Road 7. The center is located along Road 7, approximately a 30-minute walk (2.5 kilometers) from the market. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Tuk-tuks are a readily available and convenient way to reach the MAG UXO Visitor Information Centre from anywhere in Phonsavan. A typical tuk-tuk fare from the city center to the center ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 LAK, but negotiation may be required. Ensure the fare is agreed upon before starting your journey.

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Discover more about MAG UXO Visitor Information Centre, Phonsavan

The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) UXO Visitor Information Centre in Phonsavan provides a crucial window into a little-known aspect of Laos's history and its present-day reality. From 1964 to 1973, Laos endured relentless bombing during the Vietnam War, leaving behind a devastating legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO) that continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. The center meticulously explains how Laos became the most heavily bombed nation per capita, with more bombs dropped than during all of World War II. Visitors can learn about the types of ordnance used, the reasons behind the bombings, and the profound impact on the Lao people. The exhibits feature harrowing personal accounts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring the issue to life, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by communities living with UXO contamination. MAG, an international organization dedicated to clearing landmines and UXO, has been working in Laos since 1994 to remove these deadly remnants and educate communities about the risks. The visitor center showcases MAG's work, highlighting the painstaking process of locating and destroying UXO, as well as the importance of community involvement and education in preventing accidents. A visit to the MAG UXO Visitor Information Centre is an emotional and educational experience, offering a chance to reflect on the consequences of war and the resilience of the Lao people. It's an opportunity to support MAG's vital work through donations and learn how to contribute to a safer future for Laos.

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