COPE Visitor Center

The COPE Visitor Center in Vientiane, Laos is well-known for educating people about leftover explosives from the Vietnam War, with aim to raise awareness about unexploded ordnance (UXO). Let's discover this significant destination with Asia King Travel.

COPE Visitor Center (Cre: Career Gappers)

History of COPE Visitor Center

During the Vietnam War, Laos was one of the most bombed countries, with a large number of bombs dropped by American forces. Many of these bombs failed to explode, causing injuries and deaths decades after hostilities ended. 

To address these issues, the Lao Ministry of Health and other NGOs created COPE in 1996. COPE, which stands for Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise, helps with orthotic and prosthetic needs. With that, the COPE Center was then established in 2008. It helps victims of UXOs by providing care and orthopedic devices such as prostheses and orthotics.

Mission of COPE Visitor Center

COPE and the COPE Visitor Center help victims of unexploded ordnance (UXO) by offering rehabilitation services. With the motto "Helping you move on", COPE offers prosthetics, orthotics, and mobility aids. These tools help people with disabilities regain their independence. 

COPE also helps raise awareness about the dangers of UXO and the challenges faced by victims, in addition to providing physical assistance.

What to see at the COPE Visitor Center

The exhibitions

The center features interactive exhibits demonstrating the impact of UXO on Laotian daily life. Visitors can watch video testimonies, view objects recovered from bombed sites, and learn about mine clearance efforts. 

Films and documentaries are shown to depict the history and aftermath of the bombings, along with the victims' stories of survival and resilience. Some presentations provide insight into rehabilitation techniques and the significance of both psychological and physical support.

Tourists visiting COPE Visitor Center (Cre: COPE Visitor Center Facebook page)

The COPE Visitor Center provides international tourists with a unique opportunity to learn about a forgotten aspect of Laos' history. It also educates visitors on the current humanitarian issues in the region. You can visit to learn about UXO and help the center by donating or buying items from the store. The proceeds directly fund rehabilitation services for UXO victims, helping them re-intergrate into society.

The Cafe

During your visit to the COPE Visitor Center, taking the time to stop at the center's cafe will greatly enrich your experience. This cafe offers a comfortable space where you can relax after exploring the various interactive and educational exhibits. 

The cafe serves a range of hot and cold beverages, along with light snacks. You can enjoy local coffee, fresh juices, and pastries in a relaxing atmosphere. When you buy drinks and snacks, you are supporting the COPE Visitor Center. This helps fund rehabilitation services for victims of unexploded ordnance (UXO).

The cafe at the COPE Visitor Center (Cre: COPE Visitor Center)

The souvenir shop

Additionally, make sure to stop by the souvenir shop. This shop offers a range of items, each carefully chosen to reflect the center's mission and values. You'll find unique and meaningful souvenirs, from t-shirts and accessories to local arts and crafts.

Every purchase you make there will directly contribute to funding rehabilitation services for UXO victims. Money from the store helps UXO victims by providing prosthetics, medical care, and rehabilitation services so they can become independent again.

Prosthetic legs at COPE Visitor Center (Cre: Cattour)

Educational workshops

Finally, the most essential thing to do when visiting the COPE Visitor Center is to participate in the educational workshops. COPE regularly organizes workshops and presentations to teach about rehabilitation techniques for victims of unexploded ordnance (UXO). You will learn how prosthetics and orthotics are made and why psychological and physical support is important for victims.

Educational workshops at COPE Visitor Center (Cre: COPE Visitor Center Facebook page)

Workshops include hands-on demonstrations and allow direct interactions with COPE professionals, enhancing your understanding of the situation and rehabilitation efforts. By participating, you help raise awareness about the challenges posed by UXO and actively support the center's humanitarian mission. These educational sessions make your visit more impactful and meaningful.

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How to get to COPE Visitor Center

• Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 4 PM, every day of the week, except for holidays
• Admission fee: Free

The COPE Visitor Center is located in central Vientiane, just over 2 kilometers south of Patuxai (Victory Monument). There are plenty of options to reach COPE Visitor Center:

• Walking: If you are in Vientiane's central area, near the Victory Monument, you can easily walk to the COPE Visitor Center.
• Tuk-Tuk: Tuk-tuks are a popular and convenient means of transportation in Vientiane. You can find them throughout the city. It's important to negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your trip. Typically, a tuk-tuk ride to the COPE Visitor Center costs around 20,000 Kip (~1 USD) per person, depending on the distance.
• Bicycle Rental: Renting a bicycle is an affordable and eco-friendly way to get around Vientiane. It allows you to explore the city at your own pace, and you can conveniently park your bike near the COPE Visitor Center. Bicycle rentals usually cost about 10,000 Kip (~0.5 USD) per day.

President Obama visiting the COPE Visitor Center (Cre: Laos Travel)

In conclusion, the COPE Visitor Center is an excellent educational destination to help you realize the brutality of war. If you wish to visit the COPE Visitor Center or any other attraction in Vientiane, do not hesitate to contact the Asia King Travel team for authentic and memorable experiences.

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