Things to Do in COPE Visitor Centre
COPE Visitor Centre, ປະເທດລາວ - Complete Travel Guide
The COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane, Laos, serves as a powerful educational facility dedicated to raising awareness about the lasting impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the Vietnam War era. As part of the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise, this center provides crucial context about Laos being the most heavily bombed country per capita in history, with millions of cluster bombs dropped between 1964-1973 that continue to affect communities today.
The center offers visitors an eye-opening experience through interactive exhibits, documentary screenings, and displays showcasing the organization's work in providing prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation services to UXO survivors. Located in Laos's capital city of Vientiane, the COPE Centre serves as an essential stop for travelers seeking to understand the country's recent history and ongoing humanitarian challenges, while also highlighting the resilience and determination of the Lao people in overcoming these obstacles.
Top Things to Do in COPE Visitor Centre
Explore Interactive UXO Education Exhibits
Walk through comprehensive displays explaining the history of bombing in Laos and its ongoing impact on rural communities. The exhibits feature maps, statistics, and real examples of unexploded ordnance found throughout the country.
Booking Tip: Entry is free but donations are welcomed and directly support COPE's programs. Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience and potential interaction with staff members who can provide additional insights.
Watch Documentary Films
View powerful documentaries that tell personal stories of UXO survivors and showcase COPE's rehabilitation work. The films provide emotional context and human faces to the statistics presented in the exhibits.
Booking Tip: Films are screened throughout the day with English subtitles available. Allow 30-45 minutes for the main documentary, and visit in the afternoon when screenings are most frequent.
Visit the Prosthetic Workshop
Observe the prosthetic and orthotic manufacturing process through viewing windows into the working facility. See skilled technicians creating custom mobility devices and rehabilitation equipment for clients.
Booking Tip: Workshop viewing is included with center admission and operates during regular business hours Monday-Friday. Morning visits offer the best chance to see technicians at work.
Browse the Gift Shop and Café
Support COPE's mission by purchasing handicrafts made by people with disabilities, books about Laos history, and awareness merchandise. The small café offers refreshments and a space to reflect on your visit.
Booking Tip: All proceeds support COPE programs, and items make meaningful souvenirs. The café serves simple drinks and snacks at reasonable prices, perfect for a mid-visit break.
Attend Educational Presentations
Participate in scheduled talks by COPE staff or UXO survivors who share their personal experiences and discuss ongoing clearance efforts. These presentations offer deeper insights beyond the static exhibits.
Booking Tip: Presentations are typically held for larger groups and can be arranged in advance by contacting the center directly. Individual visitors may join scheduled group presentations when available.
Getting There
The COPE Visitor Centre is located in central Vientiane on Khouvieng Road, easily accessible from most parts of the city. From Wattay International Airport, take a taxi or tuk-tuk for approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. The center is within walking distance of many downtown hotels and can be combined with visits to other Vientiane attractions like Wat Sisaket or the Mekong Riverfront. Local buses and songthaews (shared taxis) also serve the area, though tuk-tuks remain the most convenient option for most visitors.
Getting Around
Once at the COPE Centre, everything is contained within the single-story facility and is fully wheelchair accessible. The center is compact and can be thoroughly explored in 1-2 hours. For exploring the surrounding Vientiane area, tuk-tuks are readily available outside the center, or you can walk to nearby attractions along the tree-lined streets. Many visitors combine their COPE visit with a walking tour of central Vientiane, as major temples, markets, and restaurants are all within a reasonable distance.
Where to Stay
Vientiane City Center
That Luang Area
Mekong Riverfront
Morning Market District
Setthathirath Road Area
Fa Ngum Road
Food & Dining
Vientiane offers excellent dining options within walking distance of COPE Centre, ranging from traditional Lao restaurants serving laap and sticky rice to French-influenced bistros reflecting the colonial heritage. The nearby morning market (Talat Sao) area features numerous local food stalls and casual restaurants perfect for trying authentic Lao cuisine at budget prices. For a more upscale experience, the Mekong riverfront area offers restaurants with scenic views, while Setthathirath Road hosts various international options including Vietnamese, Thai, and Western restaurants catering to the expatriate community and tourists.
Top-Rated Restaurants in Vientiane
Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)
When to Visit
The COPE Visitor Centre is open year-round Tuesday through Sunday, with the best visiting conditions during Laos's cool dry season from November to February when temperatures are more comfortable for walking around Vientiane. The center is air-conditioned, making it a pleasant respite during the hot season (March-May), though the rainy season (June-October) can make getting around the city more challenging. Weekday visits tend to be less crowded and offer better opportunities to interact with staff, while weekend visits may coincide with special events or presentations.
Insider Tips
Bring tissues as the emotional impact of the exhibits and films can be quite powerful, and consider making a donation as COPE relies heavily on visitor contributions to fund their programs
Photography is allowed in most areas but be respectful when taking photos, especially of sensitive exhibits, and ask permission before photographing any clients or staff
Combine your COPE visit with the nearby Buddha Park or other Vientiane attractions to make a full day, and consider visiting during your first few days in Laos to better understand the historical context for the rest of your travels