VIENTIANE, LAOS - NOVEMBER 05: A collection of artificial lower legs at COPE, the documentation and rehabilitation centre for the victims of landmines and cluster munitions, on  November 05, 2012 in Vientiane, Laos. (Photo by Thomas Imo/Photothek via Getty Images)

Photothek via Getty Images

COPE Visitor Centre

Top choice in Vientiane


Laos has the dubious distinction of being the most bombed country on earth, and although the American War in neighbouring Vietnam ended more than 40 years ago, unexploded ordnance (UXO) continues to wound and kill people. COPE (Cooperative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise) is the main source of artificial limbs, walking aids and wheelchairs in Laos. Its excellent Visitor Centre, part of the organisation's National Rehabilitation Centre, offers myriad interesting and informative multimedia exhibits about prosthetics and the UXO that sadly makes them necessary.

Several powerful documentaries are shown on a rolling basis in a theatre, and there's a gift shop and cafe, 100% of the proceeds of which go to supporting COPE's projects in Laos.


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