Vientiane capital of Laos is like the most beautiful flower of the Dok Champa, attracting visitors by its beauty and simplicity. There are various impressive tourist attractions that you cannot miss while visiting Vientiane. Cope Center is one of the most interesting destinations that you cannot ignore.
(Source: the internet)
If you are traveling in Vientiane, visit the COPE Visitor Center located on the Mekong Riverside pedestrian street. COPE was established in 1997 with the original purpose of supporting victims of landmine / UXO incidents during the war from 1965 to 1973. The center specializes in providing prosthetics and orthopedic appliances. After that, the COPE was transformed into a tourist exhibition center, which saved a time against the unforgettable foreign invaders of Lao history. The COPE consists of several small galleries, including a gallery of bombs that the United States has poured into Champa’s land, prosthetic limo galleries, documentary film projection rooms.
Like other developing countries, Lao has been the most heavily bombed when it comes to the consequences of war. Definitely, the pain is illustrated when you come to the COPE center. With the goal of helping victims of landmine/UXO casualties in the war, the center gradually transformed into a tourism exhibition, preserving remnants of the war. COPE center is also one of the places you should visit when visiting Laos to learn about the history of this country.
This center is built with the aim of increasing awareness of bombs and explosives in Laos and the treatment of wounded victims from those weapons. So why was this center established? We will have to upriver the history of the 20th century. At this time, Laos, together with Vietnam, Cambodia are the countries that the United States intervened to turn Indochina into a new type of American colonies. During the struggle of the Indochinese people, many American bombs were sprayed down. Laos is the most heavily damaged country, when up to one third of the area is bombed. Until now, when peace has returned, many bombs have yet to explode in Laos and are at risk of explosion at any time. Therefore, the COPE center, which stands for Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise was constructed. In addition, when visitors come here, they can buy souvenirs, the money earned will be used for charity purposes.
COPE’s guide information:
– Location: Khouvieng Road, opposite Green Park Hotel.
– Visiting hours: all days during a week, from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm.
– Tel: +856 (21) 218 427.
– Entrance fee: free.
Explore more article: Wat Sisaket; Wat Si Muang; Wat Ho Phra Keo; That Dam (Black stupa); Buddha Park; Phou Khao Khouay National Park; That Luang stupa; Patuxai monument; Laos National museum; Laos Textile museum
