Things To Do of MAG UXO Visitor Information Centres

The MAG UXO Visitor Information Centre is one of the most informative and impactful educational attractions in Vientiane, dedicated to raising awareness about the ongoing threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos and the efforts being made to remove these deadly remnants of war. Operated by the international humanitarian organization MAG (Mines Advisory Group), the center provides visitors with a deeper understanding of how decades-old conflict continues to affect communities across the country today.

Laos is often described as the most heavily bombed country in the world on a per-capita basis. Between 1964 and 1973, millions of tons of bombs were dropped across the country, leaving behind countless unexploded cluster munitions and other explosive remnants that still pose risks to rural communities. Since 1994, MAG has worked throughout Laos to locate, remove, and safely destroy UXO, helping make land safe for farming, infrastructure development, schools, and villages.

The visitor center uses exhibits, photographs, documentaries, maps, survivor stories, and real examples of explosive remnants recovered during clearance operations to explain the history and impact of UXO contamination. Visitors can learn about MAG's life-saving work, the challenges faced by affected communities, and the progress being made in reducing the threat. Regular documentary screenings and educational displays provide a powerful and often emotional insight into one of the most significant humanitarian issues facing Laos today.

Unlike traditional museums, the center focuses on education, awareness, and humanitarian action. The exhibits are designed to be accessible to visitors of all ages and backgrounds, making it an excellent complement to a visit to the nearby COPE Visitor Centre. Together, these attractions help visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of the long-term impact of war and the resilience of the Lao people.

Located near the Mekong River in central Vientiane, the center is easy to visit during a city tour and typically requires less than one hour to explore. Admission is free, although donations and purchases from the small souvenir section help support MAG's clearance operations and educational programs.

For travelers interested in history, humanitarian work, social issues, and contemporary Laos, the MAG UXO Visitor Information Centre offers one of the most meaningful and educational experiences in the country.

Opening Hours

Daily: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission: Free
Recommended visit duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Highlights

Learn about UXO contamination in Laos.
Discover MAG's humanitarian demining work.
Documentary screenings and interactive exhibits.
Real examples of explosive remnants recovered in Laos.
Survivor stories and community impact displays.
Free admission with optional donations.
Excellent educational experience for visitors.
Located in central Vientiane near the Mekong riverside.

Visitor Tips

Combine your visit with the COPE Visitor Centre for a broader understanding of UXO-related issues.
Watch the documentary screenings for additional context.
Consider purchasing souvenirs or making a donation to support UXO clearance efforts.
Allow time to read the detailed information panels and community stories.
Suitable for students, researchers, families, and history enthusiasts.

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Things To Do in Vientiane

Pha That Luang Stupa

Pha That Luang, meaning “The Great Sacred Stupa,” is the most important religious monument in Laos and the country's most iconic national symbol. Located in the capital city of Vientiane, this magnificent gold-covered Buddhist stupa represents Lao Buddhism, national identity, and centuries of cultural heritage. Its image appears on the national emblem, banknotes, official documents, and countless tourism materials throughout Laos.

According to legend, the site originally housed a relic of the Buddha, believed to be a breastbone, brought to Laos by Buddhist missionaries as early as the 3rd century BC. The present structure was commissioned in 1566 by King Setthathirath after he moved the capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. Over the centuries, the stupa suffered damage from invasions and wars, particularly during the Siamese attacks, and was later restored several times, including major reconstruction during the French colonial period in the 1930s.

Standing approximately 45 meters high, the dazzling golden stupa is surrounded by a large walled complex containing beautiful cloisters, Buddhist statues, temples, gardens, and religious monuments. Its architecture symbolizes Buddhist cosmology through three distinct levels representing the earthly world, the world of forms, and the spiritual realm of enlightenment. The entire structure is covered in gold, creating a breathtaking sight, especially during sunrise and sunset when the monument glows brilliantly against the sky.

Within the grounds, visitors can explore ancient Buddhist sculptures, Khmer and Lao artifacts, peaceful courtyards, bell towers, reclining Buddha statues, and the nearby temples of Wat That Luang Neua and Wat That Luang Tai. The monument remains an active religious center where monks and pilgrims gather daily for worship and ceremonies.

Pha That Luang is also the center of the annual Boun That Luang Festival, the largest and most important Buddhist celebration in Laos. Held during the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually November), the festival attracts thousands of monks, pilgrims, and visitors from across the country. Religious ceremonies, candlelight processions, traditional performances, fairs, and cultural events transform the area into one of Laos' most vibrant celebrations.

Today, Pha That Luang is considered a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Vientiane. Its spiritual importance, rich history, striking architecture, and cultural significance make it one of Southeast Asia’s most remarkable Buddhist monuments.