MAG has been clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Lao PDR since 1994.
Lao PDR is the most heavily bombed nation in the world per capita. More than two million tons of bombs were dropped from 1964 until 1973, including 260 million cluster munitions.
An estimated 30 per cent of the bombs dropped did not detonate. UXO continues to kill and injure people, and prevents them from growing enough food.
Visitor Information Centres
Vang Vieng
We established an information centre in partnership with Triumph bookshop, a small town 165km by road from Vientiane, the capital of Lao PDR.
The third most popular tourist destination for international tourists after Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
Opening hours: 8am-11pm Monday-Sunday.
Phonsavanh (Xieng Khouang)
We now have a dedicated information centre in our ‘old’ office on the main street (Thanon Laek 7, often known just as ‘road number 7’), and have moved our office elsewhere in town.
Opening hours: 8am-8pm Monday-Friday; 4pm-8pm Saturday-Sunday (these may be reduced outside the November-April peak season).
Tel: 061 211 010, email: maguxocentre@yahoo.com.
What can you experience?
• ‘Fly’ over Lao PDR using software that shows aerial bombing data. A version of Google Earth has been combined with bombing records to give a bird’s eye view of the incredible quantity of ordnance dropped.
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• Examine a comprehensive UXO collection with detailed information regarding the intended purpose of the ordnance, the quantity dropped and the methodology used for demolition.
• Watch slideshows featuring photo essays by professional photographers, on subjects such as scrap metal collection and MAG’s all-female UXO clearance teams.
• Learn about the UXO story – what UXO is, how it got there, how it affects people and how MAG clears it.
• Support MAG – make a donation and receive a funky t-shirt (choose from a range of designs, colours and sizes) and/or a unique set of postcards.
Film screenings
The Phonsavanh centre also offers screenings of relevant documentaries every evening. We are the only place in town where you can watch the Australian documentary Bomb Harvest (watch the trailer here: www.bombharvest.com).
We are also the only place with the filmmakers' permission to screen Bombies (watch the trailer here: www.bullfrogfilms.com). Both films feature MAG Lao and are screened every evening. Screenings in the day may also be possible – ask the staff.
See also:
- Latest news and case studies from MAG Lao PDR
- The unexploded ordnance problem in Lao PDR: statistics
- Download Lao PDR publications
- US Air Force bombing date in Google Earth (more info [external site])
- National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action in Lao PDR external link]
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