MAG UXO Visitor Information Centre, Phonsavan

The MAG UXO Visitor Information Centre in Phonsavan is one of the most important educational attractions in Xiangkhouang Province, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos and the ongoing efforts to make affected communities safer. Operated by the humanitarian organization MAG (Mines Advisory Group), the center serves as both an information hub and a memorial to the millions of people impacted by decades of conflict.

Xiangkhouang Province was one of the areas most heavily affected during the Indochina War (1964–1973). Large quantities of bombs and cluster munitions were dropped across the region, leaving behind unexploded ordnance that continues to affect agriculture, development, and daily life in many communities. The visitor center helps explain this history through informative exhibits, photographs, maps, documentary videos, and displays of UXO items that have been safely removed by clearance teams.

Visitors can learn about the scale of the bombing campaigns, the challenges faced by local communities, and the painstaking work undertaken by MAG teams to locate, remove, and safely destroy unexploded bombs. The center also highlights stories of survivors, local staff, and communities that have benefited from land clearance operations, making the experience both educational and deeply personal.

One of the most valuable aspects of the center is its ability to provide context for travelers visiting Xiangkhouang's historical sites, including the nearby Plain of Jars, Tham Piew Cave, and Wat Phia Wat. By understanding the region's wartime history and humanitarian challenges, visitors gain a much deeper appreciation of both the province and the resilience of its people.

The center is compact but thoughtfully designed, making it easy to explore within an hour. Admission is free, although donations and purchases help support MAG's life-saving humanitarian work throughout Laos. For travelers interested in history, social issues, humanitarian efforts, and responsible tourism, the MAG UXO Visitor Information Centre is one of the most meaningful places to visit in Phonsavan.