Places of interest

Concept Hotel by COAF

Vanadzor

Find yourself in a striking building amid the beautiful nature of the Lori region, see how village children are learning professions, and enjoy an overnight stay with panoramic vi…

Price: Paid

About

In the scenic Lori region, among green hills and majestic mountains, sits the COAF SMART Center — a place where modern technology and innovation meet the rich traditions and culture of rural Armenia. Founded by the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF), the center is not just an educational institution but a catalyst for rural community development, giving children and adults access to quality education, healthcare, and social services. The COAF SMART Center is located in the village of Debed in the Lori region.

COAF stands for Children of Armenia Fund. It is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 that works to improve quality of life in rural communities of Armenia through education, healthcare, economic development, and social support.

The center offers a wide range of educational programs for children and adults, including courses in information technology, art, music, foreign languages, entrepreneurship, and other fields. The center provides access to quality medical services for residents of rural communities, including preventive checkups, specialist consultations, and treatment. COAF SMART Center also supports entrepreneurship and the creation of new jobs in rural communities by organizing trainings and consultations and providing financial support. One example is the cheese producer Lermontani, which is a product of COAF SMART Center's support.

Practical

Price and tickets

Hours: MonTueWedThuFriSatSun10:00–18:00

Taxi: In short: around the city it's convenient to order a car through an available app. For a remote place, plan your return in advance.

What to do: agree on the wait, the trip back, and the price before you set off; have a backup way to pay.

Common mistake: going "one way only" with no plan for how to get back in the evening or without a signal.

Next: between cities.
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Car (your own or rental): In short: before renting, decide whether you actually need a car for your route, season, and driving experience.

What to consider: city traffic vs mountain and winter sections; insurance and deposit terms; where to park near your destination. There are many cameras on the roads; check fines and payment against the rental rules and local regulations — don't put it off "until you leave the country" without checking the contract.

A common mistake: renting a car "just in case" without checking the season and the return trip from a remote location.

Next: between cities.
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Guided tour: A guided tour can help you see places in context and save time on putting together an itinerary. Check the format, group size, and route when choosing a tour.
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