Patuxay

Patuxay or Patuxai is a historic building located in the district of Thanon Lane Xang, Vientiane, Laos. The building is a monument built in the year 1957-1968 to commemorate the freedom fighters who fight for Laos from France. Patuxay means Victory Gate or Gate of Triumph. The building is also often referred to by the name Patuxay Arch or Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane as the building is similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France.

This monument is sometimes referred as the vertical runway because the cement used to build this monument will be used to build a new airport. Around the monument there is a park called Patuxay Park. There are a variety of palm trees and ponds containing lotus in this park. At night, the fountains of the existing pool at this park also beautify the environment around Patuxay decorated with lights. In the north garden, there is a peace gong which is a contribution from the government of Indonesia.

Patuxay has seven floors of which some are used as museum and gift shop that sells a variety of unique souvenirs of Laos as sin which is typical fabric of Laos, key chains, clothes, and others. While on the top floor is a place reserved for the tourists to see the sights of Vientiane from the top or the viewing area. There are stairs and elevators that you can use to get to the viewing area.