Destination Guides: Patuxai Monument

Hello and Welcome to Destination Guides, a series that explores the attractions that makes each destination so unique. This week we are exploring the Patuxai Monument in Laos.

Located in the heart of Vientiane is the stunning and unmissable war monument of Patuxai. Meaning Victory Gate in English, Patuxai is also known as the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane due to its resemblance to the one in Paris, except for having four gates instead of two. The monument was built between 1957 and 1968 and is dedicated to the memory of the Laotian soldiers who died during World War II and the independence war from the French in 1959.

In order to build the monument, the government used funds and cement that was originally donated by America to expand the city's airport and help serve as a base for US fighter jets during the Vietnam War. Before a contract was signed to build the airport, the government used the funds and cement to build the monument for the nation instead for foreign interests. No mention of this is indicated inside the monuments museum due to the country's turbulent history during the Vietnam war period.

Guests will notice the four sided archways to the monument representing different gateways. Each gate has its own pond which represents the brave warriors of the nation and are in the shape of the open section of a lotus flower. The exterior of the monument is decorated with Lao, Buddhist and Hindu symbols. Two concrete stairways from opposite corners wind up to the top. Guests can purchase a ticket and explore the monument from the inside. The first level houses kiosks and shopping stalls selling tourist souvenirs of the monument and of Laos. The second floor houses the monuments museum with displays, statutes and pictures about the monument and the history of the local area and country.

Finally guests will reach the roof where a 360 degree view of the entire city awaits. Guests can view the parliament buildings and can also see the presidential palace along Lang Xang Avenue which holds national parades. Five towers built in the traditional Laotian style reside on the roof giving the monument its iconic look from below.

The monument has a large open space surrounding it with gardens, water fountains, car parks, refreshment shops and Patuxai Park. A large musical fountain is located in front of the monument giving guests a perfect photo opportunity with the monument. Patuxai is the perfect stop for guests to explore local culture and history while visiting Vientiane.

For more information about this destination, please contact us through our website or social media channels and leave a comment below and we will get back to you.

Music used in this video was licensed by Epidemic Sounds. All footage belongs to TroyNoffke Travel.