Timeline
16:23
Grab a quick bite at this clean, reasonably-priced vegan Vietnamese spot. The lunch buffet runs until 14:00, but they serve à la carte dishes like noodles and mock meat throughout the day. It is a quiet way to start your evening.
16:53
Walk to Patuxai. The monument is open until 17:00, so you have time to climb inside and see the 'monster of concrete' label up close before the sun dips below the horizon. The structure stands tall against the western sky.
17:53
Stand at the base or on the lower levels as the sun sets toward the WSW. The golden light bathes the Buddhist embellishments in a warm glow, offering the best view of the monument's silhouette.
18:23
End the night with a meal at Taj Mahal Restaurant. It is just a short walk from the monument and serves good Indian food at reasonable prices. Note that you will be listening to American pop music while you eat.
Local tip
Patuxai closes at 17:00. If you want to climb to the top, you must enter before then. The sunset on 15 January is at 17:53, so you will be viewing it from the outside or the lower levels if you enter late.
Check before you go
- Patuxai is open 08:00-17:00.
- Vegetarian in the Golden Age is open 07:00-22:00.
- Taj Mahal Restaurant is open Mo-Su 07:00-23:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Vientiane (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).