Patuxai

Victory Gate

A local rendition of the Arc de Triomphe. Besides having elaborate Buddhist embellishment, it differs from the original in having four gates instead of two and being just a bit higher to spite the French. Reasonably impressive from afar, a surprisingly frank English sign inside the monument labels it a "monster of concrete" when seen up close. The concrete was donated by the US, although it was supposed to go towards a new airport instead: hence the nickname "the Vertical Runway". The monument itself aside, the palm tree-lined park around it complete with fountains is quite pleasant though lacking of shade during the daytime. You can climb up to the 7th story, stairs only, for a nice view of central Vientiane and three levels of souvenir shops with less than enthusiastic sales people sitting about. It features a musical fountain nearby that attracts visitors from around Laos and Asia, as well as a World Peace Gong presented by Indonesia. Roving cameramen will be happy to charge you for photos near these attractions.

• outdoors

Address

Ave Lane Xang

Hours

Closed · opens 8 am

Weekly hours

Mon	8 am–5 pm
Tue	8 am–5 pm
Wed	8 am–5 pm
Thu	8 am–5 pm
Fri	8 am–5 pm
Sat	8 am–5 pm
Sun	8 am–5 pm

Price

3,000 kip (to climb)