Vientiane - Patuxai

Patuxai is Vientiane's "Arc de Triomphe", built in the 1960s with US bought cement that was supposed to have been used for a new airport. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as the vertical runway.

Right: Patuxai

Admission: 3000 kip

Inside Patuxai are a number of souvenir stalls and the top affords some spectacular views of the city. the tower is surrounded by a small park.

A sign on the ground floor of Patuxai contains the following peculiar disclaimer in both English and Lao.

"At the northeastern end of the LaneXang Ave. arises a huge structure resembling the Arc de Triomphe. It is the Patuxay or Victory Gate of Vientiane, built in 1962 (B.E. 2505), but never complete due to the country's turbulent history. From a closer distance it appears even less impressive, like a monster of concrete. Nowadays this place is used as leisure ground for the people of Vientiane and the seventh floor on top of the building and serves as excellent view point over the city."

Left: Lane Xang Ave from Patuxai

Right: Pha That Luang

A couple of kilometres northeast of Patuxai is Pha That Luang, also known as Pha Chedi Lokajulamani meaning "world-precious sacred stupa". According to legend Ashokan missionaries from India erected a stupa here in the 3rd century AD which contained a piece of the Buddha's breastbone. While this cannot be verified there is archaeological evidence of a Khmer monastery having been built nearby dating from the 11-13th century.