Memories of time and history has made an impressive Patuxay symbol in the heart of tourists coming to this place. Patuxai is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph, a war monument dedicated to those who fought for the independence from France, located at the end of Lang Xang avenue, in the heart of Vientiane.

Patuxai has literal meaning Victory gate or gate of Triumph and is variously transliterated as Patuxai, Patuxay, Patousai. It is also called Patuxai Arch or the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane as it resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This monument was constructed from 1962 to 1968. Until now, the work has not been finished definitely due to lack of fund and many other reasons. From the view of many Lao people, this monument was not continued to be built representing the poverty  of the country during history periods and conveying a message to the next generations about the difficulties of striving to develop the country in the past. Patuxai looks somewhat similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris but remains unique national characters of Laos such as decoration images of Kinari – half woman and half bird or the relief describing cases of Rama and the towers in Laos typical styles.
 

Patuxai monument has five towers that represent the five Buddhist principles of “ thoughtful amiability, flexibility, honesty, honour and prosperity”. In front of each gate, there is a pond and the four ponds represent the open section of a lotus flower. The four corners of the gateways are adorned by statues of a Naga king.

Up to spiral staircase, visitors will be on the 7th floor of the monument and enjoy the immense space and spread out in all directions of the capital Vientiane with Pha That Luang – the world’s cultural heritage, national symbol of Laos Theravada Buddhism, the largest market in Vientiane, morning market or hall building. This is an ideal place to watch and take panoramic view the whole city.

Patuxai seems to absorb all tired feelings and bring a vibrant vitality to any visitors.