Patuxai

ປະຕູໄຊ

A war memorial gate modeled on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, decorated with Lao Buddhist motifs. From the top level, you can overlook Lane Xang Avenue and all of Vientiane.

Patuxai (“Gate of Victory”) was built between 1957 and 1968 to commemorate those who died for independence. Its form draws on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but the top of the gate features five Lao-style Buddhist stupas. The inner side of the arch is decorated with reliefs of Hindu deities and characters from the Ramayana. Locals often say its concrete came from American aid meant for airport runways, earning it the nickname “vertical runway.” A sign inside jokingly reads, “Up close, it looks like a concrete monster.” Stairs inside climb to the seventh level. Some floors along the way house souvenir stalls, and the top platform offers a 360° view. To the south, Lane Xang Avenue stretches toward the Presidential Palace, and to the northeast, the golden spire of That Luang is visible. In front of the gate is Patuxai Park, with a “Peace Gong” built with Chinese aid and a musical fountain. In the evening, locals stroll and dance in the square. Admission to the top is about 30,000 kip (confirm on site). Getting there: it is about 2 km north of the old town, reachable on foot or by bike. Notes: the stairs are steep, the top is windy, and midday is sweltering.

Patuxai

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