Patuxai Victory Monument, Laos version of L'arc de Triomphe

This story was when I backpacked through South East Asia. My 13th day was in Vientiane, Laos. I just exploring this city, impromptu style, let the fate surprised me, and it did!

I started to walk from Talat Sao morning market, through Lan Xang Avenue. It was around 1 kilometer, and the heat started to bite on the skin. Even though there were lots of trees on the sidelines, but the sun shone right above the head, made it a bit difficult to take shelter under the shadows of the trees. 

Hot wide street at the Lane Xang Avenue. By the end of the road, the monument was placed and divided the street.

But as I walked closer to the monument, it was all worth it. I really was surprised, as the monument was awesome and familiar. If you've ever been to Paris, or see the image of L'arc de Triomphe, you'll know what I meant. 

Both have similar names, meaning Gate of Triumph. Both have square shaped building with a hollow area in the middle for pathway, except on top of Patuxai have additional 5 towers (from below only seen 3). Both located in a cross section of a busy street, but Patuxai is less busy. 

P.S. Turns out, there are several of L'arc de Triomphe or Gate of Triumph, or Victory gate like this around the world!

Southwestern side of the monument

Patuxai is a compound word, Patuu means door and Xai means Victory. Built during constitunional monarchy, simply known as Anousavali or Monument. Built in 1957-1968 to commemorate the freedom fighters who fight for Laos from France. 

This 55 metres tall monument was built using American funds and cement actually intended to build a new airport. The Royal Laotian Government instead built the monument, which earned it the nickname of the "vertical runway".

The design was indeed inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but incorporates typical Laotian Motifs. The five towers representing the five principles of peaceful coexistence as well as the five Buddhist principles “thoughtful amiability, flexibility, honesty, honor, and prosperity”.

The typical decorations were mythological creatures of Laos, such as Kinnaly the half female half bird (like harpy), the statues of Naga King, and depictions of the Gods Vishnu, Brahma and Indra, as well as Buddha statues. 

Figures of Laotian religius & myths figures on top of the dome

Other figures on top of the gate

Designed by Tham Sayasthsena, a Laotian soldier, former journalist and self-taught sculptor. The cost of construction was estimated as 63 million kips. In 1975, marked the end of the ancient monarchy, and the new communist party seized the power. They renamed the monument into Patuxai in honor of the victory that was handed to them by the North Vietnamese Army.

Buddha figures placed on the window, near the 2nd floor

Window railings shaped as Buddha praying

Energetic visitors can climb the spiral stairs to the top of the monument, which reveals an excellent panoramic view of the city, by paying ticket for KIP 5.000. Be your best fit to climb the 7 floors inside this monument, plus 2 more additional floors at the tower on top. Some floors are used for museum, and souvenirs like keychain, fabrics, magnets, etc. 

On the 5th floor, there is some balcony with other temple-look-a-like-construction

Inside one of those building, there are souvenir shops. There's a communism flag here, as Laos is a (low-key) communist country.

On the 7th floor You can get outside to the balcony. From the middle tower there was another 2 more floors (with only one has balcony but a bit narrow. 

Northwestern view on top of the 7th floor

View from the top

Southwestern view from the top

Another view from the top

Around the monument, there was a park called Patuxai Park. They planted variety of palm trees and ponds with fountains containing lotus. They also have some cafes in the park. In the north garden, there was a peace gong, which was familiar for me. And after I checked, it was indeed a contribution from the government of Indonesia. 

Patuxai viewed from the fountain at the northwestern side

Patuxai park at the northwestern side

Peace Gong

Peace Gong or "Gong Perdamaian Dunia" as it's written, given to Laotian Government from Indonesian Government

In spite of bearing a rigid appearance of cement covering outside, Patuxai is harmoniously combined with the large and beautiful square, which creates a wonderful site for Laotians as well as tourists coming here. At golden hour and at night are the best times to visit here for cool pics. They installed lights to decorated the park at night. When the sunshine fades away gradually, people of Vientiane gather in the space of Patuxai where families walk around slowly, children play together, elders do healthy exercises and some couple lovers together sit around the fountains. All these activities have made Patuxai Victory Monument become more impressive, spectacular and intriguing.

Last selfie around sunset :p

Next: crossing the border of Laos and Thailand

--- つづく

TIPS

Patuxai Monument
Ticket KIP 5.000

Visiting Time 
Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm (to get inside the building)
Saturday & Sunday 8am - 5pm
park area is 24 hours

How to get there
By tuk-tuk, between KIP10.000-20.000, depends on where you departed and how you bargain with the driver.
By bus #29 from Talat Sao to Dong Dok, around KIP 4.000

For more information about travelling and getting around in Vientiane; check here.