Most of tourists coming to the capital Vientiane take the time to visit Patuxai, which is considered the symbol of this city. Patuxai is called Victory Monument of the city. The structure was built in honor of the soldiers in the war against French Colonialist.
Patuxai (Patuxay) is located on Lan Xang Avenue or Thanon Luang Avenue in the north of Vientiane, is a symbol of the victory of Laotians. Patuxai stands between the sky as a lively witness of the heroic history of Laos. When the sunshine shimmer, Patuxai welcomes the first rays of the sun and also see clearly the sun setting over the country.
Patuxay has many other names such as the vertical runway, the cement monster or Champs Elysée of the East. It was built from 1962 to 1968. After many unfinished times because of lack of funding and other reasons, so far Patuxay has not really completed.
Patuxay is somewhat similar to Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but bears a Laotian identity. It is decorative patterns Kinari – half woman and half bird, reliefs describing Rama epic and towers features Laotian style.
Walking up the spiral staircase, visitors will in turn come to 7 floors of the tower. The immense space spreading all directions of the capital Vientiane appears in front of visitors: City Hall, Pha That Luang (world cultural heritage), the largest market in Vientiane, morning markets … all of them can be seen from Patuxai. Also, this is an ideal location to capture the city view.
