Laos, Vientiane, Arc de Triomphe. The Victory Gate, Gate of Triumph or Patuxai is a war monument in the centre of Vientiane which was built between 1957 and 1968 by the French.

Getty Images/AWL Images RM

Patuxai

Vientiane


Vientiane's Arc de Triomphe replica is a slightly incongruous sight, dominating the commercial district around Rue Lan Xang. Officially called 'Victory Gate' and commemorating the Lao who died in prerevolutionary wars, it was built in the 1960s with cement donated by the USA intended for the construction of a new airport. Climb to the summit for panoramic views over Vientiane.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Vientiane attractions

1. That Dam

0.59 MILES

That Dam sits on a quiet roundabout near the centre of Vientiane. Legend has it that this stupa was once coated in a layer of gold. The gold is said to…

2. Sacred Heart Cathedral

0.7 MILES

Also known as Vientiane Cathedral, this is the spiritual home of Catholicism in Laos, built during the French colonial period in 1928.

3. Wat Si Saket

0.74 MILES

Built between 1819 and 1824 by Chao Anou, the last monarch of the Kingdom of Vientiane, Wat Si Saket is believed to be the city's oldest surviving wat…

4. Haw Pha Kaeo

0.76 MILES

Once a royal temple built specifically to house the famed Emerald Buddha, Haw Pha Kaeo is today a rather dusty, lacklustre national museum of religious…

5. Wat Si Muang

0.81 MILES

The most frequently used grounds in Vientiane are those of Wat Si Muang, the site of the lák méuang (city pillar), which is considered the home of the…

6. Presidential Palace

0.81 MILES

It's not possible to go inside the Presidential Palace, as unsurprisingly it is reserved for the president and government officials. It is, however, a…

7. Lao National Culture Hall

0.85 MILES

Huge government building that occasionally plays host to government-approved dance or musical performances.

8. COPE Visitor Centre

0.87 MILES

Laos has the dubious distinction of being the most bombed country on earth, and although the American War in neighbouring Vietnam ended more than 40 years…