Located at the northeast end of Lang Xang Avenue, Patuxai (which translates to Victory Gate or Gate of Triumph) is one of Laos PDR's most remarkable landmarks that dominates Vientiane skyline, the country's capital. It resembles the Arc de Triomph in Paris from afar, but differences will be noticed upon closer look. Lao-style is recognizable in its intricate bas-relief such as the kinnari, a mytholigcal creature which is half female, half bird.
It was built in 1969 as a monument for those who died fighting for independence from France. Ironically, the United States' donations of construction materials intended to rebuild the airport, were used by the Laotian government in building the monument. No wonder locals also call it the "vertical runway."
Patuxai stands at approximately 1,735 ft tall, giving everyone a bird's eye view of the city and the Mekong river nearby for just a small amount of 3,000 kips per person. It is open from 8 am until 4:30 pm.
0 comments:
Post a Comment