Laos: Vientiane – Patuxai Arch

Patuxai is the most memorable monument in the Laotian capital of Vientiane and is also know as Laotian Arc de Triomphe. While is does resemble the French counterpart, it actually commemorates the victory in the war of independence from France in 1949. The monument is a massive central structure decorated in traditional Laotian style with mystical creatures. From the rooftop, one gets a panoramic all-encompassing view of the city.