Patuxay

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Patuxai (literally Victory Gate or Gate of Triumph), formerly the Anousavary or Anosavari Monument, is a monument in the center of Vientiane, Laos built in 1962 or 1968.

It is dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. Although faintly resembling the Arc de Triomphe, in Paris, it is typically Laotian, decorated with many kinnari figures — half woman, half bird.

The Patuxai was built using American funds. America had given Laos money to build a new airport. But in turn, Laos used the money to build the monument. Sometimes the Patuxai is called the "Vertical runway".

It has sometimes been called the Champs Elysées of the East.

The road that it is on is Lan Xang Boulevard, but sometimes known in Lao as "Thanon Luang" which means Grand Avenue or Street.

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• Pictures:[1][2][3]

Photos of Patuxay