March 29, 2016

Early Construction of a Now Famous Lao Monument

Photo Credit:  Unknown

One of the most iconic images of Vientiane is its Patuxai monument.  Its name translates into "Gate of Victory".  These pictures here show its early construction during the 1950s and 1960s.  As the story goes, it was constructed using the cement given by the American government to build a new airport runway but instead was diverted to build this monument.  It was surrounded by dirt roads for decades.  However,  today the area surrounding Patuxai is beauitful.  The roads were paved and it's now surrounded by gardens and fountains.  You can take stairs to go to the top to get a view of city.  The upper levels also include vendors selling memorabilia and souvenirs.

Photo Credit:  Unknown

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