Name: Vientiane
Rating: 1

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Patuxai is a war monument in the centre of Vientiane, Laos, which was built between 1957 and 1968. The Patuxai is dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. In romanising the name from the Laotian language, it is variously transliterated as Patuxai, Patuxay, Patousai and Patusai. It is also called Patuxai Arch or the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane as it resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. However, it is typically Laotian in design, decorated with mythological creatures such as the kinnari .HistoryPatuxai is a compound word, 'Patuu' or 'patu' meaning a "door" or "gateway" and 'Xai', derivative of the Sanskrit 'Jaya', which means "victory". Thus it means “Victory Gate”. The Patuxai was built during a turbulent period Lao history. It was built when Laos was a constitutional monarchy and was originally known simply as the "Anousavali" ("memory"), dedicated memory of the Laotian soldiers who died during World War II and the independence war from France in 1949.The monument was built using American funds and cement actually intended to build a new airport. The Royal Laotian Government instead built the monument, which earned it the nickname of the "vertical runway".The monument was designed by Tham Sayasthsena, a Laotian architect. In 1957, his plans were selected out of those submitted by the Public Works Department, the Military Engineering Department, and numerous private architects. Tham received 30,000 kips for his work. The cost of construction was estimated as 63 million kips.

Grand Patuxay Monument. Take note that these photos were taken within 15 minutes but at different angles thus different colours captured. Good and safe place for joggers.

Beautiful monument with a park in the city center. You can climb to the top for a nice view of the palace down the Main Street. At night there is a fountain that is timed to music and many people come to the park at night to hang out and visit the various vendors. The money donated to the country was supposed to be for the airport but the Laos people built this monument instead.

Top 13 things to do and attractions in Vientiane

Vientiane

I had a nice experience checking out floors 1-3. It's good to see progress on the exhibits. Friendly staff too ☺️

Only 2 exhibition halls open for viewing as of December 2020. From stone ages up to Lang Xang empire exhibits.

The museum is closed for " fixing inside", as we were told when the security guard would not let us in the gate. However he said was could visit the Kaysone Phomvihane museum next to it, which was a good substitute, making the trip there worthwhile. Note the times, as closed for lunch, 12-1pm.

WAT SIMUANG TEMPLE
The original city pillar of Vientiane is found in Wat Simuang located in Ban Simuang village along Setthathirath Road. It was built in the 1956 and is believed to be guarded by the spirit of a local girl called “ Si ” Local legend has it that Nang Si, who was pregnant at the time, leapt to her death as a sacrifice, just as the pillar was being lowered into the hole. A very colorful Phasat Pheung (wax pavilion procession) attracts large crowds to Wat Simuang temple, taking place just two days prior to the That Luang Festival in November.

A popular temple for worshippers and tourists alike. Lovely prayer hall and dont miss the ornate ceiling and paintings just below the ceiling. A large yard with numerous other shrines and colourful deities. It  is do varied it almost feels like a theme park. Free entrance, as it's a place of worship, but as a tourist, a donation is appropriate ( other musrum attractions mandate a 10000kip entry ticket)

Wat Si Muang or Simuong is a Buddhist temple in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. The temple is unusual in being divided into two rooms. The front room is quiet, with a monks able to give blessings. The rear room houses the large main altar, with statues and images of Buddha. The temple’s name comes from a young woman, Si Muang, who sacrificed herself over 400 years ago to appease angry spirits. She threw herself into a hole in the ground where the building’s central pillar was to be placed, and was crushed when the massive pillar was lowered into position.

I visited in July, 2019. It is a very powerful museum, especially as an American since my country is the reason so many of these people have been so negatively impacted. Definitely be generous with your donation, this organization is really needed in Laos.

Interesting place, worth a visit for sure. Lots of info on prosthetics as well as land mines and cluster bombs. UXO has had a massive impact on Laos, but it also talks about rehabilitation for other disabilities like clubfoot, and post-accident rehab too.

Wow, just come here. A really humbling experience, especially as an American. The USA dropped bombs on the country of Laos every 8 min for almost 10 years... This museum is dedicated to the victims of this violence and educates people on the ongoing needs of people's affected by unexploded ordinance. A definite place to visit while in town.

Wow I can tell you guys that you will find traditional things and Lao culture here 😬😬

The museum is a little way from the city center but is certainly worth the trip. A number of buildings are located around a green lawn - it is a very peaceful and cooling place - you can easily spend some time relaxing in the garden or the rocking chairs after seeing the museum.
The museum shows very well how the different weaving processes are carried out and the staff is super friendly.
We enjoyed the visit.

I really enjoyed spend few hours in this little oasis. The owner welcomed me and my friend in a very sweet manner. Was absolutely interesting to learn about Laotians textile culture. I am happy they are protecting their beautiful culture. After the visit, they offered us a cup of blue tea.

The museum is actually closed as the museum building has early collapsed. Visiting the place is still possible though. When I went here I saw nobody at first, but then this one guard came to tell me tye museum building is officially closed, but I could have a look. There are a lot of interesting weapons and military vehicles such as fighter jets, helicopters and armored vehicles outside. There always is a sign next to the vehicle telling something about it. There is no entrance fee to the museum area no more, so it's free. The best thing propably is to enter the "closed" museum itself from the left side of the building. There are tanks and other armored vehicles left inside. What makes the place so cool is that it looks totally abandoned, there is silent inside and the roof has partially collapsed. Not sure wheter you actually are allowed to go inside the museum, but there is pretty much no one to tell you not to go there. Pretty much the coolest place you can find in Vientiane. Totally recommended!

Visited 2nd of March 2019. The main museum is closed for renovation and reopen date unknown. The outdoor area where all the vehicles and weaponry are displayed is still open, but that's about it.

I didn't have to pay a entrance fee since there were no staff in sight (although there were sandals outside the ticketing office). I assume the staff and guards on duty were taking naps.

Even though the museum door was open and there were people "working" in the ticket booth - this place is still closed, as many other reviews will tell you.  They at least let you walk around the outside and view some of the military equipment.

Definitely one of the best things to do in Vientiane. It has absolutely everything you might need to buy: clothes, food, jewellery, drinks, crafts, souvenirs and not only. The market also has the cheapest prices in the city. You may also enjoy the square dance near the market. People gather there every morning to sing, dance and just relax. It is situated on the banks of Mekong River. It is worth to mention that this night market is quite clean and safe compare to other night markets in Laos and other Asian countries. There is a lot to do here. Only 10 minutes’ walk from the market you may ride a horse or fly high up in the sky with professional skydivers (not really skydiving, watch the video attached the review to find out more). Another amazing thing about the market is that in the square near the market you may find a wonderful sunset view every evening. Just be sure you get there a little bit earlier before the sunset. The only thing which isn’t really nice about the night market is that you’ll find many mosquitoes there, so be aware of this and protect your skin before you get there.

A colourful strip of temporary tents erected from 6:30 to 10pm housing many stalls at this night market- similar to others in the region. Bargain prices for clothing, shoes, souvenirs,  you-name-it.... Mostly local residents shopping and prices displayed at most stall so a good spot for good shopping. Don't expect the designer labels to be genuine! Have fun...

Besides being really massive, this market delivers everything expected of one - cheap stuff that you think you might need, food you  thought no harm trying even when you are full, music to lit up the corners of the funfare, multi coloured ferris wheel and crazy large size balloon slides for children. It is lots of fun just to wonder around the place and walk along the broad boulevard along the waterfront. Go inland to find higher end shops and restaurants that offers decent seating. Don't be mistaken for those newly constructed concrete stalls nearer to the waters, they seemed not to be very popular and end up deserted.

interesting early temple mound in the middle of vientiane. nice place to stop for a few minutes and relax. there was an entire village/city like this, probably similar to Chiang Mai Thailand, was here at one time. in the area are a few murals on adjacent streets, rues,  on the walls that are interesting. if you walk around this area towards the morning market the and C.O.P.E. center you will see many; take the side streets as they tend not to be on the main avenues.

I read “Things to do in Vientiane” and this was on the list for some reason. It’s just an abandoned old stupa, but it’s cool to see if you’re just walking around the neighborhood. It needs maintained, the grass is growing off of it a little too high.

Exotic historical monument but there are cars parking around that loosen the presitige of its beautiful and remarkable statue.

Very beautiful iconic temple of Vientiane. A must see. Lots of Buddha statues. Entrance fee is 10,000 kip for foreigners. There are drinks and food available inside. Some of the buildings are under restoration, and it’s going to look great once it’s complete. Lots of history here.

The entrance fee is 10k for foreigners. You can walk around the compound which appears to be lodging for the monks. There are also benches, which makes for a good resting area. In the central part, you can make your prayers, but be sure to follow the directions of dressing politely. Plenty of Buddha statues here too. However, there is a lack of English signage, which makes it difficult to appreciate what is seen.

Like a step back in time. Walk around and soak up the history.

Great price for clothes and other stuff. The best thing about this market is - you don't need to waste your time and efforts on bargaining. The prices are mostly fixed and are cheap. Made in China but are good. If you are a shopping girl you would love it.

This place is amazing!
Here I ate best duck ever and I have been in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and now Laos. This duck was only 20.000kip (2.34$) and you get half of juicy, delicious, fingerlicious meat with crisp crunchy skin of duck. Skewers for 5.000kip (0.58$), sticky rice, sausages...they have everything. Lical food for čocal people. For me way better then Night Market next to Mekong river where typical tourists go. Btw. Ve sur to take some mosquito repelent, this is also their feeding area. If I could rate with 10, I would give 10!😍😋🇱🇦

A food market for locals. Well wroth going to for some quick cheap food. They have crickets and other bugs, good grilled meats, grilled fish, Sin Savan (dried buffalo meat) and more. Ate our hearts out for less that 100,000 kip

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