Take a tour of Patuxai in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic – part of the World’s Greatest Attractions travel video series by GeoBeats. This large archway is a symbol of national pride and of victory for Vientiane, Laos. The Patuxai is an enormous structure, loosely based on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but incorporating Buddhist elements. The reason for the construction of the arch was the independence of Laos from France in 1949. The Laotian government started building the Patuxai in 1957 and was finished with the project in 1968. A park surrounds the arch, including a large, round pool and a series of musical fountains. The Patuxai and its surrounding grounds are a highlight of the city of Vientiane and a symbol of the whole country.
