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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. (WIKI)

Please read an ironic (as it is written by some foreigner or by some ultra sincere local) note pasted at the monument in the workshop.

"At the northeast end of the LaneXang Ave. arises a huge structure resembling the Arc de Triomphe. It is the Patoxay or Victory Gate of Vientiane, built in 1962 (B.E 2505), but never complete due to the country's turbulent history. From a closer distance, it appears even less impressive, like a monster of concrete.
Nowadays this place is used as leisure ground for the people of Vientiane and the seventh floor on the top of the building serves as excellent view point over the city."