Patuxay Monument is expected to be one of the most popular attractions for visitors during the SEA Games. It is the most important symbol of Laos nationhood in Vientiane .
The monument stands proudly and prominently at the end of the grand Lang Xang Avenue . It is often compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris but it is uniquely decorated with Lao friezes from Buddhist mythology.
A park around its base is popular with Vientiane residents where they can walk and exercise in the cooler evening air.
Inside there are stairs up to a viewing gallery which visitors can climb to take in the panoramic view over the city.
Visitors are also able to buy Lao products from more than twenty souvenir shops selling Lao handicrafts, including silk clothes, jewellery, Buddha statues, and much more.
One shop owner, Ms Phetsamone Thammavong said there were many visitors, especially foreigners, who visit Patuxay and buy souvenirs, which makes the vendors full of smiles.
“Postcards with pictures of the main cultural sites are very popular with tourists,” she said. Her shop also sells some SEA Games souvenirs such as key rings. “Many visitors are asking for SEA Games souvenirs such as shirts and maps but they are not released to the market yet,” she said.
Ms Phetsamone plans to improve her English language speaking in order to better communicate with visitors.
By Phetsamone Chandara
Vientiantimes
