Patuxay Park holds the monument of the Victory Gate. Built in the sixties this large gate was modeled on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris but with a local flavour.
Approached via a grand boulevarde graced with ornate French style lamps the gate is one of the tallest buildings in the capital and is well worth a visit for it offers some fantastic views.
You pay a small admission fee to climb up the gate and there are two levels to take in the views. Lots of steps though.
Ignore the no photography signs - everyone else was when we visited so we took our prompt from them and started snapping away.
Although the arch itself appears very French it is when you take a closer look that you realize that the carvings and most other artwork are more Buddhist or Hindu rather than French provincial. It is interesting that all the local people we spoke to despise this huge concrete monolith.
The gardens in the park are beautifully manicured and planted. The fountains contained in the ponds are apparently "musical" (?) but were not operating the day that we visited so I can't explain further.
You can park near the monument but be aware you need to pay the self appointed parking inspectors that lurk nearby and approach you as soon as you park. At least the bike was still there when we returned although I don't think theft is a problem in this sleepy capital.
After visiting the monument the park itself is a great place to relax in whilst indulging in an ice cream and watching the passing parade of locals and tourists passing by.
From journal Sabbai dee and sankyou very much!