Vientiane is the capital and larget city in Laos, and is situated in the Mekong Valley. The estimated population of the city is 200,000, making it one of the least populated capital cities in the world.

Patuxal literally means Victory Gate or Gate of Triumph. It was formerly the Anousavary or Anosavari Monument and was built in 1962. 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.