Our next stop on our tour was Patuxai, or the Victory Gate of Vientiane. It was built in the late nineteen fifties and early sixties to celebrate Lao independence from the French. It is 7 floors with at least two or three of large quiet and spacious floors of markets with some souvenirs available. It’s 5,000 kip (~60¢) to go up and it gives a lovely view of Vientianne and the park surrounding the arch.
There are a couple of floors with beautiful views. The first has plenty of space for photos and walking around. You can see it in the second photo. The highest floor is reached via a single spiral staircase. It opens into a small room that can get crowded very easily and is difficult to move around. If you want a photo or a good view you will have to be patient. The second photo was taken from this room.