[1] In May 1975, the communist Pathet Lao overthrew the coalition government and seized power, ending the ancient monarchy and installing a half-Vietnamese prime minister.

They renamed the monument Patuxai in honor of the victory that was handed to them by the North Vietnamese Army.

The four corners of the gateways are adorned by statues of a Naga King (mythical symbol of Laos), with a depiction signifying spraying of a jet of water (suggesting nature, fertility, welfare and happiness) into the ponds on the ground.

[1] Two concrete staircases wind up from inside the main structure, passing through each floor, right up to the top of the monument.

The second floor is an important area where a museum is housed, displaying statues and pictures of the iconic heroes and heroines of the country.

Plans have been drawn to fit lifts from two diagonal corners of the monument, which are expected to be ready in 2010 when the 450th anniversary of Vientiane as the capital of Laos will be celebrated.

[1] The monumental building is not fully finished to this day, although the Laotian government have repeatedly authorized new funds.

[8] The musical fountain system fitted in the newly developed elegant garden was donated by the Chinese.