Although Ho Chi Minh requested cremation, with his ashes spread over the north, center, and south of the country, the massive mausoleum was inaugurated in 1975. The imposing granite and concrete edifice was modeled after Lenin’s tomb in Moscow but contains Vietnamese architectural elements, and includes granite, wood, and other material from around the country.
Most Hanoi sightseeing tours feature a stop at the Ho Chi Minh Complex and may include stops at other attractions, such as the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, or Tran Quoc Pagoda. Or experience Hanoi like a local on a motorbike tour of the city; add on a cyclo ride, food tour, or a water puppet show for a full experience.