The Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum is an important landmark of the capital city Hà Nội and the political and social history of Việt Nam.

After his death on September 2, 1969, President Hồ Chí Minh was embalmed and put on view in the granite mausoleum. The mausoleum, modelled after Lenin's tomb in Moscow, was built from 1973 to 1975 with materials donated by people from all over the country.

Millions of people visit the Hà Nội memorial each year, making it one of the capital’s most popular attractions.

Việt Nam is among several countries that have embalmed their leaders’ bodies, including Russia, China and North Korea.

A group of scientists, including four Russian experts and seven Vietnamese, last year examined President Hồ Chí Minh’s embalmed body at the mausoleum, and said it was in "excellent condition".