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Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum Ho Chi Minh was a revolutionary leader and the founder of the communist movement in Vietnam. After living abroad and being influenced by communist and socialist ideas, Ho Chi Minh returned to Vietnam in 1941 and established a guerilla force that worked with the Viet Minh independence movement and endeavored to expel French and Japanese forces from Vietnam. After the French were forced to leave Vietnam around the end of World War II, Ho Chi Minh coerced the ruling emperor to abdicate, and established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. He remained in control of the government until his death in 1969. Today, the government continues to celebrate Ho Chi Minh's legacy. Any articles that make negative comments about Ho Chi Minh are banned and may result in imprisonment for the writer.

As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is home to numerous government agencies and military grounds. Here, a guard ushers in traffic at a government complex.

At the North side of Hoan Kiem lake, sits a red bridge leading to Temple of the Jade Mountain. Built in the 18th century, the temple honors Taoist and Confucian philosophers, as well as a local hero who fought to protect Vietnamese independence against Mongol invaders.

Setting the world record for largest ceramic mosaic, this mosaic was constructed from 2007-2010 and commemorates the city's millennial anniversary that was celebrated in October 2010. The mosaic stretches for 4 kilometers, and was the combined effort of 35 professional artists from around the world. It is one of many ways in which locals show pride for their city and its impressive history.

Tube houses and a view of Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural make a busy highway just a little more scenic.

Vintage photos at Cong Caphe give a glimpse into Vietnam's fascinating past. The name of this café translates literally to "Commie Café" and is one of several cafes decorated to commemorate Hanoi's past.

A soldier enjoys a bicycle ride along the outskirts of the city.

The French destroyed much of the Thang Long Royal Citadel during the colonial period, but the South Gate still stands. Designated as a UNESCO world cultural heritage site in 2010, this ancient landmark gives a unique look into the past. Recent excavations at the Citadel have revealed three different layers that include objects dating back to three different eras The top layer dates back to the Le dynasty (15th-18th centuries AD), the intermediate level dates back to the Ly-Tran dynasties (11th-14th centuries AD), while the deepest layer dates back to the predates the Thang Long period (7th-9th centuries AD).

Built by Emperor Gia Long in 1812, the Flag Tower of Hanoi was spared by the French during the French colonial period, while many other structures were destroyed in order to make room for their plan for urban development. Standing at a height of 33.4 meters, the structure is now open to the public.

In Hanoi, one's pride for the city's history is only matched by hope for the future. In the eyes of Hanoians, the best is yet to come.