Where is Bai Tho Mountain & Its history ?
Bai Tho Mountain is a 200-meter limestone mountain located in the heart of Halong City, offering one of the best panoramic views of Halong Bay and the city below. Known as Poem Mountain, it is famous for an ancient poem carved by King Le Thanh Tong in 1468 and its unique position where land meets sea.
This article explains Bai Tho Mountain’s history and cultural significance, how to reach the hidden hiking entrance, and what you can see after a 30-minute climb to the top.
Trekking up Bai Tho’s peak will offer visitors a wonderful captivation of Halong – Bai Tu Long bay that cannot be seen anywhere else. Many famous poems have been written inspired by this scenery of the sea and mountains here, especially the one written in Han script by the King Le Thanh Tong – the actual reason for its name : Bai Tho or Poem mountain.
Map Bai Tho Mountain’s
The view to Bai Tu Long bay from Bai Tho mountain summitFurthermore, the mountain of Bai Tho is also a historical and cultural site of the Vietnamese people. In the past, when the Mongol invaders attacked Vietnam routing Bach Dang river, Bai Tho peak held a strategic position that helped our troops observe every movement of the enemy (especially the conflict with China during the fewdal time) and report back to the capital city in time by lighting fires. Thus, the old name of Bai Tho mountain was Truyen Dang mountain.
How to get to Bai Tho Mountain from Halong city?
Note: Bai Tho Mountain is currently closed to the public following a fire that occurred several years ago ( hopefully, it will be soon operated & opened for the public). Despite this restriction, some travelers still attempt to reach the summit via unofficial routes through local residential home. This access is not permitted and is undertaken at one’s own risk
To reach Bai Tho Mountain from Ha Long City:From the center of Halong city, take Highway 18 over Bai Chay bridge.
Turn onto Dang Ba Hat – Ba Deo – Le Thanh Tong road and continue straight on Le Thanh Tong road until you reach Hang Noi street.
Stop at Nam Phong cafe, located on Hang Noi street.
Opposite the café, there is a small alley leading between local houses. Some visitors follow this path and pass through private property (usually after paying a fee) to reach the mountain trail, which is considered illegal access.
If you are unsure of the way, locals may offer directions, as they are generally friendly and helpful
Climbing Bai Tho mountain peak is not too difficult. You will pass through a staircase section and then an ascending trail for about 20-30 minutes to reach the top
Top Things to Do When Conquering Bai Tho Mountain Peak
After a slightly tiring hike, you will be rewarded with the stunning and breathtaking view from Bai Tho pountain’s peak. In front of you lies Ha Long bay, a very different, romantic and poetic bay compared to the bustling and noisy city below. You can expand your view and capture a panoramic view of the beautiful bay and city with many interesting things that cannot be seen from any other location.
1. The red flag with yellow star waving proudly
You will have the opportunity to witness the red flag with a yellow star flying in this historic location since the resistance war against the French. It would be meaningful if you and your group salute the flag or place your right hand over your heart and sing the national anthem of your country. Don’t forget to capture your memorable moments here with beautiful photos!
2. Check in at the stone plaque marking a historic milestone
At the mountain’s summit, there is a stone plaque marking a historic milestone of the Vietnamese people. You can learn more about the history of Bai Tho mountain and also take some amazing photos for your social media.
3. Zoom out your sight to admire the panoramic view of Halong bay
You may have visited Halong bay on a scenic Halong bay cruise, but you have never captivated the bay’s beauty from Bai Tho mount. From the peak, you can zoom out your view to the panoramic beauty of the poetic bay, which looks like a watercolor painting with blue water reflecting the sky, the mountains dotted around, and the small and big boats floating on the water. It’s not an exaggeration to say that you can compose a poem or draw a picture instantly when standing here
4. Capturing the magical moments of sunrise/sunset on the mountain top
Sunrise and sunset are moments that we can witness in many places, but it would be lucky and wonderful if you could capture those moments from Bai Tho summit over Halong bay. You will be amazed and mesmerized by the scene of the sky merging with distant islets and the vast ocean, creating a dreamy and mystical atmosphere.
Bai Tho mountain & its summit
When is the best time to visit Bai Tho mountain?
When climbing a mountain, the weather and time are very important. Therefore, to have a successful trekking trip to Poem mountain, you should research and choose the most suitable time & moments
1.What is the best season to visit Bai Tho mountain?
Without even asking, most people know that climbing a mountain must be done on a sunny day. At the very least, it should not rain and be dry. This ensures a safe and easy journey for sightseeing and exploration.
The best time to hike Bai Tho mount is during the dry season, which lasts from November to April. During this time, the weather is generally cool and dry, with lower chances of rain but it is quite constant with high humidity leading to low visibility, which offer you mysterious views of Halong bay. However, if you prefer a quieter and less crowded experience, it’s best to visit during the low season, from May to October. Keep in mind that weather conditions will be hot & can be unpredictable, so it’s important to check the weather forecast before planning your visit.
2. Ideal time of the day to climb Poem Mountain
According to the experience of previous hikers, the best moments to climb Bai Tho peak and enjoy its beautiful scenery are at sunrise and sunset as this is when the light is best for photography. The sunrise and sunset views from the top of the mountain are particularly stunning, with the warm hues of the sun illuminating the bay and the surrounding landscape.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that sunrise may be too early for some visitors, so sunset could be a better option. Additionally, the weather and season should also be taken into consideration for the best experience.
What do you need to prepare before climbing Bai Tho Mountain?
Although it is not as high as other mountains, in order to climb successfully without any obstacles, you should remember to prepare the following essentials :Proper footwear: Wear comfortable and sturdy sports shoes with good grip to avoid slipping.
Appropriate clothing: Wear tight-fitting, stretchy, and breathable clothing that can absorb sweat. Avoid loose or fancy clothing.
Sun protection: Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Water and snacks: Bring plenty of water and some light snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized during the hike.
Small flashlight: If you plan to hike early in the morning, bring a small flashlight to light your way.
Camera or phone: Bring a fully charged camera or phone to capture the stunning views of the mountain.
By preparing these essentials, you can have a safe and enjoyable hiking experience on Bai Tho Mountain
In conclusion, Bai Tho is a must-visit mountain for anyone traveling to Halong Bay. The stunning views, challenging hike, and rich history make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience. As you stand at the summit, looking out over the vast expanse of Halong Bay, you’ll feel a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of the natural world. It’s an experience that you’ll cherish
So what are you waiting for? Head to Bai Tho and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Halong Bay from the top. And don’t forget to capture your memories with a camera or your smartphone.
"As of May 2026, many articles still mention trekking tours to Bài Thơ Mountain, but according to the local management authorities, there are currently no official tours operating there.
The reason is that the mountain area lies directly above residential neighborhoods below. A few years ago, a major fire broke out and burned through the entire area. According to reports, several camping groups had lit fires and cooked on the mountain, causing the flames to spread downhill into the residential zone.
Because of that incident, official access to the mountain is no longer permitted. However, visitors can still go to the foot of the mountain, where some local residents may offer to guide them up for the experience. Technically, this is unofficial and not fully legal, though in practice it is generally tolerated and not considered a major issue.
These local guides will usually explain the route and necessary precautions in detail. Visitors are expected to strictly follow safety rules, especially avoiding any kind of fire, cooking, or camping stove use on the mountain.
The cost for this kind of unofficial guided visit is usually around 50,000 VND per person."
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