For a long time, especially international travelers, every time they come to Ha Long, seek to climb Bai Tho mountain (or Poem Mountain in English), which is not only beautiful in terms of landscape but also full of poetry and history.
At an altitude of about 200m, from the top of the mountain, any view of the city and Ha Long Bay is majestic and poetic, especially at sunset.
This scenic spot can become one of the top beautiful tourist attractions in Ha Long, highlighting the wonderful tourism brand of the bay city.
Locate Bai Tho mountain
Poem mountain belongs to Ha Long city, about 3.5 km from the city center, 2.6 km from Bai Chay bridge, and160 km from Hanoi.
Previously, the mountain was a place to guard and conduct environmental monitoring in Ha Long city. However, after many accidental photos and videos, this place becomes famous, visited by many young tourists because of its prime location with a great view.
The road to the Poem Mountain
To find the way to the poem mountain, you have to go into the small streets with a hidden path in the alley of people’s houses under the mountain. The best way is to ask the locals, they will enthusiastically show you the way up the mountain.
The mountain is not high, but the way up is not simple, because there are steep slopes. You have to cling to the tree beside the road to climb; for a few distances, one side is a jagged rock, one side is a deep abyss.
The path to Bai Tho is made of concrete steps, but you need to pay attention that the part near the top is a bit difficult to climb. Climbing time is about 20 minutes depending on the number of people on the way. But the time down is probably 10 minutes.
Occasionally, from the far away cliffs, flocks of goats appear to eat leaves. On the mountain, there are still herds of golden-haired monkeys, similar to the monkeys that specialize in medical research in Reu island, Cam Pha City (another city of Quang Ninh, near Halong City). These monkeys, sometimes, are still cunning, sneaking into the kitchens of the locals’ houses at the foot of the mountain to eat clumsy.
Historical traces on Bai Tho mountain
On the cliffs, there are still engravings of the poem of King Le Thanh Tong in 1468 during a visit here and the poem of Lord Trinh Cuong depicting the poem of King Le Thanh Tong when he also took his army to go checking in 1729.
It is because of the poems of these famous people that the name of this mountain is called “Bai Tho Mountain”, meaning Poem Mountain.
Continuing the history, on May 1, 1930, for the first time, the Party flag flew on the top of Bai Tho Mountain in the days when the whole country in general and the Mining region of Quang Ninh in particular were boiling with revolutionary struggle.
In the distance, on a mountain peak in the side of the city, there is still a version of the siren system of the days when the US bombed North Vietnam, including Quang Ninh in 1972.
What to do on the top of Bai Tho mountain
After a little bit of walking, you will be compensated by the unspeakable beauty on the top of Bai Tho mountain. In front of you will be a Ha Long Bay, a very different Ha Long city, much more poetic and lyrical.
You will be able to zoom out further to see the whole bay and city more beautiful, clearer with many interesting things that no other location can see.
Here are the things to do when you are on top of this mountain.
Watching the red flag with a yellow star flying proudly
You will be able to see with your own eyes the red Vietnamese flag with a yellow star that has been flown in this historic location since the years of the war against the French.
This flag pole comes as a proud feature of the people in Halong in particular and the Vietnamese in general.
Learn about the stone stele marked with the history
At the top of the mountain, there is a stone stele marking the nation’s history, which has attested to the importance of the poem mountain in the history of this place.
The content of the stele reads: “From the top of this mountain, thousands of years ago was an important watchtower in the northeastern border of the country.
At night, the guards burned lights to indicate the way for boats to dock. When there is an enemy, they light a fire to report the news to the city. Folk is called Doi Den (meaning Lightening Lamp).
In the spring of 1468, King Le Thanh Tong wrote a poem carved on the cliff. Since then it is called Bai Tho mountain.
Bai Tho Mountain is a relic of communication activities in the history of nation-building and defense of the nation.”
Zoom in on the panoramic view of Ha Long
Maybe you have traveled to Ha Long, but you will never see the whole city from Bai Tho mountain. From the top of the mountain, you can have a panoramic view of the poetic bay like a watercolor painting. The blue water is marked by clouds, undulating islands, large and small ships spotting in the bay.
Sunrise or sunset are moments that you can see in many places. But perhaps if you catch that moment at the top of Bai Tho mountain, it will be lucky and wonderful.
You will admire and marvel when watching the incredible scene of clouds and sky blending with the scenery of islands, forests, and the sea. How both vague and fanciful it is!
Finally taking beautiful pictures
Surely, you can’t miss the beautiful photos of the poetic scenery from the top of the mountain. Therefore, prepare yourself with a good camera, full battery to capture moments from the top of the poem mountain.
However, you should care when taking pictures, do not risk standing on the cliffs, where it is easy to slip to ensure your own safety and leave a reputation for the attraction.
More notes to climb Bai Tho mountain
- You should choose a sunny day to climb the mountain to be able to take many beautiful photos and easy to move.
- Choose early morning or late afternoon to see the sunset or sunrise.
- It is recommended to wear soft sports shoes to avoid slippery roads on the mountain.
- Bring a hat to block the sun if going on a summer day
- Bring water, a little water is enough because if you don’t bring water to the top and your throat becomes dry, you don’t know where to get water.
- If climbing in the early morning or late afternoon, you should bring a flashlight or a phone with a flashlight.
Located near the city center, on the shores of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tho Mountain is a famous scenic spot, is selected to visit by many tourists from all over the world. But it is only a spontaneous visit because this tourist destination has not yet been recognized as an official
