Bai Tho Mountain: The Mountain of Nature and History in Halong Bay

You are looking forward to admiring the whole view of Halong Bay from above but cannot afford the price for hiring a helicopter? Don’t worry because right on the edge of Halong Bay, there is an ideal viewpoint for you to enjoy the overview: Bai Tho Mountain. Bai Tho Mountain is not only a natural observatory in the center of Halong City but also a historical monument that has witnessed many ups and downs in the history of this coastal city. 

I. History of Bai Tho Mountain

Bai Tho Mountain, like many other mountains and caves of Halong Bay, formed millions of years ago during the Devonian period. It was once called Truyen Dang Son (Roi Den Mountain) and served as a watchtower during the 1288 resistance against the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. On normal days, it acted as a lighthouse. In wartime, guards lit fires to signal approaching invaders.

In 1468, King Le Thanh Tong visited the mountain and, inspired by its beauty, wrote a poem that was carved into the cliff. Since then, it has been called Bai Tho, meaning “Poem Mountain.” In 1729, Lord Trinh Cuong, a famous poet, added his own poem. Over the centuries, many visitors did the same, and today, nine poems remain engraved on the rocks.

On May 1, 1930, Bai Tho Mountain became a symbol of resilience when the Vietnam Communist Party’s flag was raised at its peak. During the war against U.S. forces, it served as a revolutionary base with an anti-aircraft station and an ambulance tunnel.

Despite time and erosion, Bai Tho Mountain’s historical and cultural significance endures. Today, it remains a top attraction in Halong City, drawing visitors from around the world.

II. Highlights of Bai Tho Mountain

Bai Tho Mountain sits at the heart of Halong City and is part of the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. Half of the mountain extends over land, while the other half rises from the sea. With its steep cliffs and jagged peaks, the highest resembling a spear pointing skyward, Bai Tho changes shape from different angles—sometimes a tiger, a lion, or even a flying dragon—giving it a majestic and timeless look.

What makes Bai Tho Mountain truly special is the poetry carved into its cliffs, especially the famous poem by King Le Thanh Tong. Engraved on a stone 2.5 meters above the ground, it originally had 56 Chinese characters in eight seven-word lines. Though only 35 characters remain due to weathering, historians have preserved its meaning.

This poem is a praise of the beauty of Vietnamese nature, a declaration of peace in Vietnam, and a call to lay down the weapons and build a peaceful life. This poem is the lifelong ambition of a king as well as the wish from generations of Vietnamese people.

It can be said that there is no place to catch an overview of both Halong City and Halong Bay better than the peak of Bai Tho Mountain. From this point, tourists can catch the majestic view of the world heritage as well as the modern city on the edge of the bay.

On one side of Bai Tho Mountain is Halong Bay with thousands of islands in plenty of shapes and sizes. From this vantage point, the bay looks like a vast, serene lake, explaining why it has been recognized as a world heritage site twice.

Also on the peak of this mountain, you can see a bustling and modern city of Halong. The stunning Halong City will appear in front of your eyes with a wide and long road curving along the coastal line, a huge sun wheel from Sun World Halong Complex, a crowded beach with white sand, and a central square of Halong City with many symbolic constructions.

III. What to See and Do at Bai Tho Mountain?

1. Conquering the Peak of Bai Tho Mountain

Bai Tho Mountain is not as high as other mountains in Quang Ninh, but to get to its peak is not as easy as you might think. The path leading to the top of Bai Tho Mountain is quite rough with sharp rocks, and some parts can be very slippery because of moss. Even if you reach the peak, there is no flat ground for you to stand and rest. Therefore, you need to be careful when climbing Bai Tho Mountain.

In contrast to the path full of obstacles, getting to the top of Bai Tho Mountain is a present for all your efforts. An impressive overview of  Halong Bay and Halong City is shown in front of your eyes. From this spot, you might feel as if the whole world was getting smaller, and you were on the top of the world. A gentle wind carrying the breath of the sea blows into your soul and washes away all your exhaustion. When can be more thrilling than this yomost feeling?

2. Visiting in Long Tien Pagoda

At the foot of Bai Tho Mountain, Long Tien Pagoda, built in 1941, is the largest pagoda in central Halong City. It’s a sacred site for both locals and tourists, honoring both Buddhist deities and a Tran Dynasty general who defended Vietnam’s borders.

A visit here offers insight into Nguyen Dynasty architecture and a peaceful retreat from your journey. If you come during the Long Tien Festival in the third lunar month, you’ll witness one of Halong’s most significant spring celebrations.

3. Worshipping Duc Ong Temple

Duc Ong Temple honors Tran Quoc Nghien, the courageous son of Tran Hung Dao, a hero of Vietnam’s resistance against the Mongol Yuan. Local fishermen built the temple at Bai Tho’s base to commemorate his valor.

Known as a sacred site, the temple attracts many Vietnamese visitors. Nestled under ancient trees and filled with the scent of incense, it offers a quiet place to pray and reflect.

IV. How to Get to Bai Tho Mountain?

Bai Tho Mountain stands on Hang Noi Street, Hong Gai Ward, in the heart of Halong City. It’s easy to find. From the city center, take Le Thanh Tong Street, then turn right onto Long Tien Street. Park your vehicle there and ask locals for directions. The narrow road makes motorbikes more practical than cars or taxis.

A hedge surrounds the mountain, and the only access is through a local’s house. The entrance is also their home’s gate, guarded by a middle-aged man and his family. Don’t be surprised if directions lead you into a residential area—locals are actively preserving Bai Tho Mountain’s heritage.

V. Extra Tips

• You should watch the weather forecast before joining a journey to Bai Tho Mountain. On rainy days, the way to the peak of the mountain is quite slippery and dangerous, so you ought to avoid these days.
• A sunny day with light wind and gentle sunlight is the best condition for your trip. You should not go out when the temperature reaches 37 Celsius degrees.
• Prepare your own food and drink because you cannot find these things on the way climbing Bai Tho Mountain.
• In case the weather can be sunny, you need to bring your hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. 
• esides, mosquito and insect repellent is also necessary for you.
• Comfortable clothes and a pair of sneakers are better than dresses and flip-flops or high-heels because some parts of the road are quite rough.
• You are not allowed to eat the wild fruits along the way to the mountain peak. You might not know if it is safe or not.
• Climbing the mountain should be taken in a group. You should not go on your own.
• Don’t forget to protect the environment here. You are not allowed to carve on the stone steels on the mountain.

Bai Tho Mountain is not the highest peak in Halong City, but it has a favorable position to attract all tourists coming to this city. As one of the most ideal destinations to get an overview of Halong Bay, this mountain leaves an impression on the mind of all tourists coming to this appealing coastal city.