About Bai Tho Mountain
Bai Tho Mountain (Poem Mountain) is a 200-meter limestone peak in Hong Gai Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, overlooking Ha Long Bay. Named after poems carved into its cliff by King Le Thanh Tong in 1468, it is a prominent natural landmark in the city center. The mountain offers panoramic views of the bay, city, and harbor and is recognized for its historical inscriptions and scenic karst landscape.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a short but steep climb of around 400 stone steps to the summit of a limestone mountain in central Ha Long. The trail passes through vegetation and rocky outcrops to a summit viewpoint with panoramic views over Ha Long Bay, the city, harbor and surrounding karst islands. At the top there is a flagpole, viewing area and historic stone inscriptions. The site is compact and primarily for sightseeing and photography.
Key highlights
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Panoramic 360-degree views over Ha Long Bay and Ha Long City from the summit
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Historic poem carvings on the cliff face dating to 1468 and 1729
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200-meter limestone karst peak in the city center
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Sunrise and sunset viewing over the bay
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Vietnamese national flag at the summit viewpoint
History of Bai Tho Mountain
The mountain is named for poems inscribed on its cliff. In 1468 King Le Thanh Tong composed a poem praising the beauty of Ha Long Bay and had it carved into the rock. In 1729 Lord Trinh Cuong also had a poem carved there. The inscriptions remain as historic cultural relics on the mountainside.
Culture & Context
Bai Tho Mountain is a cultural symbol of Ha Long City and Quang Ninh Province, celebrated in Vietnamese literature and art for its association with royal poetry and its iconic views over Ha Long Bay. It is a well-known landmark for local residents and visitors.
Route
| By air | Fly to Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) in Hai Phong, then travel by road approximately 75 km to Ha Long City |
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