Bai Tho Mountain
Bai Tho Mountain
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.0
107 reviews
Excellent
57
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19
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4
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4
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23
Richard Huynh
Adelaide, Australia6 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Hey guys, I'm just writing this review as a warning. Please hike at own risk. If it is raining, I would highly recommend not doing this hike as it is very dangerous!
To put into context, my partner and I did this hike late November 2022. My partner and I are relatively fit and have hiked before and also visit the gym occasionally. We have read travel blogs and reviews before going also.
You still have to go through the back entrance and bribe the lady (she will ask for double once you bring out the cash). The fence previously used by other tourists is now blocked off and you will have to climb a ladder (which is not tied down to anything) and then do a bit of climbing to get on the track. I would also like to mention that it wasn't raining at this point in time.
When we got to the top, the view was amazing and we took some nice photos, but it started to rain and so we decided to go down before it starts pouring. Going down on the hiking track while it is wet, was quite dangerous as the rocks are very slippery, but you will manage if you are careful with your footing. The mud also gets very slippery so be careful! (Remember no one has been maintaining the mountain since it's been closed off to the public, so there are many over grown vegetation and the track also has not been maintained - sometimes the track is completely covered in vegetation and it is easy to go the wrong way, so be careful where you are going).
The real issue starts when you go off track to head back down. The descent is very steep and there is no clear track of heading down so keep a close memory of how you got up. My partner and I didn't take too much notice on the way up, so we did struggle with direction on the way down. However it started to rain quite a bit and everything was extremely slippery and wet. Because some of the descent was so steep, it looked like the edge of a cliff and doesn't look like a clear way down. There are many overgrown vines that can tangle your body and legs so be careful. Don't trust holding the vines on the way down also as they may snap (if you are using vines and trees to help make sure they are very strong, there were several of broken branches and vines, which I assume were broken by previous hikers). The descent down was extremely difficult when it rains, and my partner and I had big concerns for our safety. There is definitely a real danger of seriously hurting yourself or even fatal danger - as one slip off will keep you rolling down the mountain (remember this is off track).
I am writing this review not to scare anyone off, but to write is as a warning. When it is dry, it's definitely achievable if you have hiked before, but if it rains, please think twice before attempting. Never risk your life for a photo. I usually never write reviews, but I felt like I had to write this one just because I can see someone seriously hurting themselves or losing their lives if they go unprepared. The mountains main entrance is closed for a reason. And the fence entrance also got blocked off for a reason. The hike is not 100% safe. Sorry for the long review, but I hope it helps if anyone is deciding to hike the mountain.
To put into context, my partner and I did this hike late November 2022. My partner and I are relatively fit and have hiked before and also visit the gym occasionally. We have read travel blogs and reviews before going also.
You still have to go through the back entrance and bribe the lady (she will ask for double once you bring out the cash). The fence previously used by other tourists is now blocked off and you will have to climb a ladder (which is not tied down to anything) and then do a bit of climbing to get on the track. I would also like to mention that it wasn't raining at this point in time.
When we got to the top, the view was amazing and we took some nice photos, but it started to rain and so we decided to go down before it starts pouring. Going down on the hiking track while it is wet, was quite dangerous as the rocks are very slippery, but you will manage if you are careful with your footing. The mud also gets very slippery so be careful! (Remember no one has been maintaining the mountain since it's been closed off to the public, so there are many over grown vegetation and the track also has not been maintained - sometimes the track is completely covered in vegetation and it is easy to go the wrong way, so be careful where you are going).
The real issue starts when you go off track to head back down. The descent is very steep and there is no clear track of heading down so keep a close memory of how you got up. My partner and I didn't take too much notice on the way up, so we did struggle with direction on the way down. However it started to rain quite a bit and everything was extremely slippery and wet. Because some of the descent was so steep, it looked like the edge of a cliff and doesn't look like a clear way down. There are many overgrown vines that can tangle your body and legs so be careful. Don't trust holding the vines on the way down also as they may snap (if you are using vines and trees to help make sure they are very strong, there were several of broken branches and vines, which I assume were broken by previous hikers). The descent down was extremely difficult when it rains, and my partner and I had big concerns for our safety. There is definitely a real danger of seriously hurting yourself or even fatal danger - as one slip off will keep you rolling down the mountain (remember this is off track).
I am writing this review not to scare anyone off, but to write is as a warning. When it is dry, it's definitely achievable if you have hiked before, but if it rains, please think twice before attempting. Never risk your life for a photo. I usually never write reviews, but I felt like I had to write this one just because I can see someone seriously hurting themselves or losing their lives if they go unprepared. The mountains main entrance is closed for a reason. And the fence entrance also got blocked off for a reason. The hike is not 100% safe. Sorry for the long review, but I hope it helps if anyone is deciding to hike the mountain.
Written December 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warren C
Mount Waverley, Australia3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Visited Poem Mountain on 6th Jan 2020 and it’s closed ☹️
We visited another place on LAN Ha Bay where you stay on floating house to experience fishermen lifestyle but with English speaking host, fresh seafood and free kayak all day long around the so much less crowded Lan Ha Bay. We had the whole bay, lagoon, beaches to ourselves.
The host have vast knowledge about the bay and its history and because of this experience it makes missing out Poem Mountain slightly easier to take.
Find in Airbnb, InnerX-Stay, floating Homestay in Lan Ha Bay. Hosted by Charles.
Many similar floating homes in Ha Long have been closed down by the government just like Poem Mountain so try it before they are close too.
Best of luck!
We visited another place on LAN Ha Bay where you stay on floating house to experience fishermen lifestyle but with English speaking host, fresh seafood and free kayak all day long around the so much less crowded Lan Ha Bay. We had the whole bay, lagoon, beaches to ourselves.
The host have vast knowledge about the bay and its history and because of this experience it makes missing out Poem Mountain slightly easier to take.
Find in Airbnb, InnerX-Stay, floating Homestay in Lan Ha Bay. Hosted by Charles.
Many similar floating homes in Ha Long have been closed down by the government just like Poem Mountain so try it before they are close too.
Best of luck!
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kvl
1 contribution
Feb 2019 • Friends
Oh there’s no denying that it’s an amazing view. But take what you will from my experience and walkthrough.
You enter through a stairway next to a car repair service and enter through an alleyway where a lady demands a small fee from 30k-50k depending on how good you are at bargaining - barely the beginning.
After being warned and lead to your first obstacle by the lady, you’re greeted with a barricaded fence - barb wired and covered in a gooey green substance. Someone has selflessly covered some of the barbs with a pair of jeans and some sharp forrestation with an old jacket, but the climb is still dangerous with a potential drop to the left or deep cuts from the fence and barbs.
The actual trail then starts with steady stairs and inherent guidance... until it doesn’t. After 5-10 minutes of accommodating stairs, the trail fades off to unsteady rocks and uneven terrain for a good 10-20minutes. A hefty climb for the inexperienced to say the least.
Finally, through a bit more forrestation and past the first lookout - you’ve reached the top. A carelessly erected tower and electricity room of some sort sits atop the mountain made underwhelming by the vast view of the entire bay afforded by your climb. Take it all in, take your time - it’s something.
Now if you think the fence and the climb was dangerous, I hope you’re good with wild animals - specifically monkies.
When I climbed this trail, I was with a close friend and a lad we met amidst venturing Cat Ba island (highly recommended by the way!!!). We’re pretty fit lads so traversing the mountain wasn’t any heavy health hazard - it wasn’t until we were closer to the bottom of the mountain making our way down after taking in the view we realised, there was more threats than just falls and cuts.
In the mindset of capturing what ever I could with my camera, I instinctively reached the side of my hip as my close friend carefully shares with the lad and I, “There’s a monkey.” Not realising he was referring to our right side, I looked up towards our left side greeted by three wild monkies. Misinterpreting the tone of my close friend and being unaware of the situation we were in, I stared at a monkey directly in the eyes and smiled - which I later found out were the two things you avoided if you wished not to aggravate a wild monkey. In an instant sense of threat, an instantaneous dispersion of the monkies formed an almost haunting howl which surrounded our every direction. The monkies covered our left and right trail and a few climbed forrestation over our heads as if to jump and attack at any sign of sudden movement. The lad lead the way as my friend and I trailed behind, steadily pacing as one wrong step could set off a barrage of attacks.
After a teeth clenching haul, we had finally reached the barracaded fence and quickly scampered over the barbs and spikes as the bushes scattered behind us and howls echoed in the mountain background.
Sure the view was astonishing, but I have yet to read anything about any wild monkies inhabiting the mountain. Take what you will from this story and go at your own risk. Keep in mind that humans aren’t the only ones to traverse poem mountain.
Stay safe!
You enter through a stairway next to a car repair service and enter through an alleyway where a lady demands a small fee from 30k-50k depending on how good you are at bargaining - barely the beginning.
After being warned and lead to your first obstacle by the lady, you’re greeted with a barricaded fence - barb wired and covered in a gooey green substance. Someone has selflessly covered some of the barbs with a pair of jeans and some sharp forrestation with an old jacket, but the climb is still dangerous with a potential drop to the left or deep cuts from the fence and barbs.
The actual trail then starts with steady stairs and inherent guidance... until it doesn’t. After 5-10 minutes of accommodating stairs, the trail fades off to unsteady rocks and uneven terrain for a good 10-20minutes. A hefty climb for the inexperienced to say the least.
Finally, through a bit more forrestation and past the first lookout - you’ve reached the top. A carelessly erected tower and electricity room of some sort sits atop the mountain made underwhelming by the vast view of the entire bay afforded by your climb. Take it all in, take your time - it’s something.
Now if you think the fence and the climb was dangerous, I hope you’re good with wild animals - specifically monkies.
When I climbed this trail, I was with a close friend and a lad we met amidst venturing Cat Ba island (highly recommended by the way!!!). We’re pretty fit lads so traversing the mountain wasn’t any heavy health hazard - it wasn’t until we were closer to the bottom of the mountain making our way down after taking in the view we realised, there was more threats than just falls and cuts.
In the mindset of capturing what ever I could with my camera, I instinctively reached the side of my hip as my close friend carefully shares with the lad and I, “There’s a monkey.” Not realising he was referring to our right side, I looked up towards our left side greeted by three wild monkies. Misinterpreting the tone of my close friend and being unaware of the situation we were in, I stared at a monkey directly in the eyes and smiled - which I later found out were the two things you avoided if you wished not to aggravate a wild monkey. In an instant sense of threat, an instantaneous dispersion of the monkies formed an almost haunting howl which surrounded our every direction. The monkies covered our left and right trail and a few climbed forrestation over our heads as if to jump and attack at any sign of sudden movement. The lad lead the way as my friend and I trailed behind, steadily pacing as one wrong step could set off a barrage of attacks.
After a teeth clenching haul, we had finally reached the barracaded fence and quickly scampered over the barbs and spikes as the bushes scattered behind us and howls echoed in the mountain background.
Sure the view was astonishing, but I have yet to read anything about any wild monkies inhabiting the mountain. Take what you will from this story and go at your own risk. Keep in mind that humans aren’t the only ones to traverse poem mountain.
Stay safe!
Written February 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie H
Toronto, Canada87 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
I heard from locals that the walkway and pass up Bai Tho Mountain had been closed 1 week ago because of a fire. I wasn't sure, so I went to investigate. Sure enough, the small stairwell you take up leads you to a locked fence and a sign that says climbing the mountain is now prohibited. There didn't appear to be a way to bypass this and climb up another way. I asked locals and they kept telling me it was no longer possible to go up for locals or foreigners.
Written November 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angiegovier
Halifax, Canada28 contributions
May 2018
Two backpackers (21 and 22), we got dropped off at the 'entrance', which felt like walking through someones front hallway, we were charged 50,000 VND to have the gate unlocked and then made our way to the top. Wear running shoes or climbing sandals, it starts with steps and gets more difficult. 100% worth the views from the top, we hung out at the top for awhile taking it all in and drinking TONS of water. Climb up near the telephone poles, the best views are up here and there is breeze, which feels heavenly after sweating buckets on the climb up.
Written May 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marissa H
Utrecht, The Netherlands211 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
We took a day trip from Cat Ba island just to do this hike and it was absolutely worth it. We did it because we didn’t want to spend money on a tour and I get very sea sick.
There is not much information online on how to get from Cat Ba to Halong City, so I will break it down. It’s very easy!
In high season (official dates April 25 - September 5), a ferry runs five times a day between Cat Ba and Halong City. We rented a motorbike (90K) in Cat Ba Town, filled the tank (50K) and drove for about 50 minutes to GIA LUAN pier in the northwest of the island (there is a local green bus that leaves an hour before ferry departure time from the main harbor in town for 25K, ask tourist information at the same place. I will never get over how beautiful just this drive is. We took the 9am ferry (50 minutes, 80K per person, 20K for the motorbike) to TUAN CHAU pier. Beautiful views already. We drove another 30 minutes to HANG NOI street (plenty of taxis at the pier that can take you into Halong City/Bai Tho mountain, Grab quoted roughly 190K). Once we reached the far end, a lady waved at us and shouted Bai Tho Mountain? We parked our bike (10K) and paid the “entrance fee” (50K per person), and another lady brought us through an alley way, through someone’s backyard toward the start of the staircase leading up the mountain. There were only very sweet puppies that left you alone unless you went up to them to pet them, which they enjoyed.
The climb took us between 15-20 minutes (and I’m not a great hiker). It wasn’t too difficult, but definitely sweaty and the last section was just jagged rocks. Definitely wear closed shoes, and definitely don’t do the climb when it’s raining! We started the hike at around 10:45, saw about six other people but had the peak to ourselves. We absolutely loved it! We were able to catch the 13:30 ferry back to Cat Ba.
As the other reviews said, spectacular views at the top. It’s exactly how I wanted to see Halong Bay (independently, and out of the water), but I think it’s still worth it if you’ve already done a tour of the bay and are staying in Halong City, since it gives you a panoramic view of the city and karst mountains. We spent just over $13 per person.
There is not much information online on how to get from Cat Ba to Halong City, so I will break it down. It’s very easy!
In high season (official dates April 25 - September 5), a ferry runs five times a day between Cat Ba and Halong City. We rented a motorbike (90K) in Cat Ba Town, filled the tank (50K) and drove for about 50 minutes to GIA LUAN pier in the northwest of the island (there is a local green bus that leaves an hour before ferry departure time from the main harbor in town for 25K, ask tourist information at the same place. I will never get over how beautiful just this drive is. We took the 9am ferry (50 minutes, 80K per person, 20K for the motorbike) to TUAN CHAU pier. Beautiful views already. We drove another 30 minutes to HANG NOI street (plenty of taxis at the pier that can take you into Halong City/Bai Tho mountain, Grab quoted roughly 190K). Once we reached the far end, a lady waved at us and shouted Bai Tho Mountain? We parked our bike (10K) and paid the “entrance fee” (50K per person), and another lady brought us through an alley way, through someone’s backyard toward the start of the staircase leading up the mountain. There were only very sweet puppies that left you alone unless you went up to them to pet them, which they enjoyed.
The climb took us between 15-20 minutes (and I’m not a great hiker). It wasn’t too difficult, but definitely sweaty and the last section was just jagged rocks. Definitely wear closed shoes, and definitely don’t do the climb when it’s raining! We started the hike at around 10:45, saw about six other people but had the peak to ourselves. We absolutely loved it! We were able to catch the 13:30 ferry back to Cat Ba.
As the other reviews said, spectacular views at the top. It’s exactly how I wanted to see Halong Bay (independently, and out of the water), but I think it’s still worth it if you’ve already done a tour of the bay and are staying in Halong City, since it gives you a panoramic view of the city and karst mountains. We spent just over $13 per person.
Written April 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pham K
vietnam31 contributions
Oct 2019
1 month before my guest still climbed to the top even they closed this mount. She said she had to climbed over the closed gate. So I also tried to come here 2 weeks ago but the goverment totally closed all the entrance with security guard. You can not come anyway even Vietnamese. I saw many tourist had to come back with disappointment. Me too. While waiting for something better from goverment, tourist should not wait time to come here.
Written November 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BBB
5 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
No way to go up. It is closed and the guard really won't let you through! it doesn't matter how much money you have left, it is not possible. We begged for 1.5 hours, with no result ..
Written December 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike S
24 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
Today, july 14th 2019, we wanted to do the hike and get to the viewing point. The house was very easy to find (it is the blue house with the lady in the pictures). The lady was waiting for us and took us through her house. We payed 150K for 3p.
Arriving at the gate, the left side has been closed completely, you can only climb the gate via the rocks, which seems much harder than it is.
The path is not challenging (for us) but the heat and humidity are the biggest challenge. We gone up in 25 minutes but we were all overheated and we consider ourself being pretty fit. But since we are from the Netherlands, we are not used to this kind of weater, so that may be the cause of our overheating.
Arriving at the top, the views were amazing and every step was worth it, despite being it a bit hasty and not having clear views.
Would definitely recommend going up the green shed to take pictures. The shed could hold us three with ease.
Arriving at the gate, the left side has been closed completely, you can only climb the gate via the rocks, which seems much harder than it is.
The path is not challenging (for us) but the heat and humidity are the biggest challenge. We gone up in 25 minutes but we were all overheated and we consider ourself being pretty fit. But since we are from the Netherlands, we are not used to this kind of weater, so that may be the cause of our overheating.
Arriving at the top, the views were amazing and every step was worth it, despite being it a bit hasty and not having clear views.
Would definitely recommend going up the green shed to take pictures. The shed could hold us three with ease.
Written July 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonas L
2 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
I’ve seen a lot of people say this isn’t possible anymore. It most certainly is possible. Easy to find, right when you show up on the pinned location a women will come out and guide you thru her house. She’ll show you where/how to climb the gate. The gate is the toughest part, but really wasn’t too challenging. Take your time on the climb up, and you’ll be rewarded with the most epic view, and very few tourists! Enjoy people
Written March 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ist es noch möglich diesen Berg durch den Eingang der Frau zu besteigen (auf eigene Gefahr)?
Written October 27, 2019
Does anybody know of another viewing point of Ha Long Bay? We just booked our trip around this and I’ve only just read the mountain is ment to be completely blocked off :( if anyone knows of any other viewing point please let me know, we head there tomorrow.
Written January 20, 2019
Hi suzi
Did you find another viewing point?
I’m going next year and am wondering
Thank you
Written December 5, 2019
Hi. I saw quite a number of posts recently (Oct and Nov 2018) saying that there is no way to get up because neither the guard or the old lady allow anymore. The second door is also barred so that's no way to get in. Is it true? Does anyone get up at these months? We r travelling there in April 2019. Not sure should we try our luck..
Written November 10, 2018
My family and I and a couple of travelers we met were able to make it to the top of the mountain. We were able to bribe the lady, she gave us keys to the first door, but didn't have keys to the 2nd door. One traveler climbed on the rocks to get over the gate of the 2nd door. I was determined to go up, but climbing on the rocks was a little scary for me, so I climbed the actual door, barbed wire and all. And the rest of the group followed. (8 of us + 1 that already climbed the rocks). Go up by climbing the right side of the door. It looks bad with the barbed wire, but it is not bad compared to the hike up to the top. Take your time climbing and it will be a piece of cake.
Written December 3, 2018
Hello. I would like to know if it's still not possible to go up the mountain due to the fire incident ? Is there still a guard there or has the ban been lifted ? thank you
Written October 30, 2018
Reinhold M
Newcastle, Australia
Went on 30th oct. nice old lady does take “payment” (50,000p/p) for unlocking the 1st gate but the second gate is very much locked and tricky to climb around. If you are nimble, just go to the left and through the hole in the tree. Hold on tight. Dogs are friendly, mostly puppies. Track is slippery rocks so take care. View is worth the risk. And for the locals, don’t make too much noise around the street or entrance. Enjoy.
Written October 30, 2018
Hello! For those that did the hike after their Ha Long Bay cruise and needed to get back to Hanoi, how did you get back? Is it easy to get a taxi in the area?
Written July 19, 2018
Where is the start point for the trek to Poem mountain ?
And how to reach start point from Hanoi? Is it a part of halong bay cruise trip itinerary?
Right now I am cruising at halong bay....any quick responses really appreciated
Thanks
Shubha
Written July 8, 2018
It's on Hang noi street. See photo of entrance below on this street. It's up those dark stairs. It's not part of any cruise trip that I've seen and its something you will have to do yourself. Best way is to catch a taxi after your cruise to this street. Poem mountain is English name so best way to communicate this to the locals is using local name bai tho mountain. We told our taxi driver this and he literally dropped us off at the entrance.
Written July 9, 2018
Hello!
read your review about the early morning hike at bai tho mountain (mount Poem). it definitely gives me confidence in terms when others have commented that the entrance is closed etc.
i'm planning to visit there this sunday early morning between 5-6 am! can you advice if that was the time you went in for the hike?
would someone be available to open the gate that early in the morning around 5-6 am?
your thoughts and inputs would greatly be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Written April 25, 2018
I am sorry. I am just now seeing This message. I hope you made it up come on down. Sometimes the gate is locked and sometimes it is not.
Written June 9, 2018
Hi, thanks for your comments, I will try to do the same. one quick question, did u end up staying in Halong city? what other things u can do around in the halong city?
any idea how to commute to halong city to the beach CAT BI island?
Thanks a lot
SEBASTIAN
Written December 8, 2017
I stayed the night in HaLong City at a hotel I found on Airbnb. There’s not much to do in HaLong City. There is a nice seafood market and mall.
You can ferry to Cat Ba Island. Just have to buy a ticket.
Written December 20, 2017
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