One of the most iconic viewpoints in entire Halong Bay is on top of Bai Tho Mountain. In this step by step guide you will find out exactly how to reach the viewpoint of Bai Tho Mountain. Make sure to keep on reading to find out if Bai Tho Mountain is officially closed to the public.
Is Bai Tho Mountain Closed? Everything You Need to Know!
Step 1 – Stay at a hotel near Bai Tho Mountain
I personally stayed at the City Bay Palace Hotel, which is only 5 minutes walking distance from the viewpoint of Bai Tho Mountain. The rooms are clean and staff is friendly. Plus some rooms offer a view over the mountain!
Click here for other hotels in the neighbourhood.
Step 2 – Find the entrance to the viewpoint of Bai Tho Mountain
Above you can find the exact Google Maps Location, if you want to save it for yourself simply click here.
Now, what’s so special about this I hear you asking. Well, this is a woman’s house and you have to actually walk through her house to get to the “official” entrance.
When we arrived the woman was nowhere to be seen so we asked around a little and the locals simply told us to go in. In the beginning I felt a little awkward about this cause I mean, you’re entering someone’s private property. However they kept on insisting that it was okay.
So after passing by some small dogs in small cages, up the stairs we went and the woman was just sitting in her living room.
Step 3 – Pay the entrance fee
Honestly, this woman has turned visiting the Bai Tho Mountain into a very profitable business! Since the entrance is officially closed she did give us a hard time in the beginning and told us no.
I really wanted to get to the viewpoint so I kept on insisting and in the end me and my mom went up for 100K Vietnamese Dong for the both of us.
Step 4 – You’ll have to go rock climbing
Before you used to be able to just climb next to the gate or through a hole next to the gate. Now, they made this completely impossible.
If you want to go up, you will have to climb. And I mean actually CLIMB! So make sure to wear gym clothes and shoes that give you enough traction.
I wore my Nike’s and let’s just say that they didn’t. It had rained during the night which made the rocks very slippery and I fell off.
What is the climb like? You need to climb up about 4 to 5 meters and then crawl underneath iron bars from where you can reach the stairs. The hole is rather big and can fit 1 tall person at a time.
Step 5 – Climb up Bai Tho Mountain
If you’ve made it this far the next part will be a piece of cake! For the most parts the stairs are in pretty good condition. Only the last part is mostly rocks where you have to crawl over.
The hike up takes about 30 minutes and once you’re there you will have the most amazing view almost entirely to yourself!
Frequently asked questions about “How to reach the viewpoint of Bai Tho Mountain”
When is the best time to climn Bai Tho Mountain?
I strongly advise you to go during sunrise! This way it won’t be too hot while you’re climbing up. Don’t forget the humidity in Vietnam can be crazy!
Check my post for more places you have to see in Ha Long and the rest of North Vietnam
What to bring to hike Bai Tho Mountain?
Bring a spare of clothes with you if you want to create content on top of the mountain. Cause if the ground is a little wet and you’re crawling underneath that fence I can guarantee you that you’re clothes will have all different shades of brown and green.
Oh, and I just changed on top of the mountain. There was no one else there besides my mom so I might have flashed entire Ha Long :p.
Bring a bottle of water with you! We only brought a small one with us and really regretted it.
Take a towel with you to dry of your sweat :p.
Update – Bai Tho Mountain is closed for visitors. There are now several local guards patrolling Bai Tho Mountain who will make sure you can’t hike up anymore.
PIN IT FOR LATER
Charlotte Lint is the founder of Charlies Wanderings.
Charlotte has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice.
She is an expert on writing efficient travel guides and finding unique places to stay.
Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.
Nicola says
Rock climbing sounds good to me. It looks like an amazing place to explore. Definitely saving for later.
Caroline says
What an amazing view. I also enjoy the transition from mud-splattered legs to beautiful dress – classic travel blogger!
Amy says
I loved loved loved this hike! I want to go back to Ha Long bay just to do it again and get more photos, such an incredible experience!
Kay says
I feeeeeeeeeeel like I’ve probably seen this somewhere on social media, but it’s nice to read a bit of the backstory on how to get there! Thank you! I’ll for sure have to reference this again when I book a trip to Vietnam!
Charlotte says
Haha yes it’s been a bit over done but then again the way how you have to go up always changes and becomes more difficult :p
Charlotte says
Thank you so much Amy! I loved it as well, despite that I fell down that rock twice and ended up pretty banged up haha. Totally worth it 😀 I even did it together with my mom! 😀
Charlotte says
hahaha, yes it was necessary! I wouldn’t have been able to do this one in a dress. Usually I just hike up a mountain in my dress haha
Rachael says
That looks scary! The view is amazing though. Great photos
Tania Muthusamy says
What a fabulous view from the top of the mountain, it was worth the climb. Well done. I love the costume change too.
Charlotte says
Thank you so much! 🙂
Tamara - Travelling Tam says
I love a hike that challenges you with a little bit of rock climbing and works up a sweat. Always feels like it’s more of a reward when you finally reach the top! Great post and fantastic pictures, especially at the top!
Jaz says
Such a lovely picture of you and your Mum Charlie! Looks like quite the climb but so worth it for the views from Bài Thơ Mountain!
Charlotte says
Thank you so much!! My mom was an absolute trooper!
Charlotte says
Thank you so much Tamara!