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The journey of exploration brings the most exhilarating emotions in Ha Long, perhaps the experience of climbing Bài Thơ mountain – known as the “roof” of Ha Long.
Exploring Bài Thơ Mountain: The 'Roof' of Ha Long
Bài Thơ Mountain, situated in the heart of Ha Long City, presents a mysterious and captivating appearance upon first glance. From different angles, the mountain sometimes resembles a crouching tiger, other times a lion stalking its prey, and occasionally a dragon about to take flight.
From the peak of Bài Thơ Mountain, standing at 168 meters – one of the tallest peaks in Ha Long, visitors can cast their gaze far and wide, overlooking most of the main roads of Ha Long City – the capital of Quảng Ninh province, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay.
During our conversation, a local friend named Quang shared: 'Until you've climbed Bài Thơ Mountain, you can't truly say you've been to Ha Long.'
To fully appreciate the beauty of the northeastern coastal region of our homeland, one must look from two perspectives: the sea and the Bài Thơ mountain. You will have a truly unique and different view from there.
We decided to embark on an exploration of Bài Thơ mountain to experience the panoramic beauty of Hạ Long as described by Quang.
The path to Bài Thơ mountain is a narrow alley among the houses of the locals in Bạch Đằng ward, Ha Long City. It took us a few minutes to ask for directions before we could find the entrance.
Despite the cement steps built for convenience, the path to the mountain still has steep sections, rugged rocky terrain, or tourists may have to squeeze through bamboo clusters and cling to tree trunks to climb upward.
For many, the journey of climbing the mountain is not a simple challenge; in fact, it requires good physical fitness to conquer.
On a hot day, carrying heavy backpacks, our group took nearly an hour with three breaks to reach the mountain peak.
The worn-out shirts, drenched in sweat, at times the weary feet slowed down, seemingly ending the journey.
But as the summit drew nearer, Ha Long City gradually shrank under our steps, fueling our determination to conquer this mountain even more. And when the mountain top appeared, the young friends hugged each other and cheered in joy.
'It's amazing, we've successfully conquered it!' – La Quang Duy (a traveler from Hanoi), a member of the group, exclaimed. Then, raising his hand to salute, Duy solemnly looked up at the red flag with a yellow star fluttering on the antenna pole at the summit.
From the top of Bài Thơ Mountain, Ha Long Bay lay within sight with hundreds of limestone peaks of various shapes and sizes, arranged in a wondrous manner by nature. The coastal road resembled a small silk ribbon embracing the entire city with landmarks such as Bai Chay Bridge, Doan Pier, and Clock Tower... all miniaturized within.
Beyond the bay, fishing boats navigated among the majestic limestone mountains. It all appeared like a magnificent painting of the coastal city's heritage, leaving tourists awestruck by its unimaginable splendor.
That day, we also met Justin and his girlfriend, two newcomers from Australia traveling to Vietnam. For Justin, Ha Long Bay was his second destination, but not for a boat tour of the bay, rather Bài Thơ mountain was their first stop.
Just like Duy's group, Justin and his girlfriend expressed their decision to explore this mountain peak based on recommendations from previous foreign travelers. 'I love Vietnam,' Justin exclaimed cheerfully as he spoke to us atop the 'roof' of Ha Long.
About the Name Bài Thơ Mountain
According to Mr. Quang, Bài Thơ Mountain was previously named Rọi Đèn Mountain, also known as Truyền Đăng Sơn. Legend has it that in ancient times, soldiers stationed on the mountain would light fires to signal the capital whenever enemies approached. Hence, the mountain was named Truyền Đăng.
In the spring of 1468, King Lê Thánh Tông led his troops on a tour of the northeastern sea, stopping their boats at the foot of Truyền Đăng Mountain. Moved by the beauty of the place, poet-king Lê Thánh Tông had a poem engraved on the rock.
By 1729, Lord An Đô Vương Trịnh Cương, a renowned poet during the Lê – Trịnh era, toured this area and recited King Lê Thánh Tông's poem. He then composed his own poem, which was also engraved on the rock face here. Perhaps that's why the mountain is named Bài Thơ.
Source: Đức Hiếu/Tuổi Trẻ
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Source: Travel Guide Mytour
MytourOctober 24, 2016
