The Ba Deo Viewpoint, often referred to as Poem Mountain, isn't officially signposted for tourists. The most common way to access it is by approaching a local resident who can grant you passage through their property for a small fee (around $2 USD or 50,000 VND). Look for the trail that bypasses the main locked gate by going over the rocks to the right. +1

Yes, Poem Mountain remains an accessible, albeit unofficial, viewpoint. Travelers report that a friendly interaction with a local and a small payment can still lead you to the summit for incredible views. +1

From Ha Long City, you'll likely need to take a taxi or motorbike taxi to the general area of Poem Mountain. Ask your driver to take you to the base of the mountain, and then look for the local access points.

Official tours typically do not include the unofficial Ba Deo Viewpoint. These tours often focus on more established attractions like Titop Island. For the Poem Mountain experience, you'll need to arrange your own access.

The hike up Poem Mountain can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop to admire the scenery. The path can be steep and rocky in places.

There isn't an official ticket price. Access is typically granted by a local resident for a small fee, often around 50,000 VND (approximately $2 USD). This fee is for private access through their property. +1

No advance booking is necessary. Access is on a first-come, first-served basis through local residents. Simply approach someone when you arrive at the base of the mountain.

There are no official opening hours. The viewpoint is accessible whenever local residents are available to grant access, typically during daylight hours. Early mornings and late afternoons are popular.

While not an official entrance fee, you will likely be asked to pay a small amount to a local homeowner for passage through their land to reach the mountain trail. +1

Yes, you can visit during peak season, but be aware that the approach to the local access points might be busier. The hike itself is less crowded than official attractions.

The summit offers the most iconic panoramic shots of Ha Long Bay's karst formations. Look for vantage points that capture the vastness of the bay and the unique shapes of the islands. The path itself also offers interesting textures and perspectives.

Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photographs. The soft light minimizes harsh shadows and enhances the colors of the bay.

While a good camera will capture stunning images, a smartphone is perfectly capable of taking excellent photos here, especially with the dramatic scenery. Focus on composition and lighting.

There are no official restrictions. However, be respectful of the local residents' property if you are passing through their land.

You can expect sweeping, unobstructed views of the limestone karsts jutting out of the emerald waters. It's a fantastic spot for wide-angle shots and capturing the scale of the bay.