People living through the Fourth Industrial Revolution face stress at work and in their daily life. The “race against time” makes them crave a relaxing environment far from computer screens full of numbers and letters. They wish to get away from the polluted air, packed roads, and endless red lights of big cities. Seeking a “temporary escape”, these people have spawned a new travel trend in Vietnam: camping.
A camping holiday brings people closer to nature thanks to various activities like team-building games, setting up camp, nature-exploration, etc. Each time they set up a tent in a new location, campers experience a different feeling.
I still remember as if it were yesterday how my daughter’s eyes filled with joy and astonishment upon seeing the twinkle of fireflies in the forest for the first time in her life. I will never forget the sight of early morning mist hovering over a lake. It is so exciting to rise at dawn and enjoy the fresh morning air after spending the night in nature. Crowing roosters woke me when I camped among plum trees in Na Ka Valley in Moc Chau – Son La. I woke to the sound of local fishermen’s splashing oars hitting Nui Thung Lake in Cao Bang. Meanwhile, in Hon Mot, Phu Quoc, it was the gentle sound of waves and sun shining through casuarina trees that got me out of bed. It feels amazing to gently awaken and stretch, then light a fire from last night’s ashes, boil a kettle, and sip a cup of coffee while enjoying the pure morning air.
This S-shaped land has endless places that are perfect for camping, whether for one or two nights or more. In the North, a camping trip among the mountains and waterfalls of Sa Pa (Lao Cai), Moc Chau (Son La), or Trung Khanh (Cao Bang) bring the joy of exploring the region’s natural beauty and the excitement of learning about the cultures of highland ethnic minority people. In the Center and South, ocean-lovers can choose camping tours in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan, or on the “jade island” of Phu Quoc. To enjoy a short break from bustling Hanoi, it’s easy to explore the suburbs, such as the pine hills of Soc Son, Dong Mo Lake, and Ham Lon Lake, etc. For overnight camping, I prefer national parks around Hanoi, such as Ba Vi, Tam Dao, and Cuc Phuong.
One of the best things about camping is that it allows flexibility. You can choose camping sites in advance but stop en route or camp elsewhere, depending on convenience, local regulations, and safety. Just be sure to check in with local authorities. Needless to say, you should be fully prepared with a tent, tarpaulins, blankets, inflatable mattresses, camping table and chairs, and cooking utensils. Your equipment should be foldable, light, and easy to set up. Choose a relatively flat surface on which to erect your tent, build a porch with a table and chairs, and enjoy the view of the blue ocean, a white waterfall, or a golden valley.
Camping is gaining fans because it is low-cost, easy to do, and fun for people who love nature, exploring, and travel. Once you try it, you might get addicted. One more reminder: please remember to bring a bag and collect all of your trash. Leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures and unforgettable memories.
