Camping has become a trend among people as they can live closer to nature and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Photo courtesy of Ngân Thương

Thanh Hà

Going camping has become a family habit as they get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and live in the heart of nature.

"My family has gone camping for several years now. I really enjoy this kind of relaxing very much," Tuyền told Việt Nam News.

"Going camping might not be for busy people as you have to search for information on destinations, arrange your own transportation, and prepare equipment and food, all by yourself.

"However, it has its own advantages: reasonable costs, no hotel fees, fresh air and many others. Personally, I love to experience cooking and enjoying meals outdoors, sleeping in a tent and staying in wild nature." 

Tuyền suggested some camping venues around Hà Nội such as Ba Vì National Park, Ecopark Hà Nội, and Sóc Sơn District. For those who want to go further, they can travel to Sơn La Province's Bắc Yên District for cloud hunting on Tà Xùa Mountain; drive to Hà Giang for many flower fields which are blooming currently, or go to the wild beach of Tĩnh Gia in Hà Tĩnh Province.

Parents and children enjoying BBQ during a camping trip. Photo courtesy of Bùi Thanh Tuyền

Nguyễn Linh Thu is a new face in the camping community. Since falling in love with camping about a year ago, Thu has spent a lot of money on camping gear, which is by her side whenever she has free time.

"I have made up a list of destinations that I want to visit, things that will be needed for the trips and prepare a good physique for those days. And boom! Let's go!" said Thu.

"I usually travel the normal way, resting in hotels and visiting destinations through tours. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented me from enjoying life that way. I accidentally join a group camping and it is my true love," said the 25-year-old.

"You can camp within a day or overnight, depending on your time and the area. But it is a great feeling waking up far away from home, where you are surrounded by mountains, rivers, green trees and beautiful flowers," said Thu, who sometimes chooses places where she can enjoy the sunrise and sunset.

Living in the city of Cao Bằng, Trần Huy Đức has camped for years and is happy to share his experiences.

"Before each trip, you should prepare the necessary stuff, such as tents, sleeping bags, firewood for a campfire, folding chairs and a first aid kit, all of which can be purchased online," said Đức.

"It'd be better to choose a site which is closer to a water source because water is really important if you plan to camp for long days. To those who are new to camping, you'd better camp near residential areas where you can have mobile phone signal. If you are more experienced with survival skills, you can camp in wild mountains and jungles." 

Vũ Quỳnh Hương goes camping for herself and her children as well.

"Sometimes, life is hard. I have faced anxiety, obesity, lack of focus, and even depression. I try to run away from that and going camping is a great way to get outside and unplug from the rest of the world while enjoying nature," said Hương.

Camping in Hòa Bình Province. Campfires are a favourite night-time activity of campers. Photo of Bae Nena

"While one camping trip may not solve all of my woes, a consistent outdoor lifestyle might, I think. And I have set regular camping trips as part of my life for several years.

"I also find that camping helps children to develop a sense of adventure, even if it's just for one night is fun. A new environment, unfamiliar sights and sounds, new friends to meet and play with, sleeping under the stars and campfire for chit-chatting, all make for a fun-filled adventure," said the mother of two boys.

She added that online studying and electronic devices keep many kids away from nature and outdoor activities. It's time to bring them back to make their childhood as enjoyable as possible.

"It's never too early to start camping with your kids. Nature is out there, waiting for us to discover, and a family camping trip is a great way to initiate youngsters into the joys of being outside," said Hương, who mostly goes camping by motorbike.

A camping movement is also blooming in HCM City, where beautiful campsites lure people's attention no matter how far from the city.

"Cần Giờ is full of options for you. It's a nice environment with fresh air, the jungle and fresh and tasty seafood," said Huỳnh Lệ Thương, a resident in Phú Nhuận District.

Thương went on a trip with a group of friends aged between 4 and 50 years old, and a puppy.

"Some of us had experience but others were newbies, but it was no problem. Going camping is for fun and to 'F5' your life. Here we learn, love and share with each other," Thương said.

"Here you can do whatever you want. You can enjoy your own space, walk along the beach or share your happiness with friends, around the campfire with BBQ party. What a wonderful life!"

"Try it and you will love it. There are many other places, hundreds kilometres from the city, like Dầu Tiếng Lake in Tây Ninh, Trị An Lake in Đồng Nai and Phú Quý Island in Bình Thuận. There you can enjoy other outdoor activities such as canoeing, climbing and fishing," said Thương, who added that it is vital to clear all of your rubbish from your camping spot, so as not to ruin it for anyone next time. VNS