By Lê Hương

(with an additional interview by Bảo Long)

Travelling is not just about visiting beautiful places, enjoying landscapes and food, or taking photos to share on social networks.

It can also be about sharing love, bringing gifts to underprivileged children, and providing essential items to local families in need.

These are the simple joys that the "Đi Cùng Mây" (Travelling with Clouds) group of young travellers has been spreading on weekends for the past three years.

They choose to visit remote areas in the northern mountainous regions to share their love and support.

The group, co-founded by four teachers and office workers in their 20s, has organised 30 trips blending tourism with charity.

HAPPY TRAILS: Every trip of the group contains many interesting stories. VNS Photo Quỳnh Như

"After each trip, we realise that what we can do for local communities is tiny," Nguyễn Như Quỳnh, a co-founder of the group told Việt Nam News.

“We can only bring happiness, laughter, small gifts like teddy bears or toys, and essential supplies for families in need in remote villages," she said.

"These things seem so little compared to the challenges the locals face, but from these small deeds, we aim to spread human kindness. We are committed to travelling more to help more people in need."

The group organises trips to remote areas and mobilises other young travellers to contribute gifts for locals or participate in volunteer activities.

SHARING IS CARING: The volunteers hand gifts around to local children. VNS Photo Quỳnh Như

The team usually gathers 15-20 volunteers, who are eager to play with children, cook for them, plant trees, and decorate schools.

These small activities bring immense joy and connection.

The group recently went to Bắc Hà, Lào Cai Province and organised a game of colouring statues for the children there.

Lý Thị Hương, a four-year-old girl, could not hide her happiness receiving a teddy bear.

"I have a gift, I'm delighted," she said with a trembling voice.

HELPING HAND: A volunteer teaches a local boy how to colour a plaster statuette. VNS Photo Quỳnh Như

Five-year-old boy Giàng Gia Bảo proudly said: "I paint red, green, and orange colours on a statue."

To Hải Gia Linh, also 5, her happiness on that day is singing her favourite songs and colouring a statue of a princess.

Parents and teachers recognised the children’s joy.

"The team handed candies around to the children and showed them how to colour plaster statues,” said parent U Thị Chu.

“It was so much fun. The children loved it. We rarely get the chance to do things like this. We have to travel a long way to bigger markets to buy toys and enjoy games like this."

Teacher Hoàng Thị Xua appreciated the group’s practical activity.

CHARITABLE TOURISM: Members of the group visit a disadvantaged family in Bắc Hà, Lào Cai, Province. VNS Photo Quỳnh Như

"There are many charity groups, each with different activities,” she said. “But this game was particularly enjoyable for the children. They really liked it. I hope the team will bring more fun activities like this so that local children can experience new things."

Vàng Thành Nam, a local policeman said: "The team brought a real, hands-on game for the children. I want to thank them for this meaningful programme. I hope such activities and gifts like this can reach more regions across the country."

Volunteers in the group have gained a lot in return. Many have joined multiple trips, feeling deeply moved by the experience.

"This is my second trip with the group,” said Nguyễn Khánh Hòa, a volunteer from Hà Nội.

“Last time in Mộc Châu, I planted trees and decorated a school. This trip to Trạm Tấu was special; I hosted a workshop for children. I felt both happy and emotional. Only by coming here do I realise how hard life is for them, far beyond what I could have imagined."

Nguyễn Vân Anh, another visitor from Hà Nội, said: "This trip was so much fun. I met many locals, all of whom were so friendly and smiling. I look forward to joining more trips like this."

SPREADING HAPPINESS: They bring along gifts for people of all ages at their destinations. VNS Photo Quỳnh Như

According to Đinh Hương Duyên, another co-founder of the group, all the trips were memorable.

“I’ve learned that I am happier than many others,” she said. “I’ve had moments filled with challenges and bad moods, but I know that I am luckier and more fortunate than many people."

Group members plan to establish tourism routes to the remote areas they’ve visited, creating jobs for the locals.

Join them if you want to share your love with those in need. VNS