Tourists camping on the banks of Dong Do lake in Soc Son District, Hanoi. (Photo: Thu Huong) 

 

COVID-19 epidemic has significantly changed the demands and tastes of travellers. Accordingly, self-sufficient travel with small groups and short days is a popular trend in the current situation to ensure safety. Meeting these demands, camping trips have been chosen by many young people, especially young families, to satisfy their passion for moving.

 

Many activities are associated this travel form such as setting up camps, burning campfire, walking, climbing, swimming, fishing, cooking, and barbecuing with prepared foods.

 

Different from the feelings as staying in luxurious and comfortable resorts, camping trips bring visitors to new and unique experiences because they are free to enjoy the nature in a large space. They can listen to the breath of trees and rivers while leaving behind the hustle and bustle to recharge the body with the fresh energy of nature.

 

In addition, the activities of setting up camps, barbecues and campfires together provide opportunities for family members and friends to enhance their exchange, understanding and bonding. Another plus point is that the cost of each camping trip is often cheaper than other travel forms. Therefore, this form has been increasingly favoured, especially for tourists who cannot travel for a long time and do not spend a large amount on trips.

 

Hoang Phuong from Yen Phu Ward, Tay Ho District, said that when the pandemic did not appear, his family had conducted travels to domestic destinations or abroad at least twice a year during summer or Tet (Lunar New Year) holidays. Each trip lasted about four or five days so that his children would have enough time to learn about the culture of each land. However, amidst the epidemic, he took advantage of taking his wife and children to picnics by personal car during weekends to ensure the safety while meeting the needs of his children's discovery and experience. The destinations in Hanoi chosen by his family owns a beautiful nature and has many experience activities, including Ban Rom Eco-tourism Area, Camping Sport Dong Mo, Yen So Park and Ba Vi National Park.

 

It can be seen that all three regions have destinations known as "camping paradise", from the valleys, hills, and green lakes in the northern mountainous areas to the pure beaches and plateaus in the central and southern regions. To meet the demands of tourists, many travel agencies have put camping into their category of activities with the aspiration of diversifying products and directing visitors to participate more in ecotourism and uphold their responsibilities for nature and environment.

 

Many camping sites with favourable geographical locations have been formed and put into operation, providing available services with colourful tents, essential utensils and grills. Aiming to improve the awareness of environmental protection and the experience of local culture, many tourist areas organise various interesting activities in association with camping such as visiting craft villages, outdoor parties, fishing and pulling nets. Many camping sites have recently received high appreciation such as Son Tinh Camp in Hanoi, Canh Duong Beach Camp in Hue, Trung Luong Picnic Area in Binh Dinh, Tanvoli Tourist Site in Ninh Thuan and Coco Beach Camp in Binh Thuan.

 

Visitors should study the terrain and weather thoroughly to carefully prepare clothes, food and carry-on items including camping tents, sleeping bags, first aid bags, blankets, stoves, power banks and especially garbage bags to make attractive and safe camping trips. According to travel experts, tourist, notably families with children, should camp at tourist camping sites that have been planned to ensure full elements of natural landscape, infrastructure, facilities and essential services. In addition, visitors should camp in deserted locations to avoid crowds and strictly comply with COVID-19 prevention and control measures.