A unique camping model for exploring nature.

Another summer has arrived, heralded by the golden sunshine blanketing every street corner. After a long year confined to familiar spaces due to the Covid-19 pandemic, travel enthusiasts are enthusiastically returning to trips both domestically and internationally.

The trend of combining camping with adventure travel.

Besides familiar forms of tourism such as relaxation, sightseeing, and backpacking, more and more people are seeking out nature exploration and camping experiences in lesser-known locations in Vietnam.

Many people seek out this unique travel experience as a way to challenge themselves, overcome fears and limitations, and discover and conquer hidden beauties.

Leo Nguyen, Marketing Director at Jungle Boss Tours, shared: “Unlike mass tourism forms such as sightseeing and relaxation, the niche tourism focused on exploration and adventurous experiences is still very new in Vietnam. Instead of spending money on relaxing and leisurely services, people prefer and seek out exploratory experiences to break out of their comfort zone, to embark on adventures and discover new things.”

A key characteristic of this style of travel is its close connection with nature through physical activities and outdoor excursions such as hiking, mountain climbing, swimming, zip-lining, and camping, with the aim of exploring pristine areas untouched by human activity.

The appeal of exploratory camping probably stems most from the combination of the familiar form of camping with unique, adventurous experiences. Beyond simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery, it allows participants to delve into the natural world, directly engaging in expeditions to understand the story of the mountains and forests.

Away from the hustle and bustle and the suffocating conveniences, amidst the vast wilderness, one can enjoy the tranquil rhythm of nature, gaze at the verdant mountains and forests, breathe in the clean, fragrant air, and feel the gentle touch of the fresh breeze. This is an experience that cannot be found in crowded, modern cities.

Tips for your exploration trip

Unlike typical camping where people can completely prepare their own tents and plan their trips, in most cases, adventurous experiences require specially designed tours closely supervised by experienced guides.

The reason is that destinations for this type of tourism are typically unspoiled areas with complex terrain. Therefore, the role of guides who are familiar with the area and experienced in handling situations is crucial to ensuring a smooth and safe journey.

In addition, these companions will also share with you stories about the formation and development of each location – something you'd be hard-pressed to find on any other search engine.

Nowadays, experiential tour packages usually include all the necessary safety equipment and basic necessities for each trip, so participants don't need to prepare much besides some basic personal items and, most importantly, good health.

Some tours even provide nutritious meals to help participants maintain their energy throughout the journey, and some even offer barbecues so the expedition team can enjoy a fun atmosphere amidst magnificent nature.

To meet the demand for experiencing pristine, unspoiled nature, most exploration tours take place in areas far removed from modern conveniences, such as the cave systems in Quang Binh, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, etc.

Besides choosing a destination that suits your interests, carefully considering the difficulty level of a tour that matches your fitness level is also crucial. If you are not confident in your physical fitness or are limited by age, you can participate in day tours with activities mainly involving walking and light exercise such as kayaking...

On the other hand, if you're an adventurous traveler, seek out more challenging experiences such as swimming and zip-lining through pristine caves, hiking through dense forests, or camping underground... Whichever you choose, experiencing life in nature will surely give you precious memories.

Regarding choosing a suitable tour provider, Leo Nguyen shared the following experiences:

“Exploratory tourism models are different from other forms of tourism because the experience sometimes involves inherent risks. Therefore, experience and organizational standards that ensure maximum safety are paramount. Participants should carefully compare different tour operators by researching through media and reviews from previous participants to draw the most objective and accurate conclusions. Furthermore, instead of simply providing services as a tour provider, creating positive impressions, both in terms of experience and emotions throughout the trip, is crucial. This is what can create the unique character of each operator, making them distinct from one another.”

Ha Thu