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The Covid-19 pandemic has completely changed travel habits. Tourists have become more cautious about ensuring their own health and the health of their companions. The trend of independent, solo travel to high mountains or pristine mountain passes has become more popular, especially during the peak tourist season at the end of the year, and even extending through the summer of the following year. This sport is chosen by both enthusiasts and those who have never experienced it before, to try their hand at enjoying the spectacular natural scenery while simultaneously training their willpower and physical fitness.
Unlike conventional forms of tourism, trekking relies solely on foot and requires a certain level of physical fitness. Without it, participants can quickly become exhausted and prone to injury. However, despite the challenges posed by pandemics and the difficulties along the way, many travelers still yearn to reconnect with the world through authentic and deeply local travel experiences via trekking.
"Believe it or not, I've officially conquered my first mountain ever, and I even combined it with cloud watching, rain watching, and my main mission: photography."That's the sentiment of Ms. Ha Chi, an office worker in Hanoi, after conquering Lao Than peak (Lao Cai) in mid-November. This was also her first time participating in mountain climbing, and for her, this experience was a very effective form of relaxation after stressful working days."
Autumn and winter – the peak tourist season this year in Northern Vietnam – have made outdoor tourism a popular trend, especially attracting those who have never participated before. Many travel companies are now investing in developing trekking experiences, which are attracting a lot of interest and registrations. Tourists can choose to opt for a package deal (transportation, porters, food, etc.) or arrange their own transportation to the meeting point and then hire a porter or guide to ascend the mountain.
Representatives from Umove Adventure stated that outdoor activities such as camping, SUP paddling, and trekking are currently trending. Each week, the company organizes two trekking tours with approximately 60 participants. Compared to previous years, this number isn't exceptionally large, but a significant percentage are first-time visitors. Popular destinations include Ta Chi Nhu (Tram Tau, Yen Bai), Ta Xua (Bac Yen, Son La), and Lao Than (Bat Xat, Lao Cai). Additionally, national park tours with gentle trekking routes in Cat Ba National Park (Hai Phong) and Cuc Phuong National Park (Ninh Binh) are also very popular.
Outdoor tours like trekking are typically independent of third parties like restaurants and hotels, resulting in stable prices and fewer cancellations. Therefore, this type of tourism is popular with all segments of the travel market, from young adults to middle-aged people. Especially easy-to-follow routes, offering opportunities for cloud watching, trekking through forests, or gently sloping hills and mountains, are a popular choice during the Covid-19 pandemic.
