Solo camping: A travel trend that heals the soul.

A journey to enjoy a world of your own.

Solo camping is the activity of camping alone. This means going to a place to explore nature without friends or family. The history of solo camping dates back to the 1800s when people hunted for food to survive. The idea was popularized in 1952 by Henry David Thoreau, who wrote about his experience camping alone. He found that it helped him become more resourceful, cautious, and self-reliant.

Solo camping is on the rise and this trend is spreading to many countries around the world, including Vietnam. Unlike camping with friends and family, setting up tents, having meals, and socializing together, many people choose to enjoy their camping trip alone.

Camping alone fulfills the need for people, especially young people, to get outside and breathe fresh air. This activity becomes appealing because we can spend time relaxing in nature, thinking and doing whatever we want without worrying about bothering anyone else.

Everyone has their own way of enjoying their time alone. Some prefer cooking for themselves, others focus on decorating their tent, engaging in sports, taking walks, or simply sitting and reading a book while sipping a cup of homemade coffee.

Experience relaxation in a peaceful setting.

Camping is featured in various media such as movies, comics, television shows, and vlogs, attracting a large audience. This has encouraged many people to participate in camping and share their experiences.

As a YouTuber who specializes in sharing solo camping videos, Lu Hoang Thong (30 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) said: "The inspiration for the solo camping idea came from the camping videos I often watch on YouTube by Japanese and Korean people."

Mr. Thong is passionate about outdoor activities and being close to nature. Previously, he often went camping with friends, but scheduling was always difficult because everyone was busy.

For the past three years, Mr. Thong has found joy in camping alone. It's a way to connect with his inner self, alone with the vast and boundless nature. Because he has control over his time, he packs his bags and goes whenever he feels like it, so in some months, Mr. Thong takes as many as 4 or 5 trips.

The ideal camping location is a forest with picturesque scenery, secluded and quiet enough to listen to the sounds of nature.

With the desire to preserve memories from his solo camping trips and promote the beautiful natural landscapes of Vietnam, Thong filmed his camping and cooking activities in ASMR style, without voiceovers like other vlogs. His videos have attracted thousands of views due to their natural and authentic sounds and visuals.

When camping alone, Mr. Thong has plenty of time to enjoy the lush green mountain scenery with dew-covered trees, breathe in the fresh air, listen to the sound of rain or the babbling stream… Besides, immersing himself in nature is seen as a way to slow down, enter a world of freedom and peace.

Temporarily leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city to immerse himself in the unspoiled wilderness, Mr. Thong often limits his use of modern technology and returns to a simple life close to nature. These activities are as simple as setting up a tent for the night, gathering branches for a campfire, cooking a few light meals, reading a good book, and sipping a cup of homemade coffee… All of this is possible when immersed in the poetic, romantic, quiet, and gentle scenery of the vast mountains and forests.

Recalling his most memorable camping trip, Mr. Thong shared: “The most memorable experience was probably camping in the pine forest of Da Lat during the rain. As expected, camping in the pine forest during the rainy season was incredibly enjoyable. The raindrops falling on the tent roof created a very soothing and pleasant sound. I even used the rainwater to boil and make tea. And, as always, I cooked breakfast and enjoyed a peaceful morning scene.”

According to Mr. Thong, the best time for camping is from the afternoon of the day before to the morning of the next day, when you can admire the sunset and sunrise, the two most beautiful times of the day.

Unlike typical vacation trips, solo camping means you have to prepare your own accommodation and meals. This requires you to be well-equipped with camping skills and gear. “Things I usually bring include: a tent, sleeping bag, cooking kit, food, water, and a camera. I think everything is very important for a camping trip,” the YouTuber said.

Sharing more with Travellive readers, Mr. Thong advised: “My advice to young people who want to go solo camping is to equip yourselves with good skills, improve your health, and nurture your passion for camping. I hope you will always protect nature, leaving only footprints and bringing back beautiful photos and videos as memories.”

Phuong Mai is a reporter for Travellive Magazine in Hanoi.

Phuong Mai