Hanoi's camping attracts visitors seeking nature experiences

Hoang Thi Linh, a 30-year-old woman living in Hanoi's Nam Tu Liem District, is often busy on Fridays preparing for her family's regular weekend camping trip.

"Camping is the perfect choice for my family because it allows us to enjoy the great outdoors, live closer to nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. My family has been camping for a few years now. I really like unwinding this way," Linh told The Hanoi Times.

She listed some places to camp near Hanoi, including Yen So Park, Ecopark Urban Area, Ba Vi National Park, and Son Son District, and mentioned the benefits of camping, including affordable prices, no hotel expenses, and exposure to clean and fresh air. 

Linh's husband and child stay in the wild on a camping trip to Ba Vi National Park. Photo courtesy of Hoang Thi Linh

Tran Dinh Diep has been camping for years and is happy to share his experiences. "Before every trip, you should prepare the necessary things, such as tents, sleeping bags, firewood for a campfire, folding chairs and a first aid kit, all of which can be bought online," Diep said.

"It would be better to choose a site closer to a water source, because water is really important if you plan to camp for long days. For those who are new to camping, it's better to camp near residential areas where mobile phone signal is available," he told The Hanoi Times.

Cao Thi Lan loves to take her children camping. Even if it's just for one night, camping is a great way for children to develop their sense of adventure. "A fun trip includes a new environment, unusual sights and sounds, sleeping outside under the sky, and a campfire for chatting," said the mother of two sons.

She added that electronic devices have kept many children away from nature and outdoor activities. It's time to make their childhood as enjoyable as possible through camping.

"It is never too early to go camping with your kids. Here you can refresh your life or discover nature with your children around a campfire with a barbecue party. You can also enjoy other outdoor activities such as canoeing, climbing and fishing," says Lan, stressing that it is important to remove all rubbish from the campsite when you leave.

Increasing demand

Hanoi is currently developing into a camping haven with stunning natural scenery and scenic and spacious areas for outdoor activities such as climbing, trekking, kayaking, fishing, and learning about local cultures.

Ba Vi District, located on the outskirts of Hanoi, offers exciting camping opportunities. With its varied topography, including mountains, rivers and forests, the area holds great potential for ecotourism and sports such as mountaineering and hiking. 

Ba Vi National Park is a popular destination for visitors to pitch their tents. Photo: Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat

Nguyen Phi Hung, Director of the Ba Vi National Park's Center for Environmental Education and Services, said that in recent years, the park has established several camping sites at altitudes ranging from 400 to 600 meters above sea level. "The center provides camping equipment such as tents and outdoor grills, as well as guiding services for trekking and visits to French ruins and cultural and historical sites," Hung said.

Hoang Van Phuong, manager of Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat, told The Hanoi Times that a large number of visitors have signed up for the resort's camping tour service this summer. "With the existing natural ecological value, camping tourism in Ba Vi National Park is becoming one of the attractive products among local and international tourists," Phuong said.

Pham Hai Quynh, Director of the Asian Tourism Development Institute, told Hanoimoi that Hanoi's suburban districts need to develop communication strategies to raise public awareness about safe campsites, while tour operators should organize various activities suitable for visitors of different ages," Quynh said.

Cao Thi Lan's family camping in the Ban Rom Ecotourism Complex. Photo courtesy of Cao Thi Lan

There are many camping groups in the capital, such as Camping Together, Hanoi Camping - Picnic Association, and Camping with Children, among others. Members of these groups usually recommend campsites to each other, share experiences, exchange camping equipment, and plan trips together.

Professional campsites can be found in places like Son Tinh Camp, Ban Rom Ecotourism Area, Dong Mo Camping Sport, Thien Son-Suoi Nga Ecotourism Area, Ban Xoi Village, and others. These places offer a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating and campfire, as well as tent and bicycle rentals.

Furthermore, locations in the suburbs of Hanoi that were once solely frequented by hikers, artists, or photographers—like Tram Mountain and Ham Lon Mountain—are increasingly drawing families for camping excursions.

"Many people choose to camp in the summer and fall," said Tran Trung Hieu, Director of Delta Travel Company, adding that there are certain concerns due to lack of awareness among tourists, such as camping in inappropriate places, lighting fires in prohibited areas, and leaving garbage behind.

Travel agencies are constantly encouraged by the Hanoi government to develop innovative tourism products that capitalize on regional advantages. Camping is an appealing offer, said Ta Huu Chien, director of Suvina Travel Company, adding, "If it is developed methodically and professionally, it will be an effective and economical product."

Meanwhile, Pham Duy Nghia, Director of VietFoot Travel Company, recommended that service providers integrate trekking and environmental protection activities into camping tours and provide timely information to guests on how to ensure their safety. 

Travelers go kayaking in Thien Son-Suoi Nga Ecotourism Complex. Photo courtesy of the tourist site