Buzz
In recent years, the trend of 'backpacking' has spread widely and gained popularity among young people. However, on enchanting routes resembling fairy tales lie hidden dangers. Therefore, young travelers passionate about adventurous journeys need to prepare thoroughly to ensure their safety. Let's hear from experienced 'backpackers' who have spent many years backpacking, sharing their experiences in conquering four destinations that many young people aspire to explore.
Practical experiences from those who have been backpacking for many years will greatly benefit young enthusiasts of backpacking, providing them with valuable knowledge.
Conquering the peak of Fansipan
Fansipan (abbreviated as Fan) is a mountain located in the Hoang Lien Son range, locally known as HuaSiPan - meaning 'giant uneven rock slab'. The mountain is still referred to as the roof of Indochina due to its height of 3,143m above sea level. The mesmerizing beauty of the rhododendron forest, bamboo forest, and pine forest enchants countless travelers. However, the journey to the summit of Fan is far from simple. It's not just a treacherous mountain path; you can easily get lost if you don't adhere to the essential rules.
Mr. Cao Hai Hung, who has conquered the summit of Fan four times, has shared his invaluable experiences.
Mr. Cao Hai Hung (second from the left) with his Fan climbing team.
The first thing you need to know is the weather for climbing Fan. The ideal time to climb Fan is from late September to March next year. Because in winter or hunting season, you can see many sea clouds, while in spring, many flowers bloom in the Hoang Lien Son forest.
The second important thing is health. For any route, it's essential to have good physical fitness before you go, especially if you're not very active. You should start exercising as early as possible. You can do exercises like standing up, sitting down, stretching, or jogging. When jogging, carry a backpack (which is the backpack you'll use when climbing Fan). Female backpacks usually weigh 2 - 3 kg, while male ones weigh from 5 - 7 kg. Fan climbing routes usually have porters (guides, carriers), but you still need to carry a backpack to hold drinking water, warm clothes, and light snacks along the way.
The third thing to note is the items to bring along. It's best to bring two sets of clothes, one for climbing and one for evening rest, so wear warm clothes because it's very cold on the mountain at night. Besides, bring a raincoat for rainy days or to prevent excessive cold, along with shoes, socks, gloves, warm woolen scarves, and wide-brimmed hats. Other items include a first aid kit, flashlight, and a few small plastic bags for rain gear.
The fourth thing is very important, which is to strictly adhere to the rules of the group, not to separate from the group on your own, pay attention to sticking together, the person behind must see the person in front. When feeling tired, don't stop completely, squat down immediately, but stop for a while, lean against a high object, straighten your legs, lean the backpack behind to reduce weight.
Bản Giốc Waterfall is considered one of the priceless gifts that nature has bestowed upon Cao Bang. It stands as a majestic and stunningly beautiful cascade, ranking among the finest in Vietnam. During the pouring season, it becomes a mesmerizing sight, akin to stepping into a fairyland, with its wide rock platform adorned with trees amidst the cascading waters splitting into three white silk-like streams.
Meet Thu Thuy (second from the left).
Lam Thu Thuy from Ha Giang, with 2 years of experience, shares: Just like any other route, when heading to Bản Giốc Waterfall, it's essential to pack necessary items such as warm clothing (as the nights here are quite chilly), snacks, coffee, sugar, and lemons (for refreshing breaks along the way to stay alert on the challenging narrow and hazardous mountain passes).
Prepare medical supplies like pain relievers, headache pills, cold and flu medicine, and insect repellent. Bring along 2 pairs of soft-soled shoes and a pair of sandals for trekking, as well as a flashlight, rain gear, multitool, vehicle documents, high-quality helmets, and protective goggles. Additionally, consider carrying a personal notebook to jot down restaurant addresses, scenic spots to visit, and the travel itinerary.
The biggest caution when traveling on these roads is to not exceed the speed limit. While the road from Bản Giốc to Bắc Kạn is beautiful, it's full of curves and slopes, prone to accidents, so this section requires careful driving. Heading from Cao Bằng to Bắc Kạn involves traversing 5 long and beautiful mountain passes, each providing exhilarating descents but requiring utmost vigilance to avoid mishaps.
Hà Giang – the Land of the Country's Headwaters
Anyone who has visited Hà Giang – the Land of the Country's Headwaters – must have made a silent promise to return, held deep within their hearts. With its majestic mountain landscapes, dreamlike roads, Hà Giang is a destination that captivates the souls of travelers. The rugged and magnificent rocky plateau of Hà Giang, bustling and vibrant markets, simmering hotpots, and endless hills blanketed with cherry blossoms and white apricot flowers enveloping the sky. However, for a truly meaningful and safe journey, it's essential to equip yourself with the necessary gear.
Sharing insights is Mr. Bùi Thanh An (from Hà Nội), who has over 5 years of experience exploring the Hà Giang region, providing valuable advice for those seeking to conquer this land.
Mr. Bùi Thanh An (outermost from the left).
Hà Giang always harbors beauties that no other land possesses. Any season in Hà Giang is enchanting and mesmerizing. In the early days of the year, if you want to experience Tet in a land with 23 different ethnic groups, then you will surely never forget the unique atmosphere found nowhere else. In August, September, Hà Giang is covered in the golden hue of ripe terraced rice fields, or in October, November, it is dyed with the pinkish purple of a peculiar and beautiful flower called Tam Giác Mạch.
Regarding transportation, you can travel by car or motorbike. If riding a motorbike, each rider should thoroughly check and maintain their vehicle as the roads in Hà Giang are quite long. For journeys deep into the mountains or villages, opt for lightweight models like Dream, Wave, Sirius. Each vehicle should carry a basic repair kit. It's advisable for the group to appoint someone knowledgeable in vehicle repairs and bring along a standard set of repair tools. Seek out an experienced guide to lead the way.
On the road, adhere strictly to the speed limits, avoid speeding, reckless overtaking, unnecessary honking, or revving engines loudly. Maintain single-file formation, refrain from riding side by side, and ensure to refuel fully before setting off. Take a break every 100 – 150 km, and secure your belongings properly. Apply reflective stickers to helmets and vehicles for better visibility during night rides.
Key destinations not to be missed in Hà Giang include Đồng Văn Karst Plateau, Sà Phìn Sky Gate, Mã Pí Lèng Pass (known as the 'King of All Passes'), Khau Vai Love Market, Quản Bạ Twin Mountain, and more.
Mù Cang Chải
The perilous roads, the terraced fields painted in hues of ripe yellow rice, the houses peeking through the clouds always make Mù Cang Chải an enticing destination for tourists. Besides the romantic beauty of this land, it always harbors hidden dangers that require attention. Ánh (born in 1992, Hanoi) with 2 years of avid backpacking experience shares: The best time to visit Mù Cang Chải is during the waterfall season from late June to early July and the rice ripening season from mid-August to mid-September.
Ánh (far left) with his friends.
When conquering this land, there are essential items not to be overlooked: high-quality helmets, protective gear for limbs. Additionally, you need to carry medical supplies, personal medications (prepare as for other routes), a raincoat set, waterproof boots, and quick-drying clothes.
Before embarking on your journey, ensure to perform maintenance checks on your motorcycle, especially the brakes. While traveling, pay close attention and stay focused, obey traffic laws, and maintain order within the group. Each group should provide each member with a paper containing everyone's phone numbers, to be prepared in case of emergencies for timely communication.
Conclusion
Has anyone ever said, “You should go on a backpacking trip at least once in your life”? Travel to experience, to understand, to explore, and to discover oneself. You may be excited, you may be nervous before each trip, each route, but you must not rush or be careless. Backpacking is exciting but also dangerous. You need to thoroughly prepare for each trip, follow the leader's instructions to avoid potential accidents. Respect your own life and the lives of others, that is what you should remember on every long journey.
According to Báo Đất Việt
Posted by: Trùng Dương
Keywords: Sharing experiences in conquering waterfalls, mountain climbing
