Trekking Wisdom

Globally, trekking tourism, the art of walking to explore, has long been embraced. In Vietnam, the last four years have seen the emergence of trekking tourism, thanks to nature lovers and those inclined towards physical activity.

According to the observations of many Vietnamese and international trekking enthusiasts, Vietnam's terrain and climate are exceptionally suitable for those who want to travel, admire beautiful landscapes, and simultaneously cultivate their physical and mental well-being.

Trekking requires travelers to walk, carry their gear, and often venture into forests, mountains, and remote villages. The exploration route is typically not found on maps, providing travelers with a conquering sensation.

Trekking is economical, but participants need to meticulously plan their itineraries, equipment weight, and food provisions before embarking on the journey.

Essential Gear to Carry

- Warm clothing, waterproof boots, and a raincoat are essential. Travelers should wear closed, water-resistant clothes or, if they get wet, they should dry quickly; otherwise, movement becomes challenging.

Footwear with moisture-wicking socks is crucial in humid areas. Clothing should have multiple pockets for storage. The backpack should be of high quality and waterproof to avoid it becoming progressively heavier as the traveler's health declines.

The backpack should have a waist strap for a secure fit. Depending on the traveler's fitness and the difficulty of the journey, they should choose the equipment to bring along.

- Various medications for colds, fever, diarrhea, fever reduction, antibiotics, cotton swabs, antiseptic, vitamins, and Snickers bars (a high-energy snack) are indispensable. Vaseline, used to prevent chapped lips, is also essential.

- Food should be dry, such as bread, canned meat, jerky, instant noodles, and nutritious biscuits.

- Pay attention to bringing plenty of... condoms! In adventurous explorations, condoms play a crucial role due to their versatility: rolled up, they can serve as a tourniquet; when inflated, they become a pouch for phones, microphones, music players, cameras, camcorders, and can even be used as a flotation device when encountering rivers or streams.

Key Reminders

- On an average day, a person with normal stamina can walk about 12km to 15km. Based on this, travelers can study the topography of the destination area on the map and plan the trip accordingly, calculating the distance to ensure it aligns reasonably with one's capabilities and safeguards against dangerous situations.

Check the weather forecast for preparation. Prepare an introduction letter if trekking in border areas or conservation zones managed by specialized agencies.

- Move within a distance to support each other in case of emergencies; avoid separating, especially when crossing streams, traversing cliffs, or navigating treacherous paths.

- When taking a break, use the backpack as a backrest instead of taking it off.

- It's advisable to reach a local village for overnight stays, either sleeping in local homes or setting up camp nearby. Travelers can also request locals to cook rice, buy food, and get fresh vegetables for dinner.

- In the case of camping in the middle of the forest, it's advisable to set up camp early while the weather is still clear. Set up camp next to a water source, prepare food for dinner in advance, light a large fire, and maintain the fire throughout the night.

- When arriving in a local area, travelers should immediately engage in conversations with the locals. Each route will have its unique characteristics in terms of humidity, temperature, and the flora and fauna system.

Stories of roadside accidents serve as valuable experiences for travelers to face challenging and rugged terrains. Simultaneously, these stories help avoid unintentional actions that may offend the local population.

Source: Mytour Travel Handbook – By: Saigon Entrepreneur.