For Duong Xuan Thi, a 26-year-old resident of Ho Chi Minh City’s Go Vap District, Saturdays are a break from the usual. Instead of heading to work, she prepares for an urban camping trip, a unique hobby she enjoys.
Thi starts her weekend with a quick grab of coffee and snacks from her refrigerator before meeting up with two friends. Their destination? Go Vap Cultural Park, located just three kilometers away.
City camping offers a convenient escape from the daily grind. “It sounds ‘fancy’ to go camping, but it’s actually quite simple,” Thi adds. “We just needed to find a green space, and it took us just 10 minutes by motorbike.”
Thi and her friends discovered a hidden gem—a park nestled among trees, with a tranquil lotus pond and the melody of birdsong. It’s a peaceful retreat, just a stone’s throw away from the bustling city.
Thi is an experienced urban camper, often changing locations to explore new settings. From Gia Dinh Park to the beaches of Can Gio and the Sai Gon Riverside in Thu Duc City, she seeks out the perfect spots.
“There are so many great places to camp within the city,” she says. “It’s all about finding the right location.”
With two years of urban camping under her belt, Thi has mastered the art of site selection. She scours social media for recommendations and then turns to Google Maps to read reviews, ensuring she finds the ideal spot.
The chosen sites offer ample shade, eliminating the need for tents. Urban camping is a breeze when it comes to logistics—meals can be prepared at home, and equipment is easy to transport.
For 13-year-old Nguyen Thai Phuong Nghi and her friends, city camping is an exciting adventure. With the help of their parents, they prepare food, drinks, and everything they need for a fun outdoor experience. They set up a simple camp, and the fun begins—a refreshing break from the constant pull of their phones.
Nghi appreciates the safety of camping close to home, with guardians nearby. Her parents encourage these outdoor excursions, knowing it’s a healthy alternative to screen time.
Unwinding in the Heart of the City
Phan Du, a 31-year-old with a busy work schedule, also opts for city camping with his family. Living in Tan Phu District, they frequently head to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, just a short distance away.
|
|
| Vu Trung Hieu’s family enjoys a day of city camping, spending around eight hours at their chosen spot. Photo: An Vi / Tuoi Tre |
Du keeps things simple, bringing only the essentials—a tent, hammock, and portable table. In just a short time, his family can escape the city noise and immerse themselves in nature.
He particularly appreciates the convenience of camping near the city center, with easy access to parking and public restrooms. These amenities allow him to incorporate a variety of fun activities into their trips.
“When we camp further away, it requires more planning,” Du notes. “While the air might be purer, I still prefer the convenience and peace of mind that city camping offers.”
City camping offers a unique blend of nature and urban life. Campers can leave their work behind, take a break from their daily routines, and enjoy rare moments of self-reflection and emotional release.
Duong Ngoc Hong Hau, a 30-year-old man, is a seasoned camper. He has slept in the forest and on beaches, but he finds city camping safer and more convenient. His only gripe is the time restrictions at city campgrounds, which prevent him from enjoying a full 24-hour experience.
Healing and Reconnection
|
|
| A group of friends enjoy city camping in Go Vap District, a fun way to reconnect and heal in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh. Photo: An Vi / Tuoi Tre |
Urban camping is more than just a hobby for many; it’s a form of healing and a chance to reconnect with loved ones. Du, for instance, takes his daughter camping at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens every weekend. It’s an opportunity for her to play, observe animals, and learn to swim, while he finds solace in the tranquility of nature after a hectic workweek.
During the hot season, the zoo becomes a popular campsite, offering a respite from the city heat. Du makes the most of their trips, preparing meals and tending to his five-year-old daughter’s needs. He also uses these excursions to encourage her to detach from electronic devices, fostering a healthier relationship with technology.
Each visit brings new questions from his curious daughter, and he patiently answers them all. Their bond strengthens with each camping trip.
City camping is also budget-friendly. For a group of three, like Thi and her friends, the cost is minimal. She often orders products online, delivered straight to their campsite, and rarely spends more than VND1,000,000 ($39).
Nearby, Vu Trung Hieu and his family of three also set up their tent. They spend about eight hours at the zoo, enjoying quality time together. It’s a welcome change from their usual routine, and they appreciate the fresh air and natural surroundings.
“Sleeping at home is boring,” Hieu says with a smile. “We wanted something different, but we didn’t want to travel far. So, we bought a tent, and now we ride our bikes to the zoo every weekend for a change of scenery.”
The Sweetest Sensations: Six Decades of Dessert Heaven in Saigon.
Discover the captivating story behind Ho Chi Minh City’s beloved sweet treat shop and explore why it’s the ultimate destination to satisfy your evening sugar cravings.
The Magic of Heart-Cooked Meals: A Malaysian Chef Shares His Family Flavors in Vietnam
On a sweltering summer afternoon in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, an enticing aroma wafts through the air, tantalizing the senses. Chef Eden Daus, a master of his craft, carefully prepares a special serving of Malaysia’s beloved national dish, nasi lemak. As he works his magic in the kitchen of his renowned restaurant, Lesung, the unique blend of spices and flavors fills the air, promising a culinary journey like no other.
