The outbreak in Saigon makes people less likely to meet. One Friday evening in August, the three of us made an appointment for a video call, telling about sad and sad stories, stupid times, and even very real sharing about the recent backpacking trips.
Mr. Thang and Mr. Loc are two brothers who are extremely close to me. We have known each other for approximately 6 years thanks to a part-time job when I had just graduated from high school. The two brothers consider backpacking as a passion, an experience, not trips to "show" as many people often say. Although sometimes that's not entirely wrong. For them, backpacking is deeply ingrained in their blood. Without it, they will feel that life lacks meaning.
The first trip to connect the "Popeyes" team (Low-quality images but high-quality teammates)
Hello brothers! As people who have traveled through many roads and felt the beauty of many places in Vietnam, can you tell me which places you have been to? For self-sufficient trips, what items are considered necessary and what is the most important?
Mr. Thang: Most of them go camping: Kala Lake, Dambri Lake, Hon Bo Peak in Da Lat, Tuyen Lam Lake, Ta Dung Lake, Trieu Hai Waterfall, Lieng Nung Waterfall, Ba Den Mountain, Da Xi Stream (or Da Ploa), Masara Grass Hill, Dau Tieng Lake, K58 stream in Tanh Linh, Central Highlands, Binh Thuan Yen Cape... There are so many, I can't count them all.
Mr. Loc: In my opinion, not only for me but also for all other backpackers, MONEY and HEALTH are the two most important things, without those two things, even if I prepare other things, the trip is only in my thoughts. In addition, a stable motorcycle, lighter, knife, and a phone full of strong wave batteries are equally important. The rest depends on the destination that the group chooses to be where to be able to prepare related support items. For example, if you are not staying at the homestay, you will bring more protective gear, tents, folding chairs, blankets, insect repellent, personal hygiene tools,... Here is his usual luggage on long trips:
Essential items for a self-sufficient trip (Source: Anh Loc - left, Greenbelly - right)
For Mr. Loc, have you ever traveled alone? In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of going alone compared to going with a group?
Mr. Loc: He also often travels alone. The advantage is probably to be free, the decision to stop or rest is up to you. There are many difficulties, as we often say, "1 billion difficult things". The cost of travel doubled, having to exercise on their own in case of problems, the rate of encountering danger is higher, and there is a lack of friends to share the joy or confide in along the way,..
Barbecue night with everyone at camping
Are those the reasons that led the two of you to your passion for backpacking instead of traveling by bus like everyone else?
Mr. Loc: At the age of 16, due to the cost factor, taking a bus cost too much money for a boy like him. By 20, it was probably because he liked the feeling of sun, wind and sand hitting his face rather than the air conditioning blowing on the back of his neck, preferring to see the beautiful scenery around him with his own eyes rather than through the thick car glass. In addition, when I drive my own car, seeing the beautiful scenery, I can stop and take pictures, but when I ride the bus, I don't ask the driver to stop for me to take pictures, right?
The first time to hunt clouds in Hon Bo
Mr. Thang: He likes to feel like himself when sitting in the car, running wherever he wants, if he likes, he stops to make a few photos so that he can look back later and have something to tell. Besides, backpacking is also an inspiration. He is a free man, who does not like to be bound by any factors. Therefore, backpacking is not only an option, it is also his passion.
Eating is also an important factor in trips, outdoor camping, how will you two usually prepare, is it difficult to bring cooking utensils or food?
Mr. Loc: When preparing the furniture, the group will plan what to eat during the trip. Because each trip usually lasts 3-4 days, the problem of eating for a long time is a dilemma if you don't rent a homestay. I have to prepare all the tools and divide them for each member to bring for common activities. However, having said that, you must also carefully select and consider items so that they are as convenient as possible.
Mr. Thang: Depending on where you will be, I will have a specific plan. For example, he once stopped at a homestay, so cooking utensils were available, so he only needed to worry about food. If we are self-sufficient in eating, we often bring pots, cups, forks, ignition items, oilwood, specialized cutlery and necessary food.
Who said that when you go on a trip, you can only eat dried shrimp noodles?
During the time of embarking on the road of "backpacking", I saw that the two of you kept a lot of images. Can you share your memories of a photo that you like the most?
Mr. Thang: He has been to many places, but to talk about memories, it must be the trip across Vietnam last April. He and a companion started from Saigon to the north of his country. Before he and his friend "fought", some close brothers went with him to see off for a while, friends around him also texted to pay attention to safety. At that time, I felt that the love of my friends was the main thing, and the expectations from them were ten. But unfortunately, he has not been able to fully fulfill his long-cherished wish. However, during that 20-day period, he saw himself the most, "was" the most, felt the support from everyone most clearly.
Mr. Thang and his companion bid farewell to their teammates in Ninh Thuan to set off "through Vietnam"
Mr. Loc: For him, the most favorite must be the photo of the first time his friend "May" visited the tent. After more than a dozen trips to Da Lat, it was a rare time that the clouds were so close and numerous. The feeling at that time, he could only say "happy as crazy". He just wanted to freeze that scene and keep it to himself.
"Clouds at hand"
Have you two ever encountered any problems on your backpacking trips, how did you overcome it, did you learn anything for yourself and other backpackers?
Mr. Loc: Health and money are paramount, to learn the lesson of those two things, he also experienced an incident a few years ago. He was young, thought he was healthy, so he went out while his health was not really good. As a result, more than 50% of the time on the trip, he only lies down to rest and take medicine. Another time, he didn't notice, his pants pocket was punctured without knowing, he dropped money, in fact, at that time, he didn't know how to deal with it alone, fortunately, there were a few brothers with him. The experience of sharing with everyone is nothing new, the important thing is:
- You have to go when your HEALTH is really normal, to enjoy the trip rather than to endure it.
- You have to divide the MONEY into many places, back up a little money to the card, and the identity documents in many places.
- You must CHECK your car carefully before you go on the road, always bring all the necessary car repair tools.
What's more than the feeling of being in harmony with nature
I see that there was a time when backpacking became a trend among young people, what do you think about this phenomenon?
It's a trend. Until now, it is still a very hot trend for some of you, but for those who have a real passion, backpacking is and has become an indispensable piece of youth. When asked about backpacking, they are very proud to share about the journeys and memories they have experienced, and sometimes there are those who can't help but be moved when talking about this endless passion. There are still many roads, many beautiful natural scenery that people do not know. I believe that when you embark on this path, the feeling of seeing the majestic beauty of nature with your own eyes, taking pictures of it with these eyes, will be something that will make you stay attached forever!
"Every trip is a part of passion, of youth, of memories that follow us throughout our lives"
Thank you very much for taking the time to share these stories and valuable experiences, wish you two always success in your work and will always keep the flame of your passion.
Writer: My Dieu