- 03/04/2020
Hanoi's Truong Van Vi, 44, seeks to take his kids outdoors rather than let them play video games and watch TV all day. Since the novel coronavirus epidemic has ruled out commuting and visiting public parks, Vi selects outlying locations with a lake and fresh air for weekend family excursions.
Vi's family of four went to an environmental park next to Dong Quan Lake in Hanoi Soc Son District and camped there on March 15. Vi took pleasure in fishing at the campsite while his kids explored their surroundings and played games.
The family camps of Truong Van Vi at the Ham Rong Lakeside near Dong Quan Lake in the Soc Son district of Hanoi
Vi said his children were excited to camp there after being cooped up at home during the extended school break for so long. "Hanging out for the kids is great as the blue light emitted by electronic screens is unhealthy, particularly over long periods."
The camp site had only three or four people, and each tent was set up more than 20 meters apart, meaning there was little risk of contagion. The Ham Long camp site does not require people to stay overnight for the abundant protection against contagion
For the ride, for extra precaution, Vi got a tent, foldable chairs, eating utensils, lunch boxes and medical supplies such as masks and hand sanitizers. Barbecue grills are available for hire on campground. The trip for a family of four plus fuel cost VND600,000 ($26).
Vi said it shouldn't turn into fear, though it's necessary for people to be vigilant and practice protection for themselves and for their families. And short family trips are good as long as they follow anti-virus laws including avoiding crowded areas, dining out and using public transport.
In recent months, when coronavirus effects reached companies, Ho Chi Minh City's Nguyen Trang and her husband planned to embark on two to three day short trips. For comfort, she chose lowland destinations near bodies of water. "Since we're camping to stop the virus, the site needs to be relatively quiet, rural and away from populated areas," she said.
Their latest trip was to the Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park at the far end of the manmade Tuyen Lam Lake, in Da Lat's Central Highlands town. Before that the couple visited Dau Tieng Lake, Vietnam's largest irrigation reservoir in the province of Binh Duong, and Doi Nhai beach in Vung Tau Town, southern Vietnam.
Usually a group of two to five friends accompany the married couple on their aventure. Before each ride, Trang briefly investigates the characteristics of its destination and the environment. Often, she carefully packs her bags with such supplies as a tent, tarp, utensils and food.
Her mentality is to remain safe and to be vigilant yet fearless. She avoids interaction with strangers other than gas station attendants and grocery vendors during the journey.
Such journeys, Trang said, help her satisfy her passion for vehicles and travel. She has explored new paths, breathed fresh air and interacted with nature rather than remaining in the city and living in fear of Covid-19. "We opt for the millions of stars in the night sky, rather than five-star hotels."
Da Nang City's Hoang Tuan Anh also enjoys natural sightseeing. On March 21-22, he camped overnight at Hoa Bac Village of the Co Tu ethnic group outside Da Nang with his family and close friends. This ride, he said, helped him discover another side of his town.
"Da Nang is home to many other beautiful, unexplored landscapes, as well as popular tourist attractions. At the camp site, our children can run around freely, breathe fresh air and be physically involved."
The family gathers around a little fire in the evening, grills delicious food and experiences an entirely different urban life experience. The trip costs VND300,000-350,000 ($13-15) per person, including renting meals and equipment.
When camping, family members paddle and take a dip in the water.
Anh said the camp site should be relatively empty to avoid interaction with others to ensure protection, and the normal precautions of wearing masks and constantly sanitizing hands should not be abandoned. He also talked about the importance of protecting nature and being considerate of our climate.
Original article : Vnexpress International