Camping and Foraging Forest Experience
Experience code: EthosForest
“Hunter-gathers, by nature, store information for use, understanding that there may be a time when information is scarce.”
Duration: Optional (2 days / 3 days)
Departure time: flexible between 8.30 am - 9.30 am
Physical activity: Moderate to challenging
Location - Small traditional villages. Forests and mountains
Travel Style: - Cultural immersion and active adventure
Connectivity: Wifi - None, Mobile coverage - weak.
Departure time: flexible between 8.30 am - 9.30 am
Physical activity: Moderate to challenging
Location - Small traditional villages. Forests and mountains
Travel Style: - Cultural immersion and active adventure
Connectivity: Wifi - None, Mobile coverage - weak.
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Overview
The Hmong are a traditional people who typically practice self-sufficiency through farming and are passionate about preserving their shared cultural heritage. Forage and camp, journey and learn, drink some rice wine and watch the sunset - wild food and camping just work so well together. Journey to remote tribal villages where we'll explore on foot, learning about and harvesting wild food in order to prepare an evening feast at base camp. We have two or three day camping and trekking expeditions available, both which exploring the Hoang Lien Son National Park, combining a trekking journey with foraging led by wild food expert from the Hmong ethnic minority. |
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Background
Hoang Lien National Park is one of the most important forests habitats in Vietnam with a total area of 29 845 ha. The park has wide variety of habitat types: elevations below 1,800m support lower montane evergreen forest; elevations between 1,800 and 2,500m support upper montane evergreen forest, elevations between 2,500 and 2,800m support sub-alpine forest, while the vegetation above 2,800m is dominated by stands of dwarf bamboo with scattered, stunted trees. Below 1,000m, the forest has been almost entirely cleared and replaced with anthropogenic habitats, including secondary grassland, rice terraces and bamboo groves.
Hoang Lien National Park is mainly primitive forest with a rich and diverse flora and fauna. In terms of forest vegetation, Hoang Lien National Park is home to more than 2,000 species of plants, of which about 66 species are listed in Vietnam Red Book. The forest fauna is extremely diverse with 66 species of mammals including black gibbons and silver langurs; 347 species of birds such as large-spotted eagles, red crested pheasant and hornbills; 41 species of amphibians and 61 reptile species.
Hoang Lien National Park is one of the most important forests habitats in Vietnam with a total area of 29 845 ha. The park has wide variety of habitat types: elevations below 1,800m support lower montane evergreen forest; elevations between 1,800 and 2,500m support upper montane evergreen forest, elevations between 2,500 and 2,800m support sub-alpine forest, while the vegetation above 2,800m is dominated by stands of dwarf bamboo with scattered, stunted trees. Below 1,000m, the forest has been almost entirely cleared and replaced with anthropogenic habitats, including secondary grassland, rice terraces and bamboo groves.
Hoang Lien National Park is mainly primitive forest with a rich and diverse flora and fauna. In terms of forest vegetation, Hoang Lien National Park is home to more than 2,000 species of plants, of which about 66 species are listed in Vietnam Red Book. The forest fauna is extremely diverse with 66 species of mammals including black gibbons and silver langurs; 347 species of birds such as large-spotted eagles, red crested pheasant and hornbills; 41 species of amphibians and 61 reptile species.
Bush Skills
In the forests, you will set up your own camp; this will be your base. Then your training begins. We will take you through all the skills you need to find water, make shelter, light a fire and procure food.
You will be eating some strange and tasty bugs, collecting fire wood, recognising bush foods, hunting with a crossbow and much more.
In the forests, you will set up your own camp; this will be your base. Then your training begins. We will take you through all the skills you need to find water, make shelter, light a fire and procure food.
You will be eating some strange and tasty bugs, collecting fire wood, recognising bush foods, hunting with a crossbow and much more.
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Hunting and gathering
As hunter-gatherers, men would scour the dense forest around Northern Vietnam looking for animals to shoot with their crossbows. Crossbows have been used by Hmong people for centuries and have had many purposes. Aside from their value as hunting tools, the weapons also helped Hmong people protect themselves against attack from wild animals.Crossbows also have spiritual significance. Bamboo arrows are used as decorations during Hmong funeral ceremonies, a custom which stretches back for many generations. In Hmong folklore it is said the deceased will be shepherded safely into the afterlife by these arrows, which they can wield against foes on their journey after death. Bamboo, itself, is revered by the Hmong, who believe it to be sacred. This is due to the plant’s key role in Hmong society, used as a material for crafting buildings, furniture, musical instruments, household items and weapons. |
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What to expect:
The National Park contains temperate and sub-temperate forests which cover the Hoang Lien mountain range. The forest and surrounding vegetation provides habitats for a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Many of these are found only in north-west Vietnam and are of great biological significance.
The Cloud Forests are notoriously wet environments with great seasonal variation. The slopes are steeps and home to some of the most biodiverse and ancient forests in all of South East Asia. Camping conditions are basic, with two person tents, sleeping bags and camping mats provided.
Included:
Excluded:
Notes:
Be aware that during rainy periods, trails around Sapa may be muddy and slippery. Walking shoes with good grip are recommended.
The National Park contains temperate and sub-temperate forests which cover the Hoang Lien mountain range. The forest and surrounding vegetation provides habitats for a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Many of these are found only in north-west Vietnam and are of great biological significance.
The Cloud Forests are notoriously wet environments with great seasonal variation. The slopes are steeps and home to some of the most biodiverse and ancient forests in all of South East Asia. Camping conditions are basic, with two person tents, sleeping bags and camping mats provided.
Included:
- English Speaking local guide
- All required transportation
- Water and fruit
- Entrance fees to the Hoang Lien National Park
- All meals
- Rental of camping equipment
Excluded:
- Travel insurance
Notes:
Be aware that during rainy periods, trails around Sapa may be muddy and slippery. Walking shoes with good grip are recommended.
Community based tourism is tourism in which local residents (often rural, poor and economically marginalised) invite tourists to visit their communities with the provision of overnight accommodation.
