The allure of beautiful images
In the digital age, it's not difficult to come across images of ancient mossy forests or swirling seas of clouds circulating on social media, sparking a desire to explore nature and encouraging many young people to seek out trekking – a form of long-distance walking through natural terrain.
To date, Mai Phuong (20 years old), a student at the Academy of Journalism and Communication ( Hanoi ), has participated in three trekking trips. On her most recent trip to Phu Sa Phin (Xim Vang commune, Son La province), the photos of the mossy forest were one of the reasons she decided to go.
“My first trekking trip combined abseiling at Yen Son Heaven's Gate, and after that trip, I discovered I really enjoyed the feeling of mountain climbing, so I decided to continue. Social media also influenced my decision to choose the nearest route, Phu Sa Phin (Xim Vang, Son La ), because I saw pictures of the mossy forest online and thought it was so beautiful, so I decided to go no matter what. When I arrived, it was truly as beautiful as I imagined,” Phuong shared.
Seeing the majestic beauty of the mountains and forests through a phone screen was the biggest motivation for Nguyen Dung (20 years old), a student at the Academy of Journalism and Communication (Hanoi), to embark on her first trekking trip. Dung recalled: “My first destination was Thanh Dang Mountain (Uong Bi Ward, Quang Ninh City). Although it was only a short trip, the moment of directly watching the sunset amidst the vast mountains and forests left me amazed. The real nature is much more beautiful, poetic, and peaceful than on the screen. That initial curiosity was the bridge that led me away from the online space to directly experience the real scenery.”
However, photographs often only capture the most beautiful moments, while the journey to reach that location, with its many challenges, is rarely fully depicted.
Harsh reality and healing value
Unlike the glamorous images shared on social media, actual trekking requires participants to face challenging terrain and weather conditions. Continuous travel for hours, sometimes lasting two to three days, across steep slopes, slippery paths, or muddy terrain demands physical fitness and thorough preparation.
Nguyen Dung said that the actual experience was far different from what she had imagined before the trip. “Only when you actually go do you realize it’s much more tiring than you imagined. Constant uphill climbing, aching feet, and rocky roads. Watching videos makes it look great, but if you don’t prepare physically beforehand, it’s very easy to be overwhelmed,” Dung confided.
Agreeing with this point of view, Mai Phuong shared that trekking was much more tiring than initially imagined. Thorough preparation in terms of health helped her fully enjoy the trip, and she couldn't help but feel regret when she saw new trekkers having to abandon their journey midway because they couldn't handle the physical strain.
The moss-covered trees at Phu Sa Phin left a lasting impression on Mai Phuong during her trekking trip.
However, the physical hardships were quickly compensated by the original spiritual value. Mai Phuong confided: “What exceeded my imagination was the feeling of standing on the mountaintop gazing at the stars, watching the sunrise and sunset, and immersing myself in nature. After each trip, I'm still captivated. Trekking is a hobby that helps me heal after months of studying and working, busy with schoolwork and assignments.”
That very inspiration fueled the young student's determination to pursue her goal of conquering all the mountain peaks in the Northwest region.
Muddy terrain, exhaustion, or a sea of vibrant clouds—all of these only truly come alive when you tie your own shoelaces and take a step. Trekking, ultimately, isn't a fleeting trend but an opportunity for young people to hone their skills, reconnect with nature, and explore their own limits.