Stream bathing emerges as a new summer tourism trend

Returning to nature

Early on a weekend morning, a group of six young people from Hai Phong set off for Cua Tu Stream in Thai Nguyen Province. After more than two hours of travel, they entered a trail winding through the forest, where the sounds of summer cicadas gradually gave way to the gentle murmur of flowing water beneath the shade of lush green trees.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Duc (26), from Thuy Nguyen Ward, said the trip was inspired by a short video on social media. Images of crystal-clear streams, moss-covered rocks, and pristine scenery sparked the group's curiosity. However, after the trip, what everyone remembered most was not the "check-in" photos but the feeling of escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. "After spending the whole week working in front of a computer and on my phone, I hardly wanted to touch my phone once I got here. Just sitting by the stream and soaking my feet in the cool water was enough to make me feel recharged," Duc said.

In addition to swimming in the stream, the group prepared their own lunch, learned how to pitch a tent, build a campfire, and make their way across slippery rocky paths to reach more scenic sections of the stream. These seemingly simple activities became enjoyable challenges for people accustomed to urban life. "Trips like this keep us active, improve our fitness, and help us learn useful outdoor skills such as navigation, first aid, and camping. More importantly, they give us more time to talk and connect with one another," Duc added.

The family of Ms.Tran Thu Ha, from Le Thanh Nghi Ward, recently spent a weekend at Mo stream in Quang Ninh Province with their two young children. Instead of high-rise hotels or modern amusement parks, the destination offers only the sound of flowing water, green forests, and grassy areas for camping. "My children are used to air conditioning and smartphones. Here, they can wade in the stream, catch small fish, collect stones, and observe insects. In the evening, the whole family grills food together and watches the stars. These are experiences that are very difficult to enjoy in the city," Ha said.

According to Ms. Hoang Hong Ha, Director of Ha Hai Tourism and Trading Co., Ltd., in addition to organizing tours to well-known tourist destinations, the company also offers combined day tours to natural attractions near Hai Phong.

The number of visitors signing up for forest stream trips has increased significantly this year, particularly among young families and groups of friends seeking a light adventure travel experience that is both enjoyable and refreshing. "Most of our tours are day trips. We combine group and individual bookings, arrange transportation, and provide lunch. Prices range from VND 500,000 to VND 1 million per person, depending on the destination. With reasonable prices and relatively short travel distances, many young families are registering their children for these trips," Ms. Ha said.

However, while many people initially joined these trips out of curiosity or simply to follow the latest trend, most came away realizing that the greatest value lay in reconnecting with nature, relieving stress, improving their well-being, and strengthening bonds with their loved ones.

Hai Phong's advantages

While many residents of Hai Phong travel to Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, or Bac Ninh to experience stream tourism, the city itself also possesses considerable natural potential for this type of tourism.

Hai Phong is home to hilly areas, natural forests, and streams that have retained their unspoiled beauty. One notable destination is Nguyen Trai Ward, which features Day Dieu Waterfall along with a network of streams, forested areas, and terrain well suited to trekking, picnicking, and small-scale camping.

Another attractive option is the existing tourism model at Con Son Stream, operated by the Con Son–Kiep Bac Relic Site Management Board, where visitors can enjoy nature-based experiences.

Its cool climate, pristine landscape, and convenient location not far from the city center provide favorable conditions for developing weekend nature and adventure tourism for local residents.

With appropriate investment, activities such as short trekking tours, forest exploration, stream bathing, nature observation, overnight camping, environmental education for children, and community-based cultural experiences could become new tourism products for Hai Phong.

However, alongside the growing popularity of this trend come risks that should not be overlooked. At present, most stream bathing and trekking trips are organized independently. Many groups discover destinations through social media, make their own plans, and set off without first assessing the terrain or weather conditions.

Some groups hire local residents as guides through informal arrangements. Although these local guides are highly familiar with the terrain, their activities are not officially regulated. Should an accident occur, determining responsibility, organizing rescue operations, or providing legal assistance can be challenging.

Summer is also the season when mountainous areas frequently experience localized thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall upstream can cause stream water levels to rise rapidly and trigger flash floods, even when the weather remains sunny where visitors are located. In addition, visitors may face hazards such as slipping on moss-covered rocks, being bitten by insects or snakes, or getting lost if they become separated from their group.

Travel operators advise visitors to choose destinations that have been confirmed as safe by local residents or to join tours organized by professional travel companies.

If natural resources such as Day Dieu Waterfall and the forest and stream areas in Nguyen Trai Ward and Cat Hai Special Zone are developed in a sustainable manner, alongside investment in infrastructure, professional guides, and effective safety management, Hai Phong could establish a highly attractive new nature-based tourism product.

Tam Phuc