Ha Giang Tourism

The sound of the forest, the scent of trees, the sunlight shining through leaves, and the fresh air will be the most precious “medicine” for our soul. It is the opportunity to Disconnect from the outside, separate from negativity, pave the way for “forest bathing”, close to nature, and connect with ourselves.

What’s interesting about forest bathing in the Covid-19? (Source: Alta Badia)

The disturbances of mind-body connection during the pandemic 

We are living amid special days. News is updated every hour about the pandemic situation all around the world. We work from home instead of going to the office, limit travel and avoid close contact. It has been a tough time that we find it challenging to adapt to many strange things coming simultaneously. 

Looking for a fresh place close to nature in the time of Covid (Source: Joanne king counseling)

It is undeniable that the lockdown time, on the one hand, is an opportunity for us to live slower, have more time to look back on the past, and pay more attention to the people around us.

On the other hand, the prolonged and complicated pandemic also makes many people fall into a state of anxiety and stress – the situation has severe effects on their psychology and health. Psychiatric experts also said that the Covid 19 pandemic is a trauma, causing both physical and mental damage, which leads to the risk of mental illnesses. The World Health Organization (WHO) also warned people should stay positive during the pandemic.

A quiet space with new experiences for us and our loved ones is the most valuable thing right now. At that moment, we can isolate ourselves from the outside, freely enjoy the world of peace, tranquility, and the beauty of the mountains.

The origin of “Forest bathing” 

Shinrin-yoku (浴) or Forest Bathing is the term for spending time in the forest, accepting and connecting with nature with all the senses. You fill your chest with clean air, water your soul by looking at the green leaves gently swaying in the wind, listen to the sound of birds and streams, or touch rough bark, solid rock and feel the breeze in your hair.

“Forest bathing” originated in Japan (Source: Youthareawesome)

This therapy comes from Japan – the country is well-known for its living standard and life expectancy.

In the 1980s, the explosion of technology caused many Japanese to be swept away by negative online information and forget their mental health. Realizing the importance of nature, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture has encouraged people to follow a minimalist lifestyle, connecting with nature to improve physical and mental health. So far, this therapy is well-liked in many other developed countries such as Finland, Korea, Taiwan, the US. 

The “Forest bathing” lifestyle heals the soul in the time of the pandemic 

Exploring “Forest bathing” at P’apiu resort (source: Deeristravelling) 

In Japanese culture, the “forest bathing” lifestyle is a method of letting our body and soul be “bathed” in the fresh air of the forest with all five senses. Japanese people often visit green spaces such as Yoshino forest – Osaka, Alps – Nagano mountains. They put off all electronic devices to relax the body, eat healthily, do physical activities such as climbing mountains, planting trees, walking with bare feet. 

However, today, the “forest bathing” lifestyle has developed in many countries with more diverse activities, extending to natural, tranquil, and relaxing spaces that are not necessarily a forest. An ideal place for “forest bathing” is somewhere you can take off all the burdens on your shoulders, relax in the hot springs, meditate, practice yoga, or study. 

The “forest bathing” lifestyle helps pull us away from anxiety disorders, depression, or health problems. The scent, the natural sound of the mountains, and the feeling of the sun relieve stress and balance emotions. All the negativity is now “bathed”. We can return to our natural roots, heal our souls, and be tolerant. That gives us the energy from inside to stay calm to face many challenges ahead.

“Forest bathing” in P’apiu style 

A little-known neighborhood isolated from the bustling life in Ha Giang where clouds, sky, and forests create a charming landscape that captivates people an ideal place for your forest bathing activity. 

This resort is located in Yen Dinh, Bac Me. On the top of a 30ha mountain, P’apiu is a masterpiece with only three villas towards three unique identities surrounded by majestic mountains.

The beauty of four seasons at P’apiu (Source: P’apiu)

The Fluffy – the floating house on the top of P’apiu mountain (Source: P’apiu)

You can choose The Fluffy – A wooden house surrounded by glass to immerse yourself in an open space, floating between clouds and mountains. Or it can also be The Mellow – A villa made of natural mud with bamboo lines bringing freshness throughout four seasons. All spaces in Papiu are nature-closing. 

Along with the architecture, P’apiu offers you many unique experiences in a very personal way, unlike any before. Naturally, in a moment, you can come back to your inner mind, unravel the deepest parts of the soul, and find the balance to be stable in the face of many ups and downs.

Finding peace and freedom at Yolo Mount (Source: P’apiu) 

The key to unlocking the power of the forest lies in your five senses. P’apiu arouses and opens all the senses from the very first step you are here. You can enjoy the colorful brocade road, green hills, and forests on both sides of Ha Giang. Three villas bring three gentle spaces, with identity inspiring enjoyment for the soul, connecting with nature differently. You sit in front of The Mellow’s porch, read a favorite book, watch Phia Dau waterfall or the Tay village at the foot of the mountain, where the pace of life of the villagers is leisurely.

Surrounded by nature, you can choose a quiet corner for meditation or yoga. You can silently listen to the sounds of the mountains, forest, birds and feel each gentle breeze brushing through hair, each drop of dew falling on the grass. The sounds of nature are lively and not like those in the bustling city. You relax the body, focus on breathing, close your eyes, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. 

A quiet corner for yoga and meditation

Sitting for hours at Yolo Mount from morning to late in the afternoon also brings special senses of feeling. When the sunset at the end of the day weaves the poetic scenery of Ha Giang, you witness the moment everything gradually shifts between day and night.

You can put barefoot on the soft grass, through the trees, feeling the contact of your feet with nature while holding hands of the loved ones. You slowly feel the slightly smoky scent of plants after soaking in the night dew. Another must-try experience for you at P’apiu is paying a visit to the Dao village halfway up the mountain, talking, and participating in their daily activities. The genuine smiles and warm hearts of the villagers can brighten your day. 

Growing and harvesting experience at P’apiu vegetable garden (Source: Le Ha Truc)

Another experience visitors should not pass by is gardening or growing vegetables as another way to “bathe the forest”. Some physical activities can help you put all worries aside, partly relieve stress and connect to nature.

The dishes you enjoy at P’apiu with all organic ingredients are naturally grown without herbicide. Whether you want a soothing detox drink or a delicious vegan meal, you can find it at P’apiu’s kitchen. Each dish is a combination of all flavors.

Let’s think about the moment you can experience the private spaces, soaking in the Jacuzzi with the scent of grapefruit leaves, lemongrass, five-color grass, basil, and feeling the cool water embracing the body.

If you are interested in experiences for couples, visiting romantic dating spots is also worthy to try. 

Afternoon Tea on Yolo Mount – The highest point of P’apiu (Source: P’apiu)

Zipline through the forest at P’apiu (Source: P’apiu)

Slow-pace of life at P’apiu (Source: P’apiu)

Nature is always silent and willing to listen to our stories. Connecting with nature is also finding connections and understanding our inner minds. On many disturbing days, do you want to “bathe in the forest” with P’apiu?