Lessons from a Hanoi boy's experience of almost getting lost in Cuc Phuong forest

Fear of getting lost in the deep forest

In recent days, information about a young man who got lost for many days in Cuc Phuong National Park and has not been found yet has attracted special attention from the public. Under related posts on social networks, many people expressed their concerns when mentioning going to the forest alone.

Some people admit to experiencing the feeling of confusion and rapid heartbeat when suddenly losing their way in the middle of the jungle.

Some people say that just standing among the tall, overlapping trees, where light hardly penetrates, is enough to make them feel small and "surrounded" by the vastness of nature.

One account commented: “Just imagining it being dark and not being able to find a way out makes my spine shiver.” Another shared: “I went into the forest once, and after less than an hour, I could only see trees everywhere, unable to tell the direction, it felt so confusing.”

Someone said that he almost got lost while walking in the forest, only by luck did he find a familiar landmark and escape from the confusion among the trees.

These shares show that the feeling of being disoriented in the forest is no longer a distant worry, but has become a real experience for many people who love exploring nature.

Mr. Nguyen Van Quang (30 years old, Hanoi ) - an athlete who regularly participates in long-distance running races and also leads walking tours in the forest - also experienced a similar situation in Cuc Phuong National Park.

He recounted his almost-lost story as an unforgettable experience, and at the same time drew many important lessons to share with the community of people who love traveling and outdoor sports .

Mr. Quang said he had the opportunity to participate in a 70km race in Cuc Phuong National Park in April. He felt that the primeval forest terrain here was truly impressive with tall, ancient trees, and many sections with canopy so dense that light could not penetrate.

“Running during the day with dark places, plus sharp and slippery cliffs, makes the course both beautiful and challenging to human limits,” he said.

During the race, between the two relay stations at about 55-60km of the distance, Mr. Quang suddenly lost his way because the organizer's trail markers were covered by a fallen tree.

At risk of getting lost, the Hanoi boy was also somewhat restless and worried. However, thanks to his experience from participating in many races on different terrains, he quickly calmed down and took advantage of his smart sports watch with integrated positioning system to determine the direction.

“There is almost no cell phone signal in the deep forest, so smartphones are almost useless. Using the watch and specialized devices proficiently and making the most of their functions is extremely useful and important. It helps me determine my location, destination, altitude, terrain, slope…”, said Mr. Quang.

Lessons learned from exploring the forest

Mr. Quang also emphasized that he was experienced in moving in the forest, so he quickly regained his composure to find the right direction. However, while leading tours in the forest, he also witnessed many people getting lost because of a moment of carelessness.

“Many people were careless and separated from the group to go ahead or behind alone, and ended up getting lost. At that time, we had to split up and search the forest all night,” Quang shared.

Recently, stories of people getting lost in the forest have been constantly appearing. Mr. Quang emphasized that when entering the forest, the priority is safety. In addition to electronic devices, he always prepares essential items such as small knives, lighters, whistles, essential oils, basic first aid kits, flashlights, etc.

“These are all items that help in case of an accident, in which the rescue whistle and lighter are especially important in emergency situations,” said Mr. Quang.

From his own experience, Mr. Quang believes that the biggest difficulties when getting lost in the forest are the fast darkness and dense terrain, which can easily cause mental confusion. In this situation, observation skills and staying calm are the most important things.

“A little tip is for the lost person to pay attention to human traces: trash like candy wrappers, plastic bottles or the direction of water flow. This could be a sign that there is a trail or that someone has been there before,” he said.

Mr. Quang also emphasized that those who are exploring the forest for the first time should not go alone, it is best to go in groups, with a ranger or a local as a guide. "In particular, you should leave the forest before it gets dark," he advised.

According to Mr. Quang, many people are so passionate about personal experiences that they sometimes forget about safety. He recommends that people “prevention is better than cure”, prepare carefully for the journey, go with someone experienced and always have a backup plan.

“Going into the deep forest by yourself and then having an accident is not only dangerous for you but also affects your family, friends and society when you have to organize a search and rescue,” he advised.

From his story, Mr. Quang hopes that those who are passionate about walking, jogging through special terrain or exploring nature and forests must always be alert and well-prepared before entering the forest.

“Cuc Phuong and many other forests in Vietnam are natural treasures. However, only when you are equipped with enough skills and caution, will each of your exploration journeys be truly complete and safe,” Quang confided.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/bai-hoc-tu-trai-nghiem-suyt-lac-trong-rung-cuc-phuong-cua-chang-trai-ha-noi-20250818212744932.htm