EQ Youth: Chonburi Campers

EQ Youth: Chonburi Campers

Picture this: you’re sitting in front of a tent, chatting with some friends under the glow of a bonfire, surrounded by nature. It’s a classic scene of any camping trip – part of outdoor culture that can be traced back to the early 20th century and seemed to reach its peak during the pandemic.

According to the Kampgrounds of America (KOA) report, there were
94.5 million campers in North America in 2020 and 48.2 million of which went camping at least once that year. Among those, 10.1 million of which were new campers. This trend is happening all over the world both in Europe and Thailand. According to Trekking Thai Co., Ltd., the number of private camping grounds is constantly increasing. Within a radius of 500 kilometers from Bangkok, you will find more than 500 camping grounds and the classic destination is, inevitably, Chonburi.

There are campgrounds to be found in almost every district of Chonburi depending on which scenery you’re after. And while April is the unarguably hottest month of the year, constant sea breeze will provide you with some relief, not to mention comfort from the campgrounds’ facilities.

EQ catch up with Tle (23), Time (23), and Borernn (19), a group of local campers to talk about their experience so far.

Can you tell us about your first camping experience?

Tle: I was in high school when I went camping in Khao Yai with my family. It wasn’t really a comfortable experience. For example, the ground was too hard to sleep on. I just didn’t see the fun in it – I only went because my parents love camping. The more I joined them, the more I started to enjoy the experience. There’s plenty of gear and equipment on the market today that will make your camping experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Time: I went camping for the first time with my family when I was young. It wasn’t full-blown camping though, more like a sleeping a tent in a national park. It wasn’t until I got older that I went ‘full option’ with my friends in Ratchaburi.

Borernn: My first time was with a group of friends. We went to this private campground not too far from where we were. I remember there was a huge pond there and there were a lot of activities to be enjoyed like rowing, badminton, and fishing. I really enjoyed that experience except for the part where a dog stole my flip-flops.

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What’s the appeal of camping to you?

Tle: Firstly, it’s all about packing up before going on a camping trip. Camping equipments are like collectibles and you don’t really get to use them that often so I get really excited to use them. Being in nature allows me to experience the kind of peace you can’t find in the city.

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Time: I love the intimacy of camping and the fact that you can just enjoy the experience on your own. I usually just go with a tent, a pillow, and some clothes.

Borernn: Being in nature and doing all the fun activities with my friends.

What are some of the camping essentials?

Tle: You actually only need a tent, a sleeping bag, and a torch. The rest is up to how comfortable or fancy you want to be.

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Time: Tent is the most important item, followed by a sleeping bag, a pillow, a torch or a lamp, and a table set. If you want to go full option, you can bring things like coffee making kits and cooking utensils.

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Borernn: A tent, a portable light, a portale bed, non perishable food, a chair and a table. You can also level up with other accessories like coffee machines.

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What do you usually do on the campground?

Tle: Nature watching and outdoor activities.

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Time: Chatting about random stuff with friends. There’s actually not a lot to do, and that’s a charm of camping. We sit by the fire, cook, play guitar, and drink beers, stuff like that.

Borernn: Doing outdoor activities with friends like trekking, swimming, rowing, camping, taking photos, cooking, telling stories, sleeping.

Favorite dishes to cook when camping?

Time: Instant noodles, fried eggs. Simple dishes.

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Borernn: Fried eggs because they’re super easy.

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Tle: I can’t cook so I usually buy food or eat at the campground. Most campgrounds now offer moo kata [BBQ pork] to campers.

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What’s on your camping playlist?

Tle: I enjoy pretty much all kinds of music, but here’s a few ones that you can chill out to: Selina and Sirinya, Natural Walkway, Uncle Tree, Khiankhai Lae Wanich, WHATFALSE.

Selina and Sirinya : Our (Official Music Video)

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Time: Anything with camping vibes like folk and indie. I love Khiankhai, Kana Kwanjai, WHATFALSE, Thada, and stuff like that.

ปลายฝนต้นหนาวที่เพอร์เฟคพอจะตกหลุมรักใครซักคน - Thada

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Borernn: “Pleng Tee Saam Jaak Sai Mee,” “Rak Sabai,” “Klua Jai,” “Kliad Reudu Fon,” “Yim Yam Gam Dang.”

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เพลงที่สามจากซ้ายมือ-เบื๊อก (Official Audio)

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How is camping different from other forms of travelling or vacation?

Tle: Going on a trip nowadays is so easy, but it always feels so rushed. Camping, on the other hand, is all about taking it slow. You decide for yourself where you want to pitch up a tent and sleep. It forces you to dial back, be with yourself and among nature.

Time: While it’s not as comfortable as sleeping in a hotel, you get to spend time in nature. Sleeping in a tent comes with a level of discomfort, but it’s a fun adventure.

Borernn: Camping is a lot more exciting than sleeping in a hotel. You get to be in nature and go back with a lot of stories to tell.

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Chatting seems to be a favorite camping activity for all of you

Borernn: We get to relax and destress. It’s stressful living in the city.

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Time: The older I get, the more I don’t like chaos. Chatting with a group of friends about the past is a really good way to destress. We get to vent while enjoying nature.

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Tle: Sometimes you don’t need much in life, just nature and a group of friends.

If camping were like recharging a battery, how much does it recharge you?
Tle: 100%!

Time: 80-90% because sometimes it gets really hot.

Borernn: 90% because packing a tent back up is really tedious.

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What do you think of a camping trend in Chonburi?

Tle: Chonburi is perfect for it because we have the sea, mountains, rivers, and reservoirs. I think it’s a really growing trend.

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Time: There weren’t that many camp sites here before, but now there’re a lot of new camping sites near where I live [in Bangpha]. Chonburi is so close to Bangkok so the location is really convenient.

Borernn: It may be seasonal, but the trend is definitely growing. I’m sure there will be many more [camp sites] to follow.

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What’s beach camping like?

Borernn: You always feel the seabreeze and get to enjoy a great ocean view.
Time: I’ve only been on a day-trip. It can get very sticky!

Tle: I’ve never done it myself but I think it must be fun! Each camp site has its own charm.

Camping gear can be expensive. Do you have any great tips to share with us?

Tle: If you’re just starting out, there’s no need to buy all the equipment. You can just rent them at a camp site. If camping is really something for you, you can then invest in it.

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Time: You don’t need all the expensive gear just because influencers tell you so. If you budget doesn’t allow, just stick with the essentials.

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Borernn: If you’re still a newbie, you don’t need camping-specific equipment. Buy regular, everyday stuff that you can also use for camping.

Recommended camp sites in Chonburi

Tle: If you like beaches, try Satthahip or Bangpha. If you prefer mountains or rivers, go to Ban Bueng or Nong Nam Khiao Reservoir. Check out this page for more information.

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Time: There’s loads! There’s a couple of good spots near Khao Khiew and Satthahip. You can also try my uncle’s, We Camping.

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Borernn: Napha Tharaphirom Beach.

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