A photo of a foreign female tourist wearing a bikini while riding on the back of a motorbike in Tuyen Quang has stirred controversy on Vietnamese social media.
Recently, an image shared on a social media platform showed the tourist in a bikini traveling by motorbike on a road reportedly located in Du Gia Commune, Tuyen Quang Province (formerly part of Ha Giang).
The accompanying post criticized the outfit, arguing that wearing a bikini on public roads, rather than at beaches or swimming pools, is inappropriate and culturally insensitive in Vietnam.
The post appeared in a travel group with more than 1.7 million members, attracting a wave of interactions and polarized opinions.
Many users agreed with the criticism, stating that such attire was not suitable for the local culture and values of the region, or Vietnam in general.
However, others speculated that the tourist may have just finished bathing at the Du Gia waterfall and was heading back to her homestay without having had a chance to change.
Image of a foreign tourist riding a motorbike in a bikini sparks debate. Screenshot
Further investigation revealed the image was a still from a short video uploaded by a motorbike rental service that also provides local drivers for foreign tourists. A representative of the service confirmed the video was recorded after a group of Western tourists visited Du Gia waterfall and were returning to a nearby homestay, approximately 2 km away.
“The guest did not intentionally choose to ride in a bikini. We always advise tourists to bring dry clothes and towels when visiting waterfalls, and to avoid bringing bulky or valuable items. However, some still forget,” the representative said.
He added that the drivers are usually local residents with limited English skills, which makes it difficult for them to remind tourists before departure. Furthermore, the route from the waterfall to the homestay is relatively quiet and sparsely populated.
After seeing the online backlash, the company took down the video, disciplined the driver who recorded it, and pledged to improve communication with tourists. They said they will now more strongly advise guests to bring cover-ups and ensure drivers remind them to change before leaving the waterfall area.
Du Gia waterfall is a popular destination for international travelers who love pristine landscapes. Photo: Duc Hieu Media
Speaking with VietNamNet, Nguyen Thu Hoai, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tuyen Quang, said the department had been informed and requested local authorities in Du Gia to verify and handle the situation appropriately to uphold cultural norms in tourism.
She added that travel companies bringing guests to Tuyen Quang must provide clear guidance on the local code of conduct.
Before the administrative merger, Ha Giang Province had implemented a Code of Civilized Behavior in Tourism through Decision No. 2728/QD-UBND dated December 11, 2018. This code has since been widely disseminated among tourism operators, homestays, tour guides, and local communities.
Tuyen Quang has continued to uphold and expand the implementation of this code. The department now plans to further strengthen public awareness campaigns and conduct inspections to ensure the guidelines are followed at tourism sites - helping protect the region’s image as a friendly, professional, and culturally respectful destination.
Vietnamnet.vn
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