Western tourists wearing bikinis riding motorbikes on the road in Tuyen Quang cause controversy

The image of a foreign female tourist wearing a bikini traveling by motorbike on a road in Tuyen Quang is causing controversy on social networks.

Recently, a social media account posted a picture of a foreign female tourist wearing a bikini sitting on the back of a motorbike, moving on a road believed to be in Du Gia commune, Tuyen Quang (old Ha Giang territory). Along with the picture, this account stated that wearing a bikini moving on the road, in places other than swimming pools or beaches is offensive and not suitable for Vietnamese culture.

The article was posted on a travel forum with more than 1.7 million members and attracted many interactions and mixed opinions.

Many people agree with the person who posted the article, saying that tourists wearing bikinis on the street is inappropriate for local culture in particular and Vietnam in general.

However, some other opinions speculate that maybe the guest had just experienced bathing at Du Gia waterfall and was on the way back to the homestay so he did not have time to change clothes.

The image of a female tourist wearing a bikini traveling by motorbike on the road has caused controversy. Photo: Screenshot

According to the investigation, the image circulating on social networks was taken from a short video posted by a unit providing motorbike rental service with driver for Western guests. The representative of this unit said that the image was recorded when the group of Western guests had just bathed in Du Gia waterfall and got on a motorbike to return to the homestay about 2km away.

"The guest did not intentionally wear a bikini while riding a motorbike. We always remind visitors to bring dry clothes and towels when entering the waterfall, and to avoid bringing bulky or valuable items. However, there are still guests who forget.

The drivers who transport passengers are usually local people, and their English is limited, so it is difficult to warn passengers before departure," the representative said. In addition, according to this representative, the route for tourists to travel from the waterfall to the homestay is quite deserted, with not many people living or passing by.

After receiving mixed opinions from the public, the unit proactively removed the video, reviewed the driver who filmed the video, and learned from experience. They said they would remind customers more carefully about bringing clothes and scarves and asked the driver team to remind customers, encouraging them to change clothes before leaving the waterfall.

Du Gia Waterfall is an attractive destination for international visitors who love its wild beauty. Photo: Duc Hieu Media

Speaking with VietNamNet reporter, Ms. Nguyen Thu Hoai, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tuyen Quang, said that the department has grasped the information and requested Du Gia commune to verify and handle the matter to ensure civilized tourism in the area.

In addition, the department will also require travel companies bringing tourists to Tuyen Quang to guide tourists to strictly follow the local tourist code of conduct.

In the process of developing tourism associated with preserving national culture, Ha Giang province has previously proactively issued and implemented the Code of Conduct for Civilized Conduct in Tourism Activities according to Decision No. 2728/QD-UBND dated December 11, 2018. Since then, the Code of Conduct has been widely disseminated to organizations and individuals operating in tourism, community tourism sites, accommodation establishments, tour guides and local communities throughout the province.

After the merger, Tuyen Quang province continues to inherit, deploy and replicate this Code of Conduct.

The Department will continue to direct the strengthening of orientation communication work, and at the same time organize inspections and supervision of the implementation of the Code of Conduct at tourist destinations, raise awareness of the community and tourists about civilized behavior, respect for national cultural identity, contributing to preserving the image of Tuyen Quang tourism as friendly, professional, civilized and sustainable.

After traveling about 50km, the Korean female tourist had an accident and fell into a ditch. Tuyen Quang people immediately helped her to get her motorbike back up and fix the problem.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/khach-tay-mac-bikini-di-xe-may-tren-duong-o-tuyen-quang-gay-tranh-cai-2441825.html