(Vietnam Insider) – A transport provider has issued an apology following controversy over a foreign tourist wearing a bikini while riding on the back of a motorbike in Du Già commune, Tuyen Quang province of Vietnam.
In recent days, video footage of a foreign visitor in a bikini riding along a scenic mountain road has sparked heated debate online. The road is located near Du Già Waterfall, about 2 km away, in an area known for its ethnic minority communities and cultural traditions.
According to the transport company, which offers motorbike rentals with drivers, the incident stemmed from a “lack of awareness and understanding.” A driver had filmed the tourists returning from swimming at Du Già Waterfall to their homestay, and later uploaded the video to his personal social media account. The clip quickly went viral, garnering more than 1.1 million views.
The company stressed that the tourist did not intentionally choose to wear a bikini in public spaces, and acknowledged that the images were inappropriate given local cultural sensitivities. “We sincerely apologize and will work to ensure this does not happen again,” a company representative told Vietnam Insider.
The firm has since removed the video and instructed drivers not to photograph or film customers in swimwear or other sensitive contexts, nor to post such content online.
This is not the first time such incidents have drawn criticism. In September 2023, a female tourist wearing a bikini danced aboard a boat on the Nho Quế River, prompting divided public opinion. Many argued that such attire was unsuitable since the area is not a beach destination.
Since 2018, Ha Giang province (now merged into Tuyen Quang) has enforced a Code of Civilized Conduct for tourists, which requires “appropriate and respectful clothing, especially when visiting religious sites, cemeteries, and traditional festivals.” After the July merger, Tuyen Quang authorities confirmed they would continue implementing this code.
The provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has instructed travel agencies to remind visitors of local cultural norms, encouraging respectful behavior to promote a friendly, sustainable image of the destination.
In recent years, Du Già Waterfall has become a must-visit stop for international travelers exploring the famous Ha Giang Loop. Located about 70 km from the city center, it can be reached by car or motorbike via Provincial Road 33 (Bắc Mê – Cao Bằng direction) or National Highway 4C through Mậu Duệ, then turning onto DT181 to Du Già.
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Source: Vietnam Insider