On 20/7, tour guide Vi Mai Loc was leading 4 tourists from Canada, the US, France, and the Netherlands on a tour of Ha Giang. At Tham Ma slope, Pho Bang commune, a group of children approached two female tourists from France and Canada, offering to braid their hair and add flowers.

"The children pulled the tourists to secluded corners to avoid the tour guide's attention," Loc said, adding that the braiding took about 2 to 3 minutes. Afterward, the children gestured for money from the two tourists, pointing at a 200,000 VND bill before leaving.

Upon learning of the incident, Loc chased after the children and retrieved 200,000 VND for the American tourist. However, he couldn't recover the money for the Canadian tourist as the children had run away and denied taking any money.

The American tourist was asked for 200,000 VND for hair braiding. Photo: NVCC

The tour guide explained that children braiding hair and adding flowers for foreign tourists was once a charming aspect of Ha Giang tourism – now part of Tuyen Quang province. But this activity has become distorted in the last two to three years, with children demanding large sums of money and becoming upset if given only 10,000-20,000 VND.

"The Canadian tourist remained silent for about 15 minutes after the incident. I think she must have been quite bothered," he said.

Nguyen Thanh Tuan, Chairman of the People's Committee of Pho Bang commune, said he was aware of the situation and is investigating. He stated that school-aged children in the area are guaranteed education. However, during summer break, students are free, sometimes leading to gatherings at tourist spots to ask visitors for money.

An official from the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark said that children asking for money at some popular tourist spots is a persistent and challenging issue. Local authorities continuously remind and encourage parents and teachers to educate children against this practice. However, the lack of attention from some parents contributes to the problem's persistence, although it's not widespread.

"Earning money is the responsibility of adults, not children," the Geopark official said.

The official explained that this distorted practice of hair braiding for money is common in developing areas like the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. Besides the involvement of parents, schools, and authorities, tourist behavior also contributes to the problem.

The Geopark representative said that tourists from afar often encounter children in difficult circumstances. Initially, they give snacks, then 10,000 VND, 20,000 VND, which gradually creates an expectation of receiving money.

The representative of the Pho Bang commune People's Committee said that future measures will include educating children and reminding tourists about appropriate gift-giving.

On 21/7, the Tuyen Quang Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism sent a document to the People's Committees of Lung Cu, Sa Phin, and Pho Bang communes concerning the emergence of uncivilized behaviors affecting the local tourism brand.

The Tham Ma Slope area, a scenic mountain pass, attracts many tourists for photos. However, it lacks official management, resulting in unregulated tourism activities and limited oversight. Besides hair braiding and flower-placing for money, there have been reports of theft and pickpocketing, posing a security risk.

At "The Pao's House" tourist attraction in Sa Phin commune, cashless payment is not yet accepted, inconveniencing tourists. Ticket and service prices are not clearly displayed, there's a shortage of guides, and signage and sanitation are inadequate. The excessive number of shops in the area also hinders visitors' ability to appreciate the architecture. Children selling flowers and soliciting tourists further negatively impact the site's image.