A video showing two foreign tourists wearing the Vietnamese ao dai paired with bikinis and shorts while exploring Hoi An Ancient Town went viral on 4/6.
Witnessing this, a local woman approached the tourists and, through their tour guide, explained that the ao dai is Vietnam's traditional attire and should be respected. She requested they change into more suitable clothing before continuing their visit.
After the video was shared, many expressed outrage over the tourists' inappropriate attire in a heritage site. The local woman's timely and polite action to protect local culture received widespread support.
On the morning of 5/6, Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chairman of Hoi An Ward People's Committee, announced that local authorities are investigating the incident.
Cuong stated that authorities regularly remind visitors about appropriate attire and educate them on respecting heritage spaces. The government also plans to commend the local woman for her intervention.
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Images of two tourists wearing ao dai paired with bikinis and shorts, shared on social media. |
Van Ba Son, Deputy Director of Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, confirmed that authorities are verifying the identities of the tourist group, the tour operator, and the exact time of the incident. If a Vietnamese tour guide accompanied the group, their associated responsibilities would be examined.
"If it is determined that the tour guide failed to remind or advise tourists about appropriate attire, or intentionally assisted in creating content to attract public attention, the unit will impose strict penalties", Son said.
To prevent such inappropriate dressing, Son emphasized that the locality will intensify efforts to disseminate the Code of Conduct in tourism activities to accommodation establishments, tour operators, and visitors. Tourist sites must display clear signage and recommendations in multiple languages regarding suitable attire for visits.
Accommodation owners, tour guides, and local residents are also encouraged to uphold cultural preservation by reminding tourists if they observe inappropriate attire.
According to Son, mandatory regulations in Hoi An's spiritual and ancient architectural areas require visitors to wear polite attire, including sleeved tops and trousers or skirts that cover the knees, prohibiting overly short or revealing clothing.
Nguyen Dong
