On 24/9, the People's Committee of Pung Luong commune began reviewing all makeshift check-in points in the area. This action followed reports of some tour guides allowing guests to take photos and videos in dangerous locations.

According to Ms. Ho Thi De, Vice Chairwoman of the Pung Luong Commune People's Committee, some hill owners in the Mam Xoi Be hill area operate check-in huts. These huts offer views of the valley and rice fields to tourists, charging 10,000 VND per visit. While some huts feature sturdy railings that are chest-high for adults, others do not meet safety standards.

Tourists standing on the railing of a makeshift hut for photos. Screenshot

Despite the existing risks, some tour guides and photographers suggest guests stand on these railings. This practice aims to create a more thrilling effect for check-in videos. The height from the railing to the ground is about 5 meters, posing a significant risk of accidents. Mua A Giang, a local tour guide who has visited the check-in huts in the Mam Xoi Be hill area multiple times, warned that a fall from the railing could result in severe injuries, potentially even being life-threatening.

During a quick inspection on the morning of 24/9, hut owners told commune officials that they do not approve of guests climbing on the railings. They stated they have tried to intervene, but many tourists still ignore their warnings. Ms. De announced that the commune would demand the dismantling of all unsafe huts and rectify the situation of unauthorized ticket collection. For sturdily designed huts, the commune will not require dismantling but will request the placement of safety warning signs prohibiting guests from climbing on the railings.

In the coming period, the Commune People's Committee will organize a conference with tourism service providers and tour guides who regularly bring guests to film and photograph in the area. The purpose is to disseminate tourism regulations and require signing commitments to cease dangerous behaviors. If individuals involved continue to violate these regulations, the commune will assign police forces to coordinate enforcement according to legal provisions.

Mam Xoi Be hill. Photo: Giang A Chay

Since early September, Pung Luong commune has welcomed approximately 201,000 visitors to its scenic and photography spots. Following the 2/9 holiday, visitor numbers to Mu Cang Chai steadily increased. However, there was a decline in the week from 14/9 to 20/9 due to many tourists' concerns about landslides and heavy rains.

Mu Cang Chai, with approximately 2,200 hectares of terraced rice fields—including 330 hectares classified as a special national scenic spot—is often called a "terraced rice field paradise" amidst the mountains and forests of the Northwest. The region experiences two beautiful seasons: the pouring water season (May-June) and the ripe rice season (September-October), both intrinsically linked to the H'mong people's rice cultivation cycle.

Hoai Anh - Tam Anh