Do Tien Quan, 24, a tour guide specializing in international tourists in Tuyen Quang, expressed his surprise about his viral video, saying, "I didn't think the video would be so well-received."
On 21/8, following lunch in Quan Ba commune, Quan observed that seven tourists in his group, two British and five Spanish, seemed tired. He proposed filming a short video to uplift their spirits and alleviate the heat. At Quan Ba Heaven Gate, offering panoramic views of Quan Ba commune below, Quan selected the song "Vietnam, My Homeland" and taught the tourists the dance.
With limited preparation time, he simplified the dance moves for the group, dedicating about 15 minutes to practice before filming. Quan recalled a sample video where dancers held conical hats; however, lacking such props, the group used helmets instead. After three takes, the viral video was complete.
"I hope they had a beautiful memory before leaving Tuyen Quang for Ninh Binh," he said.
Video of Western tourists dancing at Quan Ba Heaven Gate on 21/8. *Video: TikTok/HagiangloopwithQuan*.
Many were delighted by the tourists' enthusiastic spirit while dancing to Vietnamese music. "This performance group is great," and "They dance just like Vietnamese people, these Western tourists are so lovely," were some of the comments Quan received.
On 22/8, Valeria, a member of the "dance team," messaged Quan to express her gratitude, stating she was surprised by the video's popularity among many Vietnamese people. Given the online community's affection for the video, Quan said he would teach tourists more singing and dancing on future tours.
Ha Giang is a favored destination for many international tourists exploring the northern mountainous region, thanks to its majestic landscapes, winding mountain passes, and the cultural identity of its ethnic groups. Popular spots include: Lung Cu Flagpole, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van Old Town, and Nho Que River.
Recently, tourism operators in Ha Giang have introduced more community-integrated experiences for foreign visitors, such as allowing tourists to assist with construction or harvest rice. While most of these experiences are spontaneous, many international tourists enjoy immersing themselves in the daily lives of local people.
Phuong Anh
