Austrian tourists rescued after unauthorized trek in Vietnam national park

Park rangers and local police launched a search and rescue operation after receiving a report at around 7:00 pm that two foreigners were missing in a strictly-protected forest area in Ta Van Commune, Lao Cai Province.

A 10-member team, including forest rangers, commune police, and local forest protection volunteers, located the tourists at approximately 11:15 pm in subzone 278, Sin Chai Village. 

The visitors received first aid and were escorted out of the forest safely, officials said.

The tourists, identified as M.C. and H.F., both Austrian passport holders, were found without permits required to enter the special-use forest.

Authorities said the pair failed to present any valid documentation related to their travel activities in the restricted area.

Officials issued a formal warning and documented the violation, reminding the tourists of legal restrictions on unauthorized entry into protected forests. 

The case is being handled in accordance with existing regulations, the park management said.