Foreign tourist rides motorbike onto Vietnam's protected landmark despite warnings

The incident was captured in a video widely shared on social media.

The footage showed the man riding from a concrete path onto the iconic stone arch before continuing across this national heritage site.

Despite locals shouting for him to stop due to safety concerns, he kept riding over the arch.

The site has clear signs prohibiting climbing or walking on the stone arch to protect the fragile formation.

The tourist was identified as Zhang Xudong, a 36-year-old Chinese national.

During a meeting with local authorities, Zhang admitted his violation and signed a commitment not to repeat the offense.

Local authorities issued a record of the incident and reminded him of regulations protecting heritage sites.

A Ly Son official said the case highlights the need for both residents and visitors to strictly follow posted rules at heritage and scenic sites, avoiding actions that damage or alter the condition of cultural landmarks.

The official stressed that protecting To Vo Gate is part of preserving Ly Son’s broader heritage value.

Ly Son Special Zone is among Vietnam's popular island destinations.

To Vo Gate, located on the island’s western coast, is considered the best spot to watch sunsets and has become a symbol of Ly Son tourism.

The arch stands around three meters high and about nine meters long, formed millions of years ago when lava met cold seawater, solidified into basalt, and was later eroded by waves and tides.

In 2025, the site was recognized as a national heritage area covering approximately 26,000 square meters.