Foreign tourists criticized for disruptive behavior, disrespect for Vietnamese laws in Da Nang

A tourism business owner in Hoi An Ward, Da Nang said the rapid growth of tourism has brought many economic benefits, but has also led to an increase in incidents involving misbehaving foreign visitors, particularly some young backpackers.

"Many foreign tourists are polite, well-mannered, and respectful. But there are also some younger travelers, especially backpackers, whose behavior falls far below acceptable standards," the business owner said.

T.H., the owner of an accommodation facility in Hoi An, said tourism has transformed the area in many positive ways, but some visitors have left negative impressions on local residents and authorities.

According to T.H., some foreign tourists not only make excessive demands, haggle aggressively over small amounts of money and argue over minor issues, but also engage in highly inappropriate behavior.

Some have reportedly been seen heavily intoxicated near the Hoai River at night, wandering through the streets carrying beer bottles or even sleeping on sidewalks.

A European man who has lived in Hoi An for many years said he was shocked by the attitude some foreigners display toward Vietnamese laws.

"I once saw two foreigners I recognized, who worked for an educational organization, using drugs together. When I took out my phone, they crossed their arms in a threatening manner and demanded that I leave," he recalled.

Calls for stricter enforcement

H.H.K., the owner of a lodging facility in Ngu Hanh Son Ward, Da Nang, said his nearly 20 years of experience in tourism has allowed him to identify guests likely to cause problems, and such guests are often politely refused accommodation.

Civilized travelers respect the culture, environment, and identity of the places they visit, he said, adding that such behavior reflects not only awareness but also a sense of responsibility and proper conduct expected of tourists.

However, he said some visitors come to Vietnam and behave irresponsibly by walking dogs without muzzles, riding motorcycles without helmets or shouting obscenities while drunk in public.

According to him, some foreigners believe Vietnamese authorities are reluctant to take strong action against foreign nationals.

A ward leader in Da Nang told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that handling foreign offenders can involve certain challenges, but local authorities intervene in all cases that cause public concern in order to maintain a civilized tourism environment.

"Many foreigners behave aggressively in public, but once they are brought to the police station, they often become remorseful and apologize," the official said.

Incidents involving disruptive foreign tourists are most commonly reported around My Khe Beach, as well as parts of Hoi An Ancient Town and An Bang Beach.

Da Nang traffic police have launched multiple patrol campaigns targeting foreign visitors who deliberately violate traffic laws.

In 2023, the Hoa Hai Traffic Police Station handled 50 cases involving foreign traffic violators, issuing fines totaling VND237 million, or about US$9,000.

In 2024, authorities handled 106 cases, with fines exceeding VND300 million, or roughly $11,400.

In 2025, 17 cases were recorded.

Since the beginning of this year, at least four cases involving foreign nationals violating traffic laws have already been handled.

A member of an expatriate community page on social media in Vietnam said online platforms in recent months have been flooded with stories involving foreigners causing disturbances in Da Nang.

"Public fights, drunken behavior, disrespect toward local residents, and chaotic scenes on the streets are creating negative impressions not only about the individuals involved, but also about the wider foreign community living here," the person wrote.

The post added that while Da Nang is increasingly recognized globally as one of Asia's most attractive and affordable cities for expatriates and digital nomads, it has also attracted some people who may not fully respect local culture, laws, and lifestyles.

Most foreigners living in Vietnam behave respectfully and contribute positively to the community. 

Unfortunately, just a few bad incidents can quickly damage that overall image, the post stated.

"Da Nang remains one of the most beautiful and welcoming cities in Asia. Respect for the country, its people, and its culture should always come first, no matter where we come from."