Police confirm reason for ‘Journey to the West’ cosplayers riding horse on Ho Chi Minh City street

According to officers in Tan An Hoi Commune, the four people were not trying to attract views by filming a viral video, as many social media users had speculated.

Instead, they were accompanying a funeral procession in accordance with the deceased’s last wish.

The incident came to public attention on Sunday, when a video circulated on social media showing four people dressed as Tang Sanzang, Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing traveling along Phan Van Khai Street in the commune.

The person dressed as Tang Sanzang was riding a white horse, while the other three walked beside him.

The group was escorting a coffin from neighboring Tay Ninh Province toward Ho Chi Minh City.

At the time, traffic was heavy, with trucks and tractor-trailers forced to slow down and adjust their routes to avoid the cosplayers.

The presence of a horse rider and three pedestrians in a car lane amid heavy traffic posed serious risks to both the group and motorists on the road.

Social media users expressed concern, particularly about the horse being ridden among large vehicles.

Following the incident, police advised residents to plan routes carefully for religious rituals, ceremonies, and family events; coordinate with authorities when necessary for guidance on routes and arrangements to ensure safety and avoid obstructing traffic or creating hazards during processions.

Police are completing documentation and will take action against the four people.