Vi Mai Loc, a tour guide, reported that two female foreign tourists in his group had an unpleasant experience at Tham Ma Slope in Pho Bang Commune, Tuyen Quang Province (formerly part of Dong Van, Ha Giang).

According to Loc, the incident took place around 11:30 a.m. on July 20. As his group of foreign tourists had just stopped at Tham Ma Slope, a number of children approached them, offering to braid hair and place flowers, then led each visitor to a different spot.

At first, the tourists were unfamiliar with what was happening but charmed by the children’s friendliness. Several children and elderly women gathered around each visitor and began braiding hair and adding floral decorations. Loc said up to 5–7 people were working on a single tourist.

“Afterward, an American female tourist asked me how much she should give. I told her 10,000 VND (around 0.39 USD) would be fine,” Loc explained.
The two female tourists were initially cheerful but later uncomfortable after being asked to pay a large sum. Photo: Vi Mai Loc

Shortly after, the tourist returned to Loc and said that as she opened her wallet, the children and an older woman pointed to a 200,000 VND (about 7.80 USD) note. “Before she could respond, someone had taken the note. She was shocked and confused,” he added.

Upon hearing this, Loc confronted the group of children and demanded to know who had taken the large bill.

“I was firm and told them I would report this to the local authorities. Eventually, a few children pointed to an older woman, saying she had the money. Though clearly unhappy, she returned the 200,000 VND to me, which I gave back to the tourist,” Loc said.

At the same time, a Canadian woman in the group also reported having just been charged 200,000 VND for the same service. When Loc questioned the group, no one admitted to taking her money.

“She was visibly upset and disappointed by the incident. I felt ashamed and could only apologize,” Loc shared.

Loc noted that in the past, many international visitors had positive impressions of the local children at Tham Ma Slope. They admired the kids’ cheerfulness, charm, and skill in braiding hair and selling flowers.

“Back then, they were happy with just 5,000 to 10,000 VND. But recently, things have changed. It’s summer break, so more kids are crowding the tourist spot. I worry they may skip school to stay here and pressure tourists for money,” he added.

Nguyen Thuat, administrator of a Ha Giang travel group with nearly 1 million members, said similar reports have surfaced over the past two months from both tourists and tour guides.

After receiving Loc’s report, Thuat submitted it to local authorities.

Giang Xuan Thang, Secretary of the Party Committee of Pho Bang Commune (Tuyen Quang), confirmed that the commune police are verifying the reports of tourists being charged 200,000 VND for hair braiding at Tham Ma Slope. The commune has also formed a self-governance team to help maintain public order in the area.

Linh Trang