Concern over Ha Giang Loop image as kids demand $8 from tourists for braiding hair

On July 20 Vi Mai Loc, a tour guide, was escorting four foreign travelers along Tham Ma Pass in Pho Bang Commune when a group of children approached her two women clients and offered to braid their hair and decorate it with flowers.

"The kids pulled the tourists aside into a corner so that I wouldn't notice," Loc said.

The braiding took two or three minutes.

Once they finished the children asked for VND200,000 ($7.60) and quickly left.

Loc managed to catch up and retrieve the money from one of the children, but the other child had run too far away for him to follow, and denied taking anything.

A tourist from the U.S. was asked for VND200,000 after having her hair braided in Ha Giang, July 20, 2025. Photo courtesy of Vi Mai Loc

According to Loc, this used to be nothing more than a cultural activity in the former Ha Giang Province (now part of Tuyen Quang Province) but in the past two or three years things have changed, and children now expect money in return and appear displeased when offered small sums like VND10,000 - VND20,000 (40 - 70 cents).

"The Canadian guest was quiet for about 15 minutes after it happened; I think it left her unsettled," Loc added.

Nguyen Thanh Tuan, chairman of Pho Bang Commune, said the incident is under investigation.

He said while children in the area do attend school, during summer breaks they gather at tourist hotspots and ask visitors for money.

A spokesperson for the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark said children asking tourists for money remains a problem at busy sites.

Despite reminders to parents and teachers, limited oversight allows the behavior to persist in some areas, they said.

"Earning money is the responsibility of adults, not children."

The geopark said the trend of demanding money for braiding hair is growing in touristy areas like Dong Van.

Tourists also have a role in addressing the issue, it added.

Pho Bang Commune plans to carry out education campaigns for local children and reminders for visitors to avoid giving money or gifts in an inappropriate manner.

On July 21 the province Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued a notice to local authorities about problems affecting the local tourism image.

At Tham Ma Pass, a popular stop without official oversight, tourism remains unregulated, with reports also of petty theft and pickpocketing raising concerns.

At the "Pao's House" site in Sa Phin Commune, tourists have faced several issues: no cashless payment options, unclear ticket prices, poor signage, limited staff support, and unsanitary conditions.

Crowded with street vendors, the site also struggles with children selling flowers and approaching visitors, damaging its reputation.