Vietnam province officials pan foreign male tourists for wearing H'Mong women's skirts

By Tu Nguyen August 7, 2025 | 11:26 pm PT

A foreign male tourist wearing a traditional H’Mong women's skirt (L) and another wearing the top part of the set, in Ha Giang, northern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Lo A Loi

Authorities in the northern Tuyen Quang Province have slammed foreign male tourists for wearing traditional H'Mong women's skirts in photos, calling the act "offensive" and "harmful" to Vietnamese culture.

Nguyen Thi Hoai, deputy director of the province Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said Aug. 6 that such behavior was "deviant," damaging community cultural values and contrary to the province's goal of developing civilized, sustainable tourism.

"Traditional costumes of ethnic minorities are not entertainment props, nor should they be exploited to evoke giggles or attract social media views."

The department has coordinated with relevant agencies to promote awareness among tourists about the need to behave in a civilized manner and respect national cultural identities.

Some H'Mong people have criticized foreign men for wearing skirts traditionally reserved for women to pose for photos, and a few tour operators have defended it as a way to experience local culture.

Tuyen Quang is home to attractions such as the Ha Giang Loop and ethnic minority villages that increasingly draw foreign visitors.