Vietnamese tourists being sexually harassed while traveling alone: ​​Not uncommon, what to do to protect yourself?

(Dan Tri) - In fact, cases of customers reporting harassment and sexual harassment by staff of travel companies in trekking groups are not uncommon in recent times.

In recent days, the incident of a 27-year-old female tourist from Dong Nai sharing her experience while trekking (hiking in difficult terrain such as mountains, hills, rivers and streams) in the Ta Xua range (Lao Cai province) and being harassed by a member of the tour company's staff has attracted public attention.

The girl accused the tour leader and porter of seriously violating the trust and personal safety of the customers.

Specifically, the female tourist bought a tour package to conquer Phu Sa Phin peak in the Ta Xua range with a 3-day, 2-night journey. She was advertised to have the opportunity to conquer the heights and enjoy the majestic landscape of the Northwest mountainous region.

Trekking is becoming an outdoor sport activity popular with many Vietnamese tourists (Photo: Character provided).

However, things did not go as promised. In particular, the girl said that the tour guide separated her from the group and sexually assaulted her, constantly touching her hair, hugging her, and demanding kisses even though the victim seemed uncomfortable.

The man even threatened to take her in another direction if she did not comply. In a panic, the girl could only scream for help, hoping that the group in front would hear her.

In addition, the female tourist also said that the porter in the group had inappropriate behavior when he intentionally forced the female tourist to drink alcohol in a violent manner.

TB Trekking, the trekking tour operator, later apologized and admitted to the staff’s misconduct. The company said it had terminated its relationship with the two employees who were accused by the customer. However, this handling still caused a heated debate among the public.

In fact, cases of customers reporting harassment and sexual harassment by staff of travel agencies in trekking groups are not uncommon in recent times.

Previously, in May 2023, a female tourist also reported that a male tour guide of a travel agency arbitrarily opened a tent and asked to sleep with her at midnight three times. At that time, the girl was trekking Pygmy Cave in Quang Binh .

If trekking alone, visitors need to keep themselves safe (Illustration: Dreamer Trekking).

Afterwards, the representative of the travel agency apologized and took full responsibility for the incident, pledging to pay the full cost of the tour to customers as a way to minimize mental damage.

For her part, the female tourist expressed goodwill with the company's handling of the situation, but said that from now on she will no longer continue to go on trekking tours with this company.

It can be seen that recently, the demand for trekking among Vietnamese tourists has increased because young people increasingly favor adventure tourism to explore nature.

In particular, tours exploring mountainous routes in the Northern region have seen a surge in the number of visitors, such as Lung Cung (Mu Cang Chai, Lao Cai), Lao Than (Lao Cai), Ngu Chi Son (located between Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces), Nhiu Co San (Lao Cai)...

Speaking with Dan Tri reporter, Mr. Kieu Tung Tam, CEO of Dreamer - a unit specializing in organizing trekking routes in the Northern mountainous region, said that the incident of customers being harassed has happened before, and is also a warning.

Mr. Lam said that serious cases are rare, but there are cases where customers are forced to drink alcohol for fun and told jokes by travel agency staff.

According to Mr. Lam, the quality of porters in some areas has declined due to the sudden increase in the number of visitors. This has created a gap in experienced personnel, leading to risks in service work.

To avoid unfortunate situations, the most important factor is to train the team of tour leaders. Normally, travel companies will choose local porters, giving priority to those who have been in the profession for a long time, have good ethics, and need to be evaluated through the time of cooperation.

In case of a sudden increase in the number of guests but a lack of quality staff, travel agencies can consider refusing to accept more guests to ensure safety.

"Say no to drinking alcohol on the mountain because drinking alcoholic beverages can easily lead to uncontrolled behavior," Mr. Lam emphasized.

Similarly, a representative of a unit specializing in selling trekking tours based in Hanoi affirmed that tourists themselves should also be alert and clear-headed when choosing reputable companies.

According to this person, if you want to trek on mountain roads, tourists (especially female tourists) should avoid going alone, and prioritize going with a group of acquaintances. Tourists should choose a reputable company, with an introduction from an acquaintance who has experienced it.

In addition, when traveling in a group, you should proactively get to know other members to support each other on the way.

Currently, popular trekking tours in the Northern mountainous region are 2 days 1 night tours, or some 3 days 2 nights tours.

Tour prices range from 3 to 3.5 million VND/person depending on the route.

Some notes when participating in trekking:

Choose popular routes : Prioritize routes that are frequented by locals, porters, and other trekking groups instead of remote, less-known areas. Some areas may not be suitable for women traveling alone.

Learn the information carefully: Research carefully about local culture and security situation in the area. Especially choose a reputable tour operator, discuss your concerns and ask the unit to commit to ensuring safety in a contract.

Avoid traveling at night: Always camp or reach a rest stop before dark.

Share detailed itinerary : Send a detailed itinerary (starting point, planned route, camping spot each night, estimated return time) to at least 2 trusted family members/friends at home.

Check the signal: Carry a satellite phone or walkie-talkie, whistle, etc. if you are going into an area without a cell phone signal. Check the signal frequently. On some routes, you can carry legal self-defense items such as pepper spray.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/khach-viet-bi-ga-tinh-di-du-lich-mot-minh-khong-hiem-gap-lam-gi-de-tu-ve-20251204164941587.htm