A video has taken social media by storm which is apparently from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The viral video has put the spotlight on tourist etiquette and raises many questions on tourist behaviour outside the country. The video shows an Indian family vandalising a restaurant following a dispute over their kid’s behaviour. While the allegations are yet to be tested and proven in court, the incident has sparked a crucial discussion for travellers worldwide which is when you travel internationally, you often become an unofficial flag-bearer of your nation.The incidentAs per the owner of Bombay Bites HCM, an Indian restaurant located in Ho Chi Minh City’s popular District 1 tourist area, the issue started when staff politely requested parents to stop their children from throwing tissues around. In an interview given to NDTV, the owner of the restaurant alleged that despite their repeated requests, the parents did cooperate and became confrontational. He also claimed that staff members were verbally abused and the property inside the restaurant was damaged by the family. CCTV footage has captured the incident from which it is clear that the kids are throwing the tissues around. Soon after sharing, the video went viral on social media and it generated widespread criticism online. The restaurant owner also said that local police were informed.Why this matters for travellersWhile incidents involving unruly tourists happen across nationalities, videos shared on social media often travel faster. We live in a digital age, where a single viral incident can influence the perception of millions of travellers from the same country.For Indian travellers, whose outbound tourism has been growing rapidly in Southeast Asia, maintaining a positive image has become even more important.Countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan have become favourite holiday destinations for Indian families thanks to affordable flights and simplified visa policies. But such incidents are not good for the image.Remember travelling with kids comes with responsibilityIt is a fact that kids are curious and excited during holidays. They love exploring new places and environments. However, the fact can’t be ignored that parents remain responsible for ensuring their children behave respectfully in public spaces such as restaurants, museums and temples, among others.Respect locals
Hospitality workers handle and interact with an overwhelming number of tourists every week. It’s a universal fact. Be it in Vietnam, Thailand, Japan or Europe, restaurant staff are well-trained to ensure every guest has a comfortable experience.If they request customers to lower noise levels, supervise children or follow house rules, it is generally done to maintain a pleasant atmosphere for others in the restaurant or shared space. While disagreements are inevitable, shouting, threatening employees or damaging property can be a serious legal matter, especially in a foreign country.Today, CCTV cameras, smartphones and social media platforms can make an incident viral within hours. The travel lessonMost Indian tourists leave a wonderful impression wherever they go and incidents like this one are rare. However, they serve as an important reminder that courtesy and respect travel farther and faster than passports. Always remember that!
