Children sell souvernirs to a tourist in Sapa Town.
Speaking to DanTri about the issue, Do Van Tan, Vice Chairman of the Sapa Town People's Committee, admitted that despite their various efforts to curb the problem, it has been going on for years.
"We have continuously advised tourists not to give money to children or buy from persistent street vendors," the official said. "However, over the past two years, especially during holiday seasons, the problem has evolved. Adults and children now use portable speakers to play loud music and perform dance moves popular on TikTok, exploiting gaps in law enforcement patrols. When confronted, they disperse quickly."
Some children dance and receive money from visitors in Sapa.
Tan emphasised that tourists, moved by sympathy upon seeing children shivering in the cold, often hand over money without considering the long-term consequences. "Misplaced compassion makes it harder for us to resolve this issue," he added.
New ground for performances
The official shared that they are developing new strategies to combat the problem. Alongside existing measures such as public awareness campaigns through loudspeakers, leaflets in hotels and restaurants, and community education, Sapa is now identifying families in difficult financial situations to provide vocational training and alternative livelihoods.
"We're collaborating with Cat Cat Village Tourism Company to create income-generating activities for local families," he said. "On weekends and holidays, adults and children can participate in cultural performances at designated tourist areas, receiving financial support of VND 100,000 per day per person."
He added that designated sidewalk spaces are being arranged for local women to sell handicrafts in an orderly and respectable manner.
Stricter enforcement
Tan stated that the town is ramping up efforts to deal with the violations by establishing an urban order management team responsible for reminding, educating, and handling violations directly in public spaces.
"This team will also gather information on repeat offenders. If cases meet the legal criteria, they will be forwarded to the police for further investigation. Any law violations will be dealt with accordingly," Tan affirmed. "We've also urged tourists to refrain from giving money to children or purchasing from aggressive vendors."
Vice Chairman of the Lao Cai Tourism Association, Vu Dai Duong, reiterated this call: "We consistently advise restaurants, hotels, and tourism businesses not to allow children to solicit money on their premises. We hope locals and visitors will work together to restore Sapa's tourism image to its former beauty."
