On February 23, Lieutenant Colonel Tran The Nghia, chief of Muong Xen Commune's Police Department, said his unit worked with Nghe An Provincial Police Department to contact a bus company and cover the cost of tickets for the pair.
Police assist two Russian tourists travelling to Hanoi on the morning of February 23 (Photo: Muong Xen Commune Police).
The assistance followed a report from local residents on the evening of February 22 about two foreign nationals who appeared lost, fatigued and hungry, and were struggling to communicate.
Police identified them as Russian citizens who had travelled from Laos into Vietnam via the Nam Can international border gate in Nghe An Province. Due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with the area, they lost their way after reaching Muong Xen Commune.
Officers found that the tourists had run out of money and were unable to continue their planned trip to Hanoi. Having travelled a long distance, they showed signs of exhaustion and anxiety.
Local police arranged temporary accommodation and provided meals to ensure their safety.
On the morning of February 23, with police assistance, the two tourists boarded a bus to Hanoi to resume their journey.