Da Nang steps up action over foreign visitors’ violations in tourist areas

According to Da Nang Police, several recent incidents involving foreign visitors have drawn public attention and raised concerns about safety and order in crowded tourist areas.

Most recently, an Australian national allegedly damaged property at a café on Le Hong Phong Street in Hai Chau ward during the early hours of May 30. Initial estimates placed property damage at around VND500 million (approx. US$19,000).

Earlier in May, another foreign national was reported to have climbed onto the roof of a car, shouted loudly and damaged vehicles in the An Thuong area of Ngu Hanh Son ward in broad daylight. Images of the incident later circulated widely on social media, attracting significant public attention.

In another incident in late April, a foreign motorcyclist riding without a helmet and carrying a passenger was involved in a collision with a car on Vo Nguyen Giap Street. He reportedly kicked the car and slapped its driver in the middle of a busy street, with the altercation also captured on video and shared online.

Authorities said such incidents are not isolated cases. Some foreigners visiting, residing or working in Da Nang have repeatedly violated traffic laws, including riding without helmets, speeding, dangerous overtaking and revving large-displacement motorcycles along coastal roads and on Son Tra Peninsula, posing risks to public safety and affecting the city's image.

In response, Da Nang Police have increased patrols and inspections on key roads, coastal areas and tourist sites with large concentrations of foreign residents and tourists.

Colonel Phan Thanh Hong, head of the city’s Traffic Police Division, said authorities expect all residents and visitors living, studying or working in Da Nang to strictly comply with Vietnamese law. Violations would be handled strictly in accordance with regulations, he added.

Police are also coordinating with local authorities, accommodation providers and vehicle rental businesses to strengthen oversight and prevent vehicles from being rented to individuals who do not meet legal driving requirements.

Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s leading tourism centres and has seen a steady increase in international arrivals in recent years.

Foreign traffic violators face penalties under Vietnamese law, police say

VOV.VN -Vietnam’s Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security has affirmed that, except for cases covered by diplomatic privileges and immunities, most foreigners who violate traffic laws in Vietnam are subject to administrative penalties under Vietnamese law.