Being happy while travelling is one of the most important aspects of any trip. But creating a nuisance in the name of fun and enjoyment can spoil the experience for everyone around. Recently, a Bengaluru-based couple shared an embarrassing encounter they had on a cruise in Vietnam, where Indian tourists were allegedly segregated and given a lesson on manners instead of the usual safety instructions. The incident has once again sparked a debate about civic sense and the reputation of Indian travellers abroad.
Indian Couple Shares Embarrassing Experience On Vietnam Cruise
Hanna Soosan and Athul Thej, a Bengaluru-based couple, took to Instagram to share an embarrassing experience aboard a cruise in Vietnam. In the video, they revealed that during a day cruise to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh, they noticed their entire tour group was exclusively Indian travellers, which they said is uncommon when travelling abroad.
The couple claimed they were segregated from a mixed-nationality group, which was seated on a different level of the cruise boat. Initially, they were shocked and perceived the move as discriminatory, especially when it was followed by a lecture from the tour guide on “basic manners.”
The briefing included instructions on buffet etiquette, such as not picking up food with bare hands, properly using serving tongs, and maintaining cleanliness.
However, within minutes of the lecture, the couple said they understood why it had been given. According to them, an older Indian passenger began aggressively shouting at local waitstaff over a slight delay in the buffet service. Reflecting on the incident, Hanna and Athul said it was quite embarrassing and suggested that such behaviour was likely something the staff had to deal with regularly.
Also Read: Did You Know There’s A Cat Named ‘Dog’ Who Works At A Fish Market In Vietnam?
Internet Shares Two Cents
The couple called their Vietnam cruise experience “shocking and embarrassing” and talked about how entitled we feel as tourists while travelling. They rightly spoke about how we must be a “good guest” first to be welcomed and hosted nicely while travelling abroad.
Hundreds of people commented on the couple’s post, sharing how such incidents are becoming increasingly common. Many argued that travellers should respect the country they are visiting instead of merely expecting respect from others.
“I thought this post was gonna be about racism, love that it ended on self reflection and accountability as Indians. We do need a reality check, for sure,” one of the comments read.
Another user commented, “Thank you for making this video, we Indians have to include a civic sense lesson to all the travellers going outside India, let’s unite and bring this change.”
Also Read: In Vietnam, Your Spa Therapist Is A Duck, And The Treatment Is A Duck Massage!
Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments section.
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/hannasoosan & Canva Pro/Suchan
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
FAQs
Why is civic sense important while travelling?
Good civic sense helps create a positive experience for everyone, promotes respectful interactions, and reflects positively on travellers and their home countries.
What happened to the Bengaluru couple on the Vietnam cruise?
The couple shared an experience from a cruise in Vietnam where they were part of a group consisting entirely of Indian tourists and were given a briefing on basic etiquette before the journey.
What instructions were given during the briefing?
The tour guide reportedly explained basic dining and public etiquette, including proper buffet behaviour, hygiene practices, and the use of serving utensils.