Ethical Travel in Vietnam: Why You Shouldn't Give Money to Children on the Ha Giang Loop

Let’s face it—if the Ha Giang Loop isn’t on your Southeast Asia bucket list, it should be. It’s jaw-droppingly beautiful, adrenaline-pumping, and packed with culture. 

But it’s also facing a bit of a tourism identity crisis. As more travellers hit the loop, especially with Bong Hostel’s tours (ahem, shameless plug), we’ve noticed some growing pains.

One of the biggest? Well-meaning travellers giving money to kids.

It seems sweet. Innocent. Harmless even. But hang tight, friend—I’m here to break down why you should definitely not slip dong to children on the Ha Giang Loop. And don’t worry, we’ll also dive into what you can do to help instead.

The Bigger Picture: Tourism’s Growing Pains in Ha Giang

A new sign near the Nho Que River pleads with tourists to respect local culture and refrain from giving money to children on the Ha Giang Loop—but signage only scratches the surface.

Tourism is booming in Ha Giang—over 2 million visitors annually and $200 million generated each year. 

But most of that revenue never reaches the ethnic minorities (like the Hmong, Tay, and Dao people) whose villages, dress, and customs make the region so magnetic. 

Instead, profits often flow to lowland Vietnamese business owners.

Add to that:

• Loud karaoke disrupting quiet villages.

• Photos taken without consent. Customs commercialized.

• Plastic waste and reckless driving are on the rise (why do you think licensing is so strict out here?)

• Tourists dressing or acting inappropriately.

And tourism starts to feel a little less wholesome.

Related article: Cultural Etiquette in Vietnam: 20 Dos and Don'ts for Respectful Travel.

When Tourism Does Good in Ha Giang

But wait, it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, when done responsibly, tourism can be a force for good, especially in Ha Giang.

Positive Changes

Thanks to visitors like you:

• Agricultural Innovation: Interest-free loans have helped farmers grow rice hybrids and keep bees for honey production.

• Economic Empowerment: Women have new employment opportunities weaving and creating handicrafts (or even becoming Easy Riders!).

• Cultural Celebrations: Events like the annual Dong Van Buckwheat Festival bring visitors—and much-needed revenue—to remote villages.

Ha Giang may be remote, but it’s not forgotten—and conscious tourism is part of that story.

Issues Concerning Local Children on the Ha Giang Loop

Let’s set the scene: You’re cruising through the iconic Tham Ma Pass, your heart full, your GoPro on. Then you stop at the Tham Ma viewpoint for a break. 

Suddenly, two little girls in embroidered skirts run up to you, offering to braid your hair with tiny wildflowers. 

You smile, say yes, and fifteen minutes later, your scalp is a botanical garden. You reach for your wallet, but something feels off. Is this sweet? Exploitative? Both?

We get it—it feels good to give. Especially when the person you’re giving to is a child in need. But here’s why it’s not so simple.

1. Skipping School

Here’s the hard truth: the more money children make on the Loop, the more likely they are to be kept out of school. 

Why study all day when braiding a tourist’s hair earns more in an hour than your family makes in a day?

By giving children money, tourists unintentionally reinforce a system where kids are more valuable on the roadside than in the classroom. 

This traps entire families in cycles of poverty, and ultimately robs these kids of a chance at a better future.

Bottom line: school should be their job—not charming foreign tourists.

2. Exploitation in Cute Clothing

Some children are not out there by choice.

In many cases, they’re sent by adults to beg, sell trinkets, or pose for photos. Kids become the bait—because tourists are more likely to give when faced with adorable pigtails and flower crowns.  

You might think you’re empowering them, but in reality, your money might be lining the pockets of someone exploiting their cuteness for profit.

Worse still, begging puts these children at greater risk of trafficking and abuse. The more profitable it becomes, the more they’re pushed into it.

North Vietnam Travel Tips: 30 Essential Tips for Travelers in 2025.

3. The Sweet Trap of Sweets

You might think it’s harmless to hand out candy—hey, it’s better than money, right?

Wrong. Kids in remote areas like Ha Giang often don’t have access to proper dental care. That surprise lollipop you gave them might be one of ten they’ve received that day.

Instead of helping, you might be contributing to long-term health issues. Plus, handing out treats to strangers just for being cute teaches kids to expect gifts from tourists—not to value relationships or shared culture.

4. Selfies With Strings Attached

Snapping a quick pic of that sweet kid in traditional dress? Hold up. Would you do the same without permission at home? Thought not.

Many children are taught to pose for tourists in exchange for money, turning culture into currency. This dilutes the meaning of their traditions and teaches kids to associate their heritage with handouts.

Pro tip: Always ask for permission, don’t take photos of kids without consent, and don’t pay for pictures—it fuels the problem.

5. Children in Bars? 

Yep, it happens.

In tourist-heavy towns, children are sometimes sent into nightclubs or late-night bars to sell goods or ask for money from drunk travellers. It’s every kind of wrong.

If you see this, don’t give money or engage—it only reinforces the practice and endangers the children involved.

So How Can You Help the Children of Ha Giang?

Offer, Don’t Enable

If you feel compelled to help a child on the Loop:

• Buy them a drink or snack (something nourishing!).

• Pack school supplies like pencils, colouring books, or notebooks to give out responsibly.

• Donate to reputable local charities (more on those below!).

• Support their families by buying handicrafts or textiles made by adults.

• Stay in local homestays run by ethnic minority families (let us help you there!).

Ethical Travel Tips

• Choose family-run, community-based tours (Bong Hostel has your back!).

• Dress modestly and respectfully.

• Ditch the pizza chain—eat local.

• Carry reusable water bottles to reduce waste.

• Ask permission before taking photos.

• Keep noise to a minimum—especially in homestays.

Related article: Sustainable Travel in North Vietnam: How to Be a Responsible Tourist.

Want to Make a Bigger Impact? Here’s How.

If your heart’s still tugging at you (and we hope it is), here are some awesome places to direct that good energy:

1. Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation

Rescues children from slavery, trafficking, and homelessness. Active in Ha Giang and Hanoi.

2. Children of Vietnam

Helps kids access food, education, and healthcare.

3. Saigon Children’s Charity CIO

Provides scholarships and builds schools for disadvantaged children.

4. Sapa O’Chau

An ethical trekking and education initiative offering volunteer teaching opportunities for ethnic minority youth.

5. Volunteer—But Ethically

Check credentials. Look for meaningful opportunities, like teaching English or community development.

Related article: How to Volunteer at Bong Hostel and Experience the Ha Giang Loop!

Let Bong Hostel Help You Ha Giang Loop the Right Way

We love the Ha Giang Loop—and we love the people who live along it even more (they’re our friends and family—literally!). That’s why Bong Hostel does things differently:

• We work with local guides and minority families.

• We avoid big, loud party groups that disrupt village life (this is the reason our music shuts off at 10pm!).

• We brief every rider on respectful, ethical travel practices.

When you tour with Bong, you’re not just taking in the views—you’re giving back.

Related article: Why You Should Do The Ha Giang Loop With Bong Hostel.

Final Words… Be the Tourist Ha Giang Deserves

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be conscious.

Tourism is powerful. When done right, it creates jobs, preserves cultures, and lifts entire communities. When done wrong, it harms the very places we claim to love.

So next time you feel tempted to give a few thousand dong to a child on the Ha Giang Loop with a bright smile and a flower crown, remember: your good intentions are better directed elsewhere.

Choose experiences that honor culture, protect childhoods, and help communities grow.

So, if you’re ready to explore Ha Giang the right way, we’ve got a seat on the bike with your name on it.

👉 Book your Ha Giang Loop tour with Bong Hostel.

👉 Learn more about ethical travel in North Vietnam.