Vietnam has become one of the favourite international travel destinations for Indian tourists. The beaches, landscapes, affordable holidays and culture have lured people from all over India to Vietnam.
But a video of Indian travellers organising a community meal in a Vietnam airport has sparked an uncomfortable debate: Do Indians understand basic civic sense when travelling abroad
The video which went viral on social media on November 6, 2026, reportedly shows a group of Indian tourists sitting together on the floor of an airport waiting area. Newspapers have been spread across the floor and food placed on them as they eat. Social media users compared it to a traditional bhandara.
Sharing food with friends and family is part of Indian culture but where? Where has this become public behaviour and travel etiquette? An airport is a shared public facility not a private dining room where passengers can occupy common spaces at their convenience.
The video generated mixed reactions online. Some people said it was harmless; others criticised the group for not thinking about the surroundings and comfort of fellow passengers. Many also called on Indian travellers to clean up and respect public spaces when they visit foreign countries.
This isn’t the first time Indian tourists in Vietnam have been panned for their behaviour at an airport. In May 2026 another viral video reportedly showed a group of Indian travellers playing Garba near a parked aircraft on the tarmac of the airport. The incident was criticised over airport safety, public conduct and following local rules.
Vietnam has become a favourite new destination for Indian travellers. But if we turn their airports into picnic spots, spreading food and litter, we risk becoming very unpopular tourists. When will we learn to travel with civic sense? 😮 https://t.co/pCSC63GHRH
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) November 7, 2026
These incidents ask a larger question about how Indians behave when they travel abroad. Going to another country isn’t just about snapping photos, eating food and visiting tourist attractions it is about understanding local customs, respecting public facilities and behaving responsibly in shared spaces.
Littering, leaving food waste behind, taking up public space unnecessarily and inconveniencing other passengers are habits that should not be encouraged anywhere. Whether someone is travelling within India or to Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand or any other international destination the basic public etiquette should remain the same.
There is also a distinction between celebrating Indian culture and imposing personal habits on shared spaces. Carrying your own food while travelling makes sense; sharing a meal is not wrong either but travellers need to ask if the place is right, if it’s allowed, whether it will be clean afterwards.
Social media has made these kinds of incidents visible to audiences around the world. But unfortunately it’s also how a few people act that can change what people think about an entire community. That doesn’t mean we should stereotype all Indian tourists but it does make responsible behaviour even more important.
India’s increasing international tourism presence should be accompanied by greater awareness and responsibility. Travellers are representing themselves but also (in some ways) the country they come from.
Vietnam is a beautiful place that deserves respect just like every other country. Eat the food, experience the culture, take pictures and make memories but know airports streets beaches public facilities are shared spaces.
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