By Duc Nguyen, South East Asia Correspondent
Police in Vietnam’s southern island city of Phú Quốc have intensified calls for foreign tourists to comply with traffic regulations following a dangerous incident involving a Russian national driving a motorbike recklessly. The episode, captured on video, has prompted authorities to scrutinise both tourist behaviour and local motorbike rental practices, highlighting the risks posed to public safety on this popular resort island.
On Sunday, 5 May 2025, at approximately 5 p.m., a 45-year-old Russian tourist, Vanov Aleksandr, was recorded driving a motorbike without a helmet and with both hands off the handlebars along Highway 973 in Xóm Mới Hamlet, Bãi Thơm Commune. The video, widely shared among locals, sparked immediate action from the Phú Quốc Traffic Police, who identified Aleksandr, a temporary resident of Ông Lang Village in Cửa Dương Commune. He admitted to multiple violations, including operating the vehicle without a Vietnamese driving licence, failing to wear a helmet, and reckless driving. The rented motorbike, bearing the licence plate 77E1 – 344.21, was impounded for ten days as an administrative penalty under Vietnam’s traffic laws. 
The motorbike was traced to a rental business at No. 100 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Dương Đông Ward, owned by Phạm Thị Diễn. Authorities have summoned Diễn to address her responsibility for renting the vehicle to an unqualified individual, an act that violates Clause 1, Article 56 of Vietnam’s Law on Road Traffic Safety and Order. “Handing over vehicles to unlicensed drivers not only breaks the law but endangers the community,” a police spokesperson stated (Phú Quốc Police Department, 6 May 2025).
Phú Quốc’s status as a premier tourist destination has made motorbike rentals a popular choice for visitors seeking to explore its beaches and villages. The affordability and flexibility of rentals appeal to foreigners, yet many lack the required Vietnamese driving licence or an international driving permit recognised in Vietnam. Police report a troubling trend of violations among tourists, including ignoring helmet laws, running red lights, driving in incorrect lanes, and, in some cases, operating vehicles under the influence. These behaviours have contributed to a rise in accidents, with several incidents involving foreigners recorded in recent months.
The broader issue extends to rental businesses, some of which fail to verify renters’ qualifications. Authorities have penalised operators for negligence, but the problem persists. “Organisations and individuals providing rental services must check for valid driving licences suitable for the vehicle type,” the police reiterated, urging stricter compliance to prevent accidents.
For residents and regular visitors, the incident underscores a growing tension between tourism’s economic benefits and the need for safety. If left unaddressed, lax enforcement could exacerbate risks, potentially tarnishing Phú Quốc’s reputation as a safe destination. While no injuries were reported in this case, the police warn that reckless driving could have severe consequences for both tourists and locals.
