Comments on: Tourists Behaving Badly

By: Life Elsewhere | 101 on Luang Prabang

Life Elsewhere | 101 on Luang Prabang — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:28:18 +0000

[…] Alms Collection – Every morning hundreds of Monks in saffron robs walk tranquilly through the streets and collect offerings from local worshipers. Such a peaceful start to the day and something you must see while in Luang Prabang. Unfortunately this deeply spiritual event is in danger of being desecrated by overzealous tourists. A disturbingly large percentage of tourists need a serious lesson in appropriateness. This blog post by Alex in Wanderland says it all: Tourists Behaving Badly […]

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 23:35:00 +0000

In reply to Corrie. Corrie, you may be reassured then to hear that the tubing has been largely shut down :) As of summer 2012 reports are that all the river bars were torn down in preparation for Laos's hosting of the ASEAN conference. Who knows if it will just pop up somewhere else or fade away entirely...

By: Corrie

Corrie — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:32:49 +0000

In reply to Corrie. The tubing would not be there, if travelers didn't par-take.

By: Corrie

Corrie — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:29:15 +0000

As an American-Lao, I was floored to see your photos of the river tubing. Something so obvious, of western culture that has imposed itself. I think perhaps when you’re out of your element, not quite sure of customs and behaviors it’s easy to feel safer/comfortable being around something familiar. It’s quite sad to see. And has made me reflect and want to consider all things, when i travel. Why travel if you’re not there to experience the culture of where you are at. Observe it, respect it and not make such a footprint in someone elses backyard. There’s some social responsibility we have when we travel to not be disrupted and the river tubing gives such a bad name to westerners to act inappropriately.

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 14:02:53 +0000

In reply to Hannah. Thanks Hannah. I'm sure after meeting you that you travel with the utmost sensitivity :)

By: Hannah

Hannah — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:31:18 +0000

Ah, things like this make me so sad too. It’s so important as travellers that we always act with the greatest respect. I am so glad that you shared your experiences and encourage people to be more aware of their actions.

By: Alex

Alex — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:17:59 +0000

In reply to Nemo. I have taken photos of monks, however like you with the amish family I have tried to be super sneaky about it so I don't disturb them. I am sometimes extremely shy to take candid photos of people but I try to remember that I have been on the other side of the camera when people are taking photos at events like St. Patrick's Day Parade or Halloween and I don't mind it. But in this case, its a sacred ceremony so I think the rules are different!

By: Nemo

Nemo — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 01:59:36 +0000

it’s so sad that people can’t comprehend how to behave in cultural situations and they take their photos in an obnoxious way just so they have something to put on Facebook or elsewhere.
When I was in Thailand, I never took a photo of a monk because 1) I didn’t know if I could or not and 2) I didn’t want to invade their privacy by being a typical tourist and just walking up to them on the street.

I did however, take a sneaky picture of an armish family once in america, very sneaky though….I don’t think they noticed….I hope they didn’t notice!

By: Alex

Alex — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 23:31:00 +0000

In reply to Jenna. Ugh, the situation you describe at the Sistine Chapel would make me cringe. Just buy a postcard! I admit I am the first to break the no camera rule but not when its going to cause damage or disrespect.

By: Alex

Alex — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 23:25:47 +0000

In reply to Tejaswi. Thanks Tejaswi! I appreciate your point of view from another place where it sounds tourists often behave badly.