DA NANG, VIETNAM – A foreign tourist who covered himself with bananas to lure wild monkeys on Son Tra Peninsula was stopped and warned by authorities after a video of the stunt went viral.
Banana stunt draws in wild monkeys
A foreign tourist on Vietnam’s otherwise tranquil Son Tra Peninsula had taped ripe bananas all over his body in an attempt to attract monkeys. Using transparent adhesive tape, he fixed the fruit to his torso, arms and legs before entering an area known to be inhabited by wild animals. The monkeys quickly pounced on the moving food source and tore the bananas from his body while he appeared to enjoy the spectacle, despite the clear risk of serious injury from potential bites.
Resort staff intervene and tourist leaves
Employees from a nearby resort noticed the incident and rushed to the scene, where they confronted the man over his behaviour. They warned him urgently about the risks and demanded that he stop the inappropriate conduct immediately. The tourist complied with the request and left the peninsula shortly afterwards on his motorcycle.
Authorities condemn breach of protection rules
The local administrative authority responsible for Son Tra confirmed the incident and sharply condemned the visitor’s actions as a clear violation of local protection regulations. Across the peninsula, warning signs strictly prohibited feeding the monkeys in order to protect both visitors from attacks and the animals’ health. The stunt was widely criticised online, where many users expressed outrage at what they saw as disrespect towards wildlife and disregard for explicit rules.
Why feeding the monkeys is considered dangerous
Officials explained that such actions reduce the monkeys’ natural fear of humans, making the animals more demanding and potentially aggressive when expecting food. They also noted that human food is often unhealthy for wild animals and can cause disease, disturbing the local ecological balance. Despite years of awareness campaigns and regular reminders, some visitors continued to ignore the rules out of curiosity or in search of a spectacular photo.
Stricter patrols and possible fines announced
In response to the incident, the authority announced it would step up its patrols and checks in the area. Communication with visitors was also set to be intensified to highlight the protection rules and preserve what officials described as civilised and safe tourism on the peninsula. The tourist involved received a warning, but authorities indicated that any repeat offence could result in substantial fines and that his banana stunt would likely follow him online for a long time.
Questions over respect and responsibility
The case reignited a broader debate about tourist behaviour in wildlife habitats and the fine line between entertainment and harm. Commentators asked whether such scenes reflected mere foolishness or a form of tourism that viewed nature only as a backdrop, and why some travellers only recognised limits once authorities intervened. The incident highlighted how quickly curiosity could turn into disrespect, animal mistreatment and self-endangerment in the age of the ever-present smartphone.