Tourists Swim in 13°C River Despite Official Warnings in Tuyen Quang

A group of four foreign tourists surprised locals by swimming in the Nho Que River in northern Vietnam when air temperatures had dropped to just 13 degrees Celsius. The river, now part of Tuyen Quang province after administrative changes, is even colder beneath the surface, yet the visitors appeared unfazed, splashing and playing in the water while their Vietnamese companions shivered on the riverbank.

The scene, captured on video by a local guide, quickly went viral on social media, sparking discussion about the Western tolerance for cold water and the thrill-seeking habits of international travelers. Experts note that swimming in icy, fast-flowing rivers carries serious risks, particularly in areas with deep pools or strong currents. Local authorities strongly advise against swimming in the Nho Que River and nearby waterfalls such as Du Gia, citing past accidents including a drowning in 2023. Safety signs are posted in both Vietnamese and English, but some visitors continue to take risks.

The Nho Que River and Du Gia waterfall are among the most popular natural attractions in northern Vietnam, drawing both domestic and international tourists for scenic views and adventure activities. In the first half of 2025, the region welcomed more than 1.7 million visitors, including 300,000 international tourists, generating over 4,600 billion VND in revenue.

Tourism officials hope that combining natural beauty with strong safety measures will ensure sustainable growth for the newly expanded Tuyen Quang province while maintaining its reputation as a top destination for adventure-seeking travelers.