An Indian couple has sparked outrage after being caught on camera allegedly shoplifting from a roadside vendor in the popular tourist town of Hoi An, Vietnam. The incident has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism for tarnishing the country’s image abroad. The video, originally shared on Reddit with the caption, “Tourist stealing from a street vendor in Vietnam,” shows a couple with a baby appearing to discreetly take items while the shopkeeper is momentarily distracted. In the footage, the man pretends to browse through clothes while the vendor turns away to fetch garments for the couple. During this time, he picks up an item from the ground and hands it to his wife, who quickly hides it while holding their child. Moments later, the woman herself is seen taking another item from the vendor’s display while the shopkeeper is engaged in showing them more products. indianexpress.com couldn't independently verify the video. Watch the viral video here: "I had heard about Indian tourists, now saw them" These were the words of the Vietnamese vendor from whom an Indian couple stole not once but twice, all this while holding a baby with them. The video has now gone viral in Vietnam and of course India. 📸tube.indian insta pic.twitter.com/gAuqOW0ibi — Priyesh Sharma (@Kenu73) September 28, 2025 The video quickly drew attention, prompting a backlash. "The last thing we need is Vietnamese people’s disdain for Indians. Till now they were indifferent towards Indians and still I felt quite welcomed there compared to Thailand. I’m pretty sure this will change in future as more such bad apples reach there," a user wrote. "Name and shame them, else they'll do the same somewhere else. There is already a lot going on with Indians abroad, we don't want innocent Indians to get hate," another user commented. "Absolutely shameful. Indian Govt. must send them back to Vietnam at their own expense, visit the shop, pay the owner for the items they stole and apologize. This is not how most Indians behave," a third user reacted.
