Begpackers: Travelers Begging for Money

‘Begpackers’ have come into the limelight recently, a subgroup of western tourists who are running out of money during their travels in countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand and are turning to begging other tourists and even locals for money by selling their belongings, doing magical tricks, and even meditating in turn for donations. This trend has been condemned by many, with the Vietnam government reminding travelers that street begging is actually banned in the country.

The Daily was joined by travel journalist Ben Groundwater to talk about begpacking and its causes.