A British tourist named Barry ended up stranded on a forest road in central Vietnam after following Google Maps. The story shows how a navigation app can lead travelers into danger and how local police can step in.

Google Maps directed Barry onto a dirt road that runs through An Lao Commune and into the mountains of Dang Thuy Tram Commune. The road was steep, rocky, muddy and full of water‑filled ruts, and a sharp rock punctured his rear tyre, leaving him stranded.

Lieutenant Colonel Phan Tien Dung, chief of the Dang Thuy Tram Commune Police, and Captain Pham Trung Tien drove a special vehicle to the scene. They loaded the motorcycle, searched several repair shops, finally found a mechanic who patched the tyre, and then guided Barry back to the main road, making sure he could continue safely.

Four other foreign tourists had previously been sent onto the same road by Google Maps, according to the police report. Commune police now advise local residents to immediately alert authorities if they see foreign visitors entering the dangerous road, so help can arrive quickly.

The incident reminds travelers to double‑check navigation routes, especially in unfamiliar terrain. It also highlights that Vietnamese police are ready to assist when technology fails, turning a risky situation into a safe passage.