Guests are surprised by the price of food and drink in Ha Long
Tourists’ dissatisfaction with high-priced food at tourist attractions is not new. Every peak tourist season, this story continues to recur. Recently, a series of stories reflecting on the prices of tourist services in Ha Long have received public attention.
Many people are concerned that these incidents will affect domestic tourism, causing Vietnamese people to turn their backs on domestic destinations.
Reader NT said that a week ago, he encountered a similar situation while traveling in Ha Long, when a case of Saigon beer was sold at a restaurant for 850,000 VND (more than twice the market price).
He and his friend planned to buy 2 squids but the seller quoted 1 million VND. They thought it was too expensive so they didn't buy it.
“Learning from the beer keg experience, we asked for the price first, otherwise we would have bought dried squid at an expensive price, the squid was only the size of a hand,” Mr. T. shared.
Similarly, the price of food in Ha Long was what made guest Nguyen Thao confused during her family trip on July 1.
Ms. Thao said that she had been to Ha Long many times and knew that the spending level here was higher than in many other provinces, but the first time she bought a box of boiled goose meat for 780,000 VND, the customer was "shocked". The customer's bill was 840,000 VND for the box of boiled goose meat and 40,000 VND for some noodles and broth. It is known that she bought the food at a famous goose restaurant located in Bai Chay ward.
A reader named Nguyen Huong was also shocked by the high cost of food in the Bai Chay area. She only ordered simple dishes, but the prices were much higher than the average in the area where she lives.
Reader Nguyen Vu recounted his experience of going to Ha Long once but was "scared for the rest of his life" after spending 2 million VND on a meal for 4 adults. The meal only included common dishes such as fried meat, fried eggs, a bowl of clam soup and a plate of about 7-8 squid.
For these reasons, reader Nguyen Duy Trinh believes that this is actually a common situation for many restaurants in Ha Long. This guest himself has experienced a similar situation. Therefore, if he chooses to travel, he will not choose Ha Long as a destination for his family and friends.
“As a Ha Long native, I was also shocked by a bowl of noodles for 150,000 VND”
Not only did this upset many tourists, many readers from Quang Ninh also expressed concern for local tourism.
Reader Dung Tran shared that he lives in Ha Long and felt really ashamed when reading information related to the high prices charged by shops here to tourists.
According to this person, in Ha Long, normal noodles/pho cost 50,000 VND/bowl, special ones cost 100,000 VND, rice rolls cost 30,000 VND/serving, delicious porridge is also only 50,000 VND/bowl (except for special ones like lobster, sea cucumber which will cost more). The restaurant in the Dan Tri article posted "ripped off" customers too much.
“Bun or banh cuon in Quang Ninh is very diverse, from ordinary to special. A bowl of seafood noodles can cost up to 250,000 but is very delicious and worth the money. When processing, just add some types such as cockles, large mantis shrimp, crabs, the price is also very expensive.
If the restaurants charge high prices, they should serve the right quality, don't let Ha Long tourism get a bad reputation. If a normal bowl of seafood noodles is charged 150,000 VND, I would be shocked", Mr. Binh Le (living in Bai Chay ward) shared.
As a native of Quang Ninh, reader Xuan Anh believes that local people also eat expensive bowls of noodles but do not fall into such a “ripped off” situation. He believes that there should be strict measures to manage restaurants and close down opportunistic businesses.
Businesses must comply with the posted prices, customers must provide receipts after finishing their meals, and management agencies must regularly check the posted prices. When there are issues that need to be verified, it will be clear who is right and who is wrong.
Reader Pham Khanh An, who lives in Quang Ninh, said that the prices at many food and beverage establishments in Ha Long are quite expensive. This creates a bad experience for customers if the quality is not commensurate. Tourists feel like they are being cheated and ripped off.
Not only food, accommodation prices are also higher than many other tourist destinations. “The price of a motel near the center can be up to 700,000-800,000 VND/room, not including breakfast. Meanwhile, at this price in some central provinces, the room has a nice view, including breakfast,” Ms. Khanh An shared.
From trips to many places, a Dan Tri reader shares his experience in finding restaurants that are satisfactory and affordable: Look for restaurants that are crowded and have many cars outside because these are usually reputable restaurants; you can also consult with service drivers in that area.
When looking at the menu, customers should ask for the price clearly or discuss in advance, to avoid ordering and paying after eating, which is not good for both parties. Combine checking reviews on Google of restaurants in the area where you plan to eat, choose a restaurant that suits your preferences, and read customer reviews for reference.
In addition, reader Pham Minh advised tourists to Ha Long not to follow the instructions of taxi or tram drivers. Minh said that many restaurants here are willing to pay high commissions to drivers if they bring large groups of guests to dine. These costs are included in the cost of food and the customers are the ones who have to pay.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/810000-dong-bua-bun-5-nguoi-nhieu-khach-tung-chiu-gia-chat-o-ha-long-20250704143706635.htm
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