Warning about potential security dangers at homestays in Ba Vi

Recently, the number of domestic and international tourists visiting Hanoi in general and Ba Vi district in particular has been increasing. Tourism services are developing to meet the needs of tourists, and the homestay accommodation business is booming and gradually becoming an indispensable part of the experience for tourists who enjoy unique experiences.

In Ba Vi district alone, there are over 150 homestays and guesthouses, concentrated in the communes of Van Hoa, Yen Bai, Minh Quang, Tan Linh, etc. Besides the advantages offered by homestays, security issues related to these establishments are causing great concern among the local population. A simple house, sometimes with just one room of about 20 square meters, can accommodate 15-20 people, as most tourists only need a place to stay overnight.

Meanwhile, the unplanned proliferation of homestays has led to a situation where supply exceeds demand in some areas, resulting in many homestays facing low occupancy rates.

Ba Vì District Police are checking the residency status of foreigners at homestays.

Therefore, in order to recoup their investment, some establishments, driven by a "opportunistic" and "price-cutting" mentality, have resorted to undercutting prices to attract customers. Some establishments lack the necessary standards for fire safety, environmental protection, and food hygiene; their tourism staff lack the necessary training in knowledge, experience, skills, and foreign languages to promote tourism products, or their promotional activities are inappropriate for the local culture, significantly impacting local cultural values and negatively affecting the natural environment. This, in turn, gives rise to numerous problems related to the health, safety, and property of tourists.

Along with that, there is a growing trend of young people gathering in groups to illegally use drugs. Besides bars and karaoke venues, these groups have recently been secretly gathering in hotels, guesthouses, and homestays to satisfy their addiction to drugs, engaging in wild parties and "getting high."

In the early morning of June 29th, the Ba Vi District Police inspected a homestay in Muoi village, Yen Bai commune, and discovered 18 young men and women "partying" and showing signs of drug intoxication. Through investigation, the Ba Vi District Police determined that the birthday party's host was Ly Thi Bich Ngoc (born in 2004, residing in Na Cooc village, Tri Phu commune, Chiem Hoa district, Tuyen Quang province), an employee at a karaoke bar owned by the couple Phung The Sang (born in 1996) and Do Thi Nhu My (born in 1999, both residing in Trung Ha village, Thai Hoa commune, Ba Vi district). On June 28th, Ngoc's birthday, with the consent of Sang and My, the group purchased 10 million VND worth of drugs ("ketamine") and "ecstasy" to bring to the homestay for illegal use.

The police also clarified that this homestay was managed by Nguyen Van Thanh (born in 1998, residing in Muoi village, Yen Bai commune). During the business operation, Thanh hired his younger brother, Nguyen Van That (born in 2000), and Bach Thanh Chung (born in 2002, residing in the same village) to oversee the property. These individuals regularly allowed homestay guests to use drugs for 300,000 - 500,000 VND. To ensure the safety of guests, Chung and That acted as lookouts via the security camera system, alerting the group when they saw strangers entering.

To address potential security risks arising from homestay tourism and to promote local economic and tourism development, the Ba Vi District Police, in coordination with relevant agencies, will regularly inspect business operations, including management, temporary residence registration, fire safety, environmental sanitation, and thoroughly review applications. They will also refuse to issue certificates to establishments that do not meet the required standards and conditions. Furthermore, they will regularly educate business owners and staff about drug-related crimes and obtain written commitments to ensure security and order.

At the same time, business owners and residents need to be vigilant and cooperate with the police when detecting suspicious or complex signs related to public security. They should improve the level and quality of service at their establishments in a "professional and long-term" manner to build the image of Ba Vi as an attractive, friendly, hospitable, and high-quality destination, contributing to elevating and promoting the image of local tourism to domestic and international friends.

Source