Tourists complain about the exorbitant prices of seafood meals in Ha Long.

Quang Ninh: A group of 16 tourists complained that a seafood meal at a restaurant in Ha Long City on the 6th day of Tet (Lunar New Year) was "exorbitantly expensive," costing nearly 12 million VND.

On the morning of February 17th, the People's Committee of Ha Long City announced that a group of 16 tourists had complained on a Ha Long travel review website on the evening of February 15th about the exorbitant prices charged by the Vua Hai San (Seafood King) restaurant in Bai Chay ward. Ms. Trang, a member of the group, stated that they ordered 11 dishes and drinks, totaling 11,758,000 VND. Two bowls of long-legged shrimp (2.5 kg) cost 2,100,000 VND, and two plates of mantis shrimp (3 kg) cost 2,600,000 VND, which they considered expensive and not worth the quality. Furthermore, they ordered oysters with cheese but received oysters with scallions and the sea snails with salted egg sauce were spoiled.

Mr. Le Van Thanh, the restaurant owner, admitted that the price of a meal for 16 people, reaching nearly 12 million VND, "is expensive." However, the price increase was "unavoidable" because "during Tet, the price of raw materials increases by 10 to 15%, and labor costs double." The restaurant "only increased the price of dishes by a maximum of 15%." According to the restaurant, with a similar menu and number of customers, the price would normally be around 8-9 million VND.

The People's Committee of Ha Long City confirmed that during the ordering process, the restaurant and the group of customers had exchanged information about the dishes and prices and reached an agreement. The group of customers also had no complaints about the service at the restaurant.

When working with authorities, the restaurant provided a price list of items for sale. The People's Committee of Ha Long City requested that the restaurant adjust prices immediately if there are any changes to avoid confusing customers.

Tourists complain about a restaurant in Ha Long on social media. ( Screenshot)

In recent years, Quang Ninh has taken decisive action against price gouging, resulting in very few incidents. Previously, in 2016, two tourist boats were suspended from operation for 90 days for charging tourists more than the regulated price and cutting short tour hours. In 2020, another tourist boat was also penalized for similar behavior.

According to many tourists, the prices of food and tourism services in Quang Ninh are not cheap, but they are commensurate with the quality and are transparently displayed. This is also the first time the restaurant where the incident occurred has received negative feedback from customers.

During the 5-day Lunar New Year holiday, Ha Long City welcomed over 158,000 visitors, nearly double the number compared to the same period in 2023.

Le Tan

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