Lo Lo Chai accused of 'overcharging': No violations detected, lack of basis for verification

Because the account posting information on social media denouncing the 'price gouging' was anonymous, the authorities did not have enough basis to consider handling it.

On September 17, the People's Committee of Lung Cu commune (Tuyen Quang province) issued an official report, refuting information circulating on social networks that service prices in Lo Lo Chai village are "three times more expensive than the actual price". The local government affirmed that this information is false, baseless, and negatively affects the image of tourism .

Authorities deny information about price gouging in Lo Lo Chai. Photo: Venus Tran

Immediately after the incident spread on social media, Lung Cu commune established a working group to inspect all 51 service businesses in the village, including homestays, restaurants, and snack shops. The results showed that 100% of businesses strictly posted prices and sold at the listed prices, and no cases of taking advantage of festivals or large numbers of customers to increase prices were detected.

According to the report, the price of accommodation services at Lo Lo Chai currently ranges from 100,000 - 200,000 VND/person for a dormitory room; 250,000 - 500,000 VND/room for a private room; 500,000 - under 1,000,000 VND for a closed room; and 1,000,000 - 1,500,000 VND/room for a high-end room. Meal prices are listed at 150,000 - 250,000 VND/person, drinks from 10,000 - under 50,000 VND, and snacks from 5,000 - 30,000 VND/dish. Souvenirs all have listed prices and clear origins.

Lung Cu Commune People's Committee said that the information posted online was from an anonymous account, did not specify which facility the service was used at, and did not provide any evidence. Therefore, the authorities did not have enough basis to consider the matter.

“False information has affected the reputation and image of local tourism. The commune pledges to continue to strengthen management, protect the legitimate rights of tourists, and at the same time promote and develop unique products, building an image of safe, friendly and civilized tourism,” the report stated.

Verifying information about tourists who reported being 'ripped off' at Lo Lo Chai. Tourists reported on social media about the situation of 'ripping off' at Lo Lo Chai village, high service prices, and smoked meat bought as gifts showing signs of poor quality. Authorities have stepped in.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/lo-lo-chai-bi-to-chat-chem-khong-phat-hien-sai-pham-thieu-can-cu-xac-minh-2443582.html