Several practices of ripping off tourists give the country’s tourism industry a bad name. Many stories can be read about how visitors to certain Vietnam cities got overpriced on bus rides, restaurants, hotels, and even attractions. This results to tourists leaving with a bitter taste in their mouths and poor memory of local hospitality.

After complaints and reports have been coming out here and there, some moves were initiated by concerned agencies to help stabilize the rates for tourism-related services.  It could be recalled how during the earlier days where some establishments even put up open signs with a foreigner price sometimes being 5 times more than the local price. The recent efforts which intensified greatly in the past 5 years or so have the rail lines ceased this practice, or at least put it into control

But when traveling to Da Nang, fear not of being ripped off. Dubbed as the friendly, hospitable city, Da Nang have strictly implemented directives punishing individuals and establishments who violate the tourism culture regulations.

As an example on its serious implementation, a total fines of VND437 million was imposed on 146 hotels and restaurants for overcharging on hotel room rates, or related acts during the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival alone.

To ensure overcharging is curbed, all tourism and tourism-related establishments in the city are required to register their service prices which are in turn published on the official website of the city’s tourism department. Soon, if other cities follow Da Nang’s model, the effort to “clean the tourism sector” will better improve Vietnam’s name as an ideal holiday destination.