Authorities in tourism cities like Nha Trang and Vung Tau are strengthening checks on local hotels and restaurants to prevent them from ripping off tourists who will flock to these locations on the three-day national holiday starting this weekend.

On August 29, relevant agencies of the coastal city of Vung Tau visited several hotels and eateries to remind them that they should not unreasonably raise their service prices. Officers will also be on duty at the tourism market in Vung Tau to quickly respond to tourist complaints.

There will also be a hotline to receive reports from holidaymakers about service prices and security, officers said.

Despite its beautiful beaches, the image of Vung Tau has been marred by a number of recent cases in which tourists were ripped off by seafood restaurants and other service providers.

Elsewhere, in Nha Trang, the inspectorate team of the tourism department has inspected the price listings of accommodation service providers in the city.

“Our officers will be present immediately after receiving complaints via two hotlines, 0583.811871 and 0905110467,” Le Quang Lich, head of the inspectorate, told Tuoi Tre.

Pham Van Huu, deputy head of the market management agency, also said his force will conduct surprise inspections on services in Nha Trang during the holiday, as these facilities “usually charge customers unreasonable prices.”

Vietnam will celebrate its Independence Day on September 2.