A group of Chinese tourists has complained about being illegally shaken down for VND200,000 (US$7.8) while strolling along a beach in Nha Trang, a popular city in Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam.

After capturing the extortion, the group forwarded the video to their tour guide as well as posted it on Chinese social media.  

Pham Minh Nhut, vice-chairman of the Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa Tourism Association, said on Monday that the unit had sent a dispatch to the Nha Trang People’s Committee reporting a situation of hustling and unlawfully charging tourists on public beaches.

He confirmed that the association had received the complaint from the Khanh Hoa Tour Guide Branch.

The incident occurred a few days ago when a group of Chinese tourists strolling along a beach on Tran Phu Street were approached by individuals who demanded a beach fee of VND200,000.

The individuals claimed ownership of the beach and would charge tourists VND200,000 per person.

When the tourists asked them why they had to pay a fee for a public beach, these individuals just answered, “It is a charge.”

As the Chinese tourists refused to pay the fee, they were surrounded and tailed by a gang of thugs for one kilometer.

The tourists captured images of the gang over their intimidation, sent them to their tour guide, and posted them on Chinese social media.

According to the Nha Trang-Khanh Hoa Tourism Association, charging tourists is a lawbreaking act, tarnishes the image of Nha Trang City, and harms tourism development.

The association urged local authorities to increase patrols in public areas, particularly on beaches, to prevent similar incidents and maintain safety and social order.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!