Recent events have once again stirred public discourse on foreign tourists overcharged in Vietnam, raising serious concerns about the impact on the country's tourism industry, but certain foreigners have a different perspective than most.

Just at the end of last month, news reports of a Vietnamese street peddler charging two foreign tourists VND500,000 (US$19.7) for three pineapples in Hanoi went viral on social media in Vietnam.

Local police later clarified that the information was untrue. 

In March, another street vendor at Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi was fined for selling four Vietnamese donuts to two foreign tourists for VND50,000 ($2), which was 2.5 times higher than the actual price.

A week before that, authorities in the Vietnamese capital city’s Tay Ho District also handled a similar case in which another street peddler attempted to fleece a pair of foreign visitors VND200,000 ($8) for a small bag of fruits.

In these instances, vendors were blamed for reducing Vietnam’s attractiveness to tourists; however, three foreigners shared a more lenient perspective on the matter with Tuoi Tre News.

‘It wasn’t a problem’

Karen Mason and her husband, travelers from the UK, enthusiastically endorsed Vietnam as a must-visit destination, having traversed the Southeast Asian country from south to north throughout March. 

In their late 50s, the couple expressed a strong desire to return for an extended stay, citing their fondness for the people and landscapes, particularly highlighting the northern province of Ha Giang. 

“[There are] so many different things to see and do if you have time,” Mason wrote in an email sent to Tuoi Tre News. 

To fully immerse themselves in the Vietnamese experience, Mason adopted the motto of remaining composed in the face of negative online reviews. 

They approached the critiques with a consultative mindset, equipping themselves to proactively address any encountered challenges during their journey.

Their preparedness proved invaluable during a roadside fruit purchase. 

When the seller accepted a VND100,000 (US$4) bill without returning the change, drawing from their week-long immersion in Vietnamese culture and gradually becoming accustomed to the currency, the couple confidently assessed the situation. 

Convinced that the purchased fruit was valued at less than VND100,000, they politely requested a refund, returned the fruit to the seller, and departed, demonstrating their assertiveness and adaptability in navigating local transactions.

“People were trying to sell us things but they seemed to accept a firm no,” Mason added.

Mason and her husband also relied on ride-hailing app Grab and made it a habit to count their money before walking away from vendors.

“We are reasonably travel-savvy so overall it wasn’t a problem for us,” Mason said.

“Maybe travelers need to do a little research before they head off to any new country."

Haggling is key

To Nadia Bonchis, a tourist from Belgium, the notion of tourists being overcharged in Vietnam seems unbelievable. 

In her view, Vietnamese people are kind, perpetually smiling, and ever-ready to assist others.

“Vendors don’t ask for more money from tourists just because we are tourists, the price for their services is always fair,” Bonchis said.

A family trip exploring the Mekong Delta, Da Nang City, Hoi An City in Quang Nam Province, and numerous other destinations in April appeared to transform Bonchis into a genuine admirer of Vietnam.

She expressed heartfelt praise for the landscapes and people she encountered during her journey.

“Everything is amazing,” she commented.

“I’m in love with your country and I will come back. 

“It stole my heart and locked it away.”

Bonchis’ affectionate gaze easily overlooked details, to the extent that when questioned about any shortcomings in Vietnamese tourism that need improvement, she promptly dismissed them.

“THERE ARE NO BAD SIDES IN VIETNAM!!!,” Bonchis wrote in Caps Lock to Tuoi Tre News.

“The only negative thing in Vietnam is the lack of sidewalks and red lights.

“It’s impossible to cross the road.”

Bonchis highlighted her positive experiences visiting various local markets.

“Overcharging? I don’t think so,” she stated.

“And even if this is the case, it will be for a small amount extra.

“I don’t negotiate but I have noticed that they ask the same price for one product.”

The Belgian tourist advises being flexible with prices during travels.

“Go to another seller if you feel the price is too much,” she said.

“In every country, there always are people trying to overcharge you.

“Just go to the next seller and negotiate.”

That was also the approach taken by the Laxman and Viola Das family from the UK during their journey in Vietnam last October.

“Maybe we travel a lot and are used to the haggling part, but we did notice that most street vendors start at a higher price and newbie travelers were just paying without haggling,” Viola commented. 

“Our advice for foreigners is not to take or flash all their money at the shops. 

“Take notes discreetly.”

Learning about Vietnam through Instagram, Laxman and Viola, along with their three-year-old daughter, explored Phu Quoc Island off Kien Giang Province, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta region without encountering any negative experiences. 

“The trip met all our expectations and more,” Viola remarked.

“Traveling as a family of three, we found everyone to be exceptionally friendly, making the entire experience memorable.”

Viola singled out the Mekong Delta, where her family had the chance to fully immerse themselves in traditional Vietnamese culture.

“The food we tasted was authentic,” she recalled. 

“During the canoe ride [along Thoi Son Canal in Tien Giang Province], we watched the locals going about their day. 

“The experience offered us a unique perspective on the area, allowing us to see first-hand how locals live and work on the river. 

“Most of all, the breathtaking scenery along the river blew us away!”

Interestingly, it was the 5-star hotels that gave the Das family a cloud in an otherwise sunny sky.

“We felt we were getting ripped off only at the 5-star hotels, which were charging us crazy amounts compared to many other Asian countries,” Viola said.

“Maybe the Vietnamese tourism board should take a closer look or put a price cap on all the food and beverage costs at 5-star properties."

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