From Quang Ninh, we stopped by Hoi An (Quang Nam) at the end of June 2022. Before leaving, I read information about the price gouging in Hoi An ancient town that tourists recently posted on social media. A female tourist said she had to pay 250,000 VND/trip to go on a boat even though she had previously been offered a boat ride by a boat broker in the old town for just over 100,000 VND. A group of tourists from Ho Chi Minh City also shared their frustration when they came to Hoi An and were charged for a boat ride other than the original agreed price.
It is known that the number of boats on the Hoai River has increased with more than 300 spontaneous boats transporting passengers along the river to see the ancient town. On weekend nights, boats are packed along the river from the Hoai River Square to Cam Nam Bridge. The An Hoi Bridge area becomes chaotic with hundreds of boats waving their bows to invite tourists, many boats even use karaoke speakers to play loud sounds.
Tourists go boating in Hoi An city
The boat fare for our group of 3 was calculated according to the public price of 150,000 VND. When we arrived, we saw Hoi An patrol force divided into many positions, ready to support tourists and handle any arising cases.
We came to Hoi An because of its rare tranquility and peace. The improvement of services on both banks of the Hoai River is very necessary and will make Hoi An more beautiful. The government's improvement and restoration of its original peace will help tourists feel secure and choose Hoi An to visit. I hope the local government can maintain this order and peace so that everyone who comes to Hoi An will be satisfied.
Mr. Nguyen Van Lanh (Vice Chairman of Hoi An City People's Committee, Quang Nam):
Determined to preserve boat culture
After a period of silence due to the pandemic, in recent months, the boating activity has changed somewhat. Hoi An City is determined to bring back the true culture of Hoai River boating tourism. In recent days, the industry and the boating union have been vigorously cleaning up the riverbank. The city is also determined to stop the "brokers" who are chaotic and compete for customers, arbitrarily taking advantage of tourists.
To regulate boat trips, since June 28, the Hoi An People's Committee has requested the Tourist Boat Association to announce boat fares and post them publicly at docks and ticket counters in the old town. Specifically, for a 20-minute boat trip for a group of 4-5 people, the ticket price will be 200,000 VND (printed in red). Boats carrying 1-3 people per trip will cost 150,000 VND (printed in yellow).
In addition to strictly managing the boating team through the Tourist Boating Association, Hoi An City People's Committee also mobilized many forces and specialized departments to patrol and supervise the organization of welcoming guests on the river. Violations will be strictly handled and forced to temporarily stop operations. In addition, Hoi An also set up a project to dredge the riverbed, expand the space for boating activities and design an art program on the Hoai River.
