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Accommodation shortages in Phu Quoc during the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse) have reached alarming levels, with most establishments, from luxury to budget-friendly, reporting full bookings. However, along with the surge in demand for vacations comes an increase in sophisticated online scams, requiring tourists to be extremely vigilant to avoid losing money and suffering other misfortunes during their spring holiday.
Phu Quoc's appeal during Tet (Lunar New Year) stems not only from its natural beauty but also from the surge in international flights. Currently, an average of 176 flights land on the island daily, with international flights accounting for up to 50%. Besides traditional markets, the dramatic increase in tourists from India and Malaysia is putting significant pressure on service infrastructure. Large travel agencies have had to proactively book and reserve rooms months in advance to ensure they can accommodate tour groups.
Gathering information, choosing reputable services, and avoiding unsubstantiated low-price offers on social media will help minimize risks.
However, this very scarcity has become fertile ground for online scammers to carry out illicit profiteering. The most common tactic currently is for individuals and organizations to professionally set up fake websites or fan pages, using glamorous images of famous resorts and hotels in Phu Quoc to advertise unbelievably attractive discounted prices.
Exploiting the eagerness of tourists to find rooms during the "booking frenzy," many rushed to transfer deposits without thorough verification. Immediately after the transaction was completed, these accounts blocked all communication and disappeared without a trace on social media, leaving consumers bewildered. This serves as a warning about choosing reputable service providers with clear legal standing.
Furthermore, another issue that has angered the public is the management of online booking platforms. Some accommodations, due to lax management or deliberate profiteering, have failed to update the actual room availability on the system in a timely manner. As a result, tourists, even after paying and receiving booking confirmation, are denied service upon arrival with the excuse that the rooms are fully booked. This situation not only causes economic losses and ruins family vacation plans but also seriously affects the image of Phu Quoc as a national tourism brand in the eyes of the international community.
In response to this situation, tourism management agencies in Phu Quoc, along with related units, have stepped in to restore order in business operations. Within the framework of regional cooperation, the An Giang Provincial Department of Tourism also coordinated a large-scale inter-agency inspection campaign. The campaign involved cybersecurity forces, administrative police, and fire departments. The focus was on reviewing newly opened accommodation establishments that lacked legal compliance, unlicensed travel companies, and especially the issue of foreign tour guides operating illegally on the island. Strict penalties and deportation of violators were deemed necessary to protect the rights of tourists and maintain a healthy tourism environment.
To ensure a safe Tet holiday, authorities have issued directives requiring all service businesses to publicly display prices and commit to not raising prices unreasonably or engaging in price gouging. Simultaneously, food safety and hygiene, as well as upgrading facilities, are top priorities. Tourists planning trips to Phu Quoc or neighboring areas like An Giang should prioritize contacting hotels directly or booking services through licensed travel agencies. Cross-checking information through official local tourism channels is a smart way to protect oneself from sophisticated scams.
Alongside tightening management on Phu Quoc Island, localities in the Mekong Delta region such as An Giang are also actively reinventing themselves to share the burden with other tourism hotspots. Instead of focusing solely on traditional products, An Giang is promoting the development of spring tourism products that are rich in local cultural identity, such as spiritual tourism at the beginning of the year and experiencing the Tet (Lunar New Year) in the Mekong Delta at traditional craft villages.
The shortage of accommodation in Phu Quoc during the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse) has reached alarming levels, with most establishments, from luxury to budget-friendly, reporting that they are fully booked.
With a focus on linking tourism with the marine economy and green growth, this destination is gradually asserting its role as a comprehensive tourism hub. Close coordination among localities in controlling service quality and preventing commercial fraud is crucial to maintaining the image of a safe and civilized destination, while building trust among both international and domestic tourists, aiming for sustainable tourism development.
For travelers, a fulfilling trip always begins with thorough preparation. Gathering information, choosing reputable services, and avoiding unsubstantiated cheap offers on social media will help minimize risks. When travelers' awareness is coupled with the decisive actions of management agencies, the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday will truly be a safe and positive journey.
