Tuyên Quang Homestay Rates Inflated by Brokers? Local Authorities Investigate
On November 13, social media posts claimed brokers were offering homestay rooms in Lô Lô Chải, Tuyên Quang, for up to 3.1 million Vietnamese dong per night. A local official said the quoted rates were about three times the listed prices. Authorities have ordered a review of the claims and are compiling accommodation prices and contact details.
On November 13, reports circulated on social media that brokers had reserved homestay rooms in Lô Lô Chải, Tuyên Quang Province, and were offering them at higher prices. Quoted rates for the coming weekends ranged from 1.18 million to 3.1 million Vietnamese dong per night, with the highest rate for a twin room overlooking the Lũng Cú Flag Tower. Rooms in Đồng Văn were quoted at 800,000 to 1.4 million Vietnamese dong per night. The quoted rates and the brokers’ activities have yet to be verified.
Trần Đức Chung, chairman of the Lũng Cú Commune People’s Committee, said the rates circulating online did not reflect actual local homestay prices and were about three times the listed rates at accommodation facilities. Local rooms cost about 500,000 to more than 1 million Vietnamese dong per room, depending on the room type. He said reports of inflated prices could affect local administration and tourism operators in Lô Lô Chải.
Local homestays publicly display their room rates and prices for tourism services.（VietVance）
Xuân Hưng, owner of the Lake View homestay in Lô Lô Chải, said its rates vary by room type and time of stay, with weekend rooms usually costing about 200,000 Vietnamese dong more than on weekdays. It is currently peak tourist season, and weekend rooms generally need to be booked early. He said large broker markups could leave visitors with a poor impression when they arrive and discover the actual room rates are lower. He advised visitors to check room and homestay details, compare prices and report excessive quotes to local authorities.
Visitors take photos in Lô Lô Chải.（VietVance）
The Lũng Cú commune authorities have repeatedly inspected the prices and quality of local tourism services. They are compiling the names, listed rates and contact details of accommodation providers so visitors can book directly. In response to reports that brokers had reserved rooms and resold them at high prices, the commune authorities have asked local police to investigate and work with relevant Tuyên Quang provincial police units to verify the social media claims. Phạm Đức Nam, chairman of the Đồng Văn Commune People’s Committee, said local hotels and accommodation providers must display their rates publicly. Those that raise prices during peak season will be dealt with under the regulations.
Source: VietVance
