Six-month ban imposed on rip-off boat operator in Ha Long Bay

May 21, 2016 | 09:58

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A fleet of tour boats operating on the famed Ha Long Bay in northern Vietnam has been banned from operation for half a year following repeated complaints over dishonest services.

The six-month ban, effective from Thursday, was levied on the Hong Long boat fleet, owned by Huyen Viet Co. by the seaport authority of Quang Ninh Province, following a request the same day from the Administration of Ha Long, the province’s capital.

The seaport authority was also asked to closely monitor Huyen Viet and prevent the company from transferring or selling its fleet during the ban.

The edict came as a direct response to accusations from a tour group on Sunday that Hong Long had cheated them.

The tourists, touring Ha Long on the Hong Long QN - 7038 boat, said they were overcharged for food services and the itinerary was cut off without their consent.

The Ha Long administration tasked relevant agencies with verifying the complaint on Tuesday, and eventually found the ship violated several regulations. Hong Long QN – 7038 did not quote its service prices and lacks a food safety certificate, according to the agencies.

It was the fourth time this year boats under the Hong Long fleet were found to be offending regulations. The Hong Long QN – 7038 boat itself has also previously been fined three times for allowing tourists to sit atop the boat’s cabin during the journey.

Touring the resplendent Ha Long Bay on row boats is a favorite activity of both local and foreign tourists. The rides allow visitors to relish the picturesque landscape and take in villagers’ traditions and culture at the UNESCO-recognized heritage site.

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