The suspension will remain until operators comply with safety regulations and licensing requirements.
A lake at Bau Trang in Hoa Thang Commune.
The move comes after an off-road vehicle plunged into a lake at Bau Trang in Hoa Thang Commune on May 25, killing a female tourist.
According to the district government's report, eight female tourists from Ho Chi Minh City hired a vehicle from a local operator to tour the Trinh Nu dunes. Around 10 am, after taking photos by the lakeside, the group reboarded the car with their driver, 33-year-old Vong Thanh Cuong. The vehicle then rolled backwards into the lake.
Nearby residents managed to rescue Cuong and several passengers, but 56-year-old Le Thi Thu Thuy remained trapped inside. Rescue teams later recovered her body, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
District officials have instructed relevant departments to issue clear safety guidelines and enforce proper licensing and technical standards for all off-road vehicle services at Bau Trang.
An October 2024 report from the Binh Thuan Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism identified 188 off-road vehicles operating at Bau Trang, including 94 cars and 94 four-wheeled motorbikes. Many lacked licence plates, valid inspection certificates, or required documentation and had exceeded their service lifespan.
A police investigation found that over 80 per cent of the cars and more than 50 per cent of the motorbikes failed to meet safety standards. Most drivers did not hold valid licences or professional certificates.
Located 60 kilometres north of Phan Thiet City, Bau Trang is known for its two lakes, the Trinh Nu Dunes, and unique forest ecosystem. Often dubbed a mini Sahara, the site draws thousands of visitors a year. Off-road vehicle tours have become increasingly popular and profitable, but ongoing erosion at the base of the dunes has heightened safety risks for tourists.
