Recently, a traveller named Adam W. reviewed on TripAdvisor his tour to Tam Coc-Bich Dong tourist site in Ninh Binh was fine but the boat ride was unpleasant. "The issue was the boat ride having to triple tip just to get back to land," he said.
Adam said that he and his friend visited Tam Coc-Bich Dong on September 16 and already gave the boat rower VND50,000 (USD2) but the rower said it was not enough and blocked the tourists from getting on the bus for more.
Hoang Van Phong, deputy director of the provincial Department of Tourism, admitted rowers were ripping off tourists by asking for extra tips but claimed that it was not common. Provincial authorities are investigating the case to find out the violators who would be strictly punished.
Tam Coc-Bich Dong tourist site
According to Phong, the management board of Tam Coc-Bich Dong tourist site has been tasked with tightening control over the rowers following the tourist's complaint. Any violator will be seriously punished. Speakers will be installed at Dinh Cac and Cuoi Hang wharves to issue warnings. Regulations on boat rides will be also displayed there and boat rowers have to sign in a commitment for conforming to the rules.
Phong added that his agency would contact Adam and his friend for the apology.
Many tour firms have had to apologise for the unpleasant experience even though boat rides are managed by the local management board.
