The Huong Pagoda Tourism Services Cooperative said one operator demanded an additional VND 300,000 (about USD 11.4) beyond the regulated fare and behaved rudely towards passengers, while another was found operating without authorisation. Both have been barred from working for the remainder of the festival.
The action followed a complaint submitted via the iHanoi online portal, in which visitors alleged they were asked to pay VND 500,000 despite having already paid the official ticket price.
Festival organisers said the 2026 event is being held under stricter oversight to deter misconduct and improve the visitor experience.
Authorities said violations that cause public frustration would be dealt with firmly, adding that the cooperative had been instructed to investigate and respond promptly to the complaint.
This year’s festival has introduced several organisational changes. Authorities in Huong Son commune have removed and reorganised unsuitable service points within the heritage site to restore its cultural and spiritual atmosphere.
Only a limited number of motorboats are permitted for traffic control and emergency use, while most operators are required to use traditional rowing boats to preserve the site’s tranquillity.
Organisers have also expanded digital measures, including online ticketing, automated kiosks, QR code entry and AI-enabled cameras to manage crowds, and established a rapid response team to handle complaints via a hotline.
From the first to the sixth day of the lunar new year, the site welcomed 169,020 visitors, up 148 per cent year on year. On the festival’s opening day on February 22 alone, 33,125 people visited the pagoda complex.
