On the morning of July 14, Huynh Duc Trung, Chief of Staff of the city’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, confirmed that his office is working with the People’s Committee of An Hai Ward to verify a complaint involving a street vendor allegedly selling overpriced food to foreign tourists.

“We’re collaborating with local authorities to investigate. Reports like these negatively impact the image of our tourist destination,” Trung stated.

On the evening of July 13, a Facebook post went viral in several Da Nang tourism groups, claiming that a group of Lao tourists had been “ripped off” while buying snacks from a food stall located in front of 05 Duong Dinh Nghe Street in An Hai Ward.

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The post caused a stir on several Da Nang travel forums. Screenshot by VietNamNet.

According to the post, the tourists ordered four grilled octopus skewers, two okra skewers, one serving of chicken feet, and three sausages. They were charged 760,000 VND (approximately USD 32). When questioned, the vendor refunded 200,000 VND (about USD 8.40), meaning the tourists still paid 560,000 VND (around USD 23.50) for the meal.

Speaking to VietNamNet on July 14, the group’s tour guide, identified as N.Q.H., confirmed that he was the author of the post.

At the time of the incident, H. said he was in his hotel room while the tourists purchased the food. Upon returning, one member of the group asked him whether the prices seemed reasonable. When H. spoke to the vendor, they returned 200,000 VND.

According to H., common street food prices in Da Nang are usually around 10,000 VND (USD 0.42) per skewer for items like Chinese sausage or grilled okra, and chicken feet prices vary depending on quantity.

“The stall had no posted price list. When I asked, they showed me a handwritten sheet with a few numbers, but it was unclear,” he said.

“I’ve worked in Da Nang for three years, and this is the first time I’ve encountered such an incident. I’ve submitted a complaint to the city’s feedback portal, hoping authorities will respond quickly,” H. added.

Ho Giap