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S
ince early last month waves of
negative comments and com-
plaints have been spreading on
tourism forums, foreign web-
sites, and social networks regarding the
$6 entrance fee recently imposed on
international visitors entering the old
streets of Hoi An.
When local authorities decided to
levy the charge ($6 for foreign and
$4 for domestic tourists) detractors im-
mediately rallied, declaring the charge
detrimental to business and tourism.
Particular concern was raised over the
potential damage this could do to the
visitor return rate – something that is
already atrocious in Vietnam.
Many tourists have been confused
by the new system. Security guards
have failed to explain the new policy
and no announcements were made
informing visitors about the new fee.
Many tourists have been disappointed
and even angry.
One of the main attractions in Hoi
An is the simple pleasure of taking a
stroll along the town’s streets and visit-
ing restaurants and bars. Being asked to
pay a fee to go for a walk and a coffee
is off-putting for many. A recent post on
Facebook showed photos of the town
devoid of tourists, though it was clearly
taken outside of peak hour and was
designed to cause a stir.
Locals and tour guides have ex-
pressed their strong disapproval of the
policy, which they believe has had an
adverse effect on tourism. Many have
complained of a fall in business, cyclo
drivers sit around chatting together,
and bars and restaurants remain empty.
Tripavisor has been used as a fo-
rum to voice discontent. “The fee is
excessive and we are astounded and so
disappointed that this new ‘regulation’
taints beautiful Hoi An with such an
unwelcoming vibe. At the moment Hoi
An feels like the Forbidden City,” wrote
Nikki H from Melbourne, Australia. Oth-
ers on the site have branded the fee a
“rip off”.
Arguments have erupted between
ticket checkers and tourists, creating an
unattractive image for the ancient herit-
age site. Most staff can speak English and
Vietnamese only, so cannot explain the
policy to non-English speaking tourists.
Full picture
What is not made clear to most is
that the ticket fee covers entry to tour-
ist sites like the Pagoda Bridge, Tan Ky
House and the Hung Temple. For those
who wish to enter these places the
fee seems reasonable, but the blanket
use of the ticketing system takes no
account of whether a tourist wishes to
visit these places or not.
Some, though, are in favour of the
fees, believing they provide value for
money. “When people say Hoi An is even
more expensive than Italy, they need to
think again. The longer you stay in Hoi
An the better your $6 is spent. The longer
you stay in Rome or Venice, the more ex-
pensive it becomes. Besides, if you don’t
pay the fee you still have to pay to visit
the tourist attractions. If you don’t visit
these sites, think about it as a contribu-
tion to maintaining the historical sites,”
wrote another Tripadvisor user, Danielle.
timeout
38
Backlash over
The old town of Hoi An
is now off-limits to those
not willing to pay $6 to
walk its streets – a policy
that has proven highly
unpopular with some lo-
cal business owners and
tourists alike.
Duc Hanh
explores the thinking
behind the move and
canvasses a range of
opinions.