Hanoi: Filipino Tourist Charged 1.5 Million VND for 2 km Taxi Ride

Hanoi, July 1, 2025 – An incident involving a taxi driver in Hanoi’s Old Quarter has sparked outrage online after a group of Filipino tourists was reportedly charged 1.5 million VND (around €55) for a ride of less than 2 kilometers.

An Overpriced Ride

According to initial reports, the incident occurred on the evening of June 30. A group of Filipino tourists, accompanied by their Vietnamese guide, was at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. They had originally planned to walk to a nearby restaurant, located at the intersection of Hang Tre and Lo Su streets. However, due to sudden rain, they decided to hail a taxi.

The tour guide, identified as Ms. H., stated that although the tourist clearly gave the destination, the driver took an alternate route, claiming the street had become one-way due to the rain. Upon arrival, the group was shocked when the driver demanded 1.5 million VND for a ride of just about 2 km.

Tourists Caught Off Guard

Being students and first-time visitors to Vietnam, the tourists did not feel confident enough to argue. They paid the amount and later reported the incident to their guide. The guide then shared the story on social media the next morning, drawing widespread attention and anger from the public.

Investigation Underway

The Hoan Kiem District Police have confirmed they are currently investigating the case. Authorities are checking whether any violations of transport regulations occurred and whether this was a deliberate scam targeting foreign tourists.

According to local estimates, the typical fare for such a short ride should be between 30,000 and 50,000 VND, depending on the taxi company.

A Recurring Problem

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time foreign visitors have encountered taxi scams in downtown Hanoi. Similar incidents have been reported over the years, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

Advice for Visitors

Tourism professionals advise travelers to:

• Use trusted ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, or Hoi An Transport Service
• Note the vehicle’s license plate number before getting in
• Take a photo of the meter or displayed fare as evidence in case of disputes

If problems arise, visitors are encouraged to immediately contact local police or seek help through a licensed tour guide for quicker support.