In Phu Quoc, a restaurant sparks controversy by charging for access to Bai Sao Beach
A restaurant located on Bai Sao Beach, in Phu Quoc, has found itself at the center of controversy after introducing a 60,000 VND fee for beach access through its property. The move quickly drew criticism from both tourists and locals, as the beach is considered a public space.
60,000 VND to reach the beach: entrance fee or deposit?
At the end of December, numerous traveler forums reported that accessing Bai Sao via the restaurant Chez Dugong required paying 60,000 VND per person. For many visitors, it felt like a hidden entrance fee.
Questioned by local media, a restaurant representative stated that this is not an entry ticket, but a consumption voucher, in place since December 23. The voucher can be used at the restaurant and its value is deducted from the final bill.
Toilets, showers, and consumption included
According to the restaurant, the voucher grants access to:
- Toilets
- Showers
- And can be deducted when ordering food or drinks
Previously charged separately, showers are now included in this system. In practice, customers who eat or drink at the restaurant do not lose the 60,000 VND, as it is directly deducted from their bill.
The main issue: visitors who do not consume
The real point of contention concerns visitors who only want to access the beach, without using the restaurant’s services or who plan to go to another venue.
In such cases, the restaurant is clear:
the amount is not refunded.
“It is the customer’s choice. The restaurant also sells coffee and drinks,” the representative explained.
This stance has fueled frustration among some tourists, who feel they are being forced to pay to access a public beach, even if they do not wish to consume anything.
Clear signage… but still disputed
At the entrance, the restaurant clearly displays its pricing policy in three languages: Vietnamese, English, and Russian. Staff are stationed at the gate to collect payments, issue vouchers, and explain the rules. According to the restaurant, visitors who disagree with the policy can use alternative access routes to reach the beach.
The establishment claims that most customers understand the system and that complaints have significantly decreased in recent days.
Three main access points to Bai Sao Beach
Currently, tourists have three main ways to access Bai Sao Beach:
- Through Chez Dugong, with the 60,000 VND voucher
- Parking outside and walking through the My Lan restaurant area
- Via the Paradiso restaurant, which charges a 100,000 VND entrance fee
This situation raises questions about the indirect privatization of beach access.
Local authorities step in
Following several reports, including a complaint from a foreign tourist, on December 26, the chairman of the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone People’s Committee ordered an official investigation.
Authorities reminded tourism businesses that they must:
- Clearly display prices
- Refrain from forcing tourists to use unwanted services
- Maintain a civil and respectful attitude toward visitors
Bai Kem as a contrasting example
Nearby, Bai Kem (also known as Bai Khem) offers a striking contrast. Access to the sea is completely free, with only additional services being charged. In late December, the beach welcomed 4,000 to 5,000 visitors per day, without controversy.
A matter of image for Phu Quoc
With a massive influx of tourists during Christmas and New Year 2026, particularly from China and other international markets, pressure on Phu Quoc’s most famous beaches is growing.
In 2025, the island is expected to welcome 8.14 million visitors, generating 43,879 billion VND in revenue, a 104% increase compared to 2024. In this context, how beach access is managed has become a key issue for the island’s tourism image.
The Bai Sao controversy highlights a broader question: how far can private businesses go when they physically control access to a public space?
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