Tourists warned of online booking scams ahead of National Day Holiday
The Hanoi Department of Tourism is urging visitors to remain vigilant as online accommodation booking scams are now becoming increasingly sophisticated.
THE HANOI TIMES — As travel to and from Hanoi is expected to surge during the National Holiday, the Hanoi Department of Tourism has cautioned tourists about online scams when booking for accommodation.
With accommodation demand rising ahead of the National Day holiday, tourists visiting Hanoi are urged to remain highly alert to potential booking scams. Photo illustration: VGP.
In a document sent to travel companies, accommodation service providers and tourists on August 26, the department said that scammers often impersonate reputable hotels and homestays by creating fake websites or social media pages using real names, logos, and images.
These fraudulent pages may appear convincing, sometimes gaining thousands of followers.
The scammers often offer unusually low prices to lure tourists into making quick bookings, request advance deposits via personal bank accounts and e-wallets, and ask for additional wire transfers citing payment errors.
To prevent future incidents, the Hanoi Department of Tourism advises tourists to verify whether the booking website and the fanpage are real or not.
Some possible signs proving a fake website or fake fanpage include the date of creation, recent changes of the name, excessive promotional content, and unusually high discounts.
Some scammers may not have an address for their operations in Vietnam, and often create unreliable reviews on rating pages.
The department also advised that tourists verify hotel or homestay details by requesting official contact information, including phone numbers, addresses, and business licenses.
Before making any payment, travelers should ensure that the bank account details match the registered business name.
The recent surge in tourist interest about Hanoi has hiked the risk of booking scams. Photo: Huy Pham/ The Hanoi Times
Those booking hotels should always contact the accommodation provider through a verified phone number to confirm both availability and legitimacy. Multiple money transfers should be avoided, even if requested.
Last but not least, travelers should use trusted booking channels as they are encouraged to make reservations through licensed travel agencies or reputable booking platforms.
Business license information for travel operators can be verified at the official website https://quanlyluhanh.vn.
To maintain the safety and integrity of the city’s tourism sector, the tourism department requested that local authorities in wards and communes raise public awareness about these scams.
Accommodation service providers and travel companies are encouraged to deliver warnings about online fraud on their official websites and social media channels.
As Hanoi prepares to welcome a large influx of visitors during the upcoming celebrations, the tourism department emphasizes the importance of secure, informed booking practices.
By staying alert and choosing reliable booking channels, both tourists and local businesses can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday experience in the capital city of Vietnam.
Source: Document No. 1233/SDL-VP issued by the Hanoi Department of Tourism on August 26, 2025
