A directive issued on 12/8 instructed localities to maintain visitor support hotlines, promptly address feedback, and prevent price inflation, harassment, or coercion of tourists. Businesses are also mandated to publicly disclose prices, surcharges, refund and cancellation policies, and deliver services as agreed.
For travelers, the agency cautioned about the risks of joining unregulated tours or travel programs promoted and organized by individual social media influencers (KOLs and KOCs) that do not meet legal requirements.
Furthermore, tourists should consider purchasing travel insurance and opting for travel programs organized by licensed tour operators.
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Tourists visiting Phu Quy island during the Hung Kings Commemoration Day holiday, late April 2026. *Photo: Viet Quoc* |
Vietnam currently boasts almost 300,000 KOLs and KOCs, a six-fold increase since 2022, according to the Vietnam KOL and KOC Club. However, a lack of clear criteria defining a KOL has led to many individuals who are 'self-proclaimed' influencers. While not all tours led by influencers are inherently risky, the primary concern is with unregulated tours that lack proper business registration or traveler insurance.
Quang Kien, who runs the 'Kham Pha Moc Chau' channel, stated this warning is 'timely and necessary'. He added it offers an opportunity for social media tourism operators to reassess and professionalize their practices.
Nguyen Tien Dat, CEO of AZA Travel, advised travelers to request invoices, contracts, and travel licenses to avoid booking with unregistered companies. He also urged caution regarding unusually large discounts offered during the holiday.
'National Day is a holiday that rarely features genuinely low-priced tours, so travelers should carefully consider offers that seem too good to be true, such as 50% discounts,' Mr. Dat added.
This year's National Day holiday spans five days, from 29/8 to 2/9. During the first seven months of the year, Vietnam welcomed almost 100 million domestic tourists and nearly 14 million international arrivals, achieving 56% of its annual tourism target.
Phuong Anh
