HCMC – Authorities in Lam Dong Province are urging tourists to stay vigilant against online booking scams as Dalat gears up for a bustling holiday season, including the 10th Dalat Flower Festival from December 5 to December 31.
With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected during Christmas, New Year, and Lunar New Year holidays, complaints about fake social media pages posing as hotels or homestays have risen. These fraudulent pages lure tourists with discounted rates in exchange for early deposits but disappear once payments are made.
Le Anh Kiet, head of Dalat’s Culture and Information Department, has advised tourists to avoid transferring money to unverified accounts, particularly if the account details do not align with those on social media profiles. Travelers are encouraged to contact hotels directly or confirm bookings through official hotlines before making any payments.
For victims of scams, Lam Dong’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism provides assistance. Tourists can report incidents to key officials: Tran Truong San, deputy chief inspector: 02633 829 697 or 033 537 4895, and Nguyen Xuan Thang, head of the Tourism Management Division: 02633 824 377 or 0933 105 969.
Dalat currently has 2,503 licensed lodging facilities with 33,138 guest rooms. While homestays and full-house rentals are popular, only seven homestays in Dalat meet official government standards for safety and facilities. Authorities strongly recommend booking licensed accommodations to ensure a secure and enjoyable stay during the holiday season.
