VietNamNet Bridge – A group of five foreign tourists has received help from a cruise ship company on Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province after being abandoned by a travel agent at Tuan Chau International Port on Thursday.

Cruise ships in Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh. - VNA/VNS Photo Minh Duc

The incident was confirmed by Ho Quang Huy, vice chairman of Ha Long City People’s Committee.   

According to initial reports, the five Spanish nationals had booked an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay through Expedia.es, an online travel service.

They paid over 639 euro (more than VND17 million) to stay overnight on the Paragon Cruise vessel.

However, when they arrived at Tuan Chau International Port, the tourists were unable to find the ship.

They made a phone call to the travel company and found that there is no ship with that name.

In order to help and support the five unlucky tourists, PELICAN Cruise Ship Joint Stock Company offered them an overnight stay on their ship for free.

This kind act was highly appreciated by the five tourists as well as people who witnessed the incident.

Earlier, an Australian tourist group was tricked into booking a tour of Ha Long Bay. But they instead received a tour of the Cat Ba Island area.

After such incidents, Ha Long City authorities have advised travellers to be cautious when booking tours, especially through online portals.

Visitors can phone the hotline 0911619006 or email halonghotline@quangninh.gov.vn for any issues related to the quality of tourism services in Ha Long City.

Source: VNS