On June 28, a video surfaced on social media capturing a female street vendor quoting a foreign customer 200,000 VND per kilogram for rose apples. The tourist selected two fruits, which the vendor weighed and quoted a price of 40,000 VND.

"Is 30,000 VND for 2 fruits okay? Let's bargain a little," the male tourist asked.

After some hesitation, the vendor agreed to the lower price, and the transaction was completed with the customer paying 30,000 VND for the two fruits. The tourist recorded the interaction and posted it on social media, where the video quickly garnered nearly 2 million views within two days.

The video, which appears to have been recorded on the sidewalk of Dinh Tien Hoang Street near Ho Guom walking street, has ignited widespread discussion online. Many viewers were upset, arguing that the price quoted by the vendor was excessively high.

A survey of local markets and supermarkets in Hanoi, as well as online fruit stores, shows that the typical price of rose apples ranges from 45,000 to 80,000 VND per kilogram. This stark contrast in pricing has fueled criticism of the vendor's actions.

However, some netizens have questioned the video's authenticity, noting that the vendor seemed aware she was being filmed but still quoted an inflated price.

In response to the controversy, the People's Committee of Hoan Kiem District has tasked the district police with verifying the video's authenticity and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation aims to determine whether the vendor was deliberately overcharging the tourist or if there are other factors at play. Authorities hope to address any potential exploitation and ensure fair pricing practices in popular tourist areas.

Linh Trang