What is the "Fake Cruise Booking Websites" scam in Halong Bay?

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Accepted Answer

Fraudulent websites mimic the branding, photos, and pricing of legitimate Halong Bay cruise operators to collect deposits and credit card details from travelers abroad. These sites appear in search results for cheap Halong Bay cruise packages and can be difficult to distinguish from genuine operator sites. After payment, travelers receive a confirmation email but find no booking on record upon arriving at Tuan Chau Marina, having lost their deposit of typically $50 to $150 USD. Verify any cruise website by checking its domain registration date and locating a registered Vietnamese business address. Only pay through third-party platforms like Klook, GetYourGuide, or Viator that offer buyer protection, or use a credit card with chargeback rights when booking direct. Call the operator on a Vietnamese phone number before paying.

Online Scams in Halong Bay

Fake Cruise Booking Websites

Experienced a scam here?