Question 1

What is the "Ben Thanh Surrounding Restaurant Overcharge" scam in Ho Chi Minh City?

Accepted Answer

Restaurants in the blocks immediately surrounding Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City are notorious for handing tourists inflated bills that include items never ordered, or quantities far above what was consumed. The menus shown outside often have no prices listed. Staff may also present a bill in a leather folder and hover expectantly, making it psychologically difficult for tourists to dispute charges. Only eat at restaurants that display prices clearly on the menu. Photograph your order or write it down. Check every line of the bill and do not hand over payment until you have verified the total is correct.

Question 2

What is the "Pho and Banh Mi Tourist Price Inflation" scam in Ho Chi Minh City?

Accepted Answer

A small number of street food stalls and pho shops near tourist hotspots maintain two-tier pricing — one price for locals and a substantially inflated price presented only to foreigners. In some cases, stalls near the backpacker district on De Tham Street charge 200,000–300,000 VND for a bowl of pho that would cost 40,000–60,000 VND two blocks away. Bills may also include unordered items. Walk one or two streets away from the immediate tourist zone on Bui Vien Street and Pham Ngu Lao to find local pricing. Ask to see a written menu with prices before ordering. Note the price before sitting down and confirm the total before paying.

Restaurant Scams in Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Surrounding Restaurant Overcharge

Pho and Banh Mi Tourist Price Inflation

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