Beware fake websites selling $3,000 Son Doong Tour through Google ads

Nguyen Chau A, CEO of Oxalis Adventure, said Wednesday morning that the company was warning customers about several websites using domain names similar to Oxalis Adventure’s and impersonating its official website to sell Son Doong Cave tours.

Oxalis will report the case to Quang Tri’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and police on Wednesday, seeking their cooperation in handling the matter.

According to A, the fake websites copy almost the entire design and content of Oxalis’ official website.

Those behind the sites use artificial intelligence to copy content, making the websites look professional and convincing enough to confuse potential customers.

More notably, the fake websites are also running advertisements on Google to reach customers.

Oxalis has identified several fake websites, including oxadventur.com, oxadventura.com and oxadventure.shop.

A said some customers have already spotted red flags when booking tours through the fake websites. Some were able to verify the information in time and avoid losing money.

“Oxalis’ booking process does not require immediate payment. Our consultants contact customers to verify their information and assess their physical fitness before proceeding with payment and confirming the tour,” A said.

According to official information from Oxalis Adventure, the Son Doong expedition lasts six days and five nights, is open to people aged 18 to 70, and is limited to groups of 10. The tour operates from January to August and costs US$3,000 per person.

A urged customers to be particularly cautious when searching for and booking Son Doong tours, especially when visiting websites that appear through advertisements or use domain names similar to Oxalis Adventure.

Oxalis’ Son Doong tours are currently fully booked through the end of 2028.