Confusion over $14 bowl of 'pho' at Vietnam’s Cam Ranh International Airport

On Thursday, Cung Quynh Anh, deputy director of the Khanh Hoa Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that authorities are verifying media reports that a Hanoi passenger paid VND346,000 for a bowl of 'pho' at Cam Ranh airport.

At around 11:00 pm on Monday, after landing at Cam Ranh airport on a flight from Hanoi, passenger N.Q.T. said he felt tired and hungry, according to the articles in local media.

He then found a 'pho' stall that was still open on the second floor of the terminal. He did not check whether prices were listed and only glanced at the menu before ordering.

The staff offered basic options including beef 'pho,' chicken 'pho,' and a special 'pho.' Having eaten 'pho' at dozens of airports worldwide, T. assumed the price would not vary much from outside the airport and did not ask in advance.

After finishing his meal and going to pay, T. was shocked to be told that the bowl cost VND346,000. Surprised, he asked again to confirm the amount.

According to the reports, T. said he chose not to argue over the price as it was Lunar New Year days when disputes are often seen as bringing bad luck, but felt uneasy after paying.

The articles about the incident were accompanied by a photo of a bowl of 'pho' placed on a table, taken by T., which he said was sold at Cam Ranh airport. The reports did not specify the name of the vendor or include an image of the receipt.

Regarding the incident, leaders of Cam Ranh International Airport said they are reviewing the matter in line with regulations.

The official said prices for food and beverages across the Cam Ranh airport complex are publicly listed, while prices at airport lounges must comply with regulations set by the Ministry of Finance.

“The reports should have specified which outlet inside Cam Ranh airport was involved or provided a payment receipt so we can quickly determine whether any violations occurred,” the official said. 

The official added that Cam Ranh airport encourages passengers to provide feedback on service and pricing to help improve quality. 

He said these are non-aviation services operated by third-party vendors at the airport, where pricing and food safety standards are tightly regulated.