Hanoi motorbike taxi driver admits overcharging foreign tourist, issues apology, refund

The driver, identified as P.V.L., a 62-year-old resident of Hanoi, acknowledged his wrongdoing, pledged not to repeat the offense, and issued an apology to the tourist.

He also agreed to refund the full amount to the foreigner, local media reported.

Authorities said they had received a complaint from Clarissa April, a U.S. national, who reported being taken on a circuitous route through multiple streets and charged an abnormally high fare.

Upon receiving the complaint, local police coordinated with relevant units to investigate and verify the information.

The driver was subsequently identified as L..

During questioning, L. admitted that he had intentionally altered the route after picking up the tourist near the Hoan Kiem Lake area.

He prolonged the trip before demanding VND1 million for the short journey.

According to a social media post, the foreign tourist hailed a motorbike taxi to leave the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Nghia Do Ward, Hanoi and head to a restaurant on Trang Tien Street in Hoan Kiem Ward on Tuesday afternoon.

However, during the trip, the driver did not go directly to the agreed destination, but instead took the passenger to several other locations, including the popular Train Street coffee area for photos.

When they arrived, the driver demanded VND1 million. The tourist paid the amount to avoid trouble. It was around 5:50 pm.

For comparison, the roughly 7km trip would typically cost around VND50,000 ($1.9) if booked via a ride-hailing motorbike service during non-peak hours.

Later that evening, the tourist and a Vietnamese friend went to Hoan Kiem Ward Police to report the case.