Filipino tourists ripped off by Hanoi taxi driver

By Tu Nguyen July 3, 2025 | 03:00 am PT

John Jose Beldua (2nd from L) poses for photos with his friends in Hanoi. Photo courtesy of John

A group of Filipino tourists in Hanoi was charged VND1.4 million (US$53) for a taxi ride covering less than 1 km, 50 times normal fare.

John Jose Beldua, 26, and his four friends took a taxi from the fountain near Hoan Kiem Lake to a restaurant in Lo Su on the evening of June 30. According to Google Maps, the distance was less than 1 km.

Due to heavy rain, the group was unable to book a ride-hailing service and decided to take the taxi parked near the fountain at around 7 p.m.

The Hoan Kiem Ward police reported that the driver circled through various streets before charging them VND1.4 million.

Typical taxi fares for a two-kilometer ride range from VND30,000-VND50,000.

Local police intervened after receiving complaints from the tourists, identified the driver who admitted to overcharging the group. He gave them back VND1.37 million.

John commented, "It was unexpected. Our Hanoi travel experience was still good," after receiving the refund.

Hoan Kiem Ward police are considering fines for the driver.

Last month, a Taiwanese tourist was also charged three times the normal fare for a 25-km taxi ride in Hanoi.