A restaurant on Phu Quoc caused quite a stir online over the weekend thanks to its bizarre sign forbidding tourists from lying on the beach.
During the extended weekend, a tourist who was vacationing on the island posted a photo on their personal account showing a sign on a local beach that read: “Don’t lie on the sand, only beach chair for rent. 60.000 VND/1 person/1 times [sic].”
Photo via Facebook page BEATVN.
The tourist added that the sign was found in front of a restaurant on Bai Sao Beach in An Thoi Town.
The presence of such a sign incensed Vietnam’s netizens, who ridiculed the establishment for its desperate and preposterous cash grab. Some pointed out that this, however, is not a novel occurrence, as a few similar signs have also been spotted on other beaches throughout the country over the years. However, these were simply unreported.
According to Tuoi Tre, local authorities were aware of the illegal sign, which was removed as soon as possible. Local police officer Tran Van Hue, who removed the sign after he saw it on Facebook, told the newspaper: “I immediately briefed the An Thoi Town chairman of the situation and was directed to come here and remove the sign right away.”
Hue explained that the patch of beach in question falls within the purview of a major company, which rented it out to the restaurant. Tuoi Tre didn’t shared the names of the businesses.
“I have contacted the restaurant manager but failed to meet anyone,” he shared. “For now we will take the sign away and will decide upon further sanctions for the one who put it up. We cannot let these things ruin the reputation of local tourism.”
Phu Quoc has become an increasingly popular tourism destination due to its secluded nature and peaceful scenery. During the previous long weekend at the end of April, the island reportedly received around 200,000 tourists who spent a total of VND72 billion on local goods and services.
However, this considerable boost in tourism has also subjected Phu Quoc’s infrastructure and landscapes to many problems. For example, the island’s groundwater reserves are drying out due to unlicensed drilling and a resort boom.
[Top photo via Tuoi Tre]
