Opportunistic hospitality and scammy hosts?
The vast majority of my experiences were positive. However, I did notice a strange pattern with hosts, that are extraordinarily hospitable. The „this is your home, you are family type.“ At first, they are very welcoming, helpful and sweet to you. But eventually weird things happen.
Like getting invited to lunch (I offered to pay, but it was declined „you’re family“), then getting invited to dinner without the mention of a price and suddenly receiving a hefty bill for a basic dinner. It was also leftovers (nothing wrong with leftovers but I just really didn’t expect a price tag on cold leftovers without communicating it beforehand). The invitation went like „oh I left you some food, we thought you might be hungry.“ They also sent their child to ask me whether I was hungry. I thought it was really nice of them, without ever thinking about a business transaction. Since it was at least twice of what you‘d pay at the most touristic places in town, I only ate outside not wanting any more surprises and uncomfortable situations. Tone immediately changed. Host was cold, almost passive aggressive to me without anything particularly happening other than me eating outside. I noticed at some point that someone was entering my room while I was asleep to turn off the ventilator. I was napping during lunch time, so it was really hot. I know privacy is different here but is that normal for locals? I don’t even know why, other than wanting to save electricity.
Another guesthouse frequently organised small trips with all guests. They never wanted anything for gas, their time etc. (“just leave a good review“) so we brought the host nice birthday presents. One day they organised a trip, that was communicated as “spending time together in nature on an easy hike“. Just like the other trips before. Just before departure they called us early morning to inform us, that there will be a 50€ fee this time to cover the shared ride, “photos and insurance“. Some declined, but most stayed. I thought that was really strange to inform you at the last possible minute when it is most inconvenient to drop out.
I experienced similar in different countries in Asia, not just Vietnam. And only at accommodations with extremely hospitable hosts, in hindsight it didn’t seem genuine and quite exaggerated. It leaves a bitter taste because I genuinely felt like we were becoming friends. I feel like they want to tactically squeeze any penny out of you while pretending to be friendly with you. Has anyone else experienced this?
There were really really genuinely nice hosts too. They weren’t so outgoing in making you feel like family though like the examples I mentioned which is probably a good green flag.