From free vehicles to vehicles worth hundreds of millions
According to Hoi An authorities, there are currently 100 cyclos and 293 boats operating to pick up and drop off tourists in the ancient town.
Since 20 years ago, the city has had a policy of creating conditions for the poor, the lonely, living in the alleys of the old quarter to practice their profession, in some cases being provided with cyclos as a means of livelihood and without charging any fees. The same is true for rowing boats.
Mr. Phan Phuoc Tung - Chairman of Hoi An Cyclo Union said that during the years of COVID-19 pandemic, the number of customers decreased, there were about 7 or 8 cases of old people, no longer able to work, transferred their cyclos to others, at a price of 500 million/pedestrian.
Currently, the transfer value is about 600 - 700 million/cyclo (including the license to operate as a passenger transport vehicle in Hoi An ancient town), but they mainly leave it to relatives to earn a living, and have no need to sell.
Mr. Le Vuong - Chairman of the Trade Union and Deputy Director of the Hoai River Tourist Boat Cooperative revealed, "Previously, some boats were transferred for 600 - 700 million VND. But only relatives and brothers came and went to make a living together, few people sold them to outsiders."
Since the establishment of the cooperative (June 2024), there has been no case of boat transfer. Currently, the transfer value of boat transfers on the market is about 1 billion VND.
Even with money it is difficult to buy a cyclo or a boat.
According to Lao Dong reporters, the transfer of vehicles is the right of individuals practicing the profession. Hoi An only manages the quantity and operation method in accordance with the regulations on preserving the old town, while the people themselves manage the vehicles. However, not everyone can buy a rowing boat or cyclo to practice in Hoi An ancient town.
“We only have a cyclo as a “fishing rod” to support the whole family, so when we are no longer strong enough to pedal, we pass it on to our children and grandchildren to earn a living, instead of selling it. If we work hard, we can earn 15-20 million VND per month. It is hard to ride a cyclo, but if we are rich, who would do this job of being exposed to the sun and rain?” – Mr. Phan Phuoc Tung shared.
"Because it is their property, we have no authority to interfere. However, if anyone wants to join the cooperative, they must have the consent of all members.
This is to ensure that the cooperative operates with the right target, principles and purposes. Outsiders who want to spend money to buy a boat ride in the old town are not allowed" - Mr. Le Vuong added.
Hoi An City leaders admitted that in the past, there were some cases of transferring cyclo and boat rowing positions to others for hundreds of millions of dong. However, that was a spontaneous time. Now, everything is in order, with the management of unions and cooperatives, so this situation no longer exists.
“For many years, Hoi An City has not issued licenses for additional boats and cyclos, determined to keep the current number for easy management. This number has met supply and demand, suitable for the space of Hoi An ancient town” – Mr. Nguyen Van Lanh – Vice Chairman of Hoi An City People’s Committee said.
