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[deafutahhiker]

Earlier this morning, I was looking for agents to help me book tickets to Nha Trang tomorrow morning, and asked about today. Mr Hiep, the director of this travel agency, "Trung Tam Dich Vu Lu Hanh Da Lat" on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, confirmed that there weren't any tickets, as I asked at Peace Hotel. So, I asked if there are any tomorrow morning, and he said he will call. He called and said bus tomorrow morning 7:30 am, $12. I asked what bus company it was, and he said Sinh Cafe bus. So I thought it was right price for Sinh Cafe. He gave me receipt,. but said the time was changed to 7 am.

When I were leaving the hotel later on in the day, the receptionist got my attention and told me that there was a change of ticket. I was puzzled and kept asking why. Ticket was for the orange Phuong Trang bus and priced 120,000 dong. However, the ticket had extra zeros white-outed, as to try to make it look like $12. I asked the receptionist if it was actually 120,000 and she said yeah she thinks so. I demanded a refund and said I paid 240,000 dong. I took the other ticket receipt for Sinh Cafe Open Tour bus and it had a cellphone number on it. The receptionist called the guy (Mr. Hiep, cell phone 0918810901, as written on the old ticket) on my behavior and asked for refund. Mr Hiep said that because it is holidays, the price double. Receptionist seemed upset and spoke rapid VN then rolled her eyes in disbelief. I asked why the tickets were changed, and he said that the bus was no more (I think she meant full), so get this ticket for Phuong Trang. I asked why the director won't give me the difference, and she said she doesnt know why. I answered that he probably thinks I am a dumb tourist and that he could pull it off. She smiled and said she is so sorry. I asked if there was a way I could complain about it. She wasn't sure. I asked where the official tourist office was and she gave me address. So I will plan on seeing if I can make an official complaint tomorrow and see if I can go to travel agency to make a scene.

Morale of story: dont go through agencies. Go to the bus station yourself.

[greekcypriot]

I certainly have to agree with you and this is what I am always doing actually for years!
Popi