Despite a suspension order, the Khởi My rest stop at Cái Răng Floating Market in Cần Thơ continues to operate, raising serious safety concerns for tourists. This comes after the establishment was fined for failing to warn guests about potential dangers, following a roof collapse incident that resulted in four tourists falling into the river.
On March 26, 2025, the situation at Khởi My remained unchanged, as the rest stop was observed conducting business as usual. The owner, Mr. Trần Chí, confirmed that the facility had complied with the fine issued by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Cần Thơ and had paid a penalty of 7.5 million đồng for not adequately warning tourists about risks.
The fine was part of a decision made on February 18, 2025, which not only imposed the monetary penalty but also mandated a two-month suspension of operations. However, Mr. Trần Chí stated that after the roof collapse incident on February 16, which led to the unfortunate fall of four visitors, the rest stop temporarily halted business for a few days to address the issue before resuming operations.
“We only stopped for a short time to fix the problem. The authorities said they would issue a notice for the suspension but still allowed us to operate,” he claimed. Mr. Trần Chí emphasized that his establishment is safe, asserting, “Our facility is the safest here.” However, he did not clarify who allowed the rest stop to continue operating despite the suspension.
Further complicating matters, Mr. Trần Chí revealed that the pontoon boat used for the rest stop is registered, but the registration has expired. He acknowledged that, according to regulations, it does not meet the requirements for renewal.
The roof collapse incident occurred when a large number of tourists gathered at the front of the floating house, leading to structural failure. Fortunately, nearby boats were able to assist the tourists and bring them safely back to shore. Following the incident, the traffic police from Cần Thơ conducted an investigation, leading to the decision to suspend operations.
After the collapse, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Cần Thơ formed an inter-agency inspection team that discovered several violations at the Khởi My rest stop. The team found that the establishment had not fulfilled all necessary business conditions, and the pontoon boat, while registered, did not meet safety standards for tourists.
Authorities have mandated that the rest stop complete all required procedures, including safety upgrades and obtaining valid registration, before being allowed to resume operations legally. However, as of March 26, despite being under suspension, the Khởi My rest stop continues to attract customers.
“The safety assessment is something we have done ourselves,” Mr. Trần Chí explained, indicating that there has been no official approval from the relevant authorities. This self-assessment raises concerns about the actual safety conditions at the rest stop, especially given the recent incidents.
As the situation unfolds, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Cần Thơ has reached out to the People’s Committee of Cái Răng District to investigate the ongoing operations of Khởi My and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
With the floating house measuring 10x20 meters and situated about 20 meters from the embankment in approximately 5 meters of water, the location's safety standards are critical for the well-being of visitors. The fact that it continues to operate under such conditions has drawn scrutiny from both local authorities and concerned citizens.
The continued operation of the Khởi My rest stop raises important questions about regulatory enforcement and the safety of tourist attractions in the region. As authorities work to address these issues, the safety of visitors remains a top priority.
The incident at Khởi My is a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations in the tourism industry. As more tourists flock to the Cái Răng Floating Market, the need for rigorous inspections and compliance with safety standards becomes increasingly crucial.
In the wake of these events, it is essential for local authorities to ensure that all tourist facilities are not only compliant with regulations but also prioritize the safety of their guests. The Khởi My rest stop's situation serves as a call to action for both operators and regulators to work together to prevent future incidents and safeguard the experiences of those who visit Cần Thơ.
