Rent a Partner for Lunar New Year? Vietnam's Latest Holiday Hustle
Vietnam now offers rent-a-partner services for Tet, charging up to VND 6 million for a family visit.
[Rent a Partner for Lunar New Year? Vietnam's Latest Holiday Hustle]
▍ Marriage Pressure Creates a New Business
Remember the viral Chinese news story from a few years back? Every Lunar New Year, single adults head home to face the same barrage from relatives: "Seeing anyone?" "When are you getting married?" The pressure was so intense that some entrepreneurs started offering "actor boyfriends" and "actor girlfriends" — rental partners to bring home and keep the family happy.
▍ The Trend Hits Vietnam
That trend has now arrived in Vietnam, and the prices are not cheap.
A short date costs around VND 2 million — roughly one-fifth of Vietnam's average monthly salary. A full package that includes meeting the parents runs up to VND 6 million, about three-fifths of average monthly pay. If the client has specific requirements for looks or conversational skills, the price can double.
▍ Controversy and Questions
Ethical and legal concerns are inevitable. Some worry about potential fraud or emotional disputes.
It is a creative way to survive the holiday season, but whether it is worth trying is a matter of personal judgment.
