Our fun-loving Hanoi guide Tuan tells us a little bit more about his passion for guiding…
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Name: Tuan
Age: 35 years old
Married with two kids — 9-years-old girl and 6-years-old boy.
When did you begin working for Journeys Within ?
I was classmate of Tracy (JW’s Northern Vietnam partner) and one day she asked me join in the field trip to Dong Ngac village with other guides and Andrea in 2011.
How did you become a guide?
Very simple — I thought tour guide is a very interesting job so I took part in the university exam and passed. I have studied 5 years to be a guide.
What do you like about being a guide?
I like to travel and share these experiences.
What is your favorite part about being a guide?
I love the way I become a teacher and educate tourists. They come from different countries, different classes etc., but all of them have to follow my instructions, my ground rules.
What is the most challenging part about being a guide?
Losing voice because of sick. With more than 12 years experience, guiding job became very easy, I know how to cope with all types of people, deal with all kind of weather and handle with itineraries but loosing voice is a disaster!
What is your favorite thing to show guests?
Because I was born in Hanoi so I would like to take customers to Old Quarter or original Hanoi where all clients happy when they have an opportunity to enjoys the daily life of Hanoi people.
What kind of things do guests want to talk about with you?
For 4-6 days, we discuss many things. Firstly, travelers want to know about Vietnam, Hanoi, tourists sites. Secondly, they would like to know my ideas about their country, my government. Finally, when we like friends, they ask me about my personal life (my family, my kids).
What food / restaurants should guests try?
Pho or Vietnamese rice noodle, of course. Besides that, spring rolls, cha ca or grilled fish are something guests should try.
What should guests coming to Hanoi know?
How to cross street in Hanoi . It quite difficult because of safety reason. If customers run they maybe will cause an accident and their tour will be cancelled. To cross the street, guests should walk slow and steady.
Most memorable JW guest?
Our JW operation manager Anna — her parents visited. Because it was very special tour, Tracy and Anna had given me a lot of instructions. More than that they were the first customers in 12 years have bought flower for my mom!
Remember, if you have a favourite Journeys Within guide, nominations are open for Wanderlust’s World Guide Awards 2014.
Thankfulness to my father who stated to me regarding this webpage,
this blog is really awesome.