In recent years, more young people have volunteered to offer free guidance to tourists, particularly foreigners, in several touristy cities in Viet Nam, which helps create a friendlier image for the country’s tourism sector.

The cheery young volunteers, mostly students from local universities, have celebrated their passion for tourism and love for the cities where they are living by launching groups or clubs offering free-of-charge tourist guidelines.

One of the latest groups is “Ask Me Anything,” which became operational in Ha Noi in early April, Radio the Voice of Viet Nam (VOV) reported.

A Vietnamese student (first left) is seen providing guidance for a group of foreign tourists in the Kim Bong carpentry village in Hoi An City

While showing tourists around places of interest in the capital city, the members wear uniforms bearing the group’s name and a large board that says, “Hi. We speak English, French and Japanese. Just feel free to ask us any questions that you may have.”

Tran Van Tien, the group’s founder, who runs two cafés in the capital’s foreigner-frequented downtown area, told VOV that his expat clients have a great need for a wide range of information regarding scenic spots, recreation places, hotels and restaurants.

Meanwhile, many Vietnamese students generally hang around his cafés and others in the area, mingling with foreigners to improve their English speaking skills.

Similarly, another group of students run “Hoi An Free Tour,” a 200-member organization, which aims to create a playground for young participants to improve their English skills and provide tour guide experience.

Nguyen Huu Man, the group leader, said that members of the organization, set up in 2014, designed a free tour for tourists who visit Hoi An in a non-profit spirit via an online forum.

“Hoi An Free Tour” currently has 45 active members who are always ready to arrange tour guide schedules every Sunday night.

They create an online meeting group and make a list of weekly tours. The members are allowed to register to be a tour guide on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday morning each week.  Each member is in charge of guiding from five to seven people.

“Hoi An Free Tour” offers its complimentary service to an average of 70 foreigners per week.

It also provides thousands of tourists with a chance to visit the Kim Bong village, which has long been known for its carpentry and traditional woodworking products; to cycle around Hoi An Ancient Town; or to make “banh trang” (rice paper) at local houses.

(Source: Tuoitrenews)