"Ambassador" for cultural and tourism communication.

08:39, 26/11/2023

With their in-depth knowledge of the culture and history of each region and historical site where they work, tour guides are considered "ambassadors" of cultural and tourism communication, helping tourists understand and appreciate the stories and people who have gone down in history...

I remember the first time we visited the Hung King Temple in Can Tho City. We were unsure how to best explore the site, but we were greeted with warm smiles by the tour guides. Dressed in traditional ao dai (Vietnamese long dress), they nimbly led our group through each section of the complex, explaining the origins of each artifact and the history of each exhibition space. Understanding the needs and length of stay of each group, they adapted to the circumstances to ensure the itinerary was followed smoothly while still highlighting the history and significance of this tourist and cultural destination in the Mekong Delta.

A tour guide introduces the Hung King Temple in Can Tho City. Photo: Giang Nam

In fact, a destination becomes much more valuable and meaningful to visitors when accompanied by a tour guide. During our visit to the Memorial Area of the late Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet in Vinh Long province, our group was captivated by the inspiring tour guide skills of Ms. Dang Thi Phuong Thao (Head of the Memorial Area Management Board). As if imprinting every detail of the life and career of Uncle Six Dan (the common name for the late Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet), Ms. Thao recounted everything from the heart. Ms. Thao also helped visitors better understand the courage, stature, and bold decisions of Uncle Six Dan during the đổi mới (renovation) period, with many historical projects bearing his mark, such as the 500 KV North-South power transmission line, the T5 flood drainage canal, and the Tri An hydroelectric power plant...

During our visit to Dong Thap, the land of lotus flowers, the tour guide's expertise at the Nguyen Sinh Sac Memorial Site helped us understand more about the father of the great President Ho Chi Minh. The guide vividly recreated the patriotic and compassionate life, the noble and simple character of Mr. Nguyen Sinh Sac. When visitors asked about the influence of Mr. Nguyen Sinh Sac on the formation of Ho Chi Minh's character and revolutionary aspirations, the significance of the exhibited artifacts, etc., the guide answered all questions thoroughly and clearly.

A tour guide introduces the memorial site of the late Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet. Photo: Tuyet Hien.

Keeping up with the 4.0 trend, tour guides are not only knowledgeable but also apply technology to help visitors better understand the destinations. It's easy to see that nowadays, every destination, every exhibit, and every historical site has a QR code for visitors to learn more about the culture and history. With the support of technology, tour guides have adopted a visitor-centered approach, connecting stories through multiple dimensions, from verbal explanations to vivid and clear images, sounds, and videos. When necessary, tour guides even double as "photographers." They subtly detect when visitors want to take pictures and proactively help them choose the right angles to capture beautiful moments together.

Song Quynh

Source