Originally aired on Lao Động – one of Vietnam’s most-read national newspapers – this video report follows the members of the Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide Club as they escort international visitors through the streets of the capital, entirely free of charge.
Not every job is measured in money. For the young members of the Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide Club, the reward after each free walking tour is something far more valuable: genuine conversations with international friends, meaningful practice in a foreign language, and the pride of personally sharing the distinctive culture of Hanoi with visitors from across the world.
Nguyen Thi Kieu Trang, an English Language student at the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS), explains that guiding tours has become one of the most impactful learning experiences of her academic life:
“I joined because I wanted to improve my speaking skills and my ability to communicate with foreigners. Being part of this club gives me real, hands-on experience, and if I want to become a professional tour guide in the future, I’ll already have the practical knowledge from all the tours I’ve led.”
Fellow club member Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy describes a transformation that many volunteers share, from nervous beginner to confident communicator:
“At first, I was quite shy about speaking English with foreigners, especially strangers. But after spending time as a guide, I became a lot more confident when talking with international guests. It even helped me feel more comfortable presenting in class. And beyond language, I’ve learned so much about cultures, not just Vietnamese culture, but the cultures of all the different visitors who come here.”
What Visitors are saying about “Tourism Ambassadors” from Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide
The impact of the club is felt just as deeply on the other side of the tour.
Fuji Lestari, a visitor from Indonesia, says her experience exploring Hanoi with a young local guide was unlike anything a standard tour could offer:
“It was a wonderful experience to be here and discover the city through the eyes of young people who can explain the history to me. My guide was genuinely knowledgeable about everything around Hoan Kiem Lake. She also showed me what daily life looks like for local people, from a young person’s perspective.”
Jasmine, an American traveler, was equally enthusiastic:
“We absolutely love Hanoi. For us, this was a fantastic opportunity to meet Vietnamese people and ask real questions about their lives here. I love the architecture, it feels so relaxed, yet so alive and full of energy. And the food is incredible.”
A Bridge Between Cultures
These free tours are more than a language exercise or a sightseeing activity. They have become a genuine cultural bridge, a way for young Hanoians to share a warm and welcoming image of their city with the world, one conversation at a time.
The Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide Club continues to grow, bringing together passionate students and young professionals who believe that hospitality and human connection are the most powerful forms of tourism.
Source: Written by Hoàng Khôi – An Phương – Labor Newspaper (Báo Lao Động), May 22, 2026
Watch the original video report on Lao Động:
Theo chân những “đại sứ du lịch” Hà Nội dẫn tour miễn phí cho du khách nước ngoài
Lao Động is one of Vietnam’s largest and most authoritative national newspapers, with decades of coverage across social, cultural, and labor affairs.
