Mr. Nguyen Tuan Hiep (holding the flag) leads a group of tourists on a tour of Moc Chau National Tourist Area.

Having been involved in the profession since the early days of tourism development in Moc Chau, Nguyen Tuan Hiep, a tour guide at the Moc Chau National Tourist Area, has been dedicated to the job for 17 years. During those years, he has witnessed the strong growth of local tourism, accompanying hundreds of tour groups each year as they explore the cultural beauty, nature, and people of Son La.

Mr. Hiep shared: "The job of a tour guide requires passion and perseverance. We have to learn constantly, from how to make tea and weave brocade to the historical stories of the ethnic groups. Every tourist who comes here carries an expectation of discovery and exciting experiences. We always try our best not to disappoint them."

Like Mr. Hiep, many young people in Moc Chau National Tourist Area also become tour guides out of love for their homeland and a desire to introduce and promote it to the world. Initially, they were just guides, giving directions and telling stories to tourists, then gradually learned and strived to become professional guides, connecting culture and destinations with visitors. Since 2020, the Moc Chau Cultural and Tourist Guide Club has been established, connecting 40 members who participate in activities in the field of tour guiding. By 2022, the Club was officially established and began operating, creating an environment for guides to share experiences and learn professional skills.

Members of the Moc Chau Cultural and Tourism Guide Club take tourists on a tour of the Bach Long glass bridge.

Ms. Hoang Viet Ha, head of the Moc Chau Tourism and Culture Guide Club, informed: Of the 40 members, 2 hold international tour guide licenses, 28 hold domestic licenses, and the rest are guides at tourist destinations. After more than 3 years of operation, the Club has welcomed over 13,000 visitors from other provinces and over 5,000 visitors from within the province. The Club cooperates with travel companies to advise on tours and destinations in the area; regularly participates in domestic and international famtrips to connect with needs and grasp tourism trends.

Recently, the Travel and Tour Guide Branch of the Provincial Tourism Association was established with 38 members. Of these, 27 are tour guides within the province. Mr. Nguyen Hong Cuong, the Branch Chairman, stated: "With the establishment of the branch, the team of tour guides in the province is brought together, connected, has a working environment, exchanges experiences and professional skills, and has its legitimate rights protected. This helps tour guide activities develop in the right direction and become more professional."

The tour guide takes visitors to The Nordic Village in Van Ho commune.

Currently, the province has 36 licensed tour guides. This includes 5 international guide licenses, 30 domestic guide licenses, and 1 local guide license. In addition to the full-time staff, many guides also work as collaborators at heritage sites and tourist areas. Over the years, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and local authorities have regularly organized training courses to improve the skills of tour guides; opened training courses and issued tour guide certificates; provided guidance on the conditions and procedures for issuing tour guide licenses; and closely coordinated with relevant agencies and units to review applications and issue tour guide licenses according to regulations. In addition, the Department regularly organizes competitions for excellent tour guides, tour design competitions, and tourism commentary competitions... creating opportunities for tour guides, commentators, and tourism enthusiasts to learn, hone their skills, and cultivate their passion to become professional tour guides.

Son La tourism is increasingly asserting its position on the Vietnamese tourism map. This success would not have been possible without the contributions of its tour guides. They are the ones who inspire, act as cultural bridges, and bring the beauty of Son La closer to tourists. With the attention and support of all levels of government and agencies, along with their passion and enthusiasm, these tour guides will be a force contributing to the continued growth of Son La tourism, providing unforgettable experiences for visitors.