Mr. Nguyen Tuan Hiep (flag bearer) leads a group of tourists to visit Moc Chau National Tourist Area.

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

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

Like Mr. Hiep, many young people at Moc Chau National Tourist Area also started out of love for their homeland, wanting to introduce and promote their homeland to the world and became tour guides. Initially, they were just guides, giving directions, telling stories to tourists, then gradually learning and striving to become professional tour guides, connecting culture and destinations with tourists. Since 2020, the Moc Chau Cultural - Tourist Guide Club has been initiated, connecting 40 members to participate in activities in the field of tour guides. By 2022, the Club was officially established and put into operation, creating an environment for tour guides to share experiences and learn professional skills.

Members of the Moc Chau Cultural and Tourist Guide Club take tourists to visit Bach Long glass bridge.

Ms. Hoang Viet Ha, head of the Moc Chau Cultural and Tourist Guide Club, informed: Of the 40 members, 2 members have international tour guide cards, 28 members have domestic cards, and the rest are tour guides at tourist attractions. After more than 3 years of operation, the Club has welcomed more than 13,000 out-of-province guests and more than 5,000 in-province guests. The Club coordinates with travel companies to advise on tours and destinations in the area; regularly participates in domestic and foreign famtrips to connect needs and grasp tourism trends.

Recently, the Travel - Tour Guide Association under the Provincial Tourism Association was established with 38 members. Of which, 27 members are tour guides in the province. Mr. Nguyen Hong Cuong, Head of the Association, said: With the establishment of the association, the team of tour guides in the province is gathered, connected, has an environment to operate, exchange experiences, expertise, and have their legitimate rights protected. From there, it helps tour guide activities to develop in the right direction and become more professional.

Tour guide takes visitors to The Nordic Village - Nordic village, Van Ho commune.

The province currently has 36 tour guides with operating cards. Of these, there are 5 international tour guide cards; 30 domestic cards and 1 tour guide card at the site. In addition to the specialized force, many tour guides also work as collaborators at relic management areas, tourist areas and sites. In recent years, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and localities have regularly organized training courses to improve the qualifications and skills of tour guides; opened training courses and granted tour guide certificates; provided guidance on the conditions and procedures for granting tour guide cards and closely coordinated with relevant agencies and units to conduct dossier appraisal and grant tour guide cards according to regulations. In addition, the Department also regularly organizes competitions for excellent tour guides, tour design and tour explanation competitions... creating opportunities for tour guides, tour guides, and travel enthusiasts to learn, practice skills, and foster passion to become professional tour guides.

Son La tourism is increasingly asserting its position on the Vietnamese tourism map. To achieve these successes, the contribution of the tour guide team is indispensable. They are the ones who inspire, are the cultural bridge, bringing the beauty of Son La closer to tourists. With the attention and support of all levels and sectors along with their own passion and enthusiasm, the tour guides will be the force contributing to bringing Son La tourism to continue to expand, bringing unforgettable experiences to tourists.