HanoiKids, a student-run organization, was founded in 2006 with the aim of providing students with better opportunities to practice English and give visitors from all over the world an insight into Vietnamese culture, tradition and beautiful sights from the perspective of a local youngster. The main task for its members is to voluntarily give city tours in Hanoi without charge and distribute leaflets and posters at hotels and the airport.
Nguyen Thi Le Quyen, Hanoikids’ President said: “The beginning is always the toughest and the very first days of Hanoikids went through numerous difficulties in knowledge, communication skills and gaining visitor’s trust. However, after some successful tours, Hanokids started appearing on many social networks and tourism websites.”
From 20 members at first, after 8 years Hanoikids has nearly 400 people, most of them are university students. For newcomers, after passing through three rounds of recruitment, they will be trained by the club’s training department and taken to famous tourism sites in Hanoi such as President Ho Chi Minh‘s Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, the Old Quarter of Hanoi and Hoa Lo Prison. This provides new members with the basic skill set of tour operation. After a two month training course, these members have to take an aptitude test before beginning their work. In order to connect members together, Hanoikids’ administration department usually holds training courses to share experience as well as improve tour-guiding skills for members.
with Ms. Sarah Fitzgerald from New Zealand. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Sarah Fitzgerald enjoys touring Hanoi with the guide of Hanoikids’ members. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
At tourism sites, Hanoikids members carefully choose information to provide tourists. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Hanoikids member share information about the life of Vietnamese with Selly and Bryana who come from Singapore
at Giang Café – one of the oldest cafés in Hanoi. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Hanoikids members are always nice to foreigners. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Selly and Bryana are taken to visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Good-bye hugs show the love and satisfaction of foreigners for nice and friendly members of Hanoikids.
Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
With the motto “No Tips, No Charge” and the slogan “Be More Than a Tourist“, Hanoikids has once again been awarded Tripadvisor’s 2014 Certificate of Excellence. This is the third consecutive time that Hanoikids was recognized with this eminent annual prize by Tripadvisor, the world`s largest travel network.
It has also been honoured with the National Volunteer Award for being one of the ten Most Outstanding Volunteer Organizations in Vietnam by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and United Nations Volunteers (UNV).
| « So far, Hanoikids has guided nearly 7,000 tours, helping around 150,000 foreign visitors coming to Hanoi. In an average month, Hanoikids does about 170 tours with about 400 visitors from many countries around the world. » |
On a recent weekend, we followed two Hanoikids members to the Art Boutique Hotel at 63 Hang Dieu Street to meet two tourists from Singapore. After a quick discussion about places to go, they decided to go to Sword Lake, St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Giang Café. In each place, the two guides shared some interesting information about the places with visitors so they could easily remember it. The youngsters also shared additional information about the culture and daily life of Hanoians.
“Bryana and I learned about Hanoikids through tripadvisor.com. I have never been to Vietnam before so I find it really interesting, especially when I can learn more about the culture and people of Vietnam through a youngster’s eyes. I really like their helpful and friendly manner,” said Shelly.
Not only receiving much praise from foreign youngsters visiting Vietnam, Hanoikids is also highly appreciated by foreign embassies in Hanoi, namely India, Australia and the US. The club had a great chance to go on a tour with Australian Prime Minister – Ms. Hon Julia Gillard and the US Trade Representative Ron Kirk when they came to Vietnam.
Photo: Viet Cuong/ VNP
Greeting cards for Hanoikids’ new members. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
about Hanoikids’ activities with newcomers. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Apart from tour operations, Hanoikids has also taken part in film projects on Hanoi’s culture. On the occasion of the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi, Hanoikids held several programs such as “Cultural Mosaic” and “Hanoi in 1,000 seconds“.
Though belonging to Hanoikids for just under a year, many members have become true English speaking tour guides and masters of Hanoi streets. More importantly, they have nourished a big love for Hanoi.
Thai Manh Cuong, Hanoikids’ Public Relations Manager stated: “If anyone loves Hanoi, he or she can love it more after joining us. If anyone does not really love Hanoi, then that person can find that love with Hanoikids”.
Story: Ngan Ha – Photos: Viet Cuong
Đăng ký: VietNam News