Hà Văn Tỉnh – 1992 – Thái Bình – 3 years of experience

The idea of becoming a tour guide first sparked in me from the stories of Hiện Trần, the founder and director of Serenity Vietnam. His tales about Vietnam, its people, and culture always moved me and inspired me greatly. He also shared with me a lot about the role of a tour guide as a bridge between generations and cultures. I wanted to become a skilled, passionate, and responsible tour guide like him.

I’ve learned a lot from him, from books, and from my own guests. International guests often teach me greetings in their languages. For example, in some languages, people greet based on the time of day—good morning, good evening (English)—while in others, they ask about each other’s well-being (like “Have you eaten?” in Korean or “Where are you going?” in Vietnamese). Greetings may seem like a simple way to start a conversation, but in fact, they carry the cultural traditions of the people who speak that language, reflecting their concern and care for one another.

One of the guiding principles that Hiện has taught me and the other Serenity Vietnam guides is to “always put yourself in the guest’s shoes.” So, whether it’s something as small as explaining a word, a phrase, or describing a scene or tradition, or something as big as arranging seating, dining experiences, or accommodations, I always start by asking myself, “What value does my action bring to my guests?” This philosophy helps me make decisions more easily—if it benefits and enhances the guests’ experience, then I do it.

I often receive feedback from tour groups that I’m dedicated and attentive to my guests. If you’re looking for a peaceful and gentle journey, filled with thoughtful stories and accompanied by a humble guide, I believe you’ll be satisfied with our trips together. I look forward to seeing you on an upcoming Serenity Vietnam adventure.