Đỗ Ngọc Duy, a 32-year-old tour guide from Quảng Bình Province, has defied the odds to live out his dream of traveling the world and staying in luxury hotels. Born into a poor family, Duy’s first exposure to the world of tour guides came on a trip to Đà Lạt sponsored by his aunt when he was in high school.
Inspired by that experience, Duy made it his mission to become a tour guide, a profession that would allow him to get paid to travel. Now, after eight years in the industry, he is living his dream by guiding tourists through the intricate canals and floating markets of the South-Western Region.
While the average base salary for tour guides in Vietnam ranges from VNĐ7 million to VNĐ15 million per month, experienced guides like Nguyễn Việt Hoàng can earn up to VNĐ70 million monthly. In addition to their base salary, tour guides can also receive tips, commissions, and allowances for meals, accommodation, and transportation.
Despite the challenges of the profession, including long hours and time away from home, tour guides like Nguyễn Thành Trung and Bùi Văn Chuyên find fulfillment in their work. Chuyên emphasized the importance of having a solid cultural foundation, language skills, and in-depth knowledge of geography, history, and culture.
For those passionate about travel and willing to make sacrifices, being a tour guide can be a rewarding career choice. As the tourism industry in Vietnam continues to grow, with thousands of new travel companies, tour guides, and accommodation facilities entering the market, the demand for skilled and dedicated professionals like Duy, Hoàng, Trung, and Chuyên remains high.