“Some people come to Da Lat to rest, others come searching for romance in the mist. As for me, I come to Da Lat every day, not to escape from anything, but to accompany unfamiliar footsteps on familiar paths. Being a tour guide here is not just a job; it’s the way I tell the story of Da Lat with my own breath and emotions.”
The Day Begins with Dawn and a Lighthearted Smile
Every morning in Da Lat starts early, especially for cloud-hunting tours. While the city is still half-asleep in the mist, I’m already at the meeting point, holding the guest list with a smile on my face, ready to go.
Some days, the sky is perfectly clear, the sun just right, and the whole group eagerly climbs aboard the bus. But on rainy mornings, with slippery roads, that’s when I must stay flexible and find ways to keep everyone’s spirits as bright as the scenery around us.
On the Road, Not Just a Guide, But a Storyteller
Don’t think of a tour guide in Da Lat as just someone who takes you from point A to point B. On our small tour bus, I’m the one telling stories about the rows of pine trees bending in the wind, about the cute dog at the strawberry farm, or the first cup of coffee from the owner of the café on the hill.
At every stop, I try to plant something memorable in my guests’ hearts – whether it’s a small story, a quick snapshot, or a spontaneous “Wow, this is beautiful!”
Feedback, the Simple Joy of Being in the Profession
I’ll always remember the twinkle in a little girl’s eyes when she first touched a real lavender flower.
I recall the loud laughter of a guest enjoying the roller coaster ride at Datanla Waterfall.
And I’ll never forget the heartfelt words of an older gentleman:
“Thank you so much, because of you, we see Da Lat in such a warm and welcoming light.”
Little moments like these, in the cool breeze of the mountain town, make my heart feel warm in ways words can’t express.
Behind Every Smile, There’s a Journey of Effort
Tour guiding isn’t just about flowers, clouds, and laughter. Some days, the sun is harsh, and the whole group feels drained. Some guests suddenly feel unwell, while others are disappointed because Da Lat is more crowded than they expected.
But instead of letting these challenges bring me down, I’ve learned to listen, adjust, and maintain my kindness.
At the end of the day, I know that what matters most is the emotion my guests take away with them.
A Profession of Planting Seeds with the Heart
Being a tour guide in Da Lat is like being a gardener.
Every introduction, every smile, is a seed of memory I plant in the hearts of my guests.
They may only be here for a day, but I always hope the peaceful, genuine, and calm feeling of this little city will stay with them for a long time, far beyond their visit.
And to me, that’s the greatest gift this job gives me – seeing Da Lat live on in someone’s heart, through a trip that I had the privilege to be a part of.
