Exploring culture and overall travel have taken up a notch in Vietnam. A Vietnamese tour guide has garnered considerable attention on social media for curating an extraordinary and unconventional experience for his guests.
Most of these visitors, primarily from Europe, are invited to partake in fascinating, offbeat activities, namely visiting a new mother and exploring a local cemetery. Vu Ngoc Son, 34, is the guide in question - and he has shared videos documenting these unorthodox adventures on his social media platforms.
Last November, during a trip to the picturesque Ninh Binh Province, just outside Hanoi, he led a British tourist to the home of an acquaintance who had recently given birth. This offbeat cultural and travel experience typically spans 10 to 12 days in Vietnam, with guests investing around US$3,000.
Son’s itineraries are meticulously tailored to each guest’s preferences, guaranteeing a bespoke and premium experience. He notes that 30 per cent of his clients opt to explore destinations beyond the beaten path, seeking a deeper immersion into the local culture and the everyday rhythms of life.
For instance, the British tourist, initially planning to explore the region’s famed landscapes and take a boat trip down the river, altered their plans after developing a foot injury. Disenchanted with traditional tourist attractions, the Brit chose to dive into the cultural tapestry of rural Vietnam.
Son arranged for the guest to visit local homes, offering a genuine, behind-the-scenes glimpse of rural life. At the new mother’s home, Son explained that in Vietnam, a newborn embodies joy, with villagers typically bringing gifts as a gesture of goodwill and hope.
The experience expanded as the tourist visited farms and wandered through lush rice paddies, further absorbing the simplicity and beauty of the countryside.
"Many of my guests crave a deeper understanding of history and culture, growing weary of conventional tourist spots. That’s precisely why I design these programs," Son explained, as reported by VN Express.
For the past few years, Son has been offering these exceptional travel experiences, often spontaneous and completely shaped by his guests' desires.
Two years ago, while guiding a group of Bulgarian clients, Son stumbled upon a cemetery. Intrigued, he decided to take them inside to delve into the unique Vietnamese customs surrounding burial rituals and spiritual practices.
Among the most unforgettable experiences Son recounts was when he took two South African tourists to a New Year’s Eve celebration in a quaint local village. The tourists were so enchanted by the festivities that they refused to leave, despite having already booked their flights. Ignoring Son’s gentle reminders about the time, they insisted on staying. Fortunately, they made their flight without issue.
The majority of Son’s clients hail from developed countries, where social interactions can often feel more formal and detached. In Vietnam, however, they find an inviting, community-centric atmosphere that offers them a taste of family-oriented living. This immersive experience leaves a profound impression on many, with numerous guests expressing a desire to return.
The Vietnamese, renowned for their warm hospitality, are generally more than willing to welcome foreign visitors into their lives. However, certain aspects of Son’s programs - such as visiting a new mother - demand careful pre-arrangements and cooperation with close acquaintances due to their intimate and private nature, Son revealed.
“Many guests have told me that after participating in these experiences, they feel like they’ve become a part of Vietnam,” he shared.
While Son’s unconventional tours have drawn some criticism, with detractors claiming the programs lack structure, his ultimate goal remains clear: to ensure that each guest departs with lasting memories and a genuine, heartfelt appreciation for Vietnam’s rich culture and traditions.