The passion for the beauty of natural landscapes and the love of connecting with the inhabitants of each region have driven me to work in tourism. In my opinion, traveling allows us to learn and appreciate not only the lives of others but also our own. By traveling with me, we will share memorable moments and create unforgettable memories. Trust me to accompany you on this unique experience.

Can you share a touching interaction you had with ethnic groups in northern Vietnam?

Before becoming a travel advisor, I worked as a tour guide and had the opportunity to accompany clients to explore the northwestern regions. During one trip with my clients, it was the rice planting season, and we had the opportunity to help a Black Hmong family in Sapa. We plowed the field with their buffalo and participated in rice planting. We spent half a day with them.

The work was hard, and we were all dirty and very tired, but we greatly appreciated their way of life and work. They are very poor, and their life is basic, but they are always happy. They welcomed us warmly, helped each other, and were always ready to explain everything to us. We had a lot of respect for them!

What are your top recommendations for trying Vietnamese cuisine? Vietnam - the land of gastronomy?

Yes, that's true. Every region has at least one specialty and a unique method of preparation. Traveling in Vietnam is not just about discovering cultures, traditions, or picturesque landscapes; it's also about satisfying your curiosity about the daily lives of the locals, their food, habits, and more. The first image that travelers see when arriving in Vietnam is that of street food culture, with small tables and very low stools. The flavors of dishes and spices fill the air and tempt you to try. But Vietnamese cuisine is so diverse and generous; how can you sample a bit of everything?

If you're curious about local cuisine and culinary culture among the locals, I recommend participating in a "food tour." In Vietnam, food tours are easy to organize in major cities like Hanoi, Hoi An, Sapa, or Ho Chi Minh City. You walk through narrow streets, starting with a "bánh mì kẹp" - a sandwich in a Vietnamese baguette filled with grilled meat or fried eggs, then move on to "phở" - a flavorful broth mixed with rice noodles, meat, or seafood, "bánh cuốn" - steamed rice crepes stuffed with seasoned meat, and "bánh bao" - steamed bread rolls filled with various ingredients, and many more dishes.

If you have the opportunity to stay with a local family or be hosted by someone, it's an excellent chance to explore and taste the cuisine. You can learn the preparation and cooking techniques, as well as the proper way to enjoy the dishes. Take advantage of this enriching experience to dive into Vietnamese culinary culture.

Do you find that your tours contribute to sustainable and responsible tourism in Vietnam?

The term "sustainable and responsible tourism" is increasingly sought after and supported by tourists, and all travel agencies are looking to adapt their trips to make them more sustainable and responsible. This title has become a slogan in the development campaign. Our agency, Vietnam Découverte, is no exception. We always emphasize these criteria and consider them our goal.

One of the criteria for this title, as mentioned by our agency, is agricultural tourism or green tourism. This type of travel is not new, but it remains enriching. In Vietnam, most trips take place in the countryside, mountains, and by the sea. With the local people, we organize many immersive activities for our clients: working in the fields, harvesting fruits on the mountainsides, taking care of livestock, or participating in fabric weaving.

By choosing this type of travel, visitors seek a rustic and peaceful place while getting to know nature, people, and culture in a friendly way. Sustainable and responsible travel brings us physical and mental benefits. Contact with the locals and sharing experiences with them leave us with unforgettable memories.