On December 10th, 2024, Hanoikids delivered what looked like an usual Old Quarter city tour – one that it had been doing everyday for nearly 20 years. This one was not a typical tour though; it featured 23 students and teachers from Kansai University Hokuyo High School – made possible by the partnership between GPA and Hanoikids – taking on an unforgettable adventure through the lively streets of Hanoi. What could be more exciting than the vibrant energy of Japanese students and teachers – accompanied by the enthusiastic travel-mates from Hanoikids? It’s a magical experience—a Tuesday afternoon that will last long in their memories!
Endless Memories created by our Kids
Coordinating such a large group presented a lot of challenges, but they only fueled the enthusiasm of the Hanoikids team, known as the “Kids.” Behind the scenes, Ermin and Tép, two dedicated staff members of the Tour Operation Department, ensured that everything went off without a hitch. Meanwhile, a team of eight Kids—Quagmire, Bí, Ylang Ylang, Misa, Mocha, Pikachi, Nora, and Jejin—joined forces to guide the wonderful visitors through the charming streets of Hanoi.
As a result, there was an abundance of positive feedback from the Kansai University Hokuyo High School students and teachers and GPA staff, all of whom left with smiles on their faces long after the conclusion of the tour.
Discovering the Wonders of Hanoi
The group of teachers and students immersed themselves in the captivating sights and rich culture of Hanoi as they explored various landmarks in the Old Quarter, including:
- LÝ THÁI TỔ MONUMENT STATUE: A statue honoring the inaugural king of the Lý dynasty, recognized for relocating the capital to the present-day Hanoi.
- HOÀN KIẾM LAKE: An iconic freshwater lake associated with a 14th-century legend involving Lê Lợi, the first emperor of the Hậu Lê dynasty.
- MÃ MÂY ANCIENT HOUSE: A 19th-century house that showcases traditional architecture in the Old Quarter, providing insights into the past lifestyles and customs of the Vietnamese people.
- OLD QUARTER’S CULTURAL EXCHANGE CENTER (50 Đào Duy Từ): An exhibition dedicated to the history and culture of the Old Quarter.
- THE ART AND CULTURE CENTRE (22 Hàng Buồm): A Vietnamese-Chinese cross-cultural exhibition center, formerly known as the Cantonese Assembly Hall (Hội Quán Quảng Đông).
Every stop was a celebration of Vietnam’s cultural richness, leaving their Japanese guests both satisfied and inspired! 🌟
Growing Together Through Experience
For Hanoikids, this tour was more than just a fun outing; it was a chance for growth. Successfully managing such a large and dynamic group provided valuable lessons for the team, enhancing their collaboration and quick problem-solving skills.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Ermin and Tép for managing the tour, and to the amazing Eight —Quagmire, Bí, Ylang Ylang, Misa, Mocha, Pikachi, Nora, and Jejin—for their hard work and dedication throughout that afternoon. Their enthusiasm truly made this tour a standout event. A big shout out also goes to the Leadership Board for their unwavering support behind the scenes!
My favourite moment is…
One of the travel-mates, Ylang Ylang, shared her excitement about the Japanese students attempting to learn Vietnamese during the tour: “These kids are so charming, cheerful, and friendly. They even practiced pronouncing some Vietnamese names, which helped us keep our energy high throughout the tour.”
She encapsulated beautifully into words the feel of that warm evening when the cultural exchange of a sort just melted everybody into the gathering.
Recommended by GPA – Pioneering and Leading Education Centre in Vietnam
At the end of this trip, we got the pleasure to receive the letter of recommendation from the prestigious GPA English Education. Check out the LOR here.
Let the adventure be yours!
If this story has inspired you and you want to experience the magic of Hanoi with Hanoikids, don’t hesitate! Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a large group, the Kids are eager to show you the best of Hanoi with their unique charm and professionalism.
👉 Book your tour now on Hanoikids’ official website and let the adventure begin!
Authored by Ermin & Tép – F23 Staff @ Tour Operation Department