Do you want someone that actually knows your destinations to guide you for free? Don’t you hate being ripped off by street vendors in Vietnam? Do you want to explore hidden locations and try out cheap, tasty food that even the locals have no idea about? If you answer yes to any of these questions, than you might want to ask a local student to be your guide during your time in town.
University students are amazing sources of tour guide for foreigners.
So why students? Why not others? Why not someone matured and experienced? Well, 85% Vietnamese age from 15-22 can communicate using English to some extent, at least well enough to give you direction around town. This percentage is even better in big cities, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang. Ortherwise, 50% adults in Vietnam are incapable of speaking English, those who can would not be willing to help or just expect something in return. That results in traveling services, which only makes sense if tourists choose to travel in large groups. For backpackers, that would go against everything they set out to do. What makes these young people exceptionally special is that they are willing to help because they enjoy it. Just meeting foreigners alone is a great opportunity for young people to improve their language skills as well as a chance to go out on the town along with the sense of doing something helpful.
Should you be backpacking in Vietnam, expect a tough time. You do not have to be rich to travel, but that also means you cannot afford to be ripped off. If you just happen to be Caucasian, or African, or even Chinese, paying the same as the locals only occurs in places like supermarkets. If something does not come with a price tag, you will be asked to pay for more than normally. I have personally experienced this myself when I, along with a friend, pretended to be Chinese and went shopping in street vendors. I simply looked at some fruits, the vendor said something mean about the country, and then suggested a price that is too ridiculous to even mention. Bargaining is a skill to have while traveling, but having a local that can do it for you is even better.
Students will know the town that they live and study in, better than those who work in it, that includes food, accommodations, transportation, entertainment, etc.
Vietnamese food is very distinct, and can be the highlight of a visit.
Food is the most popular topic in every young people’s talkings. The thing about teenagers and food is that, they know where to get the best exotic dishes for the best of price. After all, they are only students, and that is what you expect when you do not have enough money to go to 5-star restaurants. These places are usually food stalls or shacks, often located near high schools and universities. And when I say exotic, I mean these dishes are trends among young people, which means adults have little idea about them. I am sure you have heard of Pho, Bun cha, Spring roll… But I am certain that things like Stuffed Pizzas, Sticky Rice Ice Cream or Fried Sticky Rice might not be on the advertisement that you read. Luckily, some young people could introduce these to you so you will not miss out on the real goodies.
Most students use bus as their main form of transportation, therefore they can give you guides around the town without having to take a taxi or walk distances. Bus routes in some cities might be to complicated to grasp or just simply too disturbing to look at. Yet somehow university students know them like the back of their hands.
College life is all about entertainment. Young people these days enjoy blockbuster movies to partying all night in bars and clubs. Vietnam is a country full of entertainment activities. If you are a fan of having fun, if you want a life of a party, having these guys around can make your visit a rocking experience.