A member of Hanoikids with foreign visitors in Hà Nội. — Photo hanoikids.org

HÀ NỘI — The friendliness of Hà Nội’s people is often felt in small, genuine encounters rather than grand gestures.

For many international visitors, one of the clearest expressions of this spirit comes from a group of student volunteers who guide strangers as if they were friends.

A recent survey by UK-based platform MoneySuperMarket named the capital as the world's second friendliest city for customer service with 58.6 per cent reviews highlighting friendly staff and service.

Through conversations, shared meals and the exchange of personal stories, members of the Hanoikids Voluntary English Tour Guiding Club offer more than just tours - they offer a glimpse into the warmth and openness that define everyday life in the Vietnamese capital.

Founded in 2006, Hanoikids has become a familiar name among students passionate about foreign languages in Hà Nội.

But beyond its role as a volunteer tour group, the club represents a distinctive way of telling the city’s story. Instead of relying on scripted introductions, its members bring Hà Nội to life through their own perspectives, making history and culture feel more personal and accessible.

At the heart of every Hanoikids tour is interaction. The student guides do not simply introduce landmarks; they create space for genuine dialogue, often asking visitors about their lives while sharing their own experiences. This two-way exchange reflects a defining trait of Hanoians - their openness and natural friendliness.

A tour of Museum of Ethnology with Hanoikids. — Photo hanoikids.org

Bùi Hà Phương, President of Hanoikids, said: “Our members not only provide information about tourist sites, but more importantly, we create genuine conversations between friends. Through that, visitors can experience Hà Nội’s history and culture from the perspective of young locals.”

Over nearly two decades, Hanoikids has conducted more than 22,000 tours with international visitors. Its credibility is reflected not only in its long track record, but also in international recognition. In 2025, the club received the 'Travellers’ Choice' award, backed by more than 2,800 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor - highlighting the consistent quality of experiences it provides.

One reviewer, John H. from Nambucca Heads, Australia, who has visited Hà Nội four times, shared his experience with Hanoikids:

He wrote: “On each occasion we have been guests of Hanoikids. The student guides are excellent and it is a real two-way interaction as they take an interest in where you're from, your work history and family life.”

He also highlighted the appeal of the club’s food tours: “We have been to well-hidden places down alleys… often you are the only foreigner there, and the locals love it.” Concluding his review, he recommended: “If you are going to Hà Nội, make use of Hanoikids - it is a two-way experience.”

Such reflections point not only to the knowledge of the guides, but also to the welcoming atmosphere that visitors encounter throughout the city.

Founded in 2006, Hanoikids has become a familiar name among students passionate about foreign languages in Hà Nội. — Photo hanoikids.org

Behind each tour is careful preparation. Members are equipped with well-researched knowledge about Hà Nội’s history and culture, supported by English-language materials to ensure both accuracy and clarity.

Yet what leaves the strongest impression is not just what they know, but how they engage - with sincerity, curiosity, and a genuine willingness to connect.

Within the club, members often share a slogan: 'Live once, Kid twice'. The phrase captures the spirit of Hanoikids - being part of the club offers a second way of living. Volunteers not only experience their own lives in Hà Nội, but also gain insight into the world through the stories of their international guests. Many of these encounters extend beyond the tours, with visitors staying in touch for years, exchanging emails and building lasting friendships.

For the students, becoming 'young ambassadors' of Hà Nội is both a source of pride and a defining part of their youth. Each tour is an opportunity not only to introduce the city, but also to represent its people - friendly, open, and eager to connect.

More than just a volunteer club, Hanoikids offers a glimpse into what makes Hà Nội memorable - not only its places, but its people. In the end, it is this everyday friendliness, quietly expressed, that stays with visitors long after they leave. — VNS