I used to travel to many places, take photos, check in and share like other people. When I was informed that I had officially become a Local Guide, I was really excited because I was able to share my experiences and beautiful photos. I also have a habit of using Phone or Camera to capture the best moments at that destinations.
As a traveller, I find that people often get lost in a new city and they may not know which restaurants are crowded, where to play, where to take photos, some even get lost in the city of them, so I think it would be better to have previous Contributions and Guides from other Local Guides, which will save them time and help them have a better experience.
That’s why I always want to inspire people about a culture of sharing and contributing to the community, especially like Local Guides program, if we rewrite our trips, review and tell our own stories, it can make the experience of a latecomer better and more valuable, and more people are inspired to experience.
1. Ha Long Bay
Have you ever been in the most beautiful bay in the world? This place is absolutely beautiful, with good water quality, bright sunshine and breathtaking mountains. The picture I took when I saw sunlight streaming through the clouds to the mountains and the sea.
When I stood on the boat and took this photo, I found the atmosphere really great and understood why people in all around the world love to come to Ha Long. I shared that on Google Maps when I wanted to share the Emotions I had when I took it.
Me and my team on the ship on Halong Bay, the place make it ideal for taking beautiful shoots.
2. Pattaya - Bangkok - Thailand
When arriving at a new location, the excitement will increase if we have a good initial experience. And for a good initial experience, the suggestions from experienced people are very important, that’s what I had when I come to Thailand.
I see lots of photos and reviews from other local guides here, which helps me a lot, especially for people from other countries like me, I can’t speak Thai and there are very little English speakers there, I share my Google Maps photos to help people after I have better trips.
This is part of ChinaTown, a food street, I found “Mango Sticky Rice” on Google Maps so delicious, this is the image I uploaded.
3. Hanoi
A must-stop on the journey to Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake, the Icon of the capital city. For a visitor, they usually go to 5-6 places in 1 day, so the “Maps” for them is really important. Coming to Hoan Kiem Lake, visitors can understand the history and beauty of Hanoi, listen to the legend of the turtle, that could help them love this country more and tell this story to their friends.
This is one of my best picture of Hoan Kiem Lake, I added this to the Map because I thought it would help searchers have a beautiful view of Hanoi like me.
4. Da Nang
We spent the first day in Danang city and then we decided to visit Hoian - one of the most famous ancient city in Vietnam on the second day. At first, it was quite hard for us to find a way to Hoian because we travelled by motorbike without instruction. After that, I realized that why we did not utilize Google Maps, perhaps it could help us. Surprisingly, it turned out to be very easy to use and time-saving for us.
It was the first time we rent a motorbike and find our own way through Google Maps in a strange city, it helped us have a really special feeling.
For me, becoming a Local Guild is an extremely interesting thing in life, I like to save my beautiful memories, share my own experiences and help others find useful information. To be able to do something I like and that can help a lot of people is a great thing in life.
I believe the Local Guides’ sharing will inspire much more people to continue exploring, continuing to experience, helping them get out of their comfort zone and seeing the world with a better perspective.
