Q)        How did you begin your journey as a tour guide?

From an early age, I liked to talk to foreign travellers to improve my English. After moving to Yangon from Kawthaung in 2007 for higher education, I had many chances to meet travellers and have conversations in English in famous places such as the Shwedagon Pagoda. At this time, I could communicate properly in English so I went to Yangon University of Foreign Languages to learn another language - Russian. Since then, I stopped dreaming of becoming a tour guide and started to make it happen, with the support of my teachers. I tried to improve both Russian and English at the same time and also studied to get the No. 40 Guide License from the Ministry of Tourism. Fortunately, when I graduated tourism was booming in Myanmar and there was high demand for tour guides. I was very lucky to have the opportunity to work with ASIA DMC, one of the leading destination management companies in Southeast Asia.

Q)        What keeps you motivated, and what is the most rewarding part of your job?

Without good support from the operations team, I wouldn’t be able to do my best and I think I would have less motivation. I know that I am the one who works directly with customers, but making a great tour requires teamwork. I feel that, at ASIA DMC, I am guaranteed respect, care, fun, human values and also money. Working closely with other teams who have the same purpose - to provide our customers with the best experiences - makes me feel happy and part of one big family.

Q)        What tips would you give to anyone visiting Myanmar who wants to avoid the tourist crowds but also enjoy the best of the destination?

I have the advantage of being a local, so I have my own tips to avoid crowds in each place without spoiling the flow of the trip. Take the Shwedagon Pagoda for example; normally the south entrance is crowded with tourists during high season, so I often take my clients through the east entrance which is commonly used by locals. We can still enjoy the best of the destination and even have the opportunity to experience more local encounters and discover how Burmese people nurture their beliefs.

Q)        In your opinion what does it take to make the tour standout?

In my opinion, a great tour is when the services we provide go above and beyond our customers’ expectations, to ensure that they have incredible experiences and good memories that won’t be forgotten.

Q)        Finally, what makes a great tour guide?

Being a great tour guide means going the extra mile. Great tour guides aren’t just the most knowledgeable or the most entertaining; they do special and unexpected things almost by instinct. The most memorable tour guides are the ones who obviously love their jobs, so their personalities always shine through. Great guides know how to use their strengths and knowledge to make sure their guests have the most amazing tour possible.