English for tour guides

Preface

English for Tourism is an elementary course in English for specific purpose for high school
students. The course is composed of listening, speaking, and reading skill practices to prepare
the students to be tour guides.

I would like to express sincere thanks and appreciation to the websites who own the texts
and information appearing in this document. I also wish to express my gratitude and appreciation
to my colleagues for their encouragement.

(Mr.sonjai viboonkij)

Director the secondary educationl service area office 16

Table of contents

Nouns 2
Adjectives 12
Useful Phrases for Tourist 17
Tour Guides 25
Tourist Attractions in Sadao 35

English for Tour Guides

Being a tour guide is a very important job. In many cases, the tour guide is a traveler’s
first impression of a foreign country. In other cases a tour guide may be responsible for teaching
tourists about the culture and sites in a city or town. In addition, many tour guides hold the
responsibility of teaching tourists about safety. Even if you are only responsible for taking a tourist
from the airport to his or her hotel, it is your responsibility to make the short trip interesting,
informative, and safe. The following pages will help you learn some important vocabulary and
phrases that you can use with your English-speaking tourists. Check your understanding as you go.

English for tour guides 1

English Vocabulary for
Tour Guides

Nouns word a activities
meaning a things to do
example sentence a There are lots of

activities that the whole family will enjoy.

word a architecture
meaning a design of a building
example sentence a The architecture

of this building is typical of the Renaissance age.

tpmvewhrixesooeiiaftrreamtasdhnsretipi.onaalnergatl gpsaaaarelitlnnegtriptanylelgalwesncrehacenteordeldolaoroackwalaiWntpgaesinatreersgoeixnhgibtoit
word a attractions
meaning a places for tourists to see
example sentence a The water park

is our most recent attraction..

wmeoardninag bearings for understanding
a feeling
teornoxeua’bsmlelopgcealetttiionnsg/eysunorutrroebunnecadrieninggsasinjuaIsnft unknown area
that the mountains are west. you’re having
remember

2 English for tour guides

mwoeradninag business district that has
many offices a area in a city

tehxisaims thpelebussineensstednisctreict a Keep in mind that
so that grocery
store may be expensive.

mwoeradninag caastlae building for

terhoxiysaaclmtaysptlelesinscee nthteelansct keingadieNdotwoennetyhayselairvsed in

ago.

word a church
meaning a a place to worship

God

example sentence a The church is the

central meeting place in this town.

wmeoardninag bearings conveniences
easier a things that make life

aelxl oafmyopulrecosnveenntieennccese, fraom There you will find
suntan lotion
to shampoo.

word a custom
meaning a something people of

a region do often

example sentence a It’s a custom to

hang beads in the windows at this time of year.

English for tour guides 3

word a en route
meaning a on the way
example sentence a While we are

en route to the hotel I will point out the beach and
the golf course

mwoeradninag entertainment district
a a place where there
earxeathmeaptrlees asndecnotnecenrct heallas If you want to catch
eanmteorvtiaeinwmhielnetydoius’trreichteirse,otfhfeto
mweoardninag exception that your left.
a something/
someone
edofoxeJasomhnonptsofloenllSostwreetnehtet,euitnsiuscaselarfuealetos owWraeiltkxhpatehrcoetuaentxidcoenhpsetiroen
at night.

word a exhibition
meaning a objects (i.e. art)
displayed for a short time for the public to view
example sentence a It may be tough to find
wmoeradninag
parking with the car exhibition on this week

groce ry store/ supermarket
a place to buy food to
teaxkeahmompele sentence a Since you have
a kitchenette at your hotel you will need to know
where the grocery store is.

word a highlight
meaning a the best part
example sentence a People often say

that the highlight of their trip is the botanical
gardens.

4 English for tour guides

word a legend
meaning a a person or story

known for a long time

example sentence a According to an

old legend, a sea monster lives in this lake.

word a lobby
meaning a front entrance
example sentence a We will meet in

the lobby at 8 am sharp.

word a locals
meaning a people who live in an

area

example sentence a The locals are

usually happy to show tourists around.

mcewbaexnsoeatbrabmedencfpioanaluuegnsedsylaooecuandtptiooleannnc’tecnweehedearteosboTomhtheisethrloirnceganttiinogn is the

a car.

word a map
meaning a shows roads and

directions to places

example sentence a I’ll give you each

a map so you can follow along as we walk..

word a market
meaning a place to buy fresh

food and homemade items

example sentence a Every Sunday there

is a farmer’s market on Wade Street.

English for tour guides 5

mwoeradninag monument structure that
a a statue/
ehoxnaomurspalneevseentnotrepnercseon a This monument
honours the men and women who died during
the war.

mwoeradninag museum where historical
a a place
ietexmasmarpeldeispslaeynedtence a The museum
charges a small fee for adults, but children are
free.
mweoardninag necessities people need
a things that
feoxraevmerpyldeayslievnintgence a We recommend
that you only carry necessities in your purse and
leave everything else at the hotel.

word a original state
meaning a the way something
appeared from the beginning
example sentence a Except for the roof,
mwoeradninag
this home has been left in its original state.

photograph taken with
a picture
teaacxkaeampmehroaptolegrasphesnhteeren, bcuet yoau caYnopuurmchaaysneot
a postcard.

ohtmeowonafxusetoerhaimsraseimtdadsbnenespyi(aeunauelgse)tgurietfahualplsatlayotswescaotananuctnavaeoterrbbcefndajeaeirnlrmcdlstsc,wa.osierilutephcdlhaaawcapeisitchtTphtouoahurtseettcgaonainfrtednsshvoelpope

6 English for tour guides

wmoeradninag questions or concerns may
a things that tourists
wemxaisnastemtdoptshaleeyrousrnaewsnkatyebneccaeuseait wTashesupclhanaebaaldmost
storm.
amewasxrkoeeaeqradmudnfeopisrntalpegthoalisrtateeyeqloynuusteotsehmtrnoecwtheianlglaothf ayTtohhuaersdgbraiervbeenargheaisnmade
the bin at the front on your way out.

hemwmarexaeaeonadmarymtdnaopnilptynahalcgemeesroeatrsroseeteseeantaaupatttareuraerrtinnaeotsnfcdttaeoidstctiosrhawtiorcnoitc/.stYceioftyruowmwiitwlhl hseeen there
we

word a ritual
meaning a tradition, custom, action
(religious or cultural) that people do often
example sentence a It is an old native
ritual to dance during the sunrise.

word a scenery
meaning a natural beauty to look at
example sentence a It is impossible to

capture the beauty of this scenery in pictures.

word a settlers
meaning a people who first made

a home in an area

example sentence a The original

settlers relied on oxen to carry their wares.

English for tour guides 7

wmoeradninag shopping district
a area of town where
tehxeraemarpe lmeansyesntotreesnce a You may want to
save some spending money because we’ll be visiting
the shopping district this afternoon.

wmoeradninag site place, location are
a
ethxeaatrmespalned csoencnetrtehnacllse a This is the site of
a very famous battle.

word a stairway/ stairwell
meaning a steps going up or down
example sentence a The stairwell

is very steep, so please watch your step.

word a street people
meaning a people who live on the
street, often begging for money
example sentence a You may be surprised
wmoeradninag
how many street people ask you for money.

aerxouanmd ypolue surroundings you see
a things that
the castle and
secret garden istsesnurtreonuncdeingas, iInchloupdeinygoutheenjoy

word a voice
meaning a the sound you make

when speaking

example sentence a I apologize for my

voice today as I have a bit of a cold.

8 English for tour guides

wmoeradninag voucher of paper that
a a piece
beshrxionawgmsyyopoulurevhoasuveechnpeatriedfnorcaefreae coDffoene’itnfothrgeehtottoel
lobby.
pwemowlcxaeeoentaaeratnmyrd,nforlpiaofnkalnleeigtv,.eoswareenarittnveeeprtrtrifeaerinconenmcoteefnltaadnodwnTnehxaettrtetohweanill be

word a window
meaning a glass that you look out
example sentence a We can peer in

the window but I think they are probably closed
for the day.

word a arrive
meaning a reach a destination
example sentence a I am glad to see

you all arrived safely.

word a close
meaning a to finish
example sentence a We will close the

tour with a view of the city at sunset.

word a continue on
meaning a keep going
example sentence a If you’re all

finished looking here, we will continue on with
the tour.

English for tour guides 9

word a depart
meaning a leave
example sentence a The last ferry

departs at 4pm, so make sure you don’t miss it.

word a enjoy
meaning a have a good experience
example sentence a I have enjoyed

meeting all of you today.

word a expect
meaning a think that something

will be / happen a certain way

example sentence a You probably

weren’t expecting to see snow.

word a permit
meaning a allow

example sentence a You are permitted to

have a beverage on the bus, but please do not eat
any food.

word a proceed
meaning a go forward
example sentence a Please proceed

all the way to the back of the bus.

word a raise (a hand)
meaning a lift
example sentence a If you have any

questions during the tour, please raise your hand.

10 English for tour guides

word a recommend
meaning a suggest
example sentence a We recommend

that you only keep a small amount of cash in your
wallet.

word a refer
meaning a suggest
example sentence a I will gladly refer

you to my favourite restaurants, if you are
interested.

word a relax
meaning a sit back and enjoy time

in peace

example sentence a Tomorrow you will

have a day to just relax on the beach.

word a show someone around
meaning a take people to see

an area

example sentence a When we get to the

museum someone else will show us around.

word a sit back
meaning a relax in a seated position
example sentence a Please sit back

and enjoy the bus tour.

word a speak up
meaning a talk louder
example sentence a If you need me to

speak up or slow down, please let me know.

English for tour guides 11

Adjectives word a show someone around
meaning a take people to see
an area
example sentence a When we get to the
museum someone else will show us around.
word a sit back
meaning a relax in a seated
position
example sentence a relax in a seated
position
word a speak up
meaning a talk louder
example sentence a If you need me
to speak up or slow down, please let me know.
word a ancient
meaning a very old
example sentence a The ancient village
has been left untouched.

word a beautiful/gorgeous
meaning a very nice looking
example sentence a You will find

beautiful homemade jeweler in that shop.

word a breathtaking
meaning a when a view is very

impressive

example sentence a Under the starlight

the waterfall is simply breathtaking.

12 English for tour guides

word a customary
meaning a traditional
example sentence a It is customary to

shake hands and bow as you enter.

word a dangerous
meaning a not safe
example sentence a It is dangerous to

accept a ride from a local.

word a devastating
meaning a very sad, unfortunate
example sentence a The tsunami was

devastating for local hotels.

word a elegant
meaning a attractive, yet simple
example sentence a There is an

elegant dining room for guests to eat in.

word a enormous
meaning a very large
example sentence a This enormous

sculpture stands one-hundred feet high.

word a exciting
meaning a makes one feel very

happy/ energetic

example sentence a It’s so exciting to

see new places, isn’t it?

English for tour guides 13

word a extensive
meaning a covers a lot
example sentence a This house has an

extensive history, and you can read more in the
brochures.

word a fascinating
meaning a very interesting to learn
about/ see
example sentence a It is fascinating to
know how people lived back then.
wmoeradninag haunted
a believed to have
tgeohxobasetmshalipuvnilnetgedthsaenerdenntoeonnecheas alivedThine ihtofuosrefiifstysaid
years or more.

word a heritage
meaning a of historical importance

example sentence a The government

named this school as a heritage site last year.

word a international
meaning a around the world
example sentence a Every year it is

an international celebration, with people coming
from as far away as Africa.

word a lovely
meaning a very nice

(appearance or personality)

example sentence a This is a lovely

place to sit and watch the local birds.

14 English for tour guides

word a magnificent
meaning a amazing
example sentence a This part of town

is known for its magnificent wall murals.

word a popular
meaning a liked by man
example sentence a June is the most

popular time for tourists to come here.

word a prevalent
meaning a very noticeable
example sentence a Crime is prevalent

in the old parts of town.

word a reconstructed
meaning a built again
example sentence a The village was

reconstructed after the major fire in 1910

word a restored
meaning a returned to its original

state

example sentence a All of the antique

furniture has been professionally restored.

word a safe
meaning a not dangerous
example sentence a The water is safe

to drink here.

English for tour guides 15

word a scenic
meaning a nice to look at (nature)
example sentence a We will go up to

the balcony for a scenic view of the grounds.

word a superb
meaning a very good (i.e. service,

food, entertainment)

example sentence a The children put

on a superb concert at Christmas time.

word a thrilling
meaning a exciting
example sentence a Cliff jumping

is a thrilling experience for those of you who
aren’t afraid of heights.

word a unbelievable
meaning a too amazing/ strange to

seem true

example sentence a It is unbelievable

what some of these street entertainers can do.

word a visible
meaning a able to be seen
example sentence a The top of the

tower may not be visible because of the fog.

16 English for tour guides

Useful Phrases
for

Tourist

English for tour guides 17

At the Airport

What you say

1. Where’s the check-in desk, please?
2. Which terminal does the plane leave from?
3. Do you know which gate the plane is leaving from?
4. Where’s boarding gate 34, please?
5. Can I have a window seat, please?
6. Where’s the security check-in area?

What you hear

1. Can I see your passport, please?
2. Did you pack the bags yourself?
3. Your plane is delayed forty-five minutes.
4. Would you like a window seat or an aisle seat?
5. Here’s your boarding card.
6. You’ll be boarding at gate number 34.

18 English for tour guides

tMalrkiFnlgeteot itsheatchtheeckai-ripnodrtesckheactkte-nindadnets.k, hoping to board his plane very shortly. He’s

Mr Fleet: Hi.
Attendant: Good morning. May I see your ticket and (1)______________, please?
Mr Fleet: Certainly. Here you are.
Attendant: Would you like a window seat or an (2) ______________ seat?
Mr Fleet: A window seat, please.
Attendant: Could you place your bag on the luggage belt, please?
Mr Fleet: Sure!
Attendant: Did you pack it yourself?
Mr Fleet: Yes.
Attendant: Has anyone interfered with your bag, or asked you to takeanything on board the
(3)___________ ?
Mr Fleet: No.
Attendant: Do you have any firearms, hazardous materials or liquids in your bag?
Mr Fleet: No.
Attendant: Oh, I’m afraid your bag has exceeded the maximum baggageallowance, so you’ll
have to pay the excess (4) ______________
Mr Fleet: Oh, right.
Attendant: If you just go over to that counter over there, you can pay the amount. Then, just
come back here with the receipt and I’ll put your (5) ______________ straight
through.
Mr Fleet: OK. Thanks.[Ten minutes later, he comes back and hands her thereceipt.]
Here you are.
Attendant: Thank you. Here’s your boarding (6) ______________ . Your flight leaves
at 13:34. Boarding will commence at 12:45. The boarding gate hasn’t been
announced yet, but it shouldappear on the flight information (7) ______________
in about half an hour. The security check-in area is just over there. Have a nice
flight!
Mr Fleet: Thanks.

English for tour guides 19

Hotel

Useful phrases

May I help you, sir/ma’am? / How may I help you? / Can I help you?
How much are your rooms? / What are your rates? / How much for a room?
I’d like to make a reservation. / I’d like to book a room.
Do you offer airport pick-up?
Example dialogue:
Receptionist: Good afternoon. Thank you for calling The Beach Hotel. My name is Wanwisa.
How may I help you?
Caller: Yes, hi. Could you tell me how much your rooms are?
Receptionist: Our basic/standard rooms start at 500 baht per night.
Caller: Great. I’d like to make a reservation for a room for tomorrow night, please.
Receptionist: Would you like a double or single room?
Caller: Double, please. There will be two of us. And I’d like a non-smoking room.
Receptionist: Certainly. How long will you be staying with us, sir?
Caller: For three nights.
Receptionist: What name shall I put the reservation under?
Caller: John Smith.
Receptionist: Can you spell your last name, please?
Caller: S-M-I-T-H
Receptionist: Thank you. And how would you like to pay?
Caller: Cash, on arrival.
Receptionist: Certainly, sir. Will there be anything else?
Caller: No, that’s it. Thank you.
Receptionist: You’re welcome. Have a great day.

CUsheefcuklipnhgrians/esChecking out

I’d like to check-in, please. / I’d like to check out, please.
How would you like to pay? / How will you be paying, sir?
I’d like to pay by cash/credit card/check.

20 English for tour guides

Example dialogue: Checking in

Receptionist: Good evening, sir. How may I help you?
Guest: My name is John Smith. I have a reservation for tonight.
Receptionist: One moment, please. May I see your passport/ID?
Guest: Here you are.
Receptionist: Mr. Smith, we have you down for a nonsmoking, double room for 3 nights.
Guest: Yes.
Receptionist: That’ll be 1,500 baht altogether, please.
Guest: Here you go.
Receptionist: Thank you. Here is your key card. Please take the elevator to the 6th floor to room
number 614. Have a pleasant stay.
Guest: Thanks.

Checking out

Receptionist: Good morning, sir/ma’am. Can I help you?
Guest: I’d like to check-out.
Receptionist: May I have your room key, please?
Guest: Yes.
Receptionist: One moment, please…. How was your stay?
Guest: Very relaxing. I loved it.
Receptionist: Great. There’s an additional charge of 250 baht for room service.
Guest: Here you are.
Receptionist: Here’s your receipt. Please come back and see us soon

English for tour guides 21

Direction

Useful hints on asking and giving directions
Can you please tell me how do I can get to Old Town Street?
Where is the nearest supermarket?
How can I get to the local market?
I’m trying get to Downing Street.
How do I get to the office?
What’s the best way to get to your house next?
Where is Mc Donalds can you tell me please?
How to give directions to somebody else

Go straight on till you see the hospital then turn left.
Turn back, you have gone past the turning.
Turn left when you see a roundabout.
Turn right at the end of the road and my house is number 67.
Cross the junction and keep going for about 1 mile.
Take the third road on the right and you will see the office on the right.
Take the third road on the right and you will see the shop on the left.
Take the second road on the left and you will see the house on the left.
Take the second road on the left and you will see the hospital straight ahead.
The hospital is opposite the railway station.
The shop is near the hospital.
The house is next to the local market.
The shop is in between the chemist and KFC.
At the end of the road you will see a roundabout.

22 English for tour guides

Conversation on asking for directions

William: Excuse me, I am sorry to trouble you, but could you tell me how I can get to
Central Festival Hatyai?
Kate: Yes no problem, it’s that way. Keeping walking straight ahead then turn left. It’s
across Makro. You cannot miss it!
William: Thank you so much! I have only been in Hatyai for 2 days, so I don’t know
how to get anywhere yet.
Kate: Oh, I know that feeling. I just moved here 6 months ago, and I still don’t know
how to find certain places!
William: So just to double check Keep walking straight ahead, then I have to turn left then
it’s across Makro. Is that correct?
Kate: Yes, that is correct.
William: Well thanks for helping me. I must go now.
Kate: OK, bye

English for tour guides 23

24 English for tour guides

Tour
Guides

Answering Questions - English for Tour Guides

As a tour guide you will face new challenges every day. One of the hardest parts of your
job may be answering questions. Unlike a speech that you can memorize, you won’t always
know what questions people will ask. However, you can anticipate certain types of questions and
certain ways that questions will be asked. You should also learn how to use variety when you
answer questions or respond to comments. You may lose interest in your job if you say the same
thing each time. Finally, it is important to know how to politely explain that you don’t understand
a question.

Tour Guide

Do you have a question, Sir?
Yes? (if you see a hand raised)
Is there something I can help you with?
I’ll try my best to answer your questions.
I’m afraid I don’t have the answer to that. (Sorry I don’t know.)
That’s an interesting question.
I wish I knew the answer. (Sorry, I don’t know.)
Hmm.That’s a tough (difficult) question.
I’ll have to look into that further.
I’ll have to ask someone about that.
Hmm. I’ve never been asked that before.
Pardon my English; I don’t quite understand your question.
I’m not sure, but I can find out for you.

Tourist

Where is the ______ from here?
How long has _______ been here?
Where are we headed (going) now?
What time does _______ stay open until?
What else is there to do here?
Which _________ do you recommend?
Are we allowed to take pictures?
What’s that over there? (tourist points)

26 English for tour guides

Where’s the best place to buy _______?
My son wants to know if _________? (parent asking a question for shy child)
Do you know where the nearest washroom is?
Could you tell us where the nearest bank is?
You don’t happen to have a first-aid kit, do you?

Sample Conversation

Guide: If you have any questions while we’re going along, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Man: I have a question actually.
Guide: Sure, what’s that?
Man: Where’s the best place to have dinner around here?
Guide: Well, that’s a tough question. There are so many good restaurants. My personal favorite
is Spaghetti Alley.
Man: How do we get there?
Guide: I’ll point it out when we pass it. It’s going to come up on your right in a few minutes.
Woman: My daughter wants to know if we’re going to be be passing any castles today?
Guide: Castles. No I’m afraid all of the castles are further into the city. We’re going to be
staying near the coast today. I can give you a map of the city, though. It shows where
all of the castles are.
Man: Sorry, I have another question.
Guide: No problem. That’s what I’m here for.
Man: Are we allowed to take pictures once we get inside the museum?
Guide: Oh, I’m glad you asked that. I forgot to mention that taking photographs inside the art
gallery and the museum is prohibited. However, you can take pictures of the grounds
and the outside of the buildings. The architecture is beautiful.
Woman: Oh, and what time will we be stopping for lunch?
Guide: We’ll break around noon and meet back at the bus at 12:45 sharp.

English for tour guides 27

Explaining Safeftoyr, RTuoluers aGnudidEetsiquette - English

When giving a tour there may be rules and safety precautions that you need to explain. It is
best if you memorize a speech rather than read from a card. People will pay more attention to you and
understand you more clearly if you look into their eyes as you speak. After you have explained the rules
and safety precautions make sure that guests have understood you, by asking, “Are there any questions
about this?” or “Is everyone clear on the rules?”. Also, tourists will appreciate any helpful advice you
can give them, such as where to exchange their money, what types of transportation to use, and how
to obey the traffic rules. Finally, if there are any customs or matters of etiquette that you think tourists
should be aware of, this is a good time to let them know.

TouEr xGpuliadeining rules

You are strictly forbidden from taking photographs inside the museum.
Please stay on the marked path.
I’m sure this goes unsaid, but remember to place all trash in the garbage bins.
Please pay attention to the time. We don’t want to keep the driver waiting.
Classes are in session, so we need to keep our voices down.
The bus will be leaving at 5:00 pm. sharp.
You’ll have some free time to look around after lunch.
Please meet back here in one hour.

28 English for tour guides

TouErxGpulaidineing safety

Please keep your seltbelts fastened at all times.
I ask that you keep your hands inside the train.
As a safety precaution, please stand behind the yellow line.
For your own safety, we ask that you refrain from putting your arms out the window.
Please do not feed the animals.
Please remain seated until we come to a full stop.
Please stay with your group at all times.
Please keep to the sidewalk.
I do not recommend swimming here. The water is very rough.
We suggest only carrying small amounts of cash.
These rules are for your own comfort and safety.

TouErxGpulaidineing etiquette and customs

It is customary in our country to tip the friendly bus driver.
In this region we bow rather than shake hands during a first meeting.
Though the all-inclusive includes tips for the servers, it does not include tips for the
bellboy.
To indicate that you want to get on or off the bus simply wave your hand at the driver.

English for tour guides 29

Showing PlacTesooufrIGntueirdeesst - English for

Silence can be uncomfortable during a tour. While you can’t talk the whole time, you should
try to know as much about the history, scenery, and culture (in English) for the places where you are
giving tours so that you can keep the tourists interested. If you ever run out of something to say, you
can always point out something such as a landmark or a type of tree or flower. Here are some different
ways you can point out interest points during the tour.

Tour Guide

In front of you is...
On your right/left you will see...
Up ahead...
AOsnwyoeutrulrenftthyeocuowrniellrsheeer.e.., you will see...
In the distance...
If you look up you will notice...
Off to the north...
Look to the east...
To your west...
In a few minutes we’ll be passing...
We are now coming up to...
AYosuyomuawyihllavseeen..o.ticed...
Take a good look at...
I’d like to point out...
Keep your eyes open for...

Tourist Questions

Is that the...you were talking about?
Are we going to pass the...?
Are we going to see any...?
Is it on the right or the left?
I don’t see it. Can you point it out again?
WDiidllIwmeissseeiti?t on the way back?

30 English for tour guides

Sample Conversation

Guide: It’s about a three minute ride up to the top of the mountain. As we pass the two towers the
gondola may sway a little.
Man: This thing is safe, right?
Guide: Yes, you don’t have anything to worry about. We do about 100 trips a day up the mountain,
and these tours have been going on for over ten years without any accidents. Keep your eyes open for
wildlife as we ascend. It isn’t uncommon to see deer and even bears.
Woman: What’s that mountain to the left called?
Guide: That’s Mount Karen. And to the right of that with the three small points is Mount Brown. Now,
if you look up straight ahead, you should be able to see a large eagle’s nest. Does everyone see it there?
Man: Are there any baby birds?
Guide: That’s a good question. I haven’t seen any yet, but we usually see them around this time of year.
Woman: What’s that lake down there, to the right of the green meadow?
Guide: I’m glad you asked. That’s John Lake. It’s actually a man made pond that was built as part of a
conservation effort over twenty years ago. During the 70’s there was a lot of clear cutting of forests in
the area, and much of the wildlife was lost. Since John Lake was built, ducks, swans, and geese have
returned to the area.
Man: Is this the highest mountain in this region?
Guide: No, actually, Mount Heather, which you we will be able to see in just a minute or so has the
highest peak. But, this is the highest mountain for recreational purposes like skiing and guided tours.
Woman: Can you ski throughout the year?
Guide: No, it warms up enough to actually suntan up there in the summer. Oh, look everyone. There
are two deer feeding in the clearing right below us.
Man: Thanks, that should be a great photo. So... what is there to do besides ski at the top of the hill at
this time of year?
Guide: Oh, there’s plenty to do. We have horseback riding, snowmobile tours, and a petting zoo for
children. If you look to your left you’ll see the snowmobile trail going through the mountain.

English for tour guides 31

Sample Tour Guide Speech in English

Listen to a tour guide on a shuttle bus from the airport to the resort. You can listen first, and
then read. After that, test your understanding with the quick check.

Listen & Read

[Welcoming tourists]
Hello everyone. My name is Luca. On behalf of Suntan Tours I’d like to welcome you all to
Los Cabos. The bus ride to your hotel will take about fifteen minutes. Right now I’d like to take a minute
to familiarize you with the area and discuss some brief safety precautions. Firstly, I ask that you remain
seated until we reach our destination and that you not eat or drink while on the bus. Secondly, please
realize that it is against the law to get drunk in public. Enjoy your vacation, but do drink responsibly
and do not drink and drive.
[Describing the location]
I promise you are going to enjoy your stay here in San Jose, Los Cabos. This is a beautiful, quiet
city where you can relax, sit by the beach, enjoy great meals and feel very safe. You can walk into town
and enjoy the fountains or take a moonlit walk along the water. Please do not swim here. This is not
a safe place to swim because there is a strong undertow. Cabos San Lucas is the place to go if you want
to enjoy swimming in the ocean. You can take a short bus ride from your hotel. There you will also
enjoy entertainment and dancing.
[Introducing special events and offers]
Suntan tours offers a variety of special discounts depending on your travel plans. We have golf
packages, as well as guided whale boat tours, and fishing charters. There will be a short information
session at 1 pm. in the lobby of the hotel tomorrow where you can learn all about these offers. We
recommend that you do not purchase packages from street vendors as they are not always 100 percent
reliable. They also may charge you more than what they say. Please take my advice and allow Suntan
tours to book all of your day trips and activities while you are here.

32 English for tour guides

[Offering advice]
If you need to exchange your dollars into pesos, please use a bank or money exchange. We don’t
recommend exchanging your money at the hotel because you won’t get a fair rate. Some restaurants
will accept American or Canadian money, but you are better off to exchange your money and pay with
pesos. Or, if you prefer, you can always use your credit cards. Also, if you want to get around the city,
or travel to Cabos San Lucas, we recommend that you take the local bus rather than a taxi. The bus costs
about one American dollar, and the driver can give you change if you don’t have the exact amount.
If you do decide to take a taxi make sure that you negotiate a price before you go.
[Closing remarks]
We’re going to be pulling up to the hotel in just a few minutes. Please sit back and enjoy the
view of the ocean on the left hand side of the bus as we enter the city. I ask that you remain in your
seats until we have come to a complete stop. Javier will be meeting us at the bus to help you with your
bags. Please double check to make sure your bag has been taken off the bus. On behalf of Suntan Tours,
have a wonderful vacation in San Jose and I hope to see you tomorrow at the information session.

English for tour guides 33

34 English for tour guides

Tourist
Attractions

in Sadao

The Dragon Elephant Temple,
Wat Khao Rup Chang, Songkhla, Thailand

The Dragon Elephant Temple on the Thai-Malaysian border is a large complex, with many
attractions, including Temples, Statues, relief works, murals and a cave system.
1,000 Buddha Temple
The main Temple in the complex is a large building designed after the Mahābodhi Temple in
Bodhgaya, which has Thai folk-style reliefs on the outside walls for the first and second floors, and
Chinese style on the third floor.

The Temple therefore presents a mixture of
Indian, Chinese and Thai styles in it’s various
compositional elements. At the back of the Temple are
the cave complexes, which have a mixture of statues,
and other elements.
There is also another album from this Temple
showing the 84 life size statues of Guan Yin statues
that are positioned around the main Temple.

36 English for tour guides

Thai Folk Reliefs on the First Level
The reliefs in Thai folk style are found on the
first and second levels of the Temple. They feature many
unusual postures, only some of which I managed to
identify certainly. Apparently the founder of the Temple
didn’t like the style, and afterwards ordered the reliefs in
Chinese style found on the third floor. Some of the reliefs
have name boards, but around 1/3 do not.

The Dragon Elephant Temple History

The Dragon Elephant Temple is around 15 km. west of Padang Besar on the Thai-Malaysian
border, in Songkhla. It was founded by one Chinese monk from Singapore who came to the limestone
caves in this area in 1968 (BE 2511), and settled here, with the intention of founding a pure land on earth.
The monk lived in these remote caves for a couple of years, and as there were no houses around
I was told he survived on roots and fruits. He became known as AjahnMengsum, and after some time
a Temple came to be built around him.

He must have become quite famous because he was
appointed as head of the Thai Sangha, Sadao District.
He even seems to have got approval for the Temple to
have a kind of double affiliation, to the Chinese and
Thai Sanghas.

English for tour guides 37

In the 1990s he began building a big Temple, the
design of which is in imitation of the Mahābodhi temple
in Bodhgaya. AjahnMengsum passed away some time
after the main work was completed, around 2010, and
the Temple is now in the capable hands of another
Singaporean monk, PhraAthikan Ho Chee Chandako.
AjahnChandako also seems to have had a remarkable history, as after ordaining he had traveled
widely to many countries, and met many different masters. He was in Taiwan when Ajahn Mengsum
was seeking a successor, and was requested to come and help look after the Temple.
The complex is quite large, with many
caves joined to one another, including the one that
AjahnMengsum stayed in when he first arrived, though
not all the caves are open. The main 1,000 Buddha
Temple is a very large scale work, and it is hard to see
how it could have been built so remotely.
The Temple is on three floors, and inside is decorated in Chinese style, and Chinese rites are
performed every day, attracting people from Malaysia and Singapore, who must be the main supporters
of the Temple.

38 English for tour guides

Hua Thanon Temple, Sadao

Location: ThanonPhetKhasem, Sadao Wat Hua Thanon is located just north of Sadao near Hat Yai
in southern Thailand. You will notice it because of its big
white sitting Buddha image. In front of the large Buddha
you will find a small sculpture garden with some interesting
sculptures.
If you are traveling from the Sadao border crossing at the
Malaysian border to Hat Yai you will pass this temple
complex. It is located on the main road from Sadao to
Hat Yai.

English for tour guides 39

Dannok

Dannok, Sadao is the name of a small town in the Southern Gulf Coast of Southern
Thailand, on the border with Malaysia.
M HusaaetdlaYytoasiiT.bah.TeeThchaaoicentidutmouawmcl tbniegodorrandatetitrohSnieasdMfloaooracmlaattoayelwsdiitnaiaentbsDsu(iatwdnhehnaiiocsskhsBitinuosckwoeinftfmKi1co0aiavykleulmdyHtsicotoaaulmDlteh.adnotnfhoSekaSdjauadsoat toboeIwmfonmraeingtdhraeatbibooonurtdC6eh0regkcamktpeforiinontmto)
cE NrxaoptsirsoeinnsasgTwl. hHMaiysiogwsrhtohwlaiocadnhygcs4rpdoaiwssntshsaiinntchchgee rilbuesunnstgshetseahlblobeftuthwtsheieeeewspntaeySnbiientnotgswuaBelpaaeornnrtgeo,TkMJohokaahilovlaariyanBsdiHaahaaartnnudYdvaTiMaihaKaanliualdaaynlMsadiaLaulusaaemys stphbiuaios’rtsschtrNaoTrosthsrfitarnhiog-lmSa. notduht’ihss
Sadao town is the capital of Sadao district. It is basically a junction town where people heading
to Padang Besar turn off National Highway 4.
btlcs hailodisenrtedbgsfeoienorwrgdfiDnetoyhranseengeatnaarohsrotiebc,gk,homh,htwwohoafsshastsiyigldclyrehemoasfuwzeaosednnfeyatbdthnrylteeidotmpthslbeieehgeonohlpjadpuwlnopesaeuticynssargljlofyui.esnsOowsetivdnbnseeghwbrfooottihhpttrhheees
karaoke bars and nightclubs, with scantily-dressed
bargirls sitting outside.

40 English for tour guides

Get in

By minibus
o ne houIrnaDndanynooukc,avnaansskletoavbeefdroromppinedfroofnftaonfy7w-Ehelereveinn HtoaHt YataYi. aTihveiafaSreadisao55tobwahnt,wahfteenr f1u1llp. mTaykoeus
probably won’t get a ride for less than 100 baht. In Hat Yai, the van leaves from The Plaza, just across

from the TOT offices.
byyo onuoAuuslyrtctehfbtrrueuomarsmelidlnyfrooainvtlrheejBeur,yastthhotletead6asbrkv0oee,pso-t.yfniTroesohumwoeafhttshteoehnivnneeyegmr.oaiWusoltucphonoleratmbnicileeykasoeibnuiotntacuoxoHtiHm6atahyeptemiYYyn.aaabtiihtraintenhsrokgeet
is a minibus at the bus station going south to the border, after
the bus leaves from a totally different place in down town
p3t7hr-apictm1’e0s.atpsrooimnuec.aneardlgtyBha.ieanFhlofatrrs7otm0mm,o-.raineIdfitbiyrfuyofseuterhsecinsof:tomhpretlPtafpecr:neo//.ampTnhglauekktlseee’attvs-htaeeoy-blkaPesrhtatwubbkeiu.eecsntooom4trh/K-Per5rhwaupbiksmieeyt._oyTBuohuusehsa_oBrTruuilevsdreemasarirfrnooivaurlen.KhadtLtm4HllaeamatvYeinabiKeatrLwouaenneddn
By taxi
A taxi to Hat Yai is about 300 baht.
By road
Sadao and Dannok are on National Highway 4.
Dannok is about 60 km. or one hour south of Hat Yai.
You can drive right up to the immigration checkpoint.
From Malaysia
You can drive, walk or catch a regular taxi or motorcycle taxi travel between the
Bukit KayuHitam checkpoint and Dannok. There is a distance of about 1km between the two
checkpoints and walking in the heat can be a little uncomfortable. In between the two checkpoints is
fthoer choungneeDctuiotynsFfrreoemshoorptpoinMgacloamyspialenxc,iltoiecsa.ted in Malaysian territory. See the Bukit KayuHitam page

English for tour guides 41

Padang Besar, Thailand

Padang Besar is a border town on the Malaysia-Thailand border in the Sadao District, Songkhla
Province, Thailand. Since 2004 the municipality has had town status (thesabanmueang) and covers
parts of the sub-district (tambon) Padang Besar. In 2007 it had a population of 13,748.

There is a road and rail border crossing into Malaysia in
Padang Besar. The road checkpoint is about 1 km. outside
town on the road to Sadao. The town on the Malaysian
side is also known as Padang Besar. All rail passenger
formalities, including for exiting Thailand, are carried out in
the Malaysian Padang Besar railway station where there is an
integrated customs, immigration, and quarantine checkpoint
for both countries.

42 English for tour guides

Khao Nam Khang Historic Tunnel

Located in the area of Khao Nam
Khang National Park, approximately
4 kilometers from the Park office, this
historic tunnel (also known as Piyamit
Village 5) was built to be the safe house
for the Communist insurgents for almost
40 years before the party dispersed
and became part of Thai Development
Participants in 1987. This attraction has
become Thailand’s longest man-made
tunnel that employed two years to
complete. The three separated corridors and three levels deep inside the tunnel could accommodate up
to 200 persons with several rooms such as conference room, sick bay, radio transmission room, kitchen,
firing range and more. Admission fee is 20 baht per person.
Opening hours: Daily from 8 am. - 5 pm.
Admission: 20 THB per person
Contact: 074-231-055, 074-238-518, 074-243-747

English for tour guides 43

Dinosaur Park Dannok

The Dinosaur Park at Dannok is a great place for
families. This is one of those destinations where you get
to see and experience how these ancient animals lived
millions of years ago. The Dinosaur Park also has a
nice gift shop where visitors get to purchase souvenirs
of their trip. It is also important to note that the park
has been designed keeping the little ones in mind, so it
is not scary at all.
The Dinosaur Park at Dannok is one of the city’s most exciting places to spend the day and
provides visitors of all ages with a full day of fun and excitement you won’t find any place else. Apart
from that, the Dinosaur Park in Dannok also offers high quality, great customer services and an excellent
opportunity to educate oneself with these prehistoric creatures.

At the Dinosaur Park at Dannok, visitors
get to experience year-round activities in the
parkland setting, which also include theme
weeks and other popular and fun activities to
keep the kids busy an interested during their
stay at the theme park.

44 English for tour guides

The Dinosaur Park has reached phenomenal
success in the past few years simply because of the
fact that it is the only dinosaur park in Thailand
which offers a diverse collection of dinosaurs on
exhibition along with some fun facts about the
various species to educate the visitors.
Apart from the amazing dinosaurs on display, visitors can also visit the “Dinosaur Garden”
which has many prehistoric plants on display. There is also a rabbit farm in the Dinosaur Park which
houses hundreds of cute bunnies. Take your kids to the Bunny Farm and sit and relax while your kids
run around and play with the cute rabbits.
The Dinosaur Park in Dannok is a fun and affordable way to spend the day while you’re in
the city. You will find yourself wandering among some of the most feared predators of the prehistoric
world and will even encounter some very real looking dinosaurs including the T-Rex and other amazing
life-like replicas of these ancient giant animals.
Prepare to be amazed at how real these dinosaurs look and don’t forget to take your camera with you!

English for tour guides 45

Production Teams

Consultants

Mr.sonjai viboonkij Director the secondary educationl service area
office 16

Working group

Mrs.Tanachaporn Tummakul Superviser
Mr.Verasak boonyapitak Superviser
Mrs.Jitra Soonsim Superviser
Mr.Wisit Chitniyom Teachers Padang Tinsulanond.
Mrs.Sunaira Phiankit Teachers Padang Tinsulanond.
Miss.Chareefah Mad-adam Teachers Padang Tinsulanond.

46 English for tour guides