This tour shines as an absolute highlight of our visit to Vancouver BC. We learned so much not only about Chinatown and Vancouver, but the history of the Chinese experience in Canada. The program is a rich blend of historical perspective, education on Chinese culture, personal storytelling, and, of course, tasting wonderful foods along the way. We loved how our guide (and tour company owner) Bob Sung seemed to know everyone and everyone seemed to know him. There was a very friendly and welcoming vibe. We were joined on our tour by a gentleman named Kenson who will be a future guide working with Bob. It was a true pleasure spending several hours with both gentlemen. We will definitely recommend this to all our friends visiting Vancouver BC.
A sad, but necessary, side note is that Vancouver BCâs Chinatown is struggling with the same issues we see in other US coastal cities. Drug addiction, mental health, etc. We felt completely safe and frankly are used to it because we live in a West Coast city. But if youâre not used to seeing that, it might be a bit of a shock. You just have to put on your âurban experienceâ hat, have empathy for those who are suffering, respect the importance of tourism to the sustained well-being of Chinatownâs businesses & residents, and appreciate the beauty of Chinatown as...
   Read moreOur Vancouver Chinatown experience with Bob Sung as a tour guide was truly exceptional. Throughout our exploration, Bob shared a wealth of knowledge about the area, taking us to fascinating places like the Dr. Sun Yat Sen garden, the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, and the Chinese History Museum. The four hours flew by as we immersed ourselves in the rich cultural heritage of Chinatown. What stood out the most was Bob's deep connection with the community; it seemed like everyone in Chinatown knew him. This familiarity not only made us feel safe but also allowed us to engage with the surroundings on a more personal level. The tour wasn't just about history; it was a sensory experience. We indulged in delicious food, adding another layer to our journey. Bob's ability to blend storytelling, cultural insights, and gastronomic delights made the entire adventure both informative and enjoyable.
If you're looking for a comprehensive and engaging tour of Vancouver Chinatown, I highly recommend Bob Sung. Our time with him was not just a guided walk; it was an immersive, educational, and thoroughly enjoyable experience. ...
   Read moreIt is a food tour. That is correct. But, I would say it is much more a cultural experience made all the more fascinating and important because tour guide, Bob, is imparting part of his own family's story, along with the stories of many other Chinese immigrant families. I found the tour really informative and some facts, like that people with Chinese ancestry were not granted citizenship until the 40s, really thought provoking. Honestly, I probably should have known this, but Bob brought great context to the buildings and the culture of the Vancouver Chinatown area. He also kept everything moving on time, which was surprising because we had a large group, we had a lot of stops, and nothing felt rushed. I will say, as a single female, it gave me pause as I walked toward Chinatown, and saw many people using drugs. I did not feel like it was safe, but once the tour started, I felt safe for the rest of the time. I would recommend the tour to anyone, keeping in mind there is a lot of standing...
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