Before starting my internship, I spent one month traveling through Vietnam from north to south. During this time, I experienced a wide range of impressions and saw some of the most beautiful landscapes, especially in Ninh Binh and during the Ha Giang Loop.
I also visited places like Cat Ba and the Cham Islands, which offered stunning beaches.
I also fell in love with the city life in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
This month gave me enough time to explore Vietnam, get to know the culture and food, and become familiar with practical aspects such as taking buses, staying in homestays, and understanding common cultural rules.
Because of this, I was even more excited to start my internship and gain more authentic insights into everyday life and the people in Vietnam.
My last stop before the internship was Ho Chi Minh City, where I had to say goodbye to my friends and continue the journey on my own. With the help of Huyen, I knew exactly where to buy my bus ticket (https://maps.app.goo.gl/89Fk4eSUStPDDPTx7) and where to get off the bus after arriving in Phan Thiet (https://share.google/iYcqVB91FTvg1VhNK). The journey took about three and a half hours. Huyen picked me up at the bus stop and showed me my accommodation.
I stayed at Bao Tran Homestay (https://maps.app.goo.gl/J4SjpRMX8dszQ5sSA), which offers a balcony and air conditioning. The owner is very friendly, and it is also possible to do laundry there. One night costs around 300,000 VND (approximately 10€).
Before starting my trip to Vietnam, I had to organize several things.
The most important step is vaccination, which should be planned early. Some vaccinations require multiple doses with several weeks in between, so it is important to start in advance.
After that, I completed the necessary paperwork. I applied for a working visa through the official website (https://evisa.gov.vn/). The visa costs 25 USD and the process is less complicated than it may seem at first.
In addition, Huyen asked me to provide a health certificate, which I was able to obtain easily from my doctor.
Once all the formalities are completed, you can start packing.
Sun protection is essential, including not only sunscreen but also light, long clothing. This is especially useful when riding a motorbike or visiting families. In more traditional settings, it is important to cover your shoulders and knees, as wearing short clothing may be considered disrespectful. The same dress code applies when visiting pagodas or temples.
It is also recommended to bring flip-flops or slippers, as the weather is often too hot for sneakers.
Finally, it is useful to bring something for writing or preparing your blog and English lessons. I used a tablet, but a laptop would probably be the more practical option.