Days 1 t0 4
23. - 26.03.2024
Frankfurt Rhein-Main-Airport
Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 Day 1
On Saturday March, 23rd. 18 Bachelor's and Master's students from Darmstadt Business - School set off with Professor Dr. Schellhase, Mr. Bopp and his wife on their business trip to Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, via Singapore to Bangkok. We all were very excited about the 12-days trip, as most of us had never been to Asian countries before.
We all met at 11 a.m. CET in the departure hall Terminal II counter of Vietnam Airlines at Frankfurt Airport. Clearly long queues at check-in: Due to the start of the Easter holidays, this flight was completely booked. After a successful check-in and passing through security, our flight with Vietnam Airlines VN30 took off on time at 2 p.m. CET.
Our flight from Frankfurt to Ho Chi Minh - City, Tan-Son-Nhat Airport (SGN)* lasted around 11.5 hours. Some of us were very lucky with their seats, that offered plenty of legroom at the Emergency Exit of the aircraft - Business-Class comfort at an Economy-Class price, fair enough.
*IATA Code, abgeleitet von Saigon
To welcome us on board we got a little snack. But as our destination lies in an easterly direction, we flew towards the sun, there was only short time to fall asleep. Dinner was served very soon.
Dinner:
Beef with fried potatoes, corn, bread roll and cake
Breakfast:
Sausage, boiled potatoes, vegetable, croissant, yoghurt, fruits
Ho Chi Minh - City
Sunday, March 24th, 2024 Day 2
At 8 a.m. local time we arrived at Ho Chi Minh - City (Saigon) airport Tan-Son-Nhat. Some members of the group slept during the flight, while others hardly slept at all. At the airport, our tour guide (Mr. Duck) picked us up, and we drove to the Northern Charm Hotel, located downtown.
On the way to the hotel, it's particularly noticeable that the city is filled with scooters. There seem to be no traffic rules, or at least none that are recognisable.
We arrived at the hotel at 10 a.m. but we couldn't check into our rooms until 2 p.m. Our group decided to set out and explore the city. The temperature change from 10° C at home to 35° C at Ho Chi mhin - City within 14 hours was quite intense. So, we grabbed some iced coffee and off we went.
After returning to the hotel, we took our luggage to our rooms and met up at the pool. After the tour, we definitely needed to cool off.
In the evening, everyone gathered at the hotel pool bar, exhausted and very tired from the journey, so after the first drink, most of us headed to bed.
Ho Chi Minh - City
Monday, March 25th, 2024 Day 3
Visiting Trường Đại học Kinh tế - Luật - University of Economics and Law and TBS Logistics
Our second day in Ho Chi Minh - City, Vietnam started very early in the morning at 8:00 a.m. After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we had two interesting visits scheduled on our agenda. Our first visit of the day was at Trường Đại học Kinh tế - Luật - University of Economics and Law (UEL), and the second visit was in the afternoon at TBS Logistics at 2:00 p.m.
Our tour guide informed us that we would need about an hour by bus to reach the University because of traffic jams. However, we arrived earlier than expected since there were no traffic jams. Upon our arrival, we took a group photo in front of the university building, where Mrs. Tracy welcomed us and led us to the university dining hall. Here, we introduced ourselves one by one, and afterwards, we were given a menu to order food and drinks for lunch. We were also provided with water to quench our thirst, as the weather in Ho Chi Minh City was very hot, something around 38° C.
Mrs. Tracy then led us to the university library, where we were given a brief history of the library and how the library services are being carried out. Everyone was given the opportunity to ask questions. Mr. Bopp asked about the average age of the students, and we were amazed to learn that the average age was very young, only 22 years old.
Next, we proceeded to the UEL Start-up and Language Space room, where we had our function of the day. We all took our seats, and the guest of honour took the stage and welcomed us. The agenda for the day was introduced, and afterwards, Mr. Schellhase and Mr. Bopp were introduced to the audience. Other international staff of the university were also introduced to us.
The international office employee of the Vietnam University stepped onto the stage with pride, wearing a gentle smile. As he began to sing, his voice carried the rich melodies of Vietnam, captivating the audience with tales of its vibrant culture, picturesque landscapes, and resilient people displayed on the screen behind him. With each verse, he painted a vivid picture of his homeland, evoking feelings of curiosity and admiration among the listeners. Throughout his song, he beautifully introduced Vietnam, leaving a lasting impression on all of us. As he finished singing, everyone erupted into applause, deeply im-pressed by his amazing voice.
Two students from Poland, who were on an exchange semester, were given the chance to hold a presentation. In their presentation, they talked about their stay in Vietnam, showing their journey in pictures. Their presentation was amazing and provided more insights into Vietnamese culture, food, and the amazing landscape.
After the students were divided into groups, our task was to come up with a slogan and a group name. Our group decided on the name "Watermelon" and crafted the slogan "Who runs the world?" We engaged in discussions covering various topics, aiming to exchange insights with the Vietnamese students and deepen our understanding of each other's cultures.
Later, we were called to the stage to compete in a quiz game against other groups. One member described a picture displayed on the screen depicting either Germany or Vietnam, while the other guessed and provided the correct answers. After all groups had participated, the winners were announced, highlighting the top three teams.
Before departing for lunch, we learned a choreography displayed on the screen. With enthusiasm, we practiced the steps until we felt confident. Once mastered, we danced together, synchronizing our movements to the music, fostering a sense of camaraderie and joy.
We then gathered for a group photo, capturing the memories of our time together, and received gifts from the host, UEL Vietnam University.
Finally, we headed to the Mensa for lunch, relishing the opportunity to continue our conversations and deepen our connections.
After lunch, we returned to the room, where German university students born in January, February, and March were surprised with a birthday cake. Everyone sang "Happy Birthday" as the students blew out the candles. The cake was then cut and shared among the students.
Afterwards, we boarded the bus accompanied by about six Vietnamese students and three International Office staff of the Vietnam University. We headed to the TCB Logistics Company*. On our way, the university staff responsible for international exchange programmes told us a bit about TBS Logistics Company. For example, TBS Logistics is one of the biggest companies that sponsor the university every year with about 30,000 Euros. This money is used to offer scholarships for needy or best students of the university.
* 1989: Three teammate Thuan-Bich-Son started up together with full of desire to get rich on their own homeland.
2:00 p.m. – TBS Logistics Company
TBS Logistics Company is situated at the heart of the southern economic quadrangle encompassing Ho Chi Minh - City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Ba Ria Vung Tau. TBS Logistics plays a pivotal role in the region's logistics sector. Welcomed by Mr. Hoang Nguyen Trong, (Business Executive Development), we received an overview of the company's history and operations, followed by a tour of their impressive warehouse facilities.
TBS Logistics is a key player in Vietnam's logistics industry, with a focus on excellence and innovation. Their flagship Warehouse 5, Southeast Asia's largest Container Freight Station (CFS), spans 47,500 m2 and showcases eco-friendly practices and advanced technology. With a capacity of up to 15,000 cubes daily, it underscores their commi-tment to efficiency.
TBS Logistics is a subsidiary of TBS group that invests in and develops 6 key businesses: Footwear, Handbags, Investment and Asset Management, Logistics, Hospitality and Retail. Each business plays an important role in the growth and development of TBS.
Their extensive warehouse system covers over 200,000 m2, meeting international standards and addressing diverse logistical needs. Equipped with modern infrastructure and technology, the facility ensures precise control over operations, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
During our tour, we observed TBS Logistics' dedication to sustainability, efficient goods movement, and customer satisfaction. Their emphasis on eco-friendly practices, efficient ways for goods movement, and customer-centric approach were particularly noteworthy.
In conclusion, our visit provided valuable insights into TBS Logistics' operations and significance within Vietnam's logistics industry. Their commitment to excellence, innovation, sustainability, and security sets a benchmark for logistical operations in the region, contributing to economic development and safety standards. We extend our gratitude to TBS Logistics for their hospitality and enlightening experience.
Ho Chi Minh - City
Tuesday, March 25th, 2024 Day 4
The fourth day of our tour, last day in Saigon started like the days before with a short wake-up swim before we went to breakfast together. As South Vietnam belongs to tropical areas, temperatures reach 30° to 35° C all over the year.
As the official part of today started in the afternoon, we used leisure time in morning for a city bus tour with our guide Mr. Duck. Even so we started early morning, temperatures rose up to 38° C very quickly. Most of us sufferd from these tropical conditions. Mr. Duck told us, because of climate change, temperatures reach about five degrees more than the long term average. Nevertheless we visited various markets, retail trade as well as wholesale at Chinatown (there is a big community of about 700,000 Chinese people in Saigon), prayer temples and the old Buu Dien post office.
Now everyone was full from the delicious lunch, the main event of the day began, the visit to the German Foreign Chamber of Commerce (AHK) in Ho Chi Minh City. Here the students learnt a lot about the tasks of the Chamber of Foreign Trade and the advantages of a sales or production facility in Vietnam from AHK employee Mrs. Le Van Hanh (Market Entry Consultant).
The last day in Vietnam was drawing to a close and we cooled off in the pool before having dinner together in the Anh Tukk restaurant, which is well known for a modern and fresh taste of Thai cuisine in Saigon.
After the dinner we went through the city and met a promotional group from a well-known Vietnamese beer brand. The team from Tiger Beer was very impressed by our German group and our tour through South East Asia.
Together we had a great end to our visit to Ho Chi Minh - City,
or as (we) locals say:
SAIGON