The first day in Vietnam was one of the most exciting moments of my life. After a four-hour flight from Indonesia, our plane finally landed at Nội Bài International Airport in Hanoi. As I stepped out of the aircraft, I felt both excited and curious because this was my first time visiting Vietnam and the beginning of my journey with the IDN International Student Immersion 2026/2027 program.
After arriving at the airport, we went through the immigration process and collected our carrier backpacks at the baggage claim area. Although we were a little tired from the overnight flight, everyone was still full of enthusiasm. We then waited for our transportation, which took us from the airport to our accommodation.
When we arrived at the accommodation, we unpacked our belongings, cleaned our sleeping area, and took a short rest. Since we had not slept much the night before, resting for a while helped us regain our energy before exploring our new surroundings.
Later that afternoon, we went for a walk around the neighborhood near our accommodation. It was my first opportunity to experience daily life in Vietnam. We saw local markets, convenience stores, cafés, restaurants, and many people going about their daily activities. I noticed that the streets were filled with motorcycles, which seemed to be the most common way for people to travel around the city. The atmosphere felt lively, and I enjoyed observing the culture and lifestyle of the local community.
One thing that impressed me the most was how different Vietnam felt from Indonesia, yet it also shared many similarities. The food, the language, the buildings, and the transportation were different, but the kindness of the people made me feel comfortable and welcome.
My first day in Vietnam taught me that every country has its own unique culture and way of life. Visiting a new place is not only about seeing famous landmarks but also about learning from the people, their traditions, and their everyday lives. This experience made me even more excited for the next destinations and adventures that awaited us during the ten-month backpacking program.
Overall, my first day in Vietnam was a memorable beginning to an unforgettable journey. It was the start of a new chapter filled with learning, friendship, and experiences that I will always remember.