Stanford GSB Vietnam III -- Memo #4
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Kien Pham
<kienpham@neverchange.com>Jan 19, 2026, 1:59:44 AMJan 19
to KP Support team
Hello Classmates and Friends:
Greetings from Saigon 2026! You will come soon and we are excited to show you Vietnam.
Below are some topics for your trip preparation. Some of it might sound familiar because I have covered them in previous group emails; yet, some of us still need to know so I provide the info again in this email.
1. Arrival and Departure: All of you now have flight itinerary and Vietnam visa, and that is super great. At Tan Son Nhat Airport, a welcome agent will meet and escort you through VIP channel at immigration and customs to your awaiting car for the New World Saigon Hotel. Look for the signboard written “Stanford MBA group” as you exit the plane. When you exit Vietnam at Noi Bai Airport, a tour guide will help you at check-in. Things will happen smoothly for you.
2. Phone Communication: You should ask your U.S. telco to turn on your international roaming or sell you a data pack that can be used in Vietnam. This is critical for you to access the internet and use our WhatsApp communication.
3. Vaccination and Medication: Please consult your doctor, CDC or State Department websites for relevant medical information related to Vietnam. Bring sufficient medication for your trip. No need to take malaria pills. If you have a medical condition that might act up during the visit, please reply to this email so we are aware of your medical needs and watch out for you.
4. Cash and credit cards: Credit cards are accepted in Vietnam; just make sure your bank knows that you will be in Vietnam so they don't block your purchases. I recommend you bring no more than 300 USD in new 100 USD bills and my staff can help you with currency exchange. If you need more cash, the private Pham Bank will lend you cash at zero interest and you can pay back in the U.S. when you get home.
5. Suitcase and Clothes: Ideally, one large suitcase and one carry-on would be good since we have 31 people plus my support staff. If you bring more than that, just reply to this email so we can plan extra care for your luggage. Please stay within the weight limit of 70 pounds for each check-in suitcase. You should pack light clothing for the trip, plus beachwear for Phu Quoc island and warm clothes for Ha Long Bay and Sapa. Shorts and T-shirts are OK for bus rides and the beach and I recommend smart casuals as a norm. Walking shoes are good and bring hiking shoes if you plan to trek around Sapa. Hotels in HCMC, Phu Quoc, Can Tho, Sapa and Hanoi have same-day laundry service.
To note, we will have 2 semi-formal dinners, one in HCMC and one in Hanoi, where men should wear a jacket (necktie not needed) and women a dress. If you wish to wear a traditional "Áo Dài" for both men and women, please reply to this email and we can take you to a shop in HCMC to buy one. The cost is less than 50 USD.
6. Optional Activities: Some of you have requested a couple of sideline activities. Please let us know if any of the below is of interest to you.
A. Healthcare breakfast: On February 3rd at the New World Hotel, Dr. Chinh, director of the HCMC Institute of Public Health, will talk about infectious diseases and how Vietnam dealt with COVID-19. Sue and Mark Panella will help lead this informal conversation. Please reply to this email if you wish to attend this breakfast.
B. Tailored clothes: You can have a suit, jacket, shirt, pants or dress custom-made with reasonable prices in HCMC. They will ship it to your U.S. address. You might want to have a digital photo of the outfit design that you wish to have so you can show it to the tailor. Let us know now by replying to this email so we can book an appointment for you.
C. Visit Japanese job training school in HCMC: A nephew of Atsuko Jenks is running this effective training center at the outskirts of HCMC. It provides a look into how Vietnam and Japan are helping each other in the labor market. Please reply to this email if you wish to visit this school.
D. Afternoon activities options in Phu Quoc: On Friday, February 6th, you can choose one of 3 activities and none of them will incur extra cost to you
Option D.1: Hon Thom Island Tour by Cable Car: Hon Thom is a “tropical island paradise” in the southern part of Phu Quoc. Its standout highlight is the Hon Thom overseas cable car, the world’s longest, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and sky.
Option D.2: Snorkeling Tour: This snorkeling tour offers crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and plenty of fish to spot.
Option D.3: Relax at the InterContinental Resort.
Please reply to this email and let us know your personal choice.
E. Activities options in Can Tho: On Monday morning, February 9th, you can choose one of 2 activities and neither will incur extra cost to you
Option E.1: After touring the morning floating market, you can continue to visit a coconut candy factory and a fruit farm by boat.
Option E.2: After touring the morning floating market, you can return to the Sheraton hotel by bus to watch the SuperBowl on TV and engage in serious betting.
Greetings from Saigon 2026! You will come soon and we are excited to show you Vietnam.
Below are some topics for your trip preparation. Some of it might sound familiar because I have covered them in previous group emails; yet, some of us still need to know so I provide the info again in this email.
1. Arrival and Departure: All of you now have flight itinerary and Vietnam visa, and that is super great. At Tan Son Nhat Airport, a welcome agent will meet and escort you through VIP channel at immigration and customs to your awaiting car for the New World Saigon Hotel. Look for the signboard written “Stanford MBA group” as you exit the plane. When you exit Vietnam at Noi Bai Airport, a tour guide will help you at check-in. Things will happen smoothly for you.
2. Phone Communication: You should ask your U.S. telco to turn on your international roaming or sell you a data pack that can be used in Vietnam. This is critical for you to access the internet and use our WhatsApp communication.
3. Vaccination and Medication: Please consult your doctor, CDC or State Department websites for relevant medical information related to Vietnam. Bring sufficient medication for your trip. No need to take malaria pills. If you have a medical condition that might act up during the visit, please reply to this email so we are aware of your medical needs and watch out for you.
4. Cash and credit cards: Credit cards are accepted in Vietnam; just make sure your bank knows that you will be in Vietnam so they don't block your purchases. I recommend you bring no more than 300 USD in new 100 USD bills and my staff can help you with currency exchange. If you need more cash, the private Pham Bank will lend you cash at zero interest and you can pay back in the U.S. when you get home.
5. Suitcase and Clothes: Ideally, one large suitcase and one carry-on would be good since we have 31 people plus my support staff. If you bring more than that, just reply to this email so we can plan extra care for your luggage. Please stay within the weight limit of 70 pounds for each check-in suitcase. You should pack light clothing for the trip, plus beachwear for Phu Quoc island and warm clothes for Ha Long Bay and Sapa. Shorts and T-shirts are OK for bus rides and the beach and I recommend smart casuals as a norm. Walking shoes are good and bring hiking shoes if you plan to trek around Sapa. Hotels in HCMC, Phu Quoc, Can Tho, Sapa and Hanoi have same-day laundry service.
To note, we will have 2 semi-formal dinners, one in HCMC and one in Hanoi, where men should wear a jacket (necktie not needed) and women a dress. If you wish to wear a traditional "Áo Dài" for both men and women, please reply to this email and we can take you to a shop in HCMC to buy one. The cost is less than 50 USD.
6. Optional Activities: Some of you have requested a couple of sideline activities. Please let us know if any of the below is of interest to you.
A. Healthcare breakfast: On February 3rd at the New World Hotel, Dr. Chinh, director of the HCMC Institute of Public Health, will talk about infectious diseases and how Vietnam dealt with COVID-19. Sue and Mark Panella will help lead this informal conversation. Please reply to this email if you wish to attend this breakfast.
B. Tailored clothes: You can have a suit, jacket, shirt, pants or dress custom-made with reasonable prices in HCMC. They will ship it to your U.S. address. You might want to have a digital photo of the outfit design that you wish to have so you can show it to the tailor. Let us know now by replying to this email so we can book an appointment for you.
C. Visit Japanese job training school in HCMC: A nephew of Atsuko Jenks is running this effective training center at the outskirts of HCMC. It provides a look into how Vietnam and Japan are helping each other in the labor market. Please reply to this email if you wish to visit this school.
D. Afternoon activities options in Phu Quoc: On Friday, February 6th, you can choose one of 3 activities and none of them will incur extra cost to you
Option D.1: Hon Thom Island Tour by Cable Car: Hon Thom is a “tropical island paradise” in the southern part of Phu Quoc. Its standout highlight is the Hon Thom overseas cable car, the world’s longest, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and sky.
Option D.2: Snorkeling Tour: This snorkeling tour offers crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and plenty of fish to spot.
Option D.3: Relax at the InterContinental Resort.
Please reply to this email and let us know your personal choice.
E. Activities options in Can Tho: On Monday morning, February 9th, you can choose one of 2 activities and neither will incur extra cost to you
Option E.1: After touring the morning floating market, you can continue to visit a coconut candy factory and a fruit farm by boat.
Option E.2: After touring the morning floating market, you can return to the Sheraton hotel by bus to watch the SuperBowl on TV and engage in serious betting.
Please reply to this email and let us know your personal choice.
7. Evolving Itinerary: We are still making final adjustments to the itinerary to accommodate local conditions, speakers and so on. The sequence of the stops and dates will not change. You can see the current itinerary via this weblink (LINK). Further itinerary updates will be announced on our WhatsApp group. Please make sure your WhatsApp notification is always on.
Lastly, today is the opening day of the Communist Party National Convention which occurs every 5 years to choose a new national leadership team. You will arrive in a festive atmosphere because in one-party system, there is no political loser! Come join the winners. :-)
Your excited friend, kp
Kien Pham
Imperfect Servant of the People
VN Mobile and WhatsApp: +84-98-5656-566
"You make a living by what you get and a life by what you give"
Sorry if you see typos. This email comes from a blind man on mobile device!
7. Evolving Itinerary: We are still making final adjustments to the itinerary to accommodate local conditions, speakers and so on. The sequence of the stops and dates will not change. You can see the current itinerary via this weblink (LINK). Further itinerary updates will be announced on our WhatsApp group. Please make sure your WhatsApp notification is always on.
Lastly, today is the opening day of the Communist Party National Convention which occurs every 5 years to choose a new national leadership team. You will arrive in a festive atmosphere because in one-party system, there is no political loser! Come join the winners. :-)
Your excited friend, kp
Kien Pham
Imperfect Servant of the People
VN Mobile and WhatsApp: +84-98-5656-566
"You make a living by what you get and a life by what you give"
Sorry if you see typos. This email comes from a blind man on mobile device!
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