RHK's Fall SEA Trip
Dec 2nd, 2017, 02:51 AM
#62
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I'll get somesapphire prices for you from a companion who bought several.
I can add now that we looked at a fab sapphire for an engagement ring for $24,000+. (6 carats--almost flawless)...
But smaller ones can be had reasonably-- I will report back.
I can add now that we looked at a fab sapphire for an engagement ring for $24,000+. (6 carats--almost flawless)...
But smaller ones can be had reasonably-- I will report back.
Dec 2nd, 2017, 03:34 AM
#63
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Friday
Breakfast in the club...the staff is so wonderful, especially the young men. Dzung was our favorite. All of the staff were soooo kind and accommodating and made our stay just wonderful.
Driver came for us about 11. Headed into old town, and especially Hang Gai St.
On the way we made a stop at a needle point picture shop at 100 Hue St. Nice gallery. B/P each bought a small wall piece--- very fine needlework that looks like a photograph. Name: HW Ha Noi, 138 Pho Hue St.
On to Hang Gai. We got off at the end nearest to the lake. K took us into a small shop specializing in silks and cashmere. Quite a few purchases were made and lots of time was spent there.
Next we back tracked a small distance and had lunch at Little Hanoi Cafe, right at the start of Hang Gai. Great baguette sandwiches, on very fresh bread, along with other simple lunch eats.
From there we walked up the left side of the street. Our next stop was at the Long Gallery, a very fine quality gallery where we have made purchases before. We are considering a couple of options: 2 more lacquer paintings by the same well known artist of one we already own--- heads of ethnic women in colorful dress, or views of Vietnamese life.
Next up was Tam My, a wonderful ladies shop with tons of quality items.
63 Hang Gai St, and another shop directly across the street. Bought closthing, jewelry, and sheets.
Another couple of stops and then our driver came for us. He took us across town to the Sofitel Metropole Hotel, the grand dame of Hanoi hotels where we had a couple of drinks on the porch overlooking a busy street. We took turns in the toilet changing into better clothes.
At 6:45 we were driven to the Ly Club. Located in a wonderful old colonial house this restaurant is charming and delicious. We each had the tasting menu #4, the most expansive of the Asian offerings, about 10 courses. Absolutely delicious and very affordable. We had a delicious bottle of Sancere white with it-- thanks Craig.
Exhausted the driver came for us after 9 and took us back to the hotel. Finished repacking.
Breakfast in the club...the staff is so wonderful, especially the young men. Dzung was our favorite. All of the staff were soooo kind and accommodating and made our stay just wonderful.
Driver came for us about 11. Headed into old town, and especially Hang Gai St.
On the way we made a stop at a needle point picture shop at 100 Hue St. Nice gallery. B/P each bought a small wall piece--- very fine needlework that looks like a photograph. Name: HW Ha Noi, 138 Pho Hue St.
On to Hang Gai. We got off at the end nearest to the lake. K took us into a small shop specializing in silks and cashmere. Quite a few purchases were made and lots of time was spent there.
Next we back tracked a small distance and had lunch at Little Hanoi Cafe, right at the start of Hang Gai. Great baguette sandwiches, on very fresh bread, along with other simple lunch eats.
From there we walked up the left side of the street. Our next stop was at the Long Gallery, a very fine quality gallery where we have made purchases before. We are considering a couple of options: 2 more lacquer paintings by the same well known artist of one we already own--- heads of ethnic women in colorful dress, or views of Vietnamese life.
Next up was Tam My, a wonderful ladies shop with tons of quality items.
63 Hang Gai St, and another shop directly across the street. Bought closthing, jewelry, and sheets.
Another couple of stops and then our driver came for us. He took us across town to the Sofitel Metropole Hotel, the grand dame of Hanoi hotels where we had a couple of drinks on the porch overlooking a busy street. We took turns in the toilet changing into better clothes.
At 6:45 we were driven to the Ly Club. Located in a wonderful old colonial house this restaurant is charming and delicious. We each had the tasting menu #4, the most expansive of the Asian offerings, about 10 courses. Absolutely delicious and very affordable. We had a delicious bottle of Sancere white with it-- thanks Craig.
Exhausted the driver came for us after 9 and took us back to the hotel. Finished repacking.
Dec 2nd, 2017, 04:02 AM
#64
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Saturday
Wake up call at 7. Up to the club for our last breakfast there. Checked out.
Van came for us at 8:30. Fairly easy trip to domestic airport for our VietAir flight
to Phu Quoc Island, directly west of Saigon near the Cambodian border. Check in was soooooo slow, our agent was s l o w. Wheelchairs for B and me. Special lift car from tarmac to galley door of aircraft... B was amazed. 2 hour flight with empty seat between us...
Arrived at this simple new international airport to cleaner, less polluted air, warmer and sunshine.
Hired a large van for ride to the JW Marriott Emerald Bay, Phu Quoc.... maybe 1/2 hour ride 700,000 Dong ($30.).
Splendid hotel in a grand style...read reviews on TA. The place is sensory overload. Recreation of a 1900 asian university. Fabulous buildings (8) located directly on a spotless sandy beach in a huge cove. Each building is named after a natural university discipline . We are in the 4 story "o" word standing for the study of birds. Decorations are lush, plentiful and interesting, plus very colorful. Rooms are huge. We are on the ground floor with direct access to the beach from our lanai with the large adult pool right next door and on the other side the gazebo with the informal seafood restaurant.
This hotel, thus far, is fabulous, comfortable, and colorful. We can't wait to explore more tomorrow.
After arrival we had a delicious lunch at the Tempus Fusit Restaurant, the general restaurant-- totally normal pricing. Next we checked out our rooms and headed to the pool for a welcome swim.
Dinner is room service, gazing out past the uplit trees, beach to the green lit fishing boats in the bay.
Wake up call at 7. Up to the club for our last breakfast there. Checked out.
Van came for us at 8:30. Fairly easy trip to domestic airport for our VietAir flight
to Phu Quoc Island, directly west of Saigon near the Cambodian border. Check in was soooooo slow, our agent was s l o w. Wheelchairs for B and me. Special lift car from tarmac to galley door of aircraft... B was amazed. 2 hour flight with empty seat between us...
Arrived at this simple new international airport to cleaner, less polluted air, warmer and sunshine.
Hired a large van for ride to the JW Marriott Emerald Bay, Phu Quoc.... maybe 1/2 hour ride 700,000 Dong ($30.).
Splendid hotel in a grand style...read reviews on TA. The place is sensory overload. Recreation of a 1900 asian university. Fabulous buildings (8) located directly on a spotless sandy beach in a huge cove. Each building is named after a natural university discipline . We are in the 4 story "o" word standing for the study of birds. Decorations are lush, plentiful and interesting, plus very colorful. Rooms are huge. We are on the ground floor with direct access to the beach from our lanai with the large adult pool right next door and on the other side the gazebo with the informal seafood restaurant.
This hotel, thus far, is fabulous, comfortable, and colorful. We can't wait to explore more tomorrow.
After arrival we had a delicious lunch at the Tempus Fusit Restaurant, the general restaurant-- totally normal pricing. Next we checked out our rooms and headed to the pool for a welcome swim.
Dinner is room service, gazing out past the uplit trees, beach to the green lit fishing boats in the bay.
Dec 2nd, 2017, 06:43 AM
#65
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Always nice to be mentioned in an RHK trip report (re: "Sancerre").
The full name of that great gallery on Hang Gai is the Thang Long Gallery. We purchased a huge lacquer painting of 2 young girls and their cat - one of our favorites...
The full name of that great gallery on Hang Gai is the Thang Long Gallery. We purchased a huge lacquer painting of 2 young girls and their cat - one of our favorites...
Dec 2nd, 2017, 08:02 PM
#66
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You always deserve mention, Craig, but usually it is about soi cowboy...
Good onion soup and rolls for my dinner, plus apple galette. K had chicken Pho and passion fruit crime brûlée-- too rich, she could not finish.
Saturday
Lazy AM, then 10 buggy ride to breakfast. Huge, and I mean huge, buffet layout. All quality offerings. Some thing for everyone. An ENGLISH guy, supervisor, told me that you have not had breakfast until you have had 4 courses.
Buggy back to rooms. Ladies have headed to the pool again. I am in a/c.
It is warm and humid here. Huge thunder and lightening storm last night. More expected tonight.
The five days here are our down time. We sure need it after dancing around Bangkok and Hanoi.
Did I say we are all having a fantastic time. B has even seen 2 items that she did not need to purchase, ok maybe 3. Lots of quality purchases have been made...NO TOURIST JUNK....
No plans for today.
Good onion soup and rolls for my dinner, plus apple galette. K had chicken Pho and passion fruit crime brûlée-- too rich, she could not finish.
Saturday
Lazy AM, then 10 buggy ride to breakfast. Huge, and I mean huge, buffet layout. All quality offerings. Some thing for everyone. An ENGLISH guy, supervisor, told me that you have not had breakfast until you have had 4 courses.
Buggy back to rooms. Ladies have headed to the pool again. I am in a/c.
It is warm and humid here. Huge thunder and lightening storm last night. More expected tonight.
The five days here are our down time. We sure need it after dancing around Bangkok and Hanoi.
Did I say we are all having a fantastic time. B has even seen 2 items that she did not need to purchase, ok maybe 3. Lots of quality purchases have been made...NO TOURIST JUNK....
No plans for today.
Dec 3rd, 2017, 12:42 AM
#69
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Girls spent the entire afternoon at the pool/ beach area. I joined them later and loved my pool time in shade.
Happy hour lasted 2 hours-- 1/2 priced drinks and goodies (chocolate and fruit cubes).
Returning tonight to the main dining room I think--more options.
This hotel and its facilities are first class. You get exactly what you have paid for--lux and fab attentive service.
Ty Collins and his group have delighted us all.
Happy hour lasted 2 hours-- 1/2 priced drinks and goodies (chocolate and fruit cubes).
Returning tonight to the main dining room I think--more options.
This hotel and its facilities are first class. You get exactly what you have paid for--lux and fab attentive service.
Ty Collins and his group have delighted us all.
Dec 3rd, 2017, 08:52 PM
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At 9:15 PM we changed rooms with a huge upgrade to a "turquoise" suite. Located on a hill overlookIng the whole resort and beach, our huge suite is extremely comfortable. Visually it is complete overload. Lots of comfortable furniture, high ceilings, fantastic lighting, two story doors, some are barn doors. Generally everything is either bright white or turquoise.
This is the architecture buIlding.
Monday
Late breakfast again at 10 after K walked the beach.
We take big chauffeured golf cats everywhere. So after another big breakfast (the girls are especially loving the iced Vietnamese dark coffee with condensed milk), we took a buggy to reception where the head guest relations guy (Englishman) talkEd to us about activities, an outside tour, airport transportatiaaon, etc.
GIrls are signed up for shade making for the afternoon. K will do pastry making tomorrow (only 1 spot available).
Reception is magnificent--- several heavily decorated rooms, lots of helpful staff.
From there we checked out the few shops that are now open...boring.
Buggy back to rooms. Ladies head to the pool for an hour swim before class.
DID I MENTION HOW FAB THIS RESORT IS???
Another great use of points.
This is the architecture buIlding.
Monday
Late breakfast again at 10 after K walked the beach.
We take big chauffeured golf cats everywhere. So after another big breakfast (the girls are especially loving the iced Vietnamese dark coffee with condensed milk), we took a buggy to reception where the head guest relations guy (Englishman) talkEd to us about activities, an outside tour, airport transportatiaaon, etc.
GIrls are signed up for shade making for the afternoon. K will do pastry making tomorrow (only 1 spot available).
Reception is magnificent--- several heavily decorated rooms, lots of helpful staff.
From there we checked out the few shops that are now open...boring.
Buggy back to rooms. Ladies head to the pool for an hour swim before class.
DID I MENTION HOW FAB THIS RESORT IS???
Another great use of points.
Dec 4th, 2017, 08:38 PM
#73
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Keep going. We really disliked Phu Quoc, but maybe the new Marriott would be a reason to try again. Hoping it was the "resort" we stayed in that put us off. Always interested in a strong ca phe sua da.
Dec 4th, 2017, 11:16 PM
#74
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Yes, following along each day.! Sorry I am not posting responses. I pick it up right when I wake up (at the crack of dawn) before I have to jump up to prepare 3 kids for school! Loving it. Hanging on every word.
Dec 5th, 2017, 05:07 AM
#78
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Shades turned out nicely.
Dinner was in the outdoor gazebo restaurant Rum Runners, between heavy rain showers. K had a whole fish and I had 3 jumbo grilled shrimp, plus grilled green sweet pots, grilled veggies, FF, and two delicious deserts--mine was raspberry soup: in a large soup dish pana coat with raspberry collision on top and 1/4 of dish with a chocolate top. Great dinner and fab service by Sunny.
Made a res for the next night.
Stuffed we went to bed.
Dinner was in the outdoor gazebo restaurant Rum Runners, between heavy rain showers. K had a whole fish and I had 3 jumbo grilled shrimp, plus grilled green sweet pots, grilled veggies, FF, and two delicious deserts--mine was raspberry soup: in a large soup dish pana coat with raspberry collision on top and 1/4 of dish with a chocolate top. Great dinner and fab service by Sunny.
Made a res for the next night.
Stuffed we went to bed.
Dec 5th, 2017, 05:31 AM
#79
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Tuesday
Slightly earlier breakfast. Only complaint is bacon is only 1/2 cooked and greasy, otherwise breakfasts are fab. Btw, breakfast is 6:30 to 11:00.
Girls swam and then at 1PM we went to the lobby for our 4 hour trip out and about the island.
While waiting our friend Ty Collins, the GM sat down with us and talked a bit about organizing, staffing, training and completing a complex like this. It's always a pleasure to hear his side of the story. One interesting fact, many of the interior decorations and artifacts were purchased in Europe-- not Asian copies.
We had the large hotel van to drive us around with a driver who used his cell phone for translations for other than simple words.
We visited a bee keeper, first on the island--bought small bottles; visited a pogaoda and Buddha statue in what will become a new temple; visited the rip-off pearl factory showroom---pearls now come from along the shore of the mainland; visited an interesting pepper/beef/salt/honey farm--very organic-- lots of peppers bought and one beer each drank--cold and delicious. Tried to visit the fish sauce factory, but it was closed. Returned to the hotel.
Delicious dinner at Rum Runners again tonight. We ate much the same as the previous night.
Tomorrow is our final night here sadly. We all have enjoyed it so much.. Hope to return next year with HItraveller.
Slightly earlier breakfast. Only complaint is bacon is only 1/2 cooked and greasy, otherwise breakfasts are fab. Btw, breakfast is 6:30 to 11:00.
Girls swam and then at 1PM we went to the lobby for our 4 hour trip out and about the island.
While waiting our friend Ty Collins, the GM sat down with us and talked a bit about organizing, staffing, training and completing a complex like this. It's always a pleasure to hear his side of the story. One interesting fact, many of the interior decorations and artifacts were purchased in Europe-- not Asian copies.
We had the large hotel van to drive us around with a driver who used his cell phone for translations for other than simple words.
We visited a bee keeper, first on the island--bought small bottles; visited a pogaoda and Buddha statue in what will become a new temple; visited the rip-off pearl factory showroom---pearls now come from along the shore of the mainland; visited an interesting pepper/beef/salt/honey farm--very organic-- lots of peppers bought and one beer each drank--cold and delicious. Tried to visit the fish sauce factory, but it was closed. Returned to the hotel.
Delicious dinner at Rum Runners again tonight. We ate much the same as the previous night.
Tomorrow is our final night here sadly. We all have enjoyed it so much.. Hope to return next year with HItraveller.
Dec 5th, 2017, 08:27 AM
#80
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Guess Linda won't be getting that bottle of nuok mam(fish sauce)from you for Christmas this year...
Yes we are still reading along so keep writing everyday
How long do you recommend we stay next year? We are definitely in. Love the golf cart transport btw. My kind of travel haha. I think I'm cloning into a Bob...
You know the Sofitel Metropole will look and feel like a prison after the two lux Marriott stays lol. They do have that fantastic bakery between the two buildings though with the wonderful macaroons mmmmm. Too bad because it is a nice place in a great location. Still interested in your opinion of the French grand dame
Aloha!
Yes we are still reading along so keep writing everyday
How long do you recommend we stay next year? We are definitely in. Love the golf cart transport btw. My kind of travel haha. I think I'm cloning into a Bob...
You know the Sofitel Metropole will look and feel like a prison after the two lux Marriott stays lol. They do have that fantastic bakery between the two buildings though with the wonderful macaroons mmmmm. Too bad because it is a nice place in a great location. Still interested in your opinion of the French grand dame
Aloha!
