Salutation to GMs and DOS in Vietnam

As a freelance writer, I was assigned to work on a travel guide of Vietnam in mid April at the time I barely had 2 weeks to organize the project. Without hesitation I started to send my request for site visit and hospitality to most of the top end hotels in Nha Trang, Hanoi, Dalat and HCMC. In spite of limited reference on hands to provide, acknowledgements kept returning in less than a week. I was touched by people from a mysterious country putting their trust in me while I was mysterious to them. Hence my adventure to Vietnam had soon begun on 26 April 2005.

Patric Fernendez, GM of Sunrise Beach Resort was checking me out at the front desk when I was checking in. My appearance somehow must have rest assured him I was not a fraud that he hosted me a free lunch. By knowing Patric was a member of a laughing club; considered my curiosity might kill; he was very kind to demonstrate his skill proving it worked. Thanks for making me laugh and I had a great time at Sunrise paradise.

Richard Yit got my e-mail on his last day at the Guoman Hanoi promptly had it transferred to his successor, John To, who has worked in the hotel as Financial Controller for years. Experienced hotelier, who does math, worries free in the P&L. John and his DOS entertained me for dinner and we had a nice chat in both English and Cantonese. Originated as Malaysian, John's last name "To" actually should be written as "So" in Chinese I have told. My concern of messy traffic on the road could be a draw back for tourists to Vietnam, John advised the following: "close your eyes then step out, just don't stop and keep walking". Rather simple but effective indeed. If the first step is hard to place, ask any Dutch for courage to help.

As a team member of the largest resort hotel chain in the world, Fredrick Arul at Melia Hanoi, perhaps the most energetic GM I have ever seen. The day we met I proposed the unique heliport should be well facilitated for occasions. What a coincidence Fredrick announced with strict confidence; a cocktail was going to be held in a month regardless of the hot humid weather on site. Everything is possible at the Melia, so I have heard and believed.

Antoine Sirot carried both titles for the Sofitel Dalat Palace and Novotel did not seem to confuse anybody at all. While these gorgeous properties stood still like hidden treasures with great pride in Dalat, Antoine was the nobleman guarding these castles for the realm. A good-looking French has charisma fit in the Palace and was hard to miss. Not to mention he was the first GM acknowledged my request, Antoine you are the best. And the Sofitel Dalat Palace is not only the landmark of Dalat, but also the only reason you are around.

Simon Leng, the DOS of Equatorial Saigon welcomed me with his e-mails and his presence. Not surprise to learn another Malaysian doing well in the industry. Simon had very in-depth analysis for the booming tourism business in Vietnam that inspired me a lot. Shuttle bus service that allowed hotel guests for sight- seeing by hopping on and off was fabulous. Dim Sum Lunch Buffet at the Golden Phoenix was highly recommended.

Debbie Chee, tall in built and smart in move, another Malaysian in charge of Sales and Marketing at the Duxton Saigon. Soon be coming to HK for vacation, I promised a night to hang out. Gregory Keating was sitting next to me in the "Grill" having breakfast when I was laser focused on something else. An observant waitress had noticed then I was officially introduced. Born in New Zealand, fancied about history yet earned a postgraduate degree in HR, this GM knew every single staff by names and positions. Gregory has a heart for the society as well as the property; Duxton is no doubt in good hands.

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