Happy Tet, by Salida Phu Quoc

This resort or the culture of Vietnam for the lunar new year is more than expected as reflected from this little thought of a red packet greeting.

Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

There isn't much to see around the resort Salinda.  Or I should say it's not yet developed.  If there are more and more international resorts coming in, this scene will not be the same.

The restaurant, Salinda Phu Quoc

The dishes we took for the lunch and 2 dinners weren't that to my palette - either too chewy (the fresh spring roll) or too salty.  The better ones are their western dishes like the French baguette.  However, the prices are quite expensive (most dishes are in the range of US$15-30).

The swimming pool, Salinda Phu Quoc

Haven't taken too many photos of the swimming pool, because of the crowd.  Didn't expect it could be that busy in this resort.  So in such a high occupancy rate, this pool is a bit too small.  It was also unexpectedly cold and also super windy.  

Standard hill view room, Salinda resort, Phu Quoc Island

There aren't many 5 star resorts in Phu Quoc Island.  Salinda could be the first one, and opened in October, 2015.  The resort is situated very near to the Phu Quoc new airport (to be an international one).  Noticed Inter-Continental and Accor groups will build more resorts in this island and we will see this will become another tourist attraction for more direct international flights coming in.

This room is quite comfy, spacious and with a nice balcony on a mountain view.  It's a bit strange that the resort set the price range for the mountain view and sea view with a US$110 difference (US$140 vs US$250).  As it's in quite a big difference, it's not justified for a sea view room.

Good day Saigon

Thanh Nien, Vietnamese restaurant, Ho Chi Minh City

Saw some locals having lunch here and that the comfy deco. also drew my attention to give it a try.  The dishes may not be too appealing but the cooking method is quite nostalgic, like meat & veggie boiled in hot water first before stir frying.  Also noted is that they don't put in a heavy thickening sauce but the stir fried dishes aren't too watery.  I'm also surprised the dishes aren't too salty, nor too sweat.  However, for those who prefer heavy seasoning and heavy flavour, this isn't the place.