The Hoa Tuc Restaurant is a charming new venue for Vietnamese dining in Saigon. Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, it is opposite the Park Hyatt and a two-minute walk from the historic Opera House. Housed in the back courtyard of a former Opium Refinery, Hoa Tuc means “opium flower” in Vietnamese. The hues of green and purple lend an elegant ambience to the chic interiors, making it a popular dining choice among FITs.
Phatoke Laoderm is a new restaurant that has just opened its doors in the heart of Vientiane. Set in an old cinema at the back of Senglao Hotel, this restaurant presents a delightful menu of Lao cuisine accompanied by traditional performances. Diners get to indulge in a wide array of authentic Lao dishes in an atmospheric setting of beautifully choreographed folkdances and music of Laos. Phatoke Laoderm can seat up to 200 guests.
The outstanding Mandarin Restaurant is set to spread its charm to Hanoi when it opens its new branch this month. In Ho Chi Minh City, the Mandarin Restaurant has been a regular haunt for both foreign dignitaries and food connoisseurs for more than a decade. Award-winning specialties include steamed rice in lotus leaf and steamed duck with rice pancakes. With the opening of Mandarin Restaurant, we are delighted that there is now one more choice to sample authentic upscale Vietnamese dining in Hanoi.
This September, Makphet Restaurant will relocate to a small quiet street behind Vat Ong Teu. Initiated by Friends International, this vocational training restaurant in Vientiane trains homeless youth to cook and wait tables. The restaurant upholds the highest standards of hygiene and serves modern Lao cuisine prepared with only naturally-grown ingredients and no MSG. The small boutique “Noi Noi” shop that used to be housed on the second floor of Makphet Restaurant will also move to the new location. Noi Noi sells traditional handicrafts using recycled materials made by the parents of former street children. All profits from Makphet and Noi Noi will be channeled back to sustain these projects and support welfare services for underprivileged families.
Situated along Luang Prabang’s main street, the new restaurant Petits Nids serves Western and Lao food. Run by Filipinos, the restaurant interior blends contemporary Asian sleek with the traditional styles of Laos. Adjacent to the main building, the alfresco yard with local campak trees makes an ideal place to chill out.
The Villa Santi will be closed from May to September 2008 to renovate during the low season. Likewise the 3 Nagas Restaurant will take advantage of the low season to redecorate, and will transfer management to the 3 Nagas Hotel.
The embarkation dock for the Luangsay Cruise has been moved to Calo Pier and is no longer in front of Vat Xieng Thong. The new departure time will be 7:30, and a continental breakfast will be provided. Luangsay Cruises will be closed for the low season for the entire month of June 2008.
Please contact Laos@exotissimo.com for further details.
At the beginning of February, the Nam Kha and Nam Phan restaurants have closed. Both have been providing luxury dining experiences in downtown Saigon for years. However the Vietnamese government has re-purposed the locations of these two properties, forcing their closure. Please contact Vietnam@exotissimo.com for further information.
The Mekong Deck restaurant is a new dining option in Vientiane. A small restaurant, it is for those small groups looking for a casual atmosphere with a touch of sophistication. Local bands play cover songs of past and present pop hits. Its location with views of the Mekong (and Thailand beyond) makes it the perfect spot for a sunset cocktail. The Mekong Deck is also a good option for small incentives, with privatization available.
The Royal Ballet and Theater will be closed for two months, from 1st May to 31st June 2008 for its low season. The theater will still be available for special bookings.