The thing that always catches my attention is the use of seashells. They call it mother-of-pearl inlay, but that name does not really capture how poetic it feels. A piece of shell that once belonged to the sea ends up inside a block of wood, and the combination somehow works better than it has any right to. Vietnam does this in a way that is both humble and artistic.

Watching the process is mesmerising. First, the artisan sketches the design on the wood. Not with fancy tools, just a pencil and steady hands. Then they start carving out the spaces where the shell will sit. The cuts are tiny and clean. Not a millimetre more than necessary. The shells are gently shaped and tested again and again until they fit perfectly. No glue is visible. No gaps. Everything looks seamless.

When the inlaying is done, the polishing begins. This is the moment when the magic happens. The shells start catching light. Greens, blues, silver, warm gold, all hidden inside a plain-looking fragment moments before. It almost feels unfair that something so natural can be this beautiful. And it is not flashy beauty. It is soft and elegant, the kind that feels like it knows its worth without saying anything out loud.

What I love is how this technique is used. It appears in old cabinets that seem to belong in a quiet countryside home. Sometimes shines in tiny jewelry boxes tucked away in Hanoi night markets. It glimmers in lacquer paintings that tell stories from everyday life. You see it in lacquer paintings that tell scenes from everyday life. A fisherman. A lotus flower. A single tree on a hill. The shells are never the star of the show. They simply guide your eyes and give the story a glow.

There is also something very grounding about the patience behind it. This is not fast art. Nobody rushes to finish a piece. You can feel the hours, you can feel the silence and you can feel the small decisions the artisan made along the way. Imperfections are not mistakes. They are fingerprints of a person who sat there, carving, fitting, polishing, thinking about nothing except the next tiny detail.

Vietnamese woodworking with seashell inlay feels like a meeting of elements. Ocean and forest. Light and shadow. Human hands and natural shapes. It makes you slow down for a minute. It makes you appreciate the kind of beauty that takes time. And maybe that is why it stays with you long after you leave the workshop or the market stall. It is a reminder that some of the most striking things in life are crafted slowly, quietly, and with a great deal of heart.

The post Mother of Pearl Inlay: Vietnamese Craft Explained appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

This time the setting is a bit different. Instead of chasing soft light or hiding behind diffusers, I went straight into the brightest and most unforgiving source of all: the sun. Direct sunlight can be brutal for food, creating hard shadows and highlights that leave no room for mistakes. But if you lean into it and let the contrast tell its own story, something interesting happens. The plates start to look more alive, textures pop, colors gain confidence and every dish suddenly feels a bit more dramatic.

Below is a small collection of moments where I embraced the harsh light and let the sun draw the shapes, lines and shadows on its own terms. This gallery is all about the beauty of straightforward sunlight and how it can transform food into something bold and full of character.

All our food photos here were taken in the restaurants, where we had limitations when taking photos. Nevertheless, that’s not a reason we can’t take mouthwatering food photography. In case you need a food photographer, contact us, and let’s see what can be done. Please, enjoy our Food Photography Vol.9 Gallery.

Harsh sun is not the reason our photo of food would look bad

Embrace the sun!

Align path of the sun

I think it came out quite alright

Let ’em pop

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Food Photography Vol.5

Food Photography Vol.6

Food Photography Vol.7

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Hungry, anyone?

This is the end of our Food Photography Vol.9 Gallery. Thank you for your attention. If you need any food photography please contact us and let’s see what we can do.

The post Food Photography Vol.9: Harsh Sun appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

I still remember the excitement when Michelin introduced the Green Star in 2020. A special mark for restaurants that take sustainability seriously. Places that think about where their ingredients come from and how their actions shape the world around them. Since then this small green symbol helped me choose many meals. More than once the scale tipped to the side of the Green Star when I was deciding where the two of us should go.

So you can imagine my disappointment when Michelin recently removed the option to filter restaurants by the Green Star on their website. They said it was because of a redesign of the portal. Online you will find every possible explanation. Aparently, their website is going under huge reconstruction. Howevber, some claim that the Green Star is not reliable enough because restaurants answer questions about sustainability themselves and Michelin has to trust their word. And yes, maybe that creates some grey areas.

Still, I cannot help imagining a strange little scene. A kind of green star gestapo knocking on the back door of the kitchen, surprising the dishwasher who has just stepped out for a quick cigarette during his first break. A serious voice saying, “Good day, show me where the scraps go” and “I will also need a sample of this carrot, it looks suspiciously perfect.” We probably do not need a green police force, but we do need honesty. And we definitely need to highlight the places that really work hard in this direction.

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Michelin stars aren’t for everyone

Farm to table is, for me, one of the most beautiful things that can happen in this world of food. Nothing compares to a vegetable that comes from a garden only a few minutes away. When that vegetable is grown organically, with permaculture principles, by people who understand their soil as something alive and meaningful, it becomes more than just an ingredient. It becomes poetry on a plate.

This is why I truly hope Michelin finds a clear and fair way to keep awarding Green Stars and to present them properly. They matter. They guide us toward restaurants that respect the land, the farmers and the future. And they remind us that good food is not only about taste, but also about the story behind each ingredient. Respecting your ingredient!

The post Michelin, We Want Green Stars Back! appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Bánh mì isn’t just a sandwich in Saigon. It’s a ritual. It’s that mid-morning reward, that post-coffee craving, that late-night bite after too many beers. It’s fast, cheap, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable. It’s also absolutely everywhere, from street corners and alleyways to tiny storefronts and fluorescent-lit kiosks with handwritten signs. Some vendors make it feel like fast food, others treat it like an art form. After spending time chasing crumbs around Saigon, I can say with full confidence that I understand the obsession.

What Is Bánh Mì?

At first glance, it might just look like a sandwich. But bánh mì is Vietnam’s way of taking something familiar, flipping it on its head, and making it unforgettable.

It starts with the bread. The baguette is French in origin but totally different in execution. It’s lighter, crispier, and shatters at the first bite. The inside is soft and airy, almost cloud-like, while the crust offers that satisfying crunch that should be illegal in some countries. Then comes the filling. There’s usually a layer of pâté or mayonnaise to start things off, then a medley of meats, often pork in some form, maybe cold cuts or grilled slices, sometimes meatballs or patties. Add pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber spears, sprigs of fresh coriander, and a few slices of chili. If you’re lucky, they’ll splash in some soy or seasoning sauce that brings everything together.

The result is a sandwich with more texture and flavor in one bite than most meals manage in an entire plate. It’s hot and cold, spicy and refreshing, crunchy and soft, sweet and savory. And just when you think you’ve figured it out, a new version surprises you all over again. No wonder it was announced as one of the best sandwiches in the world!

My Favorite Bánh Mì Spots in Saigon

Let’s talk about the places that made me stop mid-bite and mumble something like “oh wow” with a mouth full of food. Some are chaotic carts, others are more polished storefronts. But each one earned its spot on this list through honest flavor and that hard-to-explain feeling that you’ve found something special.

Banh Mi 37 Nguyen Trai

This is hands down my favorite. There’s no shop, just a small cart tucked under some trees near an alley. If you’re lucky, the smoke from the grill will lead you there before you even see the stall. What they do here is simple but magical. They grill small, juicy pork patties over real charcoal. The smoky smell fills the air, and as you wait in line (because there is always a line), you can see the sandwiches coming together one by one. Fresh baguette, hot patties, cucumber, herbs, pickled vegetables, and a fiery chili sauce, if you ask for it. I ate mine standing on the sidewalk, juice dripping down my hand, and immediately considered getting another one. There’s nothing fancy about it. It’s just honest food made with care, and it tastes like the real Saigon.

My Banh Mi Saigon

This place is a bit more polished. It’s indoors, there are seats, and everything is clean and organized. On a hot day when I didn’t feel like squatting on the curb, it was a welcome break. The sandwiches here are neat, the flavors fresh, and the menu includes options for vegetarians and people who might not be up for spicy or funky flavors. It’s a great starting point if you’re new to the city or want to ease into the bánh mì world before going full-on street food. Just be ready to pay more.

Banh Mi Tuan Map

Tuan Map is one of those places that feels both old-school and familiar. You’ll see them in several locations around town, and each time I’ve gone, the sandwiches have been consistently good. The bread is always warm, the meats taste fresh, and the layering is generous but not overwhelming. What stands out here is the chả bò, which is a peppery beef sausage that pairs really well with their pickled veggies and a light splash of sauce. This is the kind of spot where you can grab a bánh mì with one hand and a coffee with the other, and it feels like your day just improved.

Banh Mi Pha Lau Ba Sau

This one’s for the adventurous. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure at first. They serve their bánh mì with phá lấu, which is stewed organ meat. It’s rich, intense, and not exactly beginner-friendly. But I gave it a shot and ended up finishing the whole thing. The meat is tender, the sauce is deep and spiced, and the bread holds up surprisingly well under the weight of it all. If you’re in the mood for something bold and very local, this one is worth the risk.

Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

This is probably the most famous bánh mì in Saigon. And yes, it lives up to the hype. When I first saw it, I thought there must have been a mistake. The thing was massive, stuffed with what looked like half the deli counter. Layers and layers of cold cuts, thick mayo, pâté, and pickled vegetables, all wedged into a huge baguette. It’s heavy, messy, and absolutely over-the-top, and somehow it works. It’s not something I’d eat every day, but it’s the kind of sandwich you try once and remember for a long time.

Banh Mi Hong Hoa

Hong Hoa feels like the more balanced cousin of Huynh Hoa. The portions are generous but manageable. The bread is fresh and warm, and the fillings are flavorful without tipping into overkill. I liked the way they built their sandwiches. There’s intention in every layer, and it all comes together in a really satisfying way. This is a bánh mì you could eat every day and never get tired of.

Banh Mi Kep Cha

This one was a happy accident. I stumbled upon it while walking back from a coffee run. It’s simple, focused, and all about the meat. Just slices of chả (Vietnamese sausage), a few pickled veggies, herbs, and maybe some chili if you ask for it. There’s something about the minimalism here that really appealed to me. Sometimes less is more, and this sandwich proved it.

Final Thoughts

If I could only eat one bánh mì in Saigon again, it would have to be the one from Banh Mi 37 Nguyen Trai. There’s something about the smoky pork patties, the heat of the chili, the freshness of the bread, and everything just clicks. It captures the essence of the street food scene here. It’s not trying too hard. It’s just really, really good.

But honestly, part of the fun is wandering the streets and letting your nose decide where to eat. Every neighborhood has its own take on bánh mì. Some are bold and spicy, some are comforting and familiar. Some are gone in three bites, others are a meal in themselves. Try them all if you can. It’s the best way to taste Saigon, one bite at a time.

Let the crumbs fall where they may.

The post Best Bánh Mì in Saigon appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Kurentovanje

Kurentovanje is Slovenian most popular carnival event first organized in 1960. This 11-day festival has many activities on the program but its climax is on Shrove Sunday. By the way, Ptuj is the oldest documented town in Slovenia and heritage like this carnival goes great with it.

Today, Kurentovanje is an international festival. Among local traditional carnival groups, one can see others from Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Hungary, Austria, Italy, Japan and many other countries. In addition to the parade, Kurentovanje also includes other cultural events. There can you see traditional dance performances, music concerts, and art exhibitions. Reasonably, with a good festival, there comes also good food. The festival has a strong culinary component, with local restaurants and food stands offering traditional Slovenian dishes such as krofi (a type of doughnut), kranjska klobasa (a type of sausage), and potica (a sweet bread filled with nuts or other ingredients). Please click here if you need an idea of what to eat when you are in Slovenia.

Doughnuts can be seen all over the city. It is tradition to make them around the carnival and give them to masqueraders. Traditionally these are filled with jam, but modern touches like vanilla cream and chocolate go with it great.

In Kurentovanje 2023 there were more than 100.000 visitors from all around the world. Make sure you will see it at least once in your lifetime. It is worth visiting it just to see the main character – Kurent.

Kurent

The main character in this carnival is Kurent, which was first documented in 1880. According to popular belief, Kurents chase away everything bad and bring good luck and happiness.

The Kurent is a traditional Slovenian carnival figure that is associated with the celebration of “Pust” (Carnival) and is believed to have originated in the eastern part of Slovenia, in the region of Ptuj. The Kurent is typically depicted as a large, hairy, and horned beast with a long tongue, wearing a sheepskin or fur coat, a belt with cowbells, and sometimes a mask. The Kurent’s appearance can vary depending on the region, but it always carries a wooden club and is accompanied by a group of other carnival characters.

The Kurent is actually a demon but it is known as a good one. They are believed to possess supernatural powers and are said to chase away winter and evil spirits, bringing about the arrival of spring and fertility. The Kurent is also a symbol of Slovenian culture and folklore, and the tradition of the Kurent has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

During the Pust celebrations, which take place in February or March, groups of people dressed as Kurents parade through the streets, making noise with their cowbells and wooden clubs. The Kurents also visit homes, where they perform rituals to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck and fertility to the household. In addition to driving away evil spirits, the Kurent is also believed to have the power to heal and protect. Some people believe that being hit by a Kurent’s wooden club can bring good luck and ward off illness.

The exact origin of the Kurent is unclear, but it is thought to be related to pre-Christian Slavic and pagan beliefs. No matter where we look for the roots of this figure from Ptujsko-Dravsko Polje, Haloze, and Slovenske Gorice, we will find lore similar to the one carried by the Kurent.

The costume is made of sheep wool, the mask is made of wood and the tongue is made of leather, traditional cowbells are made of steel. The whole costume weighs around 40 kilos and you can only imagine how hot it must be jumping around in it. Are these jumps necessary? Yes. As tradition says, the bells are driving winter away. Louder is better. There must be exactly 5 cowbells. 5 bells are the perfect number for making the perfect noise to carry winter away. You will see also napkins around Kurent’s waist. Those are from girls who show their affection to them.

There are many rules about Kurents. One of them is “no one should see who is carrying the mask, and Kurent could take it off at home and hide it.” One of the rules is also only grown single males could wear a mask. Today we can see also kids, women, and of course married men wearing it.

Here you can see my artistic approach to Kurents in black and white. However, Kurents are the most important characters but they aren’t the only ones.

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Kurents in Black and White

Other Characters of Kurentovanje

Gypsies from Dornava

There are also Gypsies from Dornava on Ptujsko Polje. Unique local custom where almost all villagers dress up in Gypsies. They assume many different roles, such as fortune-tellers, knife grinders, musicians, chicken thieves, etc. It is certainly a great addition to the humor, which is the main feeling in Carnival.

The Devil

Devil accompanies Kurent and he makes sure the procession goes undisturbed. Pitchfork in his hands and a net for catching souls are essential. 

The Whip Crackers

Traditionally, already in the night immediately after Candlemas, boys and men started cracking their whips in the hope to chase away dark forces and evil spirits. Well, after you hear that snap you might be chased away as well.

Jürek and Rabolj

Jürek and Rabolj also known as Green George and Winter demon have this fight all over the city. Green George is representing nature and spring while the demon represents winter. Jürek and Rabolj perform a fight in which the winter demon Rabolj is beaten and banished to Donačka gora.

Rusas

Rusa is an animal that brings health and fertility to horses and other animals. It reminds me of Chinese lions without acrobatic abilities. However, they are much more fun, they play tricks and are unruly. That’s why Rusas are accompanied by a driver with a whip. 

Old Woman Carrying Her Man

This figure is recognized throughout various European nations as an embodiment of the spirits of the deceased, typically portrayed as an elderly person. A participant places a wicker basket without a bottom over their shoulders, with a rag doll of either a man or woman attached to the front. The female character’s face is usually adorned with paint or soot, and her costume typically features exaggerated breasts, while the male character carries a spear and dons an old hat.

Straw Bride Looking for Her Groom

This customary practice involves young men dressing up as females and pulling a cart with a scarecrow bride in it, to the delight of onlookers. At each home where a suitable young man resided, they would offer him the “bride,” who was, of course, exceedingly wealthy, possessing livestock, money, and numerous other assets. The “bride” was adorned with onion garlands instead of flowers.

The spearman

The spearman of Markovci in the Ptujsko Polje region is not a traditional carnival character, but rather an essential figure at peasant weddings, where he assists the bride and groom and provides entertainment for guests. In 1960, a group of spearmen led the inaugural carnival parade in Ptuj, dressed in their finest black suits, adorned with decorated hats and black boots. The spearmen danced, tossing their spears, which were decorated with multicolored ribbons, high into the air. 

Ploughmen

The tradition of ploughing (plowing) is a highly popular carnival custom, steeped in the long-forgotten rituals of ploughing the defensive magic circle around the village and the ceremonial first furrow to mark the beginning of fieldwork. In the Ptuj region, the most distinguished ploughmen come from villages including Markovci, Lancova Vas, Podlehnik, Leskovec, Dornava, and Okič in Haloze. A group of ploughmen typically consists of three pairs of “horses” pulling a decorated wooden plough, accompanied by a Kurent. The whip cracker leads the way, wielding a long whip to chase away evil spirits and signal the plowmen’s arrival.

and many others.

Kurentovanje Tips 

If you are attending the main carnival make sure to arrive early. That way you can check the town of Ptuj and Ptuj castle, find your spot where the carnival will be held and enjoy doughnuts without the crowd.

If you will be there early you can see the Kurent’s masks and clothing in the park and around the city when they are preparing.

The last tip and the most important one, have fun!

The post Kurentovanje Carnival appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Kurents chase away everything bad and bring good luck and happiness

Kurent is sopose to be good demon

They chase away winter and evil spirits

Should you be scared?

Only if you are winter or a bad person

They are on UNESCO list

Carnival in Ptuj is one of 10 best ATW

The whole costume weights 40 kg

This is the end of our Kurent Photography. I hope you liked it. If you would like to know more, please check our post about Kurentovanje.Thank you for your attention, and see you next time. If you need any photography, Contact us and we will see what can be done. Stay safe!

The post KURENT IN BLACK AND WHITE appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Temples in Thailand

Did you know that around 95% of the Thai population identifies as Buddhists? So there is no surprise that there are more than 34,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand. However, temples have a much bigger role in Thai culture, than just worshiping places. They serve as social hubs, nowadays tourist attractions, and even schools. You might be surprised when you will see children running around the temple courtyard but don’t get fooled – there is still etiquette when visiting it. As a bonus, one can also get a sacred tattoo (Sak Yant) in some temples. More about tattoos some other time…

Etiquette at Thai Temples

Every worship place has its etiquette and Thai temples are no exemption. Well, no smoking and no drinking alcohol are the obvious ones, but there are some not so obvious rules. You should sit with the soles of your feet pointing away from Buddha images or monks. You probably won’t be able to curl your feet as Thais do, but still, you can have in mind this rule and keep the soles of your feet away. Oh, and don’t forget to take off your shoes before entering the temple. Dressing code is important as well. Your shoulders and knees must be covered while you are on the holly ground. However, monks are used to reckless tourists wearing tank tops with shorts without a handy scarf. They do tolerate this as long it is not a more important temple such as Wat Phra Kaew at the Grand Palace, Bangkok. There you will be asked to wear long pants. Boy, I already miss the dress code from Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. It is nothing bad to be nice and classy, folk.

Let’s not forget to act respectfully, don’t talk loud, and don’t take pictures with a flash. Those who are there for praying should never be disturbed. Common sense, right? Another not so obvious is keeping your head lower than the Buddha images and monks. And if you see sits reserved for monks, don’t ever use them. However, if you are a girl, never try to touch a monk or sit on the same bench as he does. Vivi learned this from praxis and it was awkwardly mirthful.

Why Visit Thai Temples?

There are many reasons for that. Let’s start with the most obvious one – sightseeing. These temples are a true masterpiece in terms of manufacturing. All the details and interesting features will amaze you. And when you thought you saw it all, you might land on a buddha statue that contains the remains of a monk inside. Monk was supposedly meditating when they “built” him in. As with any historical place, every Thai temple has its history and there are always some interesting events. If you are more into history this is your treat.

Yes, you can take photos of the temple. Just don’t disturb those who are there and never use flash. Tripod is also not recommended at historical places, though. Just keep it simple and catch all these details without disturbing anyone. So if you are a photographer freak like me, temples are a must place to go.

Last but not least, visit them for your soul. If you meditate, go there and do meditate. If you would like to have a moment to think about things that are above us, well this is your place. Think of all the people you love, send some love to them, and have a heartfelt prayer. If you can, make a merit of any kind, donations are always welcome to support monks.

How and Which Temples to Visit?

There are many arranged options for executing your temple run, but I like to visit them by myself. You have more freedom and time. I would love to see more and maybe catch some great moments. If you are there for a photo you will need some time just to catch the perfect moment without crowds. With GPS and motorbike, you are good to go. Just be careful on the road and enjoy every moment of your day. When it comes to which temples to visit… Oh man, there are too many and everyone is wonderful. Each temple is special in its own unique way, but in general the bigger it is the more is there to see. But you don’t need to go far to catch some amazing stuff. Just in Bangkok, you have some of the biggest and grandest.

Conclusion

Here, I gave you some good reasons to visit Thai temples when you are in Thailand. I hope you will like them too and if you are a photography enthusiast, I wish you some good captures. Just remember to respect the place and all the visitors.

The post Why Everyone Should Visit Thai Temples appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Some can’t imagine a meal without bread

Amuse Bouche

Starting with soup

Or going to the other direction?

Just keep it light

Add some cream

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Food Photography

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And go with the main

Just to finish with sweet

This is the end of our Studio Food Photography. I hope you liked it. Thank you for your attention, and see you next time. If you need any photography, Contact us and we will see what can be done. Stay safe!

The post FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY VOL. 8: STUDIO appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Ambiance

Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel is situated near Xuan Huong Lake and it starts with the amazing park. To be honest, we are always looking for some green areas in luxury hotels. Honestly, this park is astonishing and we can call the whole property future-proof. Greenery, trees, flowers, and wildlife. Birds here around didn’t let us use a drone, and we felt blessed with so much diverse life around us. Just like at Metropole Hanoi Hotel Review, an old classic car is at the entrance point. Then there is this beautiful Edwardian and Art Deco-styled hotel with neat lines. Once the perfect first impression settled in we couldn’t wait to see the inside.

Check-In

The check-in at Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel is quick, pleasant, and warm. The bellboy was nice and the concierge gave us a lot of information about the place and what to see around Da Lat. Truly the grand heritage feeling from the outside continues to be present everywhere.

Our Room

Dalat Palace has 43 rooms in elegant colonial style, and each offers quite a view, no matter whether is the Xuan Huong lake or Dalat Cathedral. We stayed in the luxury exclusive room which has 44 square meters filled with authentic colonial charm. Dark wooden floors, fireplace, wonderful ornaments, art pieces, vintage metal fan, and even a clawfoot bathtub.

There is nothing more we could wish for and the ambiance of the room is superb. Especially, when you open a window and hear all those birds chirping in the park. Just like many heritage hotels, the Dalat palace rooms need some smaller fixes. But it is important to make them right so this heritage feel is still present.

Cleanliness

The hotel itself is clean and we didn’t find any bigger messy indicators. The bigger problem is when it comes to furniture preservation. A lot of work is needed to fix everything. However, all the kudos goes to gardeners as well. To maintain a park of this size is no joke at all.

Facilities

Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel has everything and more. We are just wondering if we ever came across so many facilities. With that being said we must express the rule of thumb “less is more”. Sadly, most of these facilities are screaming for renovation and repurposing. We must mention the library, which is a great common space and many 5-star hotels lack a place like this. Then there is Le Rabelais Restaurant, a magnificent place where breakfast and high tea are also served. Dedicated rooms for smaller groups, terrace to enjoy the view, Cigar Lounge, and Dalat Palace Club. 

All the places are great except, the club. This thing simply doesn’t belong here. The ambiance is a fail, and we haven’t seen much activity there during our stay. Frankly, it is quite sad, especially when you know this was a wine cellar back in the days. 

However, in this underground area, there are other failed facilities, like karaoke rooms. We know we are in Asia and karaoke is a huge thing here, but what in the world. Another failed facility is the children’s room, but it can be transformed with some minor corrections.

Nevertheless, there is a spa that looked small and the offer wasn’t really convincing, which is a shame. A place like Da Lat could be more about spa and wellbeing. There is also a small functional gym. We were only missing a bench, so the weights would make sense. 

Dalat Palace has also a convention room and other smaller meeting rooms in the new building. This “new wing” is designed great and it gets along with the main building.

Amenities

We had everything and more. There is this great TV box with many movies, shows, and music. Minibar was stacked and the tea and coffee were offered in the room as well. Turndown service left us a note with a joke and a weather report for the next day. However, we missed additional water by the bed, but we got a laugh from the joke.

Food at Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel

Jesus Christ, this was the worst food we have ever had in a 5-star hotel. Food goes the same as the Dalat Palace High Tea Review. Didn’t look so good and tasted even worse. When you see a menu with photos you know this is gonna be a bad ride. 

Breakfast

How about breakfast? Most of the savory food was tasty, especially those from the live stations. We got some decent Pho and sauteed vegetables. Regardless, there were some sweets from the high tea for which we already knew they are bad. Luckily, there were preprepared croissants and freshly made waffles with condiments. Ou, we shouldn’t forget the fresh fruits and juices as well, which were delicious.

When it comes to the service there is a problem. No one accompanied us to the table or serve us coffee or tea. The staff was too loose, talking loud and eating on the site. There is almost no bigger flaw than seeing a waiter or chef eating on his duty. Table clothes weren’t aligned and much more.

Bad service surprised me, especially when we got to know some students from College Tourism Dalat. People from all over the country are here in training to be the highest level of hospitality workers. And when we asked students what is their dream work, almost everyone told us about their dream of working at Dalat Palace. So this is the cherry-pick? Big Hotel chains know how to deal with this problem. Training is held in the hotels under the control of senior staff, coming from all over the world.

Conclusion

Exceptional heritage place with a lot of untapped potentials. As we always say, it is not just about location, heritage, and design. People are making hospitality, and Dalat Palace Hotel clearly lacks some good management. Running a hotel is a huge deal and you need a lot of good human resources. With a good management team, a place like Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel would easily be one of the best hotels in South East Asia. Start with the website, offer and find your red line. Guests will come to enjoy a unique experience that should be kept in lasting memory. 

Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel Review Card

• 9.7/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9.7/10
• 9.3/10
  CLEANLINESS – 9.3/10
• 9.1/10
  ROOM – 9.1/10
• 7/10
  FACILITIES AND AMENITIES – 7/10
• 5/10
  FOOD AND BEVERAGE – 5/10
• 8/10
  SERVICE – 8/10
• 7/10
  VALUE – 7/10

Price and Location

A room like ours will cost you about 200 USD per day, and we think this is not a good deal for a quality like here. We truly hope there will be some improvements and they will use the potential. Here is the link to the location for easier navigation.

The post Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel Review: Da Lats Finnest? appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Hello

Come with me

Red place, white dress…

Which direction shall I go?

Dreamy and soft

Or darker?

Stay calm and pose

Bye bye

This is the end of our walk in the Imperial City of Hue. I hope you liked it. Thank you for your attention, and see you next time. If you need any photography, Contact us and we will see what can be done. Stay safe!

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