Adorned by spotless sandy beaches and stunning coral reefs, Phu Quoc is the offshore destination of the Gulf of Siam. It is quickly evolving from an unknown isle to the in-stage nice scape in less than a decade. I can never imagine my virgin voyage to Vietnam not sojourning in the archaic Hoian or revering the high colonialism in Hanoi but a dash to the jolly seaside of Phu Quoc. Still, never can I resist the temptation to travel with my set wherever we agree on, exotic or generic.

The House Car arrives punctually and awaits as I descend the gleaming staircase of the Landmark, Mandarin Oriental. The dedicated, beaming senior valet in a crisp white shirt loads up my luggage while the entire Landmark concierge congregates at the driveway for the farewell. It is a short ride from Central to Admiralty. The Upper House leaves a sleek first impression in the prompt travel as I flip a copy of Monocle magazine.