44 08/2019
TWO DIGITS. NOT SO LONG AGO,
Saigon wasn't such a tangled frenzy of
motorbike horns, construction projects,
international commerce and tourist
activity as attested to by the length of
phone numbers here less than a century
ago. The two-digit office listing found
on the first page of a Saigon magazine
alludes to this quieter time period.
Thankfully, a sense of this serenity still
exists for visitors to the metropolis. Mia
Saigon, the city's newest boutique luxury
resort serves as an oasis for travelers
exhausted by travel thanks to its one-of-
a-kind art collection, original Indochine
decor, exemplary service and variety of
dining options.
The referenced magazine has
miraculously remained intact for decades
and guests can now marvel at it during
a stay at Mia Saigon. It is one of the
dozens of original pieces that constitute
five different collections at the hotel.
Magazines, book covers, stamps, first day
of issue postage sheets and propaganda
posters all provide unique glimpses
into the Vietnamese history, aesthetics,
politics, and preoccupations during the
middle of the 20th Century. They are
available on each of the hotel's main
five floors so everyone can enjoy them
alongside information that provides
context. Moreover, every room contains
an original piece from each collection.
The hotel's passionate desire to share
fine Vietnamese art doesn't end there,
however. Masterpieces hang throughout
the hotel, including a painting by
Vietnam's most valuable artist, Le Pho,
two from famous Bui Xuan and selections
of Chu Dau pottery. Antique coffee
equipment adorns surfaces in the dining
room while a variety of teapots and cups
that reveal the graceful elegance that
was achieved by artisans working with
nothing but simple coal fires.
In addition to promoting the nation's
artists, the hotel's Vietnamese owners
believe in championing local craftsman
and thus every piece of furniture in
the 35 spacious rooms and 17 lavish
suites, from carefully polished lacquer
to elegant light fixtures to indulgent
pillows, are handmade in Vietnam
and custom designed to adhere to the
graceful Indochine aesthetic. In addition
to selections from each art collection,
the rooms also contain unique pieces
of Vietnamese ceramics that date back
hundreds of years and were only recentlyretrieved from a sunken ship. They serve
as perfect compliments to the rooms that
are each swathed in a shade inspired by a
different precious jewel or gemstone.
Before one notices the details and
subtle colonial style permeating the
premises, one will be stunned by the
view. Upon first arriving at Mia Saigon,
guests get a terrific glimpse at the placid
Saigon River slipping past the hotel.
Each room features a private balcony
from which to watch coconut-laden
barges glide up it while sipping on an
espresso or sampling a full breakfast
brought in by a private butler. For a
truly transcendent experience, the large
windowed doors can be completely
opened to transform the entire room or
suite into an open-air space.
Of course, no number of rare
paintings or breathtaking scenes can
stand in for service and here Mia Saigon
excels. With the motto "No is not in our
vocabulary" the staff 's greatest concern
is catering to the unique and specific
needs of each guest. Whether that means
offering recommendations for the hippest
dining spot, shopping boutique or art
gallery in the area, procuring special
sundries, or simply offering a greeting and