Mongolian president enjoys Muong culture at Vietnam resort

Ukhnaagiin and his wife stayed at Serena Resort in Kim Boi District, around 150 kilometers from Hanoi, from Nov. 3 to 4, according to a representative of Senera Resort.

Khurelsukh's room type was an onsen villa, with prices of VND13-15 million (US$533-615) per night.

The villa was described as "a great choice for the whole family or group of four people" and was built in a U-shape with a shared living room located between two bedrooms. The villa had a private swimming pool and a mineral water source piped in directly from a nearby 43-degree-Celsius hot spring.

Ho Thi Triet Van, deputy director of the resort, said the Mongolian president was interested in trying onsen bathing. He also liked to drink ice-cold beer and relished local fruits while bathing in the onsen.

Mongolia's high-ranking delegation stayed in other rooms at the resort.

During the reception of the delegation, the resort still served guests who booked rooms in advance. However, security was strict.

For his first dinner at the resort, the Mongolian president enjoyed a Muong-inspired menu with catfish spring rolls and steamed river catfish at the Non restaurant.

Other dishes on the dinner menu included hill chicken and sticky rice.

On Nov. 4, the presidential delegation enjoyed breakfast including traditional Vietnamese dishes such as beef pho, fish noodle soup, and some light dishes including corn, sweet potatoes, and steamed taro.

The resort’s Chef Doan Anh Linh said he was quite nervous because it was the first time he served the head of state.

"I want to bring to the president and the high-ranking Mongolian delegation the typical spices of the local Muong ethnic minority group. All ingredients were carefully prepared and selected," Linh said.

Serena Resort is inspired by its surrounding natural mountains and forests, and the culture of northwest Vietnam. Its façade was built mainly from wood and bamboo.