Accommodation of Mr. Kim Jong-un and his delegation during 5 days in Vietnam

Arriving in Vietnam in late February, Chairman Kim Jong-un and the North Korean delegation of about 200 people stayed at the Melia Hanoi Hotel during the summit with US President Donald Trump. All of Mr. Kim's activities during the 5 days from February 26 to March 2 at the hotel were kept secret. All contacts were through the North Korean Embassy in Vietnam.

Mr. Guillermo Pantoja, General Manager of the hotel, revealed that the North Korean side requested a separate area for their chefs to use. Even the hotel staff could not access this area. The Level Lounge area was arranged to meet the delegation's request. The North Korean side also brought all the food to Vietnam, not using any ingredients from outside.

According to Ms. Ha Thi Ngoc Minh - Deputy Head of the Room Division, the North Korean delegation did not have any special requests for rooms or need any additional items, all furniture was kept almost intact.

From February 22, the North Korean delegation checked into a private area with strict security, which no one could access. Housekeeping, laundry, and technical staff were mobilized to be on duty 24/7, ready to serve when requested.

North Korean security agents eat buffet lunch and dinner at the hotel, with the same menu as other guests staying there, but they sit in a separate area.

Erick Garcia, the head chef who prepared the food in those days, said kimchi was the most popular dish. "In one week, we supplied more than 100 kg of kimchi because people liked it," he said.

A buffet staff member said that North Korean agents take turns taking lunch and dinner breaks, taking turns guarding the area. When they eat, they speak very softly. During the reception, the kitchen also changed the lunch buffet service time to a little later, from 12:00 to 15:00, and the dinner buffet from 18:00 to 22:00.

Mr. Guillermo Pantoja added that President Kim Jong-un and the North Korean delegation are very special guests with security requirements.

"On March 2, when Mr. Kim left with the delegation, he shook hands to thank the General Director and hotel staff for their thoughtful reception. He smiled brightly and was very friendly," Ms. Nguyen Thi Chau Dung - Director of Sales and Marketing, shared.