Laubichler-Pichler appointed General Manager of Nam Hai in Vietnam

Less than five weeks after taking over as general manager of the Nam Hai in Vietnam, Herbert Laubichler-Pichler rolled out red carpet for the country’s foremost political figure, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

The meeting of leaders occurred January 17, when the two convened for a private dinner at the Central Coast property’s signature restaurant. The PM, who was making an official visit to Quang Nam Province, praised the hotel’s culinary offerings, the talents of the chef and the aura and amenities of a resort steeped in Vietnamese heritage.

“Mr. Dung confirmed what I’ve thought since day one: that The Nam Hai is a singular destination, with an obvious commitment to putting cuisine and culture on a pedestal,” said Laubichler-Pichler. “The food fuses elements of Eastern and Western flavors and philosophies in a way no other restaurant in this part of the world does. And the architecture — which was recognized earlier this year by Travel + Leisure in its annual Design Awards — is a creative blend of the traditional Vietnamese garden home and modern technologies.”

A veteran of the world-renowned GHM hotel management group, Laubichler-Pichler assumed the role of GM at The Nam Hai on December 14, after spending three years in the same position at The Saujana in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — another GHM-managed property.

Prior to that job, the Austrian worked in Europe for 20 years, a period that included executive management stints at Annabelle Hotel in Cyprus, Dorint Kongress Hotel in Germany and Hotel Schloss Fuschl in his homeland.

“Herbert has overseen some of the premier properties in the world,” said Rick Mayo-Smith, CEO of Indochina Land, The Nam Hai’s developer. “He’s been instrumental in the success of them all, and we’re confident he will contribute in the same fashion at The Nam Hai.”

During The Nam Hai’s development, the owners called in not one, but five architects for the design scheme of the resort. AW2 handled the architecture. Jaya & Associates (Jakarta) designed the interiors and furnishings. KPD (Bali) masterplanned the landscaping. The Flaming Beacon (Melbourne, Australia) developed the light design. And Design Studio (Tokyo) focused exclusively on the restaurant.

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