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About Me

About Me
CrystalPhuong.net is a Personal Style & Travel Blog based in Singapore, written by Crystal Phuong. The blog was nominated FOUR times in Top 10 Best Fashion Blogs in the annual Singapore Blog Award from 2012- 2015, voted as one of the Best Lifestyle Blogs in Singapore in 2013 by Hotelclub.com, and Best Travel Blogs in 2016 by Foodpanda.com. Crystal hopes to connect and inspire young women to lead a healthy and happy life. Be confident, be positive, and be kind.
PHUKET WITH RADISSON BLU

PHUKET WITH RADISSON BLU


Panwa beach view from Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel

Having only five hours in Singapore after coming back from Vietnam (including my sleeping time), I only managed to take a shower, change to a new outfit, unpack the luggage and pack again for the new destination. 6 am calling time, I was up and ready to catch the next flight to Phuket and spend my weekend with Radisson Blu. 

I've been to Phuket a few times and am pretty familiar with every corner of Patong beach. But, staying away from the Patong beach madness for a real rest and relaxing vacation was something I've never done before. That's why I was actually looking forward to spending my time at Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket 

A first impression only comes once and Radisson Blu Phuket sure knows how to make your first impression unforgettable. Right after I walked out of the terminal building, a private car was ready to take me to the hotel. Look at what I found: Wifi in the car. 


Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel private car pick up with free wifi

It took me a while to realize that there was wifi in the car. At that first moment, I was sold and completely believed that my weekend would be wonderful already. For someone who is constantly connected with social networking like me, having a wifi on the go was the best luxury I could ask for. 

The short 40-minute drive from the airport brought me to this place. Grand entrance as a grand welcome to Radisson Blu Phuket.  

Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel entrance

Stepping inside the larger-than-life sized lobby, I noticed there were two entrances to the hotel. One facing the main road and the other facing a beautiful ocean. Radisson Blu Phuket is a private beachfront resort that is positioned against the gorgeous Makham Bay, offering endless white sands, blue skies, and ocean views.  

Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel lobby

 Oliver Gires, the best hotel ambassador I could ask for, greeted me at the entrance by my name and quickly gave me an introduction about the hotel facilities and areas. He even went extra miles to offer taking photos of me, which was exactly what I needed. Some of the beautiful photos below were courtesy of Oliver. 

One unique thing I noticed during my 3-day stay at Radisson Blu, every staff has a "Yes I can!" pin on their uniform. When asked, one of the employees told me that this is a service philosophy that sets Radisson Blu apart from their competitors. Whether you are in Thailand, Dubai, Zurich or Chicago, you are assured to receive excellent service and undivided attention from the Radisson Blu team. 

How impressive it is! 

Crystal Phuong chilling at Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel lobby

A welcome drink tasted so much better with a view like this. 

Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel welcome drink

June is in the monsoon season in Phuket with increasing rainfall. I was told that it had been raining all week long until I came. The sun came out, the sky was clear and the weather was just beautiful. It's perfect for having a margarita while admiring the panoramic view of Panwa beach from the deck. 

Crystal Phuong at Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel

Calling this place home for my weekend in Phuket. 

Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel villa room

Every day we would have a different bed decoration and complimentary local food offered by the hotel. This towel swan couple made me feel like I was on a honeymoon trip. 

Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel room, towel swan couple decoration

Full wall mirror and a sliding door wardrobe that looked like a mini walk-in closet. I haven't seen this in any hotel I've been to, have you?

Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel mini wak in closet

The bathroom was even more spacious.

Radisson Blu plaza Phuket hotel spacious bathroom with big bathtub


Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel bathtub in villa room

If this is not called Luxury, I don't know what is.  

Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel beautiful bathroom interior

We even had our private pool. 

Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel private pool in villa

If only I could bring this pool to Singapore, I'd be doing nothing but this. 

Crystal Phuong chilling at private pool in Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel villa

Couldn't help but dip in. 


There were more facilities and activities in Radisson Blu Phuket that anyone could ask for. A fully equipped gym for a fitness lover. 

Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel gyms facilities

How about yoga in the pool? This was the second pool in the hotel. 

Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel second swimming pool

The first one, facing the ocean, is awarded as the largest lagoon pool in the island. 

Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel lagoon swimming pool

Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel beautiful swimming pool

But if you are not into sun-tanning or swimming, you'll love chilling by the pool, looking over the pristine beach while having your favorite cocktail offered by the pool bar. When I was there, there was a one for one offer and that made it even better. 

Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel, cocktails at pool bar

There were a few restaurants around the hotel that offered spectacular food that made me feel like I didn't need to get out of the hotel for lunch or dinner at all. The only time we went out for dinner was when we visited Patong Beach at night.  

Crystal Phuong at Azu restaurant, Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel

Thai food was good, but it was even better at Radisson Blu Azu restaurant. The service was wonderful, the location was amazing, the food was delicious, and the company was beyond perfect, I couldn't ask for anything better than that. 

Dinner at Azu restaurant, Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel

Even the buffet breakfast the next day at Aqua restaurant was one of a kind. Oliver and Bjorn (Hotel General Manager) came to say hi to us a couple of times and to make sure everything was okay.

Buffet breakfast at Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel

The last day with Radisson Blu, Oliver offered to take more photos of me (and my outfit) and brought me around the hotel. After a long and hot walk, we ended up at this quiet deck. While Oliver was busy snapping the camera shutter, I was lucky enough to have a few quiet moments captured through his lens.


This amazing trip was truly a reward for me for embarking a career change in my life. I was so ready to go back and to start my new journey on Monday. 

Thank you so much Radisson Blu for your wonderful hospitality! 
If you are looking for a relaxing vacation and being away from the busy touristy area in Phuket, Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel is the best recommendation I'd love to give to you. 

Thank you so much for reading!  

Update (01/09/2020): Radisson Blu Plaza Phuket hotel has been rebranded to Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort. 
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HAI PHONG

HAI PHONG


Not as crowded as Ho Chi Minh and neither as touristy as Hanoi, Hai Phong, the third most popular city in Vietnam, seems to be quieter with impressive rays of colonial buildings and red flamboyant trees growing abundantly along the streets. These vibrant trees are now a Hai Phong's trademark and whenever someone says "The city of flamboyant trees", everyone knows that they are talking about Hai Phong.

I was born and raised in this coastal city until I was 18 and then moved to Hanoi and started a life of an adult. Although, Hanoi was more fun with lots of attractions (and temptations), but a part of me is always with the quiet city, Hai Phong. Whenever I have time,  the first thing that always comes to my mind is going back home.

Two weeks ago, I packed my luggage and left Singapore for Hai Phong. There is always a reward in everything, including this beautiful sunrise as a compensation for a very early morning flight.



Travel in style. Jumpsuits are the best outfits for traveling. 


Getting ready to board. Excitement was up in the air. 


Three hours later, I was home. 


The best welcome-home gift from the most adorable human being. 


Making an effort to try as many famous food in Hai Phong as possible even if it meant I'd have extra few pounds later. This fried fish noodle soup is to die for. If you have a chance to drop by Hai Phong, you have to try this.


Never really rest even when I was on holiday. 


Lunch again with more vegetables and healthy food. If you happen to be in Hai Phong, you should definitely try the brown noodle and crab meat soup (we call it Banh da do), or grilled pork with rice noodle and spring roll (Bun cha)


I have finally declared that one of the must-do things, whenever I'm in Hai Phong, is getting a manicure done. You won't believe how much these sparkling nails cost me. 


$20 hard gel nails that look like a million bucks. It would cost me $120 to $160 in Singapore otherwise. 


On the second last day in Hai Phong, I wanted to bring Miu to the Do Son beach (he loves beaches) to celebrate his birthday. Do Son used to be my favorite beach when I was small and now it becomes Miu's favorite one. He kept running around, playing with the crashing waves and laughing non-stop. Kids are the best example of we can be happy with the simplest things in life. 


While my Dad and my brother were busy taking care of Miu, my mom and I went for a walk to explore the new area. 



I lived in Hai Phong for 18 years and visited Do Son beach many times. This was the first time I watched the sunset on this beach. I pulled out my phone, took a photo of the sunset and posted it on Instagram. I was surprised at the comments I received a few moments later: "Wow! So beautiful. Where is it?". I replied them proudly "It's my hometown". 

Many times, we take things for granted. I guess it's never too late to start appreciating. 


Thank you so much for reading! 

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LAID BACK

LAID BACK



Having ten precious days in between jobs, I decided to pack my bags and to reward myself with some short getaways. The first destination immediately popped up in my head (whenever I have a time off), was always Vietnam. That’s how much I crave for quality time with my family and some kisses from my adorable nephew, Miu

I spent six days in Vietnam, did nothing but sleeping, eating, watching TV, and of course, playing with Miu. He is the most fun, energetic, and loving boy that I’ve ever seen. He kept kissing, hugging, and asking me to stay back home with him.  On the second last day, we headed to Do Son beach to be tourists for a day. It was my childhood’s favorite place to go and now becomes Miu’s favorite one. While my Dad and my brother were busy catching the little monster (my nickname for Miu) running around the beach and playing with the crashing waves, my mom and I went for a walk to explore the new area. 

As you can see from the photos, it was a pretty quiet day in Do Son despite the weekend. People have a very simple lifestyle here. There is never a rush hour or cars honking sounds in the traffic jam. No matter how busy and occupied my mind could be, a laid black place like this would always take me off from the working mode and remind me to relax as much as I can. 

What did you do when you just quit your job? 











Thank you so much for reading!

::Outfit::
ZARA denim shorts- Similar  here
Forever21 straw hat- Currently obsessed with this one
Jeffrey Campbell lace sandals

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TAULA: FOR THE WOMAN WHO'S GOING PLACES

TAULA: FOR THE WOMAN WHO'S GOING PLACES


Taula jewelry campaign styled by Crystal Phuong

A couple of weeks ago, I had some quiet time in the afternoon, catching up with a passionate jewelry designer, whose name Kanika Mittal, about her beloved brand "Taula". Over a cup of tea, at her comfortable home, the conversation was about our personal story rather than a business relationship. Strangely, despite having totally different backgrounds and cultures, we found so many things in common. We have a passion for fashion and design (Kanika loves designing jewelry and I love making clothes). We both lead busy lifestyles with many roles (Kanika used to struggle between a corporate and a mom's life while I'm still balancing myself with my blog, my fashion brand, and my corporate job). Most importantly, we love sharing our passion and knowledge with other women. 

We even have the same problem which is finding a tasteful and timeless jewelry that can take us from day to night. Kanika had difficulty in searching for high quality jewellery for a long time. The type of jewelry that doesn't break a bank yet still has great value and can serve a dual purpose of complimenting work and a casual outfit. Kanika then, decided to design her own pieces and named them under "Taula". I, on the other hand, hadn't found any jewelry that can travel with me to many places and never fail to make me look outfit-ready. I was still on a hunt for a perfect piece until I met Kanika. 

Taula jewelry stands for modern women who are beautiful, simple, stylish. She has a strong character and timeless class. She is someone who goes out there, lives their life and achieves the biggest things. The more I heard about Kanika's beloved "child" story, the more I was connected to it. It felt like finally, there is someone who understands what busy women like us have gone through and offers us a solution. 

Technically, with "Taula" coming to life, Kanika has completely solved one of my biggest problems: finding #jewelryoftheday. I always receive many jewelry sponsorship invitations and I haven't accepted anyone. This is the first jewelry collaboration that you see on this blog. As superstitious as it may sound, I'd like to think that Fate has brought us together. Thank you Kanika for sharing your passion with me and letting me try on your beautiful designs. I'm honoured to know and to call you my friend. 

There were so many wonderful designs Kanika showed me at our first meeting, I was instantly attracted to these designs and immediately thought of how to present them to you. After weeks of keeping a secret and trying to contain my excitement, I can finally share with you the #CrystalPhuongforTaula project. It's for the women's who are going places. 

Taula Jewelry, purity, empowerment and timelessness

Singapore Fashion Blogger- Crystal Phuong styled and shot for Taula Jewelry

Beautiful Taula gold necklace, bracelet and rings worn by Crystal Phuong

Crystal Phuong for Taula Jewelry.

Delicate gold jewelry by Taula, styled by Fashion Blogger Crystal Phuong

Taula Jewelry for the women who are going places.

Fashion Blogger Crystal Phuong wore Taula jewelry, designed by local jewelry designer Kanika

A collaboration of Crystal Phuong with Singapore jewelry brand Taula.

We both love seeing and encouraging women who dress professionally and appropriately for work and play. Taula and I would like to GIVE AWAY one pair of earrings (worth SGD100) to one lucky reader of Crystal Phuong. Coincidentally, this giveaway is also to celebrate my SAUCEink June cover and for being nominated in Top 10 Best Fashion Blog of Singapore Blog Award. To join this giveaway, please:

1. Follow Taula and Crystal Phuong on Instagram. 
2. Share a photo in this blog post on your Instagram and let us know why you'd love to win. Using hashtag #CrystalPhuongforTaula #Taulajewelry so that we can find your photo. 

If you don't have Instagram, you can join via Facebook. 

1. Follow Taula and Crystal Phuong on Facebook 
2. Pick one photo in this blog entry and share it on your Facebook page. Tell us why you'd love to win. Include hashtag #CrystalPhuongforTaula #Taulajewelry 

The winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday, July 3rd. This giveaway is open to international readers. 

Good luck and thank you so much for reading! 

Thank you so much Taula for partnering this blog entry! 
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ARMY GREEN

ARMY GREEN


Crystal Phuong wore Forever21 army green jumpsuit and Valentino Multi colors rockstud heels

The next time you think of what to wear to the airport, please don't forget to put a comfortable jumpsuit on your list. I wore a jumpsuit on a flight to Vietnam last Saturday and it was my best choice for an #airportstyle by far. I used to put on leather track pants, maxi dresses, or denim jeans and tees as seen here and here when I traveled, but I never thought of wearing a jumpsuit. This army green jumpsuit (a short version here) made me realise my big mistake for not putting this one piece outfit into my list much earlier. I actually bought it only a day before my flight. 

A relaxed silhouette in a menswear-inspired look, this classic jumpsuit was everything I could ask for. I loved how convenient it was to wear with a zipper and snap-button front, how classic it was with chest patch and front pockets design, and how feminine it was with elasticised waist and soft material. After this first time, I started thinking of getting a few more different jumpsuits for my next long haul flights in the upcoming months. Don't worry about the high heels that you are seeing here. I only wore them for the photos and actually changed them to lace sandals after that. Comfort is the key!

Have you worn a jumpsuit on a flight before? What is your favorite airport style? 

Fashion Blogger Crystal Phuong spotted at the airport in Forever21 olive jumpsuit and Valentino heels

Crystal Phuong in airport attire army green jumpsuit and multi colors rockstud heels

What to wear to travel: an olive jumpsuits and flats or heels sandals.

Singapore Fashion Blogger Crystal Phuong travels in style, army green jumpsuit from Forever21 and Valentino rockstud heels

Crystal Phuong head to the airport in a green jumpsuit and heels.

Thank you so much for reading!


::Outfit::
Accessorizes necklaces- Similar here and here



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