From Koh Samui to Hanoi: A Hotelier's Memoir Through Southeast Asia
Volume 1 of a Hotelier's Story
From beachfront bungalows to city boardrooms, this memoir traces the early journey of Swiss hotelier Greg Hoehn as he builds a career in the vibrant, unpredictable world of Southeast Asian hospitality.
It all begins in Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, where Greg arrives fresh out of hotel school. Faced with language barriers, eccentric guests, and the beautiful chaos of island life, he quickly learns that hotel management in Thailand is nothing like the textbook version. Between fire shows on the beach and midnight maintenance emergencies, his formal training is tested in ways he never imagined.
Promoted to Resident Manager, Greg moves to Maenam, where he leads a rebranding project at a larger resort. There, he juggles system upgrades, team dynamics, and the fine line between corporate expectations and local realities. When a tropical storm floods the resort and a guest suffers a serious accident, he discovers the deeper meaning of leadership and responsibility.
His next chapter unfolds in Hanoi, Vietnam. Transitioning from island life to the energy of the capital, Greg joins a historic city hotel preparing to become Pullman. As he navigates renovation delays, hidden casinos, and fast-paced operations, he finds joy in West Lake sunsets, street food, and a relationship that offers him a new view of Vietnamese life.
Told with honesty, humor, and heart, From Koh Samui to Hanoi captures the ups and downs of a young hotelier's journey through Thailand and Vietnam. It's a story of growth, culture, and learning to lead far from home - the first chapter in a series that continues across Asia.
Whether you're in hospitality, dream of working abroad, or love stories that blend culture and career, this memoir offers a vivid, behind-the-scenes look at life in the tropics - and what it truly means to check in.
