Seoul is the best and easiest city to explore on foot. I have been visiting Seoul once every year for the past 5 years. It’s my favorite city for stopover whenever I fly Korean Air from Bangkok to New York.
Though to me, it’s not just any old stopover anymore. The word stopover in Seoul doesn’t do the capital city of South Korea any justice.
I look at visiting Seoul as a real treat. The cherry on top before heading back to New York on that 14 hour journey back to New York.
Seoul is one of the best cities to walk around and explore on foot…
Whenever I visit Seoul I get a chance to reflect back on the months I’ve spent in Thailand and the other countries I’ve visited in Asia. Seoul is sort of like a time marker for me. A bookend to mark my journey for the year before heading back to New York City.
A Time for “Soul” Searching
Seoul has an incredible amount of green open space. For a city of 10 million inhabitants there is a surprising amount of places where you can feel absolutely at peace! I love to sit around one of Seoul’s palace grounds and just relax and unwind.
These two young ladies have got the right idea. Spending a beautiful day talking to a friend is a great way to spend time…
And you can see many Koreans doing just the same. When the weather and temperature is just right it is pure bliss and joy to walk around Seoul or just sit somewhere and let your world’s worries melt away.
A crossroad near Gangnam District…
Top 5 Reasons Why I love Walking Around Seoul
Seoul is very clean with low pollution.
No need to rely on taxis and public transportation to get to most major tourists attractions.
Seoul is very safe with low crime. Walking around the city at night is just as fun!
Seoul has a lot of green space and for a big city it doesn’t feel cramped. You’ll never feel claustrophobic in Seoul.
Korean street food!
Because Seoul is simply one of the best cities in Asia to walk around, explore and just get lost for a few hours wandering around quiet alleyways and major thoroughfares.
Seoul Plaza, the cities streets are wide with plenty of pedestrian walkways…
Seoul’s pedestrian sidewalks are wide, open and well paved. And Korean motorists obey traffic lights and recognize pedestrian right of way.
It’s also a very safe city to walk around especially at night. The city’s police presence is very active since the country is still technically at war with the North.
Seoul’s Subway Train System is Awesome! But You Don’t Really Need It…
As of writing I’m in my early 40’s. Even though I can stand to lose about 15 pounds of weight I am capable of walking around Seoul to get from one tourists attraction to the next.
Injeongheon Hall 인정전, the main throne hall of Changdeokgung Palace 창덕궁 in Seoul, South Korea
For example Seoul’s biggest attractions are its magnificent grand palaces. In between those grand palaces are serene temples, spacious parks and historical landmarks. Even though most attractions have train stations nearby, I highly recommend walking from one to the other. Seoul really is a wonderful city and worthy of exploring every single nook and cranny.
Map of Seoul’s 5 Grand Palaces, train stations and other landmarks…
I also discovered that when you use the subway trains you often have to change train lines. And when you do, you usually have to walk quite far to make a train transfer. If you’re going to be walking anyways, why not walk above ground, especially when the weather is wonderful!
Don’t miss out on the wonderful landmarks dotting the city. Would you rather be outside walking around and taking pictures and selfies? Or slugging it through a tunnel to catch a subway train?
Here’s an Excellent Video That Will Give You An Idea What it is Like to Walk the Five Palaces of Seoul!
Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces (In the Order You Should Visit)
Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon(창덕궁과 후원) [UNESCO World Heritage] (Closed Mondays; Tickets 3000 won, Under 24 years Free) / (Huwon Secret Garden Tour Ticket 5000 won)
Seoul’s 5 palaces all open at 9am. Though all usually close around 6pm but depending on the month and season certain palaces close a half hour earlier or a half hour later.
And the ticket prices I noted above are for adults. For teenagers it’s usually half the price and I believe children 6 and under enter for free. Seniors aged 65+ can also enter for free.
You can take a guided tour inside Huwon Secret Garden which last 90 minutes…
Now it is very possible to visit all five palaces in a day. But you’d probably have to hurry a little. Some of the palaces are bigger than others, particularly Gyeongbokgung Palace andChangdeokgung Palace and Huwon. Huwon has a guided secret garden tour which in itself last 90 minutes.
Gyeongbokgung Palace also has a National Korean Museum that warrants a visit. So there are bits of side trips at almost every palace.
Purchasing this packet of tickets saves you 4000 won…
Planning to stay in Seoul a Little While Longer?
What I recommend if you are planning to visit all 5 Seoul Palaces is to break up your visits into two or three days if time permitting.
If that’s your plan you should purchase the Combination Ticket for Palaces. The price is 10000 won which includes ticket price to Jongmyo Shrine (종묘) another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A throne fit for a Korean King at Gyeongbokgung Palace…
This packet of tickets saves you 4000 won so if you’re planning on visiting all 4 of the 5 palaces (because Gyeonghuigung Palace has free admission) and Jongmyo Shrine you might as well purchase this integrated Royal Palaces combination ticket pack.
And the integrated tickets are valid up to a month from date of purchase. So you can enjoy visiting your favorite Seoul Palaces as much as you want before the 1 month expiration date.
Ticket offices are found at all palace entrances (except Gyeonghuigung Palace because it’s free)…
You can purchase the integrated tickets packet at any of the grand palaces ticket booths except Gyeonghuigung Palace because that’s the only admissions free palace in Seoul.
Need to upload your fresh selfies and photos to Facebook or Instagram? You can get free Wi-Fi internet access near the ticket booths. It’s just one of the free internet Wi-Fi hotspots in Seoul for tourists to get connected and share their holiday photos on the spot.
There are free english guided tours at Jongymo Shrine as well as other Seoul’s Grand Palaces…
More Strolling Around Seoul Tips
If your goal is to visit the palaces in multiple days, you can also visit Cheonggyecheon Stream, another popular and beautiful spot in the heart of Seoul’s commercial business district.
While in Seoul, be sure to visit Cheonggyecheon Stream!…
Cheonggyecheon Stream is right across from Deoksugung Palace which is my first suggested palace to visit if you plan on squeezing a visit to all five palaces.
You’re also going to want to visit Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을) which is about a 10 minute walk from the eastern gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Bukchon Hanok Village is still a residential area. There are some very lucky folks living in some very nice homes…
It’s a very trendy area and quite extensive as well with some steep but paved roads. There is an area famous for traditional Korean homes called “Hanok” and is still a residential area so you’ll find many signs requesting visitors to respect the home owners’ properties.
Don’t Forget to Check Out Insadong Too
While you’re doing research on visiting Seoul I’m sure you’ve come across Insadong too. It’s a popular tourists shopping strip full of souvenir shops, traditional Korean restaurants as well as Korean snack vendors and street food!
The Best Area for Budget Hotels in Seoul
The city of Seoul is big. And the magnificent Han River cuts right through the middle. Seoul’s five grand palaces are located on the north side of the Han River. And there are many more other landmarks and tourists attractions located on the north side of the Han River as well.
I usually stay at the Seoul City Hotel when I want to explore the grand palaces, Namsan Tower, Dongdaemun Market and Namedemeun Market…
If you’re looking for budget hotels and plan on visiting all 5 great palaces in Seoul here are two areas to take a look at for your hotel options:
Namdaemun and Dongdaemun are near each other. When I want to visit the palaces I usually stay at Seoul City Hotel in Namdaemun. At that hotel I can walk to Deoksugung Palace, in about 15 minutes at a leisure walking pace.
At both of those recommended locations for budget hotels in Seoul you can get a 2 star hotel room for between $30USD to $60USD a night. Many hostels are also located in both areas as well.
Both recommended locations also have train stations nearby too.
I’ve Got Nothing Against Seoul’s Subway Trains
Seoul’s subway train system is excellent! And I only use it when I need to. For instance if I want to visit Hongdae which is a popular shopping/street market section of Seoul popular for young and always hip Koreans. But it’s too far to walk there so I just use the train.
And there’s the Itaewon district where the Korean War Museum is located. It’s just west of Namdaemun and easier to simply get there by train.
The first time I ever went to Gangnam District I was amazed at how big it was…
Plus who can forget the Gangnam District made famous by super K-Pop star Psy! Gangnam is located south of the Han River. Unless you can walk on water or swim like a dolphin this is the time when the subway train comes in handy too.
I’m Always Looking Forward to My Visits in Seoul
A view from Namsan Mountain where Seoul Tower is located…
Seoul has given me a first glimpse into Korean culture and life for the very first time 5 years ago. My first impressions and experiences in this wonderful city has left me yearning and excited for more future visits.
The city has it all. Great food, wonderful friendly people, amazing beautiful palaces and landmarks. But most importantly, Seoul is so easy and pleasurable to explore on my own two feet.
Coffee and pie after a nice stroll around Seoul is a must!…
But Wait There’s More…
Another excellent reason to wander around Seoul on foot. South Koreans love coffee so there are many cafés. Some are small and unique run by local Koreans and others are large coffee chains like Starbucks and Holly’s Coffee.
Me, I prefer the smaller cafés with a bakery section. Every year when I head back to Seoul I discover a nice little cozy café. Coffee and cake together. The best combination ever after a full day of strolling around Seoul.
If You’re Looking for Products to Buy and Sell Home, Go to Sampeng Market in Bangkok…
I enjoy reading blogs about living in Thailand. And I’ve come across some very interesting posts about how tourists can make money while traveling around Thailand.
But (and there always is a but) it’s not going to be easy. If it was, everyone would be doing it. However, there are frequent visitors to Thailand who do this for a living and do well.
One of the ways you can earn some cash from your travels around Thailand is by purchasing products that you can sell back home. Let’s face it, lots of stuff these days are made and produced from factories all over Southeast Asia. Even things from China end up in Sampeng at reasonable costs.
It’s a fact that many foreign travelers in Thailand buy all sorts of odds and ends with the purpose of resale back in their home country. It’s certainly not a new and modern concept. Think about Marco Polo and the Silk Road. Except you get to fly back home with suit cases full of goodies minus the horse and camel caravans.
3 Tips on Maximizing Your Profits on Buy and Selling Thai Products
Buy made in Thailand products for maximum profits.
Thai silk scarfs, flip flops, sandals and jewelry are just a few examples of high profit products manufactured in Thailand.
Focus on small items that yields a high profit margin. This way you can pack more into your luggage.
Where’s Sampeng and Why’s it So Special…
Sampeng Market is located right in Bangkok’s Chinatown on Soi Wanit 1. This is a long lane running about 400 meters up. But Sampeng Market itself is wide spread and encompasses northeast of Yaowarat Road which is Chinatown’s main avenue. In this area you’ll mostly find clothing including women’s shoes, hand bags, flip flops, towels, cosmetics beauty accessories and a lot more.
You’ll even find some electronics, audio components such as headphones, portable bluetooth speakers, portable battery chargers, selfie sticks and memory cards.
Then there is Sampeng Lane which is really just an extension of Sampeng Market. Although Sampeng Lane is mostly a wholesale fabrics market you can find the same items and accessories as Sampeng Market. Sampeng Lane is quite narrow and it can get claustrophobic especially in the mornings and weekends.
Sampeng has a deep historical significance with many Thai business owners with Chinese roots. Many of the business owners can speak Mandarin and retained their connections with mainland Chinese relatives.
When you walk around Sampeng Market and Sampeng Lane you will see a lot of really old buildings with signs that have Chinese characters. Many of the buildings have been renovated though look the same as when they were built back in the 1900s. Walking around the area after hours you can’t help but feel like you’ve been teleported back in time. Or at least to China.
The more you buy the lower the cost…
When it comes to Bangkok’s tourist market scene, Sampeng is not as big as Chatuchak Weekend Market or as famous.
However, many of the items, hand made goods and Chinese made products you find at Chatuchak probably passed through Sampeng, which is one of the most well known wholesale market in all of Bangkok.
Sampeng Hours of Operation and Best Time to Visit
Sampeng, both the Market and Lane opens early though there is no definitive set hours. It’s not a mall after all. Each and every shop have their own hours but it’s safe to say most shops open around 6am. Closing times vary as well but it’s safe to say most shops close around 7pm to 8pm.
A majority of stores and shops in Sampeng open 7 days a week though some shops like wholesale shoe stores close on Sundays. I have seen shops close during the Chinese Lunar New Years. Which makes a lot of sense since many shops are operated by Thai Chinese.
For me, the best time to visit Sampeng is before afternoon when the sun gets too hot. However, it’s packed pretty much throughout the day. Many Thai locals that purchase their inventory at Sampeng are just as wise and get there early to replenish their shop inventory while avoiding the hot and humid afternoon temperature.
Some shops though have air conditioning. And if you feel a bit over heated, don’t be shy, step into a shop with air conditioning and browse around.
Plenty of water, fresh fruit and fruit juice vendors are all over so there’s no reason not to get your fluids and stay hydrated. Might be a good idea to carry a hand towel too.
Making Money from Products Bought in Sampeng Market
One of the most convenient ways for tourists to make some cash profits is buying goods from one of the many wholesale markets found in Thailand and selling them back home. Bangkok is the city where you can find locally made Thai products and even products imported from China.
Sampeng Market located in Bangkok’s Chinatown is one area I think is the best place to find products and goods sold at wholesale prices.
Earrings and other inexpensive bling are not expensive at Sampeng when purchased in bulk…
Of course if you’re coming to Thailand for vacation you can’t really buy big and large ticket items like teak coffee tables. Good luck shoving one of those in your check in luggage.
Keep an Eye Out for Made in Thailand Products
Here’s the biggest and best advice I can give you and that is if you want maximum profits you should buy made in Thailand products.
Due to Thailand’s abundant natural resources that can be repurposed to make handmade goods as well as relative cheap labor, you’ll be surprised to find decent quality products that you can resell for a hefty profit margin.
For example I found Thai handmade flip flops made with Thai rubber with nice designs with good quality materials. Plenty of handmade jewelry like the ones mentioned below are also items of high profitability. Be on the lookout for small portable items that you can stuff into your luggage.
Small packable items that can yield maximum profits is what you should be focused on!
Sampeng Market is a Tchotchke Paradise
You’ll want to sell small ticket items, simple baubles and tchotchke. Stuff that fits neatly in your checked or carry on baggage. And Sampeng Market is just the right place to go for that.
The most popular items are inexpensive bead jewelry…
A Very Small Sampling of What You’ll Find in Sampeng Market:
Wrist Watches
Inexpensive Jewelry (beads, rings, ear rings, bracelets and necklaces etc…)
Non – Brand Name Women’s Cosmetics
Keychains
Cell Phone Cases
Hand Bags
Men, Women and Children Clothes
Tools
Small Electronics Accessories
House Hold Items
The first 5 listed items you can squeeze in to your luggage. There are many more items and products such as large rolls of fabrics and common plastic household goods sold in Sampeng too. But your goal is to find something small which you can sell at least 3x to 5x the cost and fits in your luggage.
Now I say it’s convenient to find items to sell. But I will tell you up front it won’t be easy to sell things online these days unless you have a physical shop location back home already or have a running profitable E-Commerce website or some other online selling presence such as eBay and Etsy etc.
But if you’re into selling at flea markets then you could do okay. You could also be a lot smarter than me and perhaps have better ideas on how to unload the goods for maximum profit.
Jewelry Items Found in Sampeng is Also the Best Product to Sell
The best product to buy from Sampeng in my most humble opinion is jewelry. You can find all sorts of inexpensive jewelry from real silver necklaces to rhodium or nickel plated ear rings and bracelets. I couldn’t really get photos of those kinds of jewelry and I tried but the owners don’t like having strangers taking photos of their products.
But you don’t have to buy precious metals like silver. You can buy beads and stones and even sea shell type jewelry. You can even find jewelry made from coconuts and other sorts of eco-friendly materials courtesy of mother nature.
I wanted to take some photos of such items but again, shop owners are quite strict when it comes to taking photos of their products.
But I plucked out some photos I found on eBay of inexpensive beaded necklaces you can find at Sampeng’s many shops.
The ones pictured above are listed for sale at around $20USD but at Sampeng you can buy them for around $4USD to $5USD each. Because Sampeng is one of Bangkok’s most popular wholesale market the more you purchase the more the cost per piece drops down. The more you buy the bigger the discount you get.
Wristwatches are Also Good Products to Sell…
Walk around Sampeng’s lanes and you will find many wristwatch shops with tons of variety and styles of watches. The degree of quality on wrist watches is something you should really examine while you’re at those shops. Now I don’t know anything about watches but I do know a few Thai locals who purchase wrist watches from Sampeng to be resold in their home towns outside of Bangkok. And they say the quality is decent. But then again they know about watches.
“I recommend buying cheap kid’s watches with cartoons. If it’s sold cheap enough usually parents won’t complain if it breaks or even if their child loses it.”
We all know how expensive eye glass frames are. At Sampeng you can buy boat loads and sell them back in your home country…
And from what they tell me it is best to stay away from watches that are too cheap and by cheap I mean by price. If you find watches in mid range prices those are probably the ones that are better in quality.
As I said I don’t know much about wristwatch quality and craftsmanship but not buying adult watches that are dirt cheap in prices is sound advice.
Sunglasses and Other Fashion Accessories are Good Too…
My suggestion in choosing products to sell from Sampeng is to figure out what would most likely sell in your local area. For example I know a guy from Florida and every time he visits Thailand he always brings back suit cases full of cheap sunglasses, baseball caps and beach hats back home.
He then sells everything at flea markets, to friends and even on eBay. It won’t make him rich but what he did sell the proceeds made up for half of his purchased plane ticket. And that’s not bad.
Figuring out what to sell is also one of the most difficult part of doing this sort of business. But picking the right and proper product for your locality could make selling just a bit easier.
How Much Money You’ll Need and How Much Money You Could Make (Possibly)…
This post is not a how to get rich quick type of blog post. Nothing comes easy especially when you’re selling inexpensive wristwatches, sunglasses and other knick knacks for the very first time. Plus you’ll be competing against every other guy and gal selling the same products either online or at local flea markets. And of course you’ll need money to make money.
I have asked around friends and acquaintances on how much they recommend for a purchasing budget. And the general consensus is $500USD minimum. Which equates to 15000THB (as of writing) and that is a decent budget.
Sampeng is definitely one market you need to haggle and bargain in. The better price you get the healthier your profit margin will be. I also recommend if a certain price does not fit your budget then don’t feel pressured to buy. Move on and find another shop selling the same products. You might get lucky and get a better price somewhere else in Sampeng.
Many Thai locals buy bulk from Sampeng for resale either in a physical store location and even on their personel Facebook account…
Few Tips as a Buyer at Sampeng Market
Focus on One or Two Items:
As I already mentioned, think about what would be the easiest for you to sell. If the area you live in has a flea market that is visited by many children then maybe buying a bunch of Hello Kitty items or inexpensive kid’s watches with current and popular cartoon themes would be a good idea.
All sorts of Hello Kitty items are sold in Sampeng Lane…
Don’t buy a bunch of odds and ends simply because you think they would all sell. If you want to sell Hello Kitty items it might not be a good idea to sell screw driver sets and headphones next to it. Focusing on a few items within the same product category makes it easier to keep track of inventory too.
Build Rapport with Shop Owners
Many shop owners or at least shop staff can speak some English or they’ll find some way to communicate. But a calculator is the best translator and they always have one available. One of the best ways to get a better discount or preferential treatment is to deal with the same vendor. A lot of shops carry the same products at about the same wholesale prices.
Not all the folks inside these shops will be over-friendly. That’s just their style and because you’re not the only customer they have to deal with. Because there are so many wholesalers in Sampeng you’ll find at least one you can form a good business relationship with.
Remember, if you travel to Thailand often and plan on bringing back products to sell, it’s a good idea to start building relationships with Sampeng’s shop vendors…
Shops love repeat buyers though. Ask for their names and remember their faces. Smile and be polite. Learn a few Thai phrases and speaking just a little bit of Thai can go a long way.
You can build rapport by going to a shop and make a purchase at a price that is reasonable to you the first day. Then, go back the next day and purchase some more. You might get a better price. But of course this only makes sense when time permits.
And this also only makes sense if you’re planning on becoming a repeat traveler to Thailand.
It won’t make you rich but it could be fun…
Remember, this Won’t Make You Rich…
Buying all sorts of products from Sampeng Market in Bangkok and selling them back home is not for everyone. The act of “selling” is not for everyone. You’d probably have to be an extrovert and being a natural sales person doesn’t hurt.
And it won’t take the place of a full time job if you’ve got one. Most casual travelers I’ve come across in Thailand that do this type of business sell on weekends with full time jobs during the weekdays. It’s just one way to supplement their income and save up for a return trip to Thailand.
499THB Buffet at Yok Talay & BBQ House Including Beer…
If you love fresh seafood buffets you grill on your own and a taste of Thailand’s famous Moo Kata styled dining and unlimited beer you’ll love this little restaurant I’m going to introduce near Huay Kwang, a mostly residential area in Bangkok not far from the tourist center of Sukhumvit.
Did I mention unlimited beer is included?…
But there’s a catch. There’s a 1 hour 30 minute time limit to eat all that you can. Which really is plenty of time. Plus the restaurant is not in the city center of Bangkok. But not very far away from it either. And part of the fun (and the experience of traveling) is finding the places not too many tourists go to, especially when it comes to finding some good eats.
Yok Talay & BBQ House Buffet station…
Yok Talay & BBQ House
Address: ซอยประชาอุทิศ 8 (Soi Pracha Uthit Soi 8), Huay Kwang, Bangkok
Phone Number: 085-190-1989 and 083-891-6777
Huay Kwang is like the second Chinatown district in Bangkok. Many Chinese businesses have sprung up in the area by enterprising mainland Chinese.
Every taxi driver knows of this area so you should not have a problem getting to Huay Kwang. But traffic can get really bad there, or pretty much everywhere in the city. So if you’re not staying at a hotel in Huay Kwang it’s best to get there via Bangkok’s MRT subway train system which I will explain more about below.
It’s not a fancy restaurant and there is no A/C because it’s an outdoor restaurant. Yok Talay & BBQ House is tucked between a local pub and a future condominium building site down a narrow winding road in a mostly residential part of Bangkok.
Best Way to Get to Yok Talay & BBQ House
Take the MRT subway train and get off on Huai Kwang MRT station. Get out from Exit #1 and head to Pracharatbamphen Road and catch a taxi. Without traffic it should take about 3 to 5 minutes and the taxi fare should cost about 40THB to 50THB.
But if you find Yok Talay you will be rewarded with a decent selection of fresh seafood you grill on your own on over hot coals.
Moo Kata is a popular dining style in Bangkok…
And for Moo Kata fans you might be disappointed as there isn’t as much selection. There is a larger moo kata restaurant I wrote about years ago on a post here. However, I have to say that Yok Talay and BBQ House has better quality seafood choices and a hell of a lot easier to find.
You must try their pork skewers! It’s well marinated and when grilled just right it’s very juicy, tender and tasty.
And there is a small selection of dipping sauces where you can mix and match garlic, chili, BBQ sauce to your liking. They also have a good seafood green chili dipping sauce that went very well with the grilled prawns.
I live in walking distance to Yok Talay & BBQ House so I eat there about twice a month. Sometimes my wife and I eat there more especially between the months of January and February when the temperature is cooler.
It’s not a large restaurant but there are plenty of picnic style tables spread out which is great, especially when the temperature is hot. And of all the times I’ve been there it’s not really packed with people, which is also a good thing. Especially for those who are prone to sweating like yours truly.
If you just want the buffet and no beer the price drops down to 399THB…
As I mentioned, diners have a time limit which is 1 hour and 30 minutes to stuff their faces. If you have some kids and want to eat at Yok Talay and BBQ House here’s how much the charge:
Kids under 120cm eat free. Kids over 120cm pay 199THB.
Kids over 120cm height pay 199THB. For all you bad parents beer is not included.
Bangkok is a city with many dining options. And I think today many of the locals are beginning to eat a lot more which is why I’m starting to call Bangkok the city of buffets.
Yok Talay and BBQ House is certainly not one of a kind. Even as of writing my wife just found out through a friend that there’s a similar style restaurant not far from where we live that charge 300THB including beer.
And you can bet once I check that place out I’ll have another seafood and BBQ buffet post coming up soon!
Tam Coc – A Nice Getaway from the Hustle and Bustle of Hanoi
If you’re staying in Hanoi for a little while, you’re going to be craving for some wide-open green space. Luckily, Vietnam still has a lot of natural unspoiled scenery in Southeast Asia. And you’ll find that little slice of heaven at Tam Coc’s Ngo Dong River.
Tam Coc is located about 2 and 1/2 hours drive from Hanoi’s old quarters. It’s typically packaged in a tour with a visit to Vietnam’s ancient capital Hoa Lu.
Our little tour group and our tour guide upfront…
Our tour package costs around $40 and includes a buffet lunch, as well as all entrance fees including a bicycle rental so you can explore the countryside of Ninh Binh province where Tam Coc is located.
Tam Coc is a popular side trip destination from Hanoi VietnamLots of waiting rafts ready for tourists…Even though you’re in the middle of nowhere many locals try to push souvenirs sold from their boats…
Ngo Dong River – Tam Coc’s Claim to Fame
Tam Coc in Vietnamese means 3 caves in which local boat guides take tourists through and under 3 grottos from the meandering Ngo Dong River.
The Ngo Dong River passes through rice paddies with a breathtaking view of cascading limestones where wild goats roam.
Each raft is guided by a local with two tourists to a boat. It’s quite a romantic ride along a gentle river with my wife. But…
One of the 3 cave grottos ahead…Lots of limestone mountains…Sailing through the Ngo River is like traveling back through time…Can you spot the wild mountain goat?…Many tourists going up and down the Ngo Dong River…Besides the rice paddies plenty of duck farms along Ngo Dong River too…
I can’t find how long Ngo Dong River is but as I recall the the entire raft ride along the river lasted about 35 to 45 minutes. It was August at the time it was really hot. Be sure to take along an umbrella, a hat, and sunscreen as the temperature hits 90° Fahrenheit.
Locals selling souvenirs and drinks on the boats seem a bit too aggressive…At the end of the river you will find many locals hawking souvenirs in boats…
One Thing That Bothered Me on the Tam Coc Tour…
It’s nice to get on a boat and have a nice quiet ride along such magnificent views. So one thing that ruined the experience is the overly aggressive locals selling souvenirs. And since I had no control of the boat my local guide hung around waiting for us to purchase something.
And when we didn’t buy from them our guide rowed the boat over to a small little patch of tall grass and started showing us pictures of her kids and asking us to buy some trinket souvenirs. Talk about feeling uncomfortable.
I could’ve waited out the sales tactics but my wife caved in and bought some small coin purses and a couple of postcards.
I can understand that they work hard with low salaries. And I would tip them regardless. But they don’t know that. I’m not surprised at all that many tourists choose not to tip at all. So these row boats/guides are desperate to get as much money as they can.
All row boat/guides at Tam Coc row boats with their feet…
But they row these boats with their legs. It’s amazing how these guides can grip the boat oars with their feet. That “feat” (pun intended) in itself deserves some sort of gratuity in itself.
About 10 minutes before heading back to the wharf our row boat guide asked us for a tip. Now you’d think buying some souvenirs from her was enough. And I was planning to tip her anyway. So I just gave her $ 5 USD, which is pretty much a small price to pay.
Overall a Wonderful Experience at Tam Coc
Tam Coc is a place you should visit and a good day trip from Hanoi. You can get a tour of Tam Coc from any tour agency in Hanoi. I don’t recommend getting a Tam Coc tour package from your hotel though because they usually charge a little higher.
A nice trip down Ngo Dong River at Tam Coc…
What’s Included in a Tam Coc Tour
Hoa Lu – Visit Vietnam’s ancient capital Hoa Lu where a temple was built to honor Dinh Bo Linh, the first emperor of Vietnam. There isn’t much to see at Hoa Lu but you get a good sense of Vietnam’s medieval history as well as plenty of picture opportunities.
Tam Coc – A tour guide takes you down the Ngo Dong River passing rice paddies as far as the eye can see and limestone mountains and cliffs as high as the sky.
Ninh Binh Province – Take a guided bike tour through rice fields and explore the beauty of Ninh Binh’s countryside.
There are tons of tour agencies located all over the Old Quarters of Hanoi and expect to pay about $30USD to $40USD per person. A lunch is included and on our particular tour, there was a lunch buffet.
It wasn’t the best Vietnamese food but it will fill you up.
Hotel Capitol – A Nice Budget Hotel in Bukit Bintang
Recently I booked a few nights at Hotel Capitol in Kuala Lumpur to make this review. Usually I stay over at the nearby Sky Hotel Bukit Bintang but I passed by Hotel Capitol many times. This time I decided to stay at Hotel Capitol so I could check it out and share my thoughts here.
Also while I was checking room rates I saw Hotel Capitol was charging about $60USD a night including taxes on Agoda. So I figured why not check it out for a couple of nights. As it wasn’t that expensive at the time.
Hotel Capitol is listed as a 3 star hotel but there’s no gym or swimming pool. Which is not unusual for budget hotels around Kuala Lumpur.
Hotel Capitol Location
If you want to be in the heart of shopping centers with good mix of Malay, Chinese, Middle Eastern and Indian foods, Bukit Bintang will not disappoint you.
Hotel Capitol is located on Jalan Bulan 1, just several minutes walk from the main drag of Jalan Bukit Bintang. It’s about a 5 minute walk from Imbi KL Monorail station.
I never bothered taking a taxi to any hotel I’ve stayed in Bukit Bintang. I’ve always used the KL Monorail system because it’s easy and cheap from KL Sentral station.
If you are not familiar with the area, the best way to find Hotel Capitol is to locate Low Yat Plaza, a popular electronics mall in Bukit Bintang. Low Yat Plaza is directly right across from the hotel.
What’s Nearby
As I already mentioned there are many restaurants near Hotel Capitol especially shopping centers:
Jalan Alor – This very popular street food area is a 5 minute walk from Hotel Capitol and opens during the evening hours. Although Jalan Alor is popular I suggest checking out other restaurants especially local Indian food centers.
Fahrenheit Shopping Center – A shopping center brand name and loca Malay shops as well.
Pavilion Shopping Mall – The is KL’s premier luxury shopping center.
Lot 10 – Not a great selection of shops at Lot 10. But there is a very good food court in the basement level.
Sungwei Plaza – This humongous shopping center is particularly popular with the locals. It’s kind of like the MBK shopping center in Bangkok. You can find a lot of knock off and counterfeit items inside Sungwei Plaza.
Berjaya Times Square – Of all the shopping centers the Berjaya Times Square is the most popular particularly with the locals and foreign tourists. There’s even a small amusement park inside.
Hotel Capitol Kuala Lumpur Review
Hotel Capitol is not a big hotel with 235 rooms. When I made my booking via Agoda I requested a non smoking room on a high floor. If you can’t stand the stench of cigarettes you best ask for a non-smoking room because in Malaysia a lot of people smoke.
For the first night I had to stay at a smoking room though because there were no non-smoking rooms available when I checked in. Luckily the next day one was available so hotel reception helped me make a room change.
A million dollar view for budget room price at Hotel Capitol…
I specifically requested a high room because I’ve read that you can get a really nice city view of Kuala Lumpur, especially the magnificently lit up Petronas Twin Towers.
And I got a room on the 11th floor which I was happy to find out that the entire floor has non smoking rooms. So you don’t really need to get a room that high up.
Still A Good Budget Hotel in Kuala Lumpur
Hotel Capitol was built in 1997. So it’s an old hotel and it really shows on the room carpets. I am not aware if the hotel has gone through any major renovations but I certainly do see certain repairs and upgrades, at least in the rooms I’ve been in.
I do have a gripe which is I found a few old stains on the bed sheets. I’ve been to many budget hotels in Asia and it’s one thing you just learn to expect.
I have seen some photos of Hotel Capitol’s premium and bigger rooms but those cost 4 times the price of a superior room. To me I can’t justify paying that much for a 3 star hotel.
But if you’re traveling alone and you just need a good clean(ish) hotel to sleep in with many excellent nearby restaurants, shopping and train stations Hotel Capitol is a recommended budget hotel in Bukit Bintang.
For discounts and and to read current guests reviews for Hotel Capitol Kuala Lumpur click here.
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