Apr 20, 2016 |
Traveling and Learning Something New
If you’re traveling to Hong Kong you got to head over to Kowloon and visit one of the most famous temples in Hong Kong called Wong Tai Sin.
For the longest time I thought Hong Kong’s Wong Tai Sin Temple is a Buddhist temple. But its not. It’s actually a Taoist temple. And yes there are differences and you can learn about it here if you don’t know already. Even though there are differences Wong Tai Sin still has slight Buddhist and Confucian influences as well.
The last time I visited Wong Tai Sin was roughly 20 years ago. My memory is still good though foggy with age, I can still remember back then it was smaller with just the main temple.
This is the entrance to Wong Tai Sin Temple…
Today that same main temple is still there but the temple grounds have expanded greatly. And there’s a new mall next to the temple aptly named Temple Mall. And even a jumbo TV screen which certainly wasn’t there 20 years ago. The surrounding area has changed so much I couldn’t believe it. But I shouldn’t be surprised. Hong Kong is always on the move.
What I also noticed is everything seems more organized. There are many more signs posted with tourists information. As much as it’s a popular tourist attraction, Wong Tai Sin is visited mainly by devout worshippers coming in to pray for good health, good luck and good fortunes.
All Chinese Zodiac animals are represented at Wong Tai Sin temple entrance…
Something also new are Chinese Zodiac Statues. It’s really popular with visitors standing next to their Zodiac animals representing their birth year and snapping selfies.
This large tv was certainly not there 20 years ago last I visited…
And today because there are so many visitors I also noticed there are temple workers around for crowd control. I was there on a weekday. I’m sure on weekends Wong Tai Sin can get a lot more crowded with visitors.
You will see many devoted worshippers everyday…
There is a lot of history with Wong Tai Sin Temple which I won’t go into detail here. So if you want to learn some history it’s better you check out ol’ wikipedia here.
Another major change at Wong Tai Sin is a new underground palace type worship hall called Tai Sui Yuenchen Hall. But as you might know by now I’m a piss poor planner when it comes to traveling. So I wasn’t aware of this newer addition. Apparently this new hall cost HK$100 million and took 3 years to complete. And there is a HK$100 entrance fee.
Traditional offerings of fruit and burning incense sticks a common sight…
What’s so unique about Tai Sui Yuenchen Hall is worshippers do not make their personal requests through burning incense. For HK$300 you can write what you wish for on a piece of paper, drop it in a box, and a puff of smoke comes out. I’m not a devout Taoist. But I can tell you next time I visit Wong Tai Sin you can bet I’ll be trying that out.
Many stalls outside the temple selling incense sticks and souvenirs…
And if you ever get the feeling you want to be a local for the day, you can purchase incense sticks at shops outside the temple entrance. And Temple Mall is not far away either close to Wong Tai Sin MTR subway station.
Wong Tai Sin Temple is worth a visit if you’ve got some time to spare in Hong Kong. As much as everything around it has changed I’m still excited to visit the area and see what else is planned in the future.
How to Get to Wong Tai Sin Temple
Take the subway to Wong Tai Sin MTR station. You want to look for Exit B3 which is also near Temple Mall as well.
Wong Tai Sin MTR and area map…
Apr 15, 2016 |
My Favorite Budget Hotel in Myeongdong Seoul
Most of the time when I stop over in Seoul I stay at this place called Seoul City Hotel. I chose it because it’s right between Namdaemun Market and Namsan Park which is where Seoul Tower is situated. And Seoul City Hotel is also very near another popular neighborhood known for shopping called Myeongdong. And Hoehyeon subway station is just a few minutes walk.
With the convenience of a nearby subway station plus three very nice tourist hotspots, Seoul City Hotel is a really good hotel for anyone not looking to spend a whole lot of money on a room.
I usually stay at Seoul City Hotel around the month of mid March. And usually pay about $50USD to $60USD, breakfast included. January through April is typically the low season, except during new years, is the time you’ll find the lowest hotel rates.
A Room with Windows or No Window?
It’s typical today that most budget hotel rooms in Seoul either have a window or no window. You are given a choice while making a reservation. At Seoul City Hotel a room with a window cost about $5USD extra per night. I’ve stayed in both style rooms before. Of course I prefer the room with a window, even though the view may not be so great. For this review I stayed at a room with a view of a parking lot.
They have single rooms (1 twin bed) which are about 10 square meters, double rooms (1 queen bed) at 15 square meters and family rooms with 2 queen size beds.
I stayed in single room room before with no window last year around March too and for me it’s not that bad.
Every room has bottled water and a kettle for making tea. There are tiny packets of shampoo, soap and tooth brush and tooth paste. They even provide hair spray and gel.
And the free internet Wi-Fi is fast as every room has it’s own dedicated router. Plus there is a charging dock for cell phones using mini-USB ports.
But there is an advantage for staying at a room with no window. Especially during Korea’s winter, which is the time I was in Seoul. Because it can get really cold there. I visited mid March last month and the temperature was around 45°F (7°C) during morning and night times. Though during afternoons the weather warmed up and felt wonderful. Doesn’t hurt to pack extra sweaters in case if you’re planning to visit Seoul in the winter.
Anyways, Seoul City Hotel also provides free breakfast, as most budget hotels do all over the city as a way to compete for hotel guests.
Not a lot of seating area inside but there is outside seating too.
Seoul City Hotel breakfast pantry.
Sweet potato and hard boiled eggs.
Some thick congee (rice porridge), cereal and fruits.
They don’t serve a big breakfast by Western standards. But what they have is sufficient so I’m not complaining.
And everything is self serve. And you also have to place your used plates and cups in the sink provided. But you don’t have to wash.
One slight complaint is they might want to change up the variety because every day it was nearly the same food.
The Final Verdict
I really like Seoul City Hotel. It’s not a fancy hotel with fancy services and personally I don’t need all of that. There are not a lot of hotel staff but it’s not a big hotel with only 26 rooms. All I care about is that the hotel is clean and easy to get to in a good location. I can easily walk to so many restaurants, convenience stores and cafés right around the hotel. So Seoul City Hotel meets my expectations.
There is a restaurant nearby called Pomato. You can find delicious food there for around $4USD to $6USD.
How to Get to Seoul City Hotel
Seoul City Hotel is just a few minutes walk from Hoehyeon Station (Line #4) which is one stop away from Seoul Station (Line #1). When you exit the train look for street exit #1. Matter of fact you can walk from Seoul Station to Seoul City Hotel which would take about 20 minutes at a leisure stroll.
From Hoehyeon subway train station look for entrance/exit #1.
When you are up the stairs walk to the corner. Look to your right and you will see Seoul Tower up on Namsam Park. Walk up this street. You will pass Rex Hotel to your left and Mido Hotel to your right. Both of these hotels are about $5USD to $10USD more expensive than Seoul City Hotel. But they are also good clean places to stay too and affordable in my opinion as well. Reviews for both coming soon.
Walk up this street, Seoul City Hotel is about 100 meters up.
When you finally see a restaurant called Black and Cook turn right and you will find Seoul City Hotel entrance.
Black & Cook is a restaurant downstairs from Seoul City Hotel. You find this restaurant and you’ll find the hotel.
Keep in mind they have a strict policy for check in time which is 2pm. Check out time is 11am. Of all the times I’ve asked for late check out they always refused. I’m not telling you this because I’m upset. Just letting you know because they are a popular budget hotel in this part of Seoul so hotel staff need time to clean the rooms for the next reserved guests.
The Takeaway
It’s not a fancy hotel with white glove services. But as a solo traveler most of the time it’s something I don’t want to be pampered. Every time I stay at Seoul City Hotel I get a clean room and I can easily walk and explore Seoul on foot. I especially enjoy the walk to nearby Namsan Park even when the mornings are chilly. Seoul City Hotel is okay in my book.
Click Here to read more guest reviews and find discounts for Seoul City Hotel.
Apr 7, 2016 |
The Perfect Spot for a Wedding by the Beach. Private, Secluded and Magical…
La A Natu Bed and Bakery is the resort we always visit when when my wife and I need to get out of Bangkok and recharge. This super private resort is located in the middle of nowhere. But in a good way. Because of its secluded environment and privacy, my wife and I even took our wedding photos at La A Natu.
I mean literally it’s hard to find for most. But when you do find it you will be rewarded! La A Natu was definitely one of my favorite quiet beachside resorts to review!
Wouldn’t you like to wake up to sunrise like that every morning!…
La A Natu Bed and Bakery Location
As you can see on the map La A Natu is far from many tourist attractions from Hua Hin. So it’s better to have your own set of wheels to get around.
But realistically if you want a resort to spend your honey moon or just a romantic getaway, La A Natu will most certainly impress your significant other.
La A Natu’s Rooms
There are only 10 rooms divided in 3 categories. Me and my wife we always choose their tropical village style villa. And each villa has a unique name. Matter of fact all of their accommodations have a unique name linked with nature.
The villa we always stay at is called Ta-khrai (Lemon-grass- ตะไคร้). And all three villas are facing the beach where you can lazily sit back and watch the sun rise in the morning.
There are 3 tropical village style villas. Ta-khrai (Lemon-grass- ตะไคร้) is right in the middle…
So far I think we’ve been in that same villa at least 5 times. The villa style is so cool and interesting and when you step inside you’ll feel instantly at home.
I normally pay around $150USD $200USD per night during low season. With that price tag we don’t stay too long. But even it’s a few days we were more than enough happy. And we normally book via Agoda.com as usual for the better rates.
La A Natu Bed and Bakery is not a super luxurious resort. However, it does have a 4 star price so they are not cheap. Though their rooms are certainly worth the money and compared to many other properties with expensive price tags a good choice for those looking for privacy and seclusion, but don’t want to pay through the nose for it.
A Beautiful Little Beach Right Outside
I really enjoyed walking out on the beach every morning. Since we usually stay at La A Natu during the weekdays there are very few guests. So I’m pretty much the only one out in the morning while my wife is still enjoying her peaceful sleep.
I can watch the fishing boats slowly coming back through an inlet bringing in fresh catches of squid and fish. Being in Bangkok most of the time with all the concrete, chaos and noise one can truly appreciate the feel of soft sand and the quiet sounds of ocean waves and nothing else. And the air is so clean.
There are no other hotels on the same strip of beach as La A Natu Bed And Bakery except for a few private houses.
The Breakfast…
What’s a morning without a good breakfast at a resort? And I do love to eat! Because La A Natu is such a small property with not too many guests it is understandable they don’t have a massive buffet spread. But what they do have is certainly sufficient and enough to satisfy hearty appetites.
La A Natu Also Serves Up Tasty Lunches And Dinners
This is one resort where you don’t even have to leave the property to get a good meal. However, I would recommend stopping by at a 7 Eleven or even a supermarket to load up on snacks and beers. Other than that, La A Natu’s prices for lunches and dinners are quite reasonable.
Not a Luxurious Resort but they Deserve 4 stars…
Only guests are allowed to roam around the resort property…
If you plan on staying at La A Natu Bed and Bakery one thing you can expect is privacy. Lots and lots of privacy. They are well known for their bakery and especially their afternoon tea set complete with delicious homemade cakes. So there are public visitors that come to the resorts restaurant just to sample their delights.
However, only guests with rooms at La A Natu are allowed to walk around and explore the rest of the resort grounds.
Thailand is littered with lovely tiny resorts by the beach. Where you can go and unwind to your hearts content with the sun shining down through coconut trees and fresh ocean breeze. La A Natu Bed and Bakery is our special little slice of heaven in Thailand.
Best Way to Get to La A Natu Bed and Bakery
The only way to get to La A Natu is by car. There are no forms of public transportation in the area at all. So you have to drive. Or you can always hire a driver to drop you off and pick you up when you check out.
La A Natu Bed and Bakery is about a 30 minute drive from Hua Hin City center. So if you’re coming in from Bangkok you can easily hire a taxi to take you there.
If you are self driving then getting there is very easy. And I do recommend driving. Because you can check out Sam Roi Yod, an area with many mountains, shrimp farms and beautiful landscapes.
Map from La A Natu Bed and Bakery
And if you drive up an down the coast you’ll be treated to even more private beaches. The roads leading to La A Natu are narrow but there are very little cars on the roads. And when you are nearby you will start seeing small little signs leading to the resort so keep a sharp eye out to avoid getting lost.
Things to Know Before Booking
La A Natu’s High Season and Low Season
- High Season: October and January through May
- Low Season: June through September and November to mid December
- Peak Season: Mid December through early January and mid April
Because the resort has only 10 rooms divided into 3 categories you can bet high season and during long weekends you may have a hard time booking a room there. Prices will be a lot higher too during those times, especially peak season.
My wife and I usually stay during low season on weekdays. Rates are cheaper but still expensive compared to other 4 star hotels in Hua Hin city center.
La A Natu Bed & Bakery
Address: 234 Moo 2, Samroiyod, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand 77120
Click to Book this Hotel and read more guest reviews.
Mar 31, 2016 |
A Cool Place to Hangout Even if You’re Not a Youngster
If you’re a college aged student, that loves shopping and fashion be sure to visit Hongdae, you’ll be right in your element. Even if you’re an old guy like me, it’s still one pretty cool place to walk around, lay back, sip a cup of coffee and just take in all the sights and sounds of Hongdae.
Hongdae reminds me of Harajuku in Tokyo and the East Village in NYC. The area is hip and full of the young crowd out with their friends having a good time while strolling around the streets.
I went to Hongdae on a Saturday afternoon. The weather was beautiful with a slight chill in the air. It was a prefect first time in this particular neighborhood. Even though I’ve been to Seoul numerous times there’s always something new to explore. That’s why I love Seoul so much.
Hongik University
Perhaps one of the reasons why Hongdae has such an artsy atmosphere is because of Hongik University that offers one of the best fine arts programs in Seoul. The university boast a student population of 16,000. No wonder I felt so old while I was walking around the area.
Arts, Crafts, Live Street Music and a Little More
Depending on what you want to do there are points of interests around Hongdae that you may enjoy. There’s definitely plenty of shopping. There are name brand stores around selling clothes and cosmetics.
Walk along the side streets and you’ll come across a lot of bars…
Even when I arrived mid afternoon there were quite a huge crowd of youngsters just hanging out and around. But by night I think the area becomes livelier. I will definitely check out Hongdae at night one of these days. There are tons of bars and watering holes which makes a lot of sense. After all it’s right next to a popular university.
Koreans do love their coffee…
And there are so many cafés in the area you will not have a problem looking for that daily dose of espresso.
A few points of interest at Hongdae…
Friendly Hongdae tourists assistants are on hand for suggestions…
There’s a trick eye museum in the area too but since I was traveling alone it would’ve been a bit hard to take photos of myself and trick eye background.
Lots more people arrive in Hongdae later in the day…
I’m going to be honest though. I’m not a big shopper. Though I do love strolling around and checking out whats around. And there are lots of shops selling all kinds of things for young people.
Hongdae is well known as a place for second hand clothing shops…
Though I didn’t buy anything I was told that small little private shops around Hongdae sell clothes at reasonable prices.
Food, Oh Yes Food!
One of the biggest mistakes I made during this day was I ate a late big breakfast. So I had no room to stuff my face with more food.
And it seems that many small little restaurants always have lines of customers. Though it’s usually the shops selling sweets like ice creams, shakes and juices have the most people waiting eagerly. But you’ll see that there are many international restaurants represented in the area, not only Korean. There was a kebab store but again, I wasn’t hungry, but I was so tempted to get a beef kebab.
Next time when I go to Hongdae I’ll definitely get there with an empty stomach!
But I always have room for coffee…
I wish I knew about this area much sooner. As I mentioned before I’m really not a planner when it comes to traveling. I usually decide where to go when I have my morning coffee. So if you’re reading this I highly recommend Hongdae, one of Seoul’s most lively neighborhoods!
How to Get to Hongdae
You want to take Line 2 train to Hongik University Station stop. It’s the green colored line on the subway map.
Entrance #9 at Hongik University Station…
Exit #9 at Hongik University Station…
Once at the station you should head to entrance/exit 9, popularly known as the meeting point. Once you get out you will see a crowd of people, usually young folks waiting for their friends, hence the name meeting point.
Like any other tourist info centers in Seoul, you can get free internet Wi-Fi access…
And one thing to note there is a Hongdae Tourist Center nearby, just head towards the Hongdae Pedestrian Street and you’ll find it. There are plenty of maps inside the subway train station.
Mar 11, 2016 |
BP Hotel – Affordable Hotel in Tsim Tsa Tsui District HK
You really don’t need to spend over $100USD for a good clean 3 star hotels in Kowloon Hong Kong. I’ve been recommending BP Hotel since I first stayed there.
The first time I stayed in BP was about 6 years ago which I also did a review too. Since that time I’ve stayed there again for about three more times. BP International Hotel was built in 1993 and last checked it was renovated in 2007.
Today there are some improvements such as free internet Wi-Fi and softer beds. And the towels were cleaner and newer too. One of my biggest gripes awhile ago were the old towels. And there are these spiffy new flat screen televisions with Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, English and Japan channels.
The BP Hotel is located in Tsim Tsa Tsui on the Kowloon Peninsula or simply TST as the locals call it. If you don’t know already, Hong Kong consists of a peninsula called Kowloon which is connected to China as well as an island named Hong Kong.
What I like about BP Hotel
HK hotels are infamously expensive. Especially when you visit during the convention season. This time around I stayed at the BP mid February right after the Chinese Lunar New Years festivities.
I booked my rooms via Agoda.com when I found city vista category rooms for $65USD including taxes. Those are the cheapest rates I have ever seen. Six years ago I paid twice that price in the month of August which was HK low season rates.
We got some good rates at the BP Hotel and this view is priceless…
If you love a good view make sure you choose a high floor room. Our room was on the 27th floor…
Because right now is the best time to find hotel deals in HK due to political problems with China. Even the more expensive hotels have reduced their rates but still expensive in my opinion. While many more affordable hotels such as the BP offer guests considerable savings.
Rooms are small and compact but comfortable for 2 adults…
Bathroom is small but not so bad, but the shower is narrow..
A clean bathroom with a few toiletries…
I booked a city vista rooms and no surprise they are small but quite normal by HK standards, about 22 square meters. Just right for 2 guests in a room. Anymore than that and it’ll be a tight squeeze.
Also BP has at least 5 dedicated non smoking floors. So there’s plenty of smoke free rooms.
What I Don’t Like About BP Hotel
Checking in and checking out is a breeze at BP Hotel…
There really isn’t much that I don’t like about BP. No surprise there. But they have the worst elevator system I’ve ever seen so far. There are 4 elevator banks. Even though there aren’t as many mainlander Chinese visiting Hong Kong these days there’s still a lot. Plus all the other tourists around the country too.
So the elevators would get packed right before check out time which is 12pm. The size of the elevators are normal but if you include all the luggage and people you can imagine it’ll be tight inside.
Long wait times can happen during checkout time…
One day while heading out around 11am I had to wait about 10 minutes for an elevator that had enough room. I suppose elevator wait times are not in control of the hotel. However, one evening we were waiting for the elevator at the lobby. For some reason the elevators were super slow and we could see it was stopping on every floor.
There were a bunch of guests waiting too. One elevator finally came down to the lobby floor but we couldn’t get in because a hotel staffer was taking garbage down to the basement level. And then the elevator went all the way back up somewhere. About 5 or so minutes later it came back down to the lobby and when the doors opened it was the same staffer with another load of trash to take down to the basement. Maybe it’s not a smart idea to take trash down during peak hours.
The Location
BP Hotel is on Kowloon Peninsula in Tsim Tsa Tsui district on Austin Road about 200 meters from Nathan Road; a major avenue in Kowloon. This is the area to be if you’re not so familiar with HK. But overall, HK is a very easy place to travel around.
And there are lots of shops and especially restaurants to eat around the hotel’s vicinity. Kowloon Park is right outside too and it’s a nice spot to walk around and check out. Best time to visit and walk down Nathan Road in the TST district night time when the shops light up the avenue.
Close to Jordan MRT Subway Station
The nearest MRT station is called Jordan and it’s only a short 5 minute walk to reach it. Riding the subways is the quickest and cheapest way to explore other parts of Kowloon. You can even ride it all the way to Hong Kong island, Disney Land and Hong Kong International airport.
You can catch the A21 bus to the airport on Austin and Nathan Road intersection, a short walk from BP Hotel…
However I like taking the Airport Express Bus #A21. This particular #A21 bus makes trips from hotels along Kowloon with a final stop at HK international airport. As of writing the fare cost $33HKD. Make sure you have the correct change before boarding.
Hotel prices fluctuate according to season and demand. I don’t even know if I’ll ever get the same $65USD rate. But even if I visit HK again and find a price of $85USD to $90USD at the BP Hotel I would still think that’s a fair price. That’s just how much I like BP Hotel.
“BP International Hotel requires a 500HKD deposit upon check in.”
As much as I would like to make more Hong Kong hotel reviews I don’t want to spend money on hotel rooms I know I won’t enjoy. And the BP is always reliable. However, there are a few other names of HK hotels I’ve spent nights in that are good too but the price wasn’t right at the moment.
Check prices and read reviews for BP International Hotel.
