When you are visiting Bangkok there’s a very good chance you’ll be popping into MBK Centre (Mahboonkrong) since it is one of the most well known shopping centers in Bangkok.
Mainly because for tourists MBK is easy to find. Right next to MBK is National Stadium BTS Sky Train station. And taxis, tuk tuk know exactly where it is.
Among Bangkok’s selection of malls, MBK is not exactly the poshest. It’s the Thai working classes’ preferred mall. Where prices for clothes and shoes are more acceptable for locals. It is the oldest mall in this particular part of Bangkok. Yet its popularity has withstood the test of time.
Competing against super malls like Siam Square One, Siam Discovery/Centre and Siam Paragon that are a short distance walk.
And it’s also a great place to socialize with friends and family because MBK has a huge bowling alley, ice skate rink and cinema theaters with the latest screen and sound tech.
MBK also has lots of beauty salons where you can get gel manicures and foot spas. But prices for beauty services inside MBK are rather high. So below I’ll let you know where you can find beauty salons where the local Thai ladies go to get themselves beautified.
Where is MBK Centre
You can find this popular shopping centre in central Bangkok, specifically in the Pathuwan District. Not far is the Jim Thompson House, a popular tourist attraction for those wanting to learn about Thailand’s rich silk history.
There are so many restaurants on the streets and especially inside the shopping malls. And of course not only will you find Thai restaurants, there are also many Japanese, Korean and Western restaurants, including Mcdonald’s, Burger King, KFC and even a Taco Bell.
Many hotels in the area as well. You can find some places to stay near MBK Mall near the end of this post.
MBK Will Always Be Part of the Bangkok Experience
Every single person I know visiting Bangkok will eventually end up inside MBK. Even if they don’t plan on shopping. Today it’s changed so much since the first time I stepped foot inside nearly 25 years ago.
Don Don Doki, a super popular Japanese store has a multi level shopping center inside. This store is the 8th branch in Bangkok and super popular with Thais because they love all things Japanese. And Don Don Doki gives them a glimpse of the Japan shopping experience as well as purchase Japanese sweet snacks, beauty cosmetics, gadgets and home accessories. And of course all sorts of Japanese style of foods also.
Don Don Doki at MBK Mall Bangkok 2nd Floor Entrance…Many things to buy inside Don Don Doki MBK Mall
Cannabis for Sale in MBK
After Thailand legalized marijuana in June 2022 numerous weed dispensaries started popping up all around the city. There are several shops where you can buy grams of the stickiest of icky inside MBK. Though you can not smoke inside MBK mall. Or practically anywhere in public, especially near schools and temples. If you get caught you’ll get hit with a 20,000B fine.
Safe places to light up in Bangkok are Cannabis Cafes but I recommend calling them up if you want to bring your own stash.
Cannabis dispensary located on 1st floor of MBK Mall…
MBK Mall is Best for Buying Western Size Clothes and Shoes
For budget tourists or just savvy travelers that don’t want to overpay, MBK is the best place to buy clothes at reasonable prices. Because a lot of MBK’s customers are foreigners. So you can find many European and American sized shirt, pant and shoes on the racks at affordable prices
I’m talking about good quality clothing and shoes. Not items with cheap materials. Even though you can find that sold inside MBK too. There are tons of shops selling good quality t-shirts with gimmicky phrases and quirky graphics for as little as 100B when you buy more than one shirt.
MBK Mall in Bangkok has 8 floors
Plus they’ve got one rocking food court with affordable food on the 6th floor. Local Thai dishes like Thai Som Tom and Pad Thai along with Thailand’s famous mango with sticky rice is well represented. Along with international fare such as Hong Kong styled noodles plus a bit of Muslim fare like chicken curry over yellow rice.
Now there really isn’t too much new information to add on top of what has already been written about MBK in numerous travel articles.
But I’d like to share a little bit of what I know about MBK.
And below are my 5 tips that might be useful to you plus 5 hotels that are really close to MBK mall.
One of the best food courts in Bangkok is at MBK mall…
No More Fakes and Counterfeits Inside MBK Mall… But You Can Still Find Knock Offs
One of the primary reasons why MBK Mall became famous is because tourists (and locals) could find knock off designer goods easily. There was a short period of time where brand name knock offs were taken off the shelves, due to pressure from foreign companies.
Today, as or writing, you can find all kinds of knock offs on shelves. Most shops selling wearable fake brand named items are located on floors 3 to 6.
Counterfeit luxury lines of Rolex and Omega watches are still abundant. Though to be honest, it’s probably best to not waste money on knock off watches.
Fake Air Jordans are popular and many foreigners buy with intent to take back to their home country for resale. Plenty of fake Supreme T-Shirts and accessories, Gucci and Louis Vuitton hand bags are sought after too. If you do plan on buying knock offs I recommend paying what you can afford. It’s not worth overspending.
Will the Thai authorities crack down on fakes? Probably, but it’ll be back on the shelves eventually. As long tourists know they can find fake good inside MBK there will be shops selling to make money.
Fake Supreme t-shirts MBK Mall
MBK is One of the Best Malls for Electronics
I’m talking about white label electronics “bordering counterfeit” level of electronics. For example I bought these Apple Airpod Pro for 550B inside a shop called Lemon Telecom. Now the box doesn’t say Apple Airpod Pro. But it doesn’t take a genius to see that the packaging is 98% unmistakably Apple.
White label products are what factories, mainly Chinese factories, call products that wholesalers slap their names on the packaging. And many white label products can be found inside MBK.
Lemon Telecom is located on the 5th floor. Everything inside has price labels which is super important. Because many of the small shops selling same types of electronics items on the 4th floor have NOprices on any of their goods for sale. So you gotta ask for the price. Asking for discounts is expected and how much they go down on price is up to the shop owners.
You will not get discounts inside shops like Lemon Telecom however.
Personally before I bought this Airpod Pro copy I checked around on the 4th floor with several shops. I was quoted 800B to 1300B. And some of those shops have Apple Airpod Pro printed on boxes, which cost more. Funny the more “counterfeited” in appearance the higher the price goes. And you’re paying for the branding rather then actual products.
Whatever you plan on buying, I recommend going to a store like Lemon Telecom on the 5th floor and take a look at their prices. Then head down to the 4th floor below and check prices amongst the smaller shops. This way you get some idea about prices.
Not exactly Apple Airpod Pros, but really close…Lemon Telecom 5th floor MBK Mall
But First You’re Going to Need Thai Baht, Right? I’ll Show You Where to Get the Best Currency Exchange Rates in Bangkok
If you’re going to shop hard you’re going to need plenty of Thai Baht in your pockets. So if you’ve got yourself a fist full of your home currency and need to exchange them with better than bank rates then head to the 2nd floor of MBK where you’ll find a Super Rich money exchange branch.
I personally use Super Rich’s services. When you compare them to Thai bank conversion rates Super Rich gives you better exchange rates. They’re now located in a lot of major tourists areas in Bangkok. But Super Rich’s MBK branch is very convenient.
I highly recommend bringing in your local currency and exchange them for Baht. Because Thai ATM fees are very high charging a minimum of 280THB per withdrawal with foreign accounts.
Now that you’re armed with fresh Thai Baht and ready for shopping here are my 5 Shopping Tips for MBK:
1. My Favorite Areas Inside MBK Mall
As you will see once you’re inside MBK it is a massive mall. But where do you go find some nice Thai souvenirs at decent prices?
For me, I always recommend heading to the 6th floor. It’s less crowded and the prices for Thai made products are very reasonable. This area is newly renovated and filled with made in Thailand products. No problem finding fakes here too.
I recommend heading up to the 6th floor Thai made products…
If you want the best prices for t-shirts and other souvenirs, look for made in Thailand products. I find that Thai manufactured slippers and flip flops are really good quality and priced inexpensive.
If your goal is buying bulk at wholesale prices, MBK is not the right place. For that you should go to Sampeng Market in Bangkok’s Chinatown district.
Any creative products made with Thai rubber, coconuts and hemp materials are nicely made and so affordable and unique to Thailand. It’s where I tell my visiting friends to shop for souvenirs.
I find that MBK’s 6th floor has the most Thai made products inside the mall. There are plenty of Thai made products sold elsewhere inside MBK but cost slightly higher.
2. Find Brand Name Clothes at Outlet Prices
I’m a big guy and sometimes here in Bangkok for me it is tough to find the right size. I wear XL size for shirts. And I am shaped like a gorilla. Normally XL labeled clothing for Thais are still small because it was originally made for the Thai market.
So I like going to this shop called Export shop. You can find 2 inside MBK Mall. One on the 2nd floor and the other on the 3rd floor.
Back in the States we have these outlet malls where you can find brand name clothes for cheap. Well, the Export shops stock up on brand name clothing themselves. From Gap, Dockers, Ralph Polo, American Eagle and sometimes J. Crew and Banana Republic. They even have these 511 Tactical shirts and pants for sale on the racks.
Other export shops selling similar brands but different styles are called XL for Men and 71 Imports.
Because so many big name clothing companies use factories in Southeast Asia to produce their clothing line. A lot of the overage ends up in shops like these. Keep in mind, some of the clothing have slight defects. But nothing so major that it’s unwearable or noticeable.
My favorite clothing shop inside MBK
If you are looking for sporting goods and wear it is worthwhile to check out Super Sports Factory Outlet on the 3rd floor. It is worth checking out because it can be a hit or miss.
Because a lot of the really good in demand items are quickly picked up by lucky tourists and enterprising Thais looking to quickly resell online for profit. Though keep in mind these are factory outlet grade items. Which means that there could be slight defects. Give the items a quality check before forking over your hard earned cash.
The discounts are quite considerable but if you are not there at the right time, and find something you like, the size you want might not be available. In any case, deals can be found on original Nike, Adidas, North Face, Asics, New Balance and so on.
Super Sports Factory Outlet inside MBK Mall 3rd floor…
3. MBK’s Camera Shops
I’m a camera geek. So I love checking out the latest camera toys.
To me the prices of cameras are expensive in Thailand. Though prices for camera gears are very reasonable like tripods, camera bags and sometimes lenses. I think the better deals for the actual camera itself is back in the States.
Anyways, if you lost your camera somehow and you need to buy a new one, I recommend heading to the ground floor of MBK near zone B. It’s the one pictured below. I know it looks like a hole in the wall but they’ve been there for the longest time and quite reputable.
You can get a Tourist Vat Refund also when you buy something there. So you can save a bit of cash as well. I believe you get back about 7% back at the airport.
Camera Center on the 5th floor camera prices are not too shabby either if you really need to pick up cameras in Bangkok. They also offer a VAT refund as well.
Many big camera shops on 5th floorA camera shop at MBK with decent prices…
4. Don’t Forget to Check MBK’s Ground Floor
The ground floor has a lot of good deals too. Many tourists neglect the ground floor because most of them enter the shopping mall from the 2nd and 3rd floor. That’s where the Sky Train walkway leads to the BTS National Stadium train station and Siam Discovery Mall.
But the ground floor is where a lot of discounted clothes and accessories can be found too. So be sure to explore around the ground floor. You just might end up with better discounts for clothes and other knick knacks.
MBK has a total of 7 seven floors and you can check out the mall directory here.
Be sure to walk around the ground floor of MBK, plenty of discounts too…
5. Hair Salons, Nail Salons, Eyelash Extensions and Eyebrow Tattoos
Chances are if you’re staying over in Bangkok for a week or longer, you might be interested in checking out the many varieties of salons for pampering women.
MBK’s got all kinds of beauty salons located mainly on the third floor. But some are spread out on the upper floors too.
Okay so I can’t make any direct recommendations of the salon services located inside MBK Mall.
And there are 2 reasons why:
I go to the cheap places near where I live in Bangkok to cut my hair. For 80THB I get a cut and shave.
As her youngest son, my mother would have a heart attack if she saw me with eyelash extensions and painted nails
However this blogger’s post recommends Goree Salon on the third floor. And she seems quite happy.
I should mention that MBK salon prices to local Thais are not exactly affordable. I’m not suggesting salons inside MBK are overcharging tourists. From a business standpoint, renting space inside one of the most popular malls in Bangkok isn’t cheap.
For local Thais if they want to get their nails done at prices they can afford, they go to nail salon like Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon. It’s a nail salon my Thai lady friends tell me is really good. Or Union Mall for hair salons with services priced just right for Thais working hard for their money.
Need Someplace to Keep Your Luggage While You Shop?
If you checked out of your hotel early and decided to drop by MBK for last minute souvenir shopping, there is a luggage drop off service center on the 6th floor in Zone B, right next to Food Island Food Court.
This service is provided by Airportels.com and they’ll hold your luggage for 4 hours FREE of charge. After that, it’s 100THB per bag. The counter is open from 10am to 10pm everyday.
Consider Booking a Hotel Near MBK Mall
MBK is a fun place to hide, chill out and get away from the city’s heat for awhile. The mall officially opens at 10am but a lot of the smaller stalls open a little later. Closing time is 10pm.
It’s located right in central Bangkok, in a lively area called Siam Square. So it’s also a really good idea to find a hotel in that area because it’s right next to a Sky Train station called National Stadium.
Because MBK is right by Siam Paragon, Siam Square, Siam Discovery and Center the area is totally family friendly and away from the red light districts.
Below are names of 5 hotels near MBK in the 3 to 5 star range I would like to recommend:
Ibis Hotel is one of the best hotels near MBK Mall. It’s right across and next to National Stadium BTS station…
Conclusion
I’ve had visiting friends stay in all of those hotels so I know they’re all very good choices in a prime area of Bangkok. Plus those hotels have plenty of good reviews already.
Out of the list of five, if you have the money, I recommend Pathumwan Princess Hotel. It’s attached right on top of MBK. So you won’t even have to step outside.
On a budget? Lub D has a popular chain of hostels in Bangkok and this particular one on Siam Square has really affordable rooms and perfect for families.
So that’s my five tips on visiting MBK. Plus five hotels near a bunch of Bangkok’s best shopping centers that are perfect for exploring popular sections of central Bangkok.
The One and Only Taipei for First Time Visitors Guide You’ll Ever Need
If you’re planning a trip to Taipei, Taiwan for the first time, you’re in the right place. I’ll point out the single best area to stay in Taipei for sightseeing plus five popular and affordable hotels you will like in Taipei.
Plus I’m throwing in a couple of recommended restaurants in Taipei you should definitely try for a first taste of Taiwan!
And tips on a couple of things you might want to do after landing in Taoyuan Airport. Plus the best way to get from Taoyuan Airport to the city of Taipei.
You’ll certainly learn a lot on this post based on my frequent travel experiences to Taipei!
On This Trip to Taipei, Taiwan…
Usually when I make my annual trip back to New York I usually stop over in Seoul, South Korea for a weeks stay. That’s my usual routine.
But I’ve been changing it up a bit like going to Doha, Qatar for the first time last year. This year, I also decided it was time to visit someplace different again.
My travel agent gave me a few options. Taipei was one of them. And like that, I decided it was due time to visit Taiwan again.
I also wanted to gather and research up to date info for writing this post about visiting Taipei. Particularly for those planning their very own first exciting trip to Taiwan.
Early April weather in Taipei. The weather was cloudy and cool some days other days nice and warm…
If you’re a regular blog reader of mine you know I’m not big on planning. Just like I did when I first visited Taipei or anywhere else for that matter. I just go. And if I make a mistake then I’ve made a mistake and learned something in the end.
So on this guide to Taipei you’ll learn what to expect while traveling to Taipei from the mistakes of yours truly.
I’ll start off by letting you know what to do the first thing after stepping into the arrival hall of Taoyuan Airport. To the best mode of public transportation to reach the city of Taipei.
Here we go!
Landing in Taoyuan Airport – Be Sure to Exchange Currency and Buy a SIM Card at Taoyuan Airport
Don’t Forget to Exchange Your Local Currency for Taiwan Dollars
Having some Taiwanese dollars on hand is important because the country is primarily cash based. Small restaurants do not accept debit/credit cards. Taipei’s widely popular street food and hawker stands only take cash so you better have some on hand.
One of the biggest mistakes I made for my first trip to Taipei years ago was I did not exchange any cash at all at the airport. I mean, there are ATM machines in the airport right next to currency exchange booths. And there are many banks all over Taipei to withdraw cash as well.
Taiwan is still a cash based society…
However if you’re like my mother who only wants to carry cash expecting to exchange it in Taiwan you might run into a bit of bad luck like I have.
Taiwan has strict regulations on currency exchange. Only banks in Taiwan are licensed and authorized to exchange foreign currency. Also all banks in Taiwan close on weekends. On weekdays banks close around 4pm.
Best to exchange currency at Taoyun airport. There are also ATM machines next to currency exchange kiosks inside the airport…
The Story of My Life
So the bad luck I ran into was I had some Thai Baht I wanted to exchange on hand. I was in Taipei during Qingming Festival which fell on a Thursday. Qingming is a big deal holiday in Taiwan so the banks were closed for 4 days straight for a long holiday weekend.
If you’re visiting Taipei during a long holiday and ran into a bit of bad luck like I had, there is an exchange currency center in the basement level of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taipei Station Store.
However Shin Kong only exchange major currencies like US, Australia, Japan, China, Canada, Euros, etc.
So I was out of luck again with Thai Baht.
Taoyun Airport is Where You Can Get the Best Currency Exchange Rates
But you’ll get better exchange rates at Taoyuan Airport. So remember, if you plan on exchanging cash on your trip to Taipei do it at Taoyuan airport first.
But if you’re planning to withdraw cash from ATMs in Taiwan then this wouldn’t be an issue. As many 24 hour ATMs can be found all over Taipei.
However, I’m only bringing this currency exchange issue up because I know there are still travelers out there whom prefer to exchange currency.
Don’t Forget to Purchase a SIM Card for Your Mobile Phone
Also at Taoyuan Airport, buy a SIM card for your mobile phone at one of the telecom kiosks located at airport arrival level. You can purchase prepaid 3 day data package which includes 4G access for about NT$300. There are also prepaid SIM card packages that go up to 7 days or monthly. But the minimum plan is 3 days.
Even though there are many Wi-fi hotspots all over Taipei, it’s best to get a Taiwan SIM card installed on your cell phone. So you can use google maps for directions to your hotel. And do some quick research on where to go in Taipei while waiting for a train or grabbing a bite to eat.
https://prepaidsim.twgate.net/index_en.html
Why’s it better to pick up a SIM card inside Taoyuan Airport?
Because if you pick one up at a telecom store in Taipei you will not have much selection. And end up paying more than you’d have to.
For example a few years back when I forgot to buy a SIM card at Taoyuan Airport I then had to buy one at a telecom shop in Taipei. They only had a 5 day SIM card that cost NT$500 in stock. But I was only in Taipei for only 3 days at the time.
If I bought my SIM card at the airport I would’ve saved some cash. So pick up that SIM card at Taoyuan Airport so you’ll get the exact plan you need for the duration of your stay.
Here are 2 Taiwanese Telecom Companies in Taoyuan Airport I recommend located on the arrival hall:
Staff at either shop will help you install the SIM card. As well as register the card so you’re all good to go before stepping out of the airport. With a working SIM card on your phone you can use map apps to pinpoint destinations and search for points of interest and places to rest and eat.
Having internet access on your mobile phone will certainly make your first time visit to Taipei more enjoyable as you can search for directions.
You don’t have to pick up a SIM card if you don’t want to. But today having a map app and the ability to use it on your smart phone is just so convenient. Think about it, you’ll have a chance to read this awesome blog in Taipei whenever and wherever!
Using google map timeline to track where I’ve been came in handy for my blog writing…
Personally, I use Google Maps Timeline to keep track of the places I’ve been to. Which is totally useful for me whenever I need to reference for my blog writing. You can turn google maps timeline on and off anytime.
Airport Bus or Airport Train to Taipei Main Station – Which is Better?
Airport bus from Taoyuan Airport is comfortable but I think it’s best to get to Taipei Main Station riding the Airport MRT instead…
Now that you’re out of the airport you’re thinking about which is the best way to get from Taoyuan Airport to the city. You’ve got two choices to get to Taipei, or to be more precise Taipei Main Station which is the city’s main public transportation hub:
Airport Bus (Kuo-Kuang Line Bus #1819 – NT$135 one-way)
Airport Train (MRT – Mass Rapid Transit – NT$160 one-way)
I have tried both modes of transportation. If you’re heading straight for Taipei Main Station then it’s a no brainer decision to choose the Airport Train.
What About Taxis?
Sure you can hire a taxi but if you want to save some cash, public transport is the way to go. And it’s so easy and simple to use public mass transportation. Plus the money you save will be considerable.
Taoyan MRT Route Map 2018
You’ll Get to Taipei Quicker with MRT
Because airport bus fare to Taipei Main Station cost NT$135 and takes roughly about 1 hour drive with no traffic. The operative word is no traffic. But why risk it?
The Airport MRT cost NT$160 and also takes about an 1 hour to reach Taipei Main Station. The price difference is so small. Pay for the Airport MRT fare and you won’t have to worry about car traffic or accidents and bus malfunctions.
The Airport MRT is the Most Convenient (But the Airport Bus is Useful Too)
That said, the airport bus is your only option to get to Taipei Main Station if you’ve arrived into Taoyuan Airport past midnight. Because the Airport MRT stops service at midnight.
Airport Bus departing Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station runs 24 hours with 15-20 minute intervals.
Now you know how to get from Taoyuan Airport to Tapei Main Station, I’ll point out the best area to stay in Taipei for your first visit to Taiwan!
Matter of fact, you can even walk to this area from Taipei Main Station. It can’t get any easier than that!
Ximending District – The best area to stay in Taipei, Taiwan for your first visit…
Ximending District 西門町 – The One and Only District you Should Stay in Taipei for Your First Visit to Taiwan
Ximending District is a 15 minute walk from Taipei Main Station. You can also hop on a 1 stop subway train ride on MRT Bannan Line (Blue Line) to Ximen station for NT$20 from Taipei Main Station.
The reasons why Ximending is such a highly recommended area to stay in Taipei is because this area has everything you can possibly need for an enjoyable stay in Taipei.
Ximending draws a lot of locals, mostly the young crowd because there’s a lot of shops, movie theaters and special little restaurants. Ximending is Taipei’s major entertainment district!
But the main reason why locals and tourists love Ximending is because of the variety and choices for food! It’s like the entire area is dedicated to foodies.
Staying at a hotel in Ximending is a smart move because everything you’ll need is in walking distance, especially excellent places to eat.
I’ll point out a few places you have to check out for some good Taiwanese food at the end of this guide.
Ximending is like Myeondong District in Seoul, South Korea. And just like it is in Seoul, if you choose to stay in in Ximending you can walk to a lot of popular city tourist attractions in Taipei. Without taking the subway trains.
You can walk to Ximending Station from Taipei Main Station in about 15 minutes. Or you can take the MRT subway train to Ximen station…
You Will See Exploring Taipei on Foot is Quite Pleasant
Taipei truly is one of the best cities to explore on foot. The sidewalks are wide and well paved. There are street signs with English and vicinity maps located throughout street corners.
One thing I want to bring up is local Taiwanese in general do not jaywalk. I’m not aware of any jaywalking laws in Taiwan but locals are super patient and disciplined while waiting for the correct light to cross the road. Even when there are no visible moving cars or motorbikes in sight.
Now that you know why Ximending district is the best area to stay in Taipei, I’ll point out a selection of hotels in Ximending that I’ve personally stayed in and recommend on this guide to visiting Taipei.
Five Taipei Hotels I Recommend in Ximending District
Plus Some Tips on Booking Hotels in Taipei
The key to a good travel experience is to stay at good quality hotels. Though I don’t often plan my trip itinerary. I do spend most of my research time looking for the best areas to stay for sightseeing. And my research showed me Ximending met all my criteria.
The criteria I look for are lively neighborhoods, close to a variety of local food, close to shopping and of course to public transportation.
The hotels and hostels I recommend below are priced in the mid range so about $40USD to $80USD . And depending on the season possibly $100USD.
Lots of restaurants in Taipei open early ready to serve breakfast…
I don’t suggest paying extra for breakfast at any hotel in Taipei. Not unless the price is too good to pass up.
Because what you can find on the streets of Ximending early morning for breakfast is going to be cheaper and most likely tastier than anything you’d find at the hotel for breakfast.
And since all the hotels I recommend below are close to restaurants you can save quite a bit of cash.
And of course you’ll find 7 Elevens and other types of convenience stores near the hotels and hostel in Ximending I recommend.
Also, bear in mind these hotels offer a choice of rooms with windows and no windows. Rooms with windows cost a bit more. All have free internet Wi-Fi access.
Best Hotels in Ximending District
1. Hotel Papa Whale – Rated 4 Star Hotel
Hotel Papa Whale is a hotel in Ximending district highly recommend…
Don’t let the weird name of this hotel fool you. I’ve stayed in Hotel Papa Whale more than a few times. It’s one of the newest and most affordable mid range hotels in Ximending District. The rooms are spacious and clean. There’s a unique industrial factory look and design unlike a conventional hotel.
Here’s an in depth review of Hotel Papa Whale on my most recent stay in Taipei. This is one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in Ximending District.
Hotel Papa Whale: Check Rates How to Get There: 15 minute walk from Taipei Main Station. 10 minute walk from Ximen Station. Address: No. 46, Kunming Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
2. InPage Hotel and Hostel – Rated 3 Star Hotel
InPage Hotel and Hostel is mostly a hostel type property so there’s a shared bathroom access. I know a lot of my readers are females so I recommend InPage Hostel and Hotel because they have female only guest rooms.
Just be sure to indicate during your booking if you want female only guest rooms by inputting it into the special request box.
InPage Hotel and Hostel:Check Rates How to Get There: 10 minute walk from Taipei Main Station. Address: No. 37, Section 1, Chongqing South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
3. Roader’s Hotel Taipei – 3 Star Rated Hotel
I also know I have a lot of readers traveling with teens and young children. Which is why I’m recommending Roader’s Hotel because there’s a game room with foosball as well as a kids playroom. And for the adults there’s even a small gym.
Okay, well it’s a very small gym but really there are not a whole lot of hotels in Ximending that is kid friendly with a gym yet affordable.
Roader’s Hotel:Check Rates How to Get There: 10 minute walk from Taipei Main Station. Address: No. 68, Yanping South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
4. Orange Hotel Ximending – 3 Star Rated Hotel
I recommend Orange Hotel Ximending because it’s the nicest and most affordable hotel that is only 3 minute walk to Taipei Main Station. I know there are travelers out there for whatever reason they need to get to Taoyuan Airport easily. Because riding the Airport MRT at Taipei Main Station will only take 1 hour to get to Taoyuan Airport.
Besides the convenience factor Orange Hotel Ximending is a nice hotel perfect for families or small groups of travelers.
Orange Hotel Ximending:Check Rates How to Get There: 3 minutes walk from Taipei Main Station Address: 108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, 中華路一段166號之2
5. Relax III Hotel – 3 Star Rated Hotel
Relax III Hotel is perhaps the priciest on this list with prices up to the $100USD range. It’s a very modern hotel with modern decorations and feel. Plus it’s also close to Taipei Main Station, about a 5 minute walk.
I’m recommending this hotel because Relax III Hotel rates usually include breakfast. Okay, so I did mention it’s not necessary to book a room with breakfast included because there are better food options outside of the hotel.
However, I understand that there could be readers that simply want a hotel breakfast without having to go out and search for something to eat.
Also I picked Relax III Hotel for traveling families because at this hotel you can book adjoining rooms.
Relax III Hotel:Check Rates How to Get There: 5 minute walk from Taipei Main Station Address: No. 34, Huaining Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Now that you know the hotels I recommend in Taipei is all in Ximending District on this guide, I will now point out a few restaurants that I know you will enjoy as much as I did. As well as a couple of other pointers on where you can find some good eats in Ximending District.
Because what good is a guide to visiting Taipei for the first time if I don’t include a section on food!
Where to Find the Best Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵) in Ximending District
If you don’t know by now, one of Taiwan’s most famous dish (or should I say bowl) is beef with noodle soup “niu rou mian” (牛肉麵). Now if you do a search on google about where the best beef noodle restaurants in Taipei, chances are you’ll come across the famous Yong Kang Beef Noodles. But that restaurant is not in Ximending district. Which I tried. And yes I agree it’s good.
However, I prefer this hole in the wall restaurant in Ximending District called Fu Hong Beef Noodles 富宏牛肉麵 and they have a Facebook page here. Price for a large bowl cost NT$110 and it’s a big bowl with nice chewy thick chewy noodles and a hefty portion of tender beef in a hearty beef broth.
Fu Hong is just a short 3 minute walk from Hotel Papa Whale, which is another reason why I like to stay there. And Fu Hong is open 24 hours so you can have your beef noodle fix anytime of the day!
Fu Hong Beef Noodle Shop – Both shops are the same so pick whichever one has empty seats…
This restaurant is packed full of hungry customers during lunch and dinner. Since it’s open 24 hours I go eat there for breakfast early in the morning. So not a problem at all getting a seat. You won’t find an English menu because there’s not a lot of tourists that come here.
It’s more of a local joint. And when it’s a restaurant full of locals then it’s a good sign.
There are photos of beef noodles so just point to it and they’ll get you set up with a hot steaming bowl. If you’re into spicy chili try their house made chili oil for a spicy kick in r your pants.
Where to Find the Best Fried Pork Chop Noodle Soup in Ximending District
One of the best restaurants for pork chops and noodles is K.M.Y in Ximending district…
Another dish that you should try before leaving Taiwan is the Fried Pork Chops. You can have it over rice or you can have it over noodles. I always order my pork chops with noodles.
The name of this restaurant is K.M.Y. and that link will get you a google map view with directions. But it’s right in Ximending District and not far from Hotel Papa Whale. Yes, another reason why I like staying at that hotel. The price of this fried pork chop with noodle set is NT$210 which is not a bad deal at all.
I like the fact that their pork chop seasonings is not overly loaded with MSG. They have just the right amount of pepper in the batter and the pork chop is fried to juicy perfection.
The best pork chops with noodle soup are at K.M.Y. restaurant in Ximending District…
K.M.Y. is very busy during peak lunch and dinner full of locals. They open around 11am and close about 9pm. Inside space is small so tables are shared and limited. It’s easier to find a table if you’re eating for one. All you have to do is sit down if a chair is available. And there is an English picture menu so once they figure out you’re not a local they’ll bring you one.
I think most people that come to Ximending come to eat. I haven’t been to all the restaurants in Ximending obviously but you know what, you can’t really go wrong when you see a restaurant with lines of local people waiting out the door.
The Takeaway
Ximending District is without a doubt the best area to stay in Taipei for your first visit. You’ll have a fantastic experience in Taiwan.
There are street performers to keep you entertained while you enjoy a snack on hand. There’s a night market with shops including brand name stores. And believe me you’ll find all kinds of unique Taiwanese savory and sweets to satisfy your appetite in Ximending.
NT$70 and you get this big piece of fried chicken at Hot Star Large Fried Chicken in Ximending District branch…
The train stations are not far away plus as I showed on this guide you’ll find a lot of nice affordable hotels in Ximending District close to some awesome restaurants and a popular night market. I really can’t imagine staying anywhere else in Taipei.
Ximending is truly the one and only district you should think about staying in Taipei for your first visit, without a doubt.
Now that you have learned how to get to Taipei from Taoyuan Airport, plus learned a few things you should not forget after landing and where the best area to stay in Taipei, my question for to you is:
Are You Ready for Your First Visit to Taipei?
You should be. Taipei is a wonderful city with friendly people and so easy to get around, explore and sightsee at your own pace. Without the need of a tour guide. I really enjoy visiting Taipei. So much that I might be coming back here more often every year. Especially on my annual return trips to New York.
And I hope my tips and advice on visiting Taipei for the first time will help you enjoy Taipei as much as I have.
If you have any questions about visiting Taipei, drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
5 Best Areas in Bangkok for First Time Visitors – With Recommended Bangkok Hotels 2025
If you’ve never traveled to Thailand before and want to know where are the best areas to stay in Bangkok (กรุงเทพมหานคร) for your first visit then you’ve come to the right place.
With a decade of experience in Bangkok under my belt, I’ll point out the best locations to stay in Bangkok for sightseeing, shopping, eating and of course for partying.
Bangkok is a big city with lots of distinct neighborhoods. And deciding the right location with the right hotel can make your head spin. I know how you feel. I always feel the same way whenever I’m researching hotels in places I’ve never traveled to.
Which is why I’m going to point out only 5 areas in Bangkok you should focus on for your first epic visit! By the end of this post, you’ll learn all you need to know about these 5 popular neighborhoods and have an idea on hotel cost, location and the reasons why you should be staying there for your first visit to Bangkok as a solo traveler, or with friends and family.
I’ll point out the best family friendly hotels in Bangkok. Where there’s something for the young and old. Whether your Thai holiday is focused on shopping, sightseeing or for eating!
And for those that want to know where is the best area and hotels to stay near Bangkok’s crazy nightlife, well you’re going to find names of cool party hotels near Bangkok’s red light districts.
But before we go any further, please familiarize yourself with these 3 tips for booking hotel rooms in Bangkok.
At the Chao Praya River with Wat Arun in the background…
3 Quick Tips for your Bangkok Hotel Search
The most important tip I can dispense here is to book your hotels near a Sky Train (BTS) station or an MRT (subway) station. The areas of Chid Lom/Ploenchit, Siam Square, Sukhumvit and Silom all within central Bangkok have train lines nearby. Most of the areas I recommend below have train stations near the recommended hotels, just a short walk.
Most 3 star Thai owned hotels are just as good as international owned hotels in Bangkok. Plus Thai hotels are usually cheaper and the service is just as good. Although I have listed some foreign-owned luxury hotels below only because their room rates are affordable compared to Western luxury hotel rates.
You do not need to book your hotel room far in advanced thinking you’ll get the best hotel rates. Today, you can find many discounted hotel deals even just a few days before arrival into Bangkok.
When I’m asked about where to stay in Bangkok my response is typically “How much you wanna spend?”
From my experience, you can find a lot of good quality hotels in Bangkok in tourists friendly areas for as low as $40USD.
I’m not kidding, for $40USD you can get a decent 3-star hotel room in a decent area of Bangkok.
The rule is if you can spend $60 to $80USD there could be marginal differences in terms of quality compared to hotels in the $100USD price range.
There’s a Lot of Affordable 3 to 5 Star Hotels in Central Bangkok
Though this rule is not set in stone because there are so many hotels in Bangkok that a lot of them are competing fiercely to get you into their rooms.
Which is why I always say even if you see a hotel in Bangkok with a 4 to 5 star rating go ahead and check the hotel’s rates. You might be surprised how affordable it really is to stay in Bangkok for your first ever visit to Thailand.
Before settling down in Thailand I stayed in plenty of hotels in Bangkok…
There are many distinct districts, or neighborhoods in Bangkok with hotels from cheap to expensive. Finding a nice comfortable hotel room to rest after a long day of sightseeing, shopping or eating is not an impossible task. And location is key.
I’ve broken down these 5 best districts to stay in Bangkok all for you.
Let’s get started!
5 Best Places to Stay in Bangkok for First Time Visitors:
First of all, you want to focus staying in Central Bangkok. That’s the sweet spot you should only focus on and nothing else. Which part of Bangkok is central? The answers are right below:
Chidlom/Ploen Chit – Though you don’t see both areas on the map these areas border Siam Square and where Sukhumvit Road begins. So you’re right between two of the best areas in Bangkok especially for traveling families. It can’t get better than that.
Siam Square – The nerve center of Bangkok. At least to me. Siam Square has it all, shopping malls and restaurants. MBK Centre is right in Siam Square. Plus it’s also the BTS Sky Train’s main hub station. Other major malls in this area is Siam Paragon and Siam Square One.
Sukhumvit – Within Sukhumvit are distinct neighborhoods; Nana, Asoke, Phrom Phong, and Ekkamai/Thonglor. All these neighborhoods are the best areas to stay for checking out Bangkok’s nightlife and red light districts.
Silom – Silom is the city’s financial center. But there are also many good hotels in the area. And not as busy as Sukhumvit. It’s also a nightlife hotspot mixed with a popular albeit expensive Patpong night market/red light district.
Rattanakosin– This historic area of the city borders Khao San Road, Bangkok’s popular hangout for backpackers and budget travelers. Best to book a hotel right on the river for tranquility and a wonderful view of the sunset over the Chao Praya River.
The first four neighborhoods are connected by Bangkok’s MRT subway train and BTS Sky Train network. The last area, Rattanakosin doesn’t have a train system yet.
However, Rattanakosin is one of the quietest and historical areas of Central Bangkok. But not a convenient area to travel around and explore the rest of Bangkok. So you’ll have to rely on metered taxis if you choose to stay at a hotel in Rattanakosin.
If you’re planning on staying in Rattanakosin be sure to download Grab taxi service app as a backup when you can’t find a metered taxi. I’ve only added Rattanakosin because I truly believe that it’s one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok for new visitors who want to experience the old essence of Bangkok,
Because the city is growing fast with high rise buildings, condos and shopping centers getting pumped out. Experience the old charms of Bangkok while you still can.
But if the old doesn’t interest you, then you’ll love staying in Chit Lom or Phloenchit!
1. Chit Lom (ชิดลม) and Ploenchit (เพลินจิต)
Hotel Price Ranges: $50USD to $200+USD Train Line: Chit Lom BTS and Ploen Chit BTS Why Stay in Chit Lom and Ploenchit: Close to Bangkok’s major retail shopping centers with the best business and tourist-classed hotels. This is the best area to stay for first-timers in Bangkok looking to shop and explore.
Chit Lom (also spelled Chidlom) has a lot of affordable 4 and 5-star hotels. In the West and East Asia hotels with that amount of stars have higher price tags. Not so in Bangkok. You can book a hotel room in one of Chit Lom or Ploenchit’s high-end hotels for about $150USD.
There are a few posh luxury brand-name malls plus the Central Group’s flagship shopping center Central World.
The hotels I recommend in this area are near Chit Lom BTS Sky Train station. Ploenchit also has a station just one very short stop from Chit Lom. Central Embassy Mall is the nearest luxury goods mall to Ploenchit with lots of good restaurants in the area.
These four hotels are not cheap compared to the rest of Bangkok. Chit Lom is considered an upscale locale that warrants higher hotel rates.
However, I highly recommend just checking prices for 4 or 5-star international hotels in Bangkok because you’d be surprised you just might find a hotel price tag you can handle.
However, if you want a high-quality hotel, but reasonable rates in Chit Lom, I highly recommend Grande Center Point Ratchadamri on this short list of popular upscale hotels in Chit Lom.
2. Siam Square (สยามสแควร์)
Hotel Price Ranges: $80USD to $200+USD Train Line: Siam BTS and National Stadium BTS Why Stay in Siam Square: Recommended for families as there’s something for everyone of all ages. Siam Square is also the best area for shopping and sightseeing for first-time visitors to Bangkok. With down-to-earth hotel prices in most instances.
Siam Square has the most family-friendly hotels. There are so many shopping centers, particularly Bangkok’s famous MBK Centre and Siam Paragon. Your kids will have a chance to shop at stores that appeal to them. And the same for the adults.
I also recommend staying in Siam Square if you have kids because there are also a lot of international restaurant chains with foods that will be familiar to your young ones. We all know how fickle children can be when it comes to eating something they don’t recognize.
Plus Siam Square is the BTS Sky Train’s main train hub that connects the Silom Line and Sukhumvit Line. This is why Siam Square is a very convenient location and why I recommend families to book hotels because you can travel around Bangkok a lot easier.
Hotels within the Siam Square area cost between $80USD to $200USD. There are many new hotels in Siam Square built just a few years ago and some are listed below for consideration.
Siam Square is great because you’ll be close to everything and ideal for exploring the rest of Bangkok. MBK Shopping Center, Siam Discovery Mall, Siam Paragon Mall plus the brand new Siam Square One Center itself have a family fun atmosphere and are perfect for young and old traveling together.
3. Sukhumvit (สุขุมวิท)
Hotel Price Ranges: $40USD to $200+USD Subway Line: Nana BTS, Asok BTS and Sukhumvit MRT stations Why Stay in Sukhumvit: Bangkok’s central nightlife and red light district. Sukhumvit is the best area to stay for the nightlife.
Ladies, if you don’t trust your guys it’s probably best not to stay in Sukhumvit. Kidding of course. Sukhumvit is the home of two of Bangkok’s red-light districts, Nana and Soi Cowboy. Though it’s still a family-friendly area as well not so much as Siam Square.
So if you are traveling with adults with no kids in tow it’s best to book a hotel near Nana or Soi Cowboy red light districts in Sukhumvit. That is if you want to truly experience Bangkok’s insane nightlife.
Sukhumvit area hotels are newer too and the quality is good with hotel rates ranging from $40USD to $200+USD. Which is not so expensive considering the central locality.
These hotel selections are in Sukhumvit’s prime location close to nightlife as well as Bangkok’s efficient, if not crowded at times MRT subway and BTS Sky Train systems.
But if you ask me to make a specific recommendation for a hotel in Sukhumvit I would pick Grande Centre Point T21. It is attached to Terminal 21 mall with lots of restaurants and shops. Plus the MRT and BTS train systems are right outside the hotel’s doors.
4. Silom (สีลม)
Hotel Price Ranges: $30USD to $200+USD Train Line: Sala Daeng BTS and Silom MRT Why Stay in Silom: Has a smaller red light and nightlife district too but also the best area in Bangkok for sightseeing near Chao Praya River.
Speaking of first epic visits, Silom was the first neighborhood in Bangkok I stayed in for my first visit to Thailand. That was decades ago. So I’ll always have a soft spot for Silom.
Anyway, Silom is great because it’s near the Chao Praya River. Or at least a few trains stop on the BTS exactly. But you won’t have to pay for the big hotel prices.
Silom also has a small red-light district called Patpong with many affordable hotels. Matter of fact Silom has the most inexpensive quality hotels.
Hotel rates in Silom range from $30USD to $200+USD. Hotels in Silom tend to be older. However, many smaller boutique hotels and hostels have been sprouting all over the neighborhood.
Silom has a lot of fine dining options available as well with many international restaurants. There’s even a small Japanese town called Soi Thaniya where many Japanese go for traditional sushi.
A walk through Patpong Night Market after dinner could be a memorable experience as well. Its go-go bar lights will dazzle you while touts tempt you to a sex show.
Silom is often crowded especially during night time as the lanes are smaller and compact. But still, a fun area to stay in Bangkok.
5. Rattanakosin (โกสินทร์)
Hotel Price Ranges: $30USD to $80+USD Why Stay in Rattanakosin: Bangkok’s old historic district, recommended if you prefer a peaceful area in hectic Bangkok. This is the best area you’ll find for sightseeing especially if plan to visit Sampeng Market in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Rattanakosin is Bangkok’s historic district. Filled with quiet lanes and many small businesses run by the same family for generations and usually by Chinese immigrants.
Staying at a hotel in Rattanakosin you’ll have easy access to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha, and of course Khao San Road, famous for backpacking crowds of tourists.
Hotels around Khao San Road tend to be cheaper, with many guesthouses throughout Rattanokosin. You can easily find hotels in this area for about $30USD to $80USD.
Rattanakosin is certainly a lot less hectic compared to the other neighborhoods I recommend. And you won’t have any access to public train systems. So you’ll mainly have to rely on public taxis.
But luckily today, Uber and Grab Taxi are very good options as taxi rates are still reasonably priced in Thailand. So make sure you have an Uber and Grab Taxi app set up on your smartphones.
Bonus: Affordable Hotels along Bangkok’s Chao Praya River
Hey, I love Khao San Road too! But just like Rattanakosin, there’s no public train transport. Though staying in the Khao San Road area you’ll have some benefits because it’s one of the best places to stay in Bangkok for first-time visitors for partying and sightseeing.
However, if you twisted my arm enough I will recommend a few choice hotels near Khao San Road for you:
Navalai River Resort – This little 3-star boutique hotel is located right on the Chao Praya River with a great view of Wat Arun. Get a room with a view of the river and watch the sunset with a drink in hand.
Riva Surya Bangkok Hotel – If you want an excellent 4-star hotel but do not pay the same expensive rates as the luxury hotels down the river then Riva is one you’ll enjoy by the Chao Praya River.
Both of these excellent highly recommended Rattankosin hotels are near Phra Athit Pier. To get to central Bangkok, hop on an express boat and alight on Sathon Pier where you’ll find BTS Saphan Taksin station just a short distance away.
Both cost more than the typical hotels in Khao San Road but you’ll enjoy the quality as well as the view of the Chao Phraya River. And they are very good hotel options for all traveler types and especially for first-time tourists to Bangkok.
The Takeaway
So there you have it. Five areas in Bangkok where you should be staying for an epic holiday in Bangkok for your very first time in Thailand.
But here are 5 tips to remember before you book your hotel in Bangkok:
Don’t be tempted to book hotels in Bangkok in poor locations because it’s cheaper. You’ll be spending money on metered taxis and most likely waste time getting stuck in traffic.
Travel mostly by BTS Sky Trains and MRT subway trains. So best to pick a hotel that is within easy walking distance of your chosen hotel.
Booking a hotel room from online travel agencies like Agoda.com is better. In most cases, they can offer lower hotel rates than the actual hotel.
Breakfast or no breakfast? If it’s a 4-star hotel go ahead and book that room with breakfast even though it costs more. Usually, cheaper hotels offering breakfast with limited choices are not worth the extra cost.
Want a room upgrade? Who doesn’t? If you can, dress to impress. But most importantly, be nice! And you’ll increase your chances of getting a room upgrade in Bangkok. I know this one is kind of hard to do if you’re on vacation but you don’t need to be dressed in a tuxedo. Even though it helps!
So there you have it, the best places to stay in Bangkok for first-time visitors looking for that epic first-time experience in Thailand, the Land of Smiles.
Where did you stay in Bangkok for your first visit? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
Best 6 Areas in Tokyo with Recommended Hotels to Stay for Your First Visit in Japan
I chose Tokyo as the first city to stay during my very own first visit to Japan. And I’m willing to bet that Tokyo will be your first stop in Japan as well. But Tokyo is comprised of 23 wards! This makes it difficult for first-time solo and family travelers trying to find a good affordable Tokyo hotel for their holiday.
That’s why in this Tokyo hotel guide I’m only recommending six of the best areas to stay in Tokyo.
When I first discovered Tokyo on my own I couldn’t believe how huge the city is. Just like you, I was looking for an area in Tokyo that didn’t cost more than my plane ticket! And I wanted to stay in an area with lots of good food close to Tokyo train stations.
Wayfaring Soul Tip #288 – Booking Japanese Hotels
“Don’t procrastinate. Make your Tokyo hotel reservation 1 to 2 months in advance.”
Five years later and a total of 10 trips (as of writing) to Tokyo under my belt I felt confident enough to present to you my Tokyo hotel guide. I’ve narrowed your Tokyo hotel search to only six neighborhoods that are all perfect for exploring Tokyo.
There are only six wards in greater Tokyo you should focus on to make your Japan trip planning simpler.
Let’s take a look at all of them below!
SIX BEST AREAS TO STAY IN JAPAN (PLUS REASONS WHY)
SHINJUKU (Shinjuku Ward) – Fast-paced and exciting Shinjuku puts you in the center of Tokyo’s action. Walk the narrow lanes of Golden Gai’s bars. Hit the shopping spots and enjoy the restaurants of Shinjuku. If you are feeling a bit naughty head over to the nearby Kabuchiko red light district.
ASAKUSA (Taito Ward) – You’re looking to stay around or as close as possible to Sensō-ji temple. Take a stroll around nearby Sumida Park and enjoy a view of the river. It’s also a prime spot for cherry blossom viewing from mid-March to April. Plus many traditional Japanese shops with restaurants and shopping along Asakusa’s historic alleyways. To my wonderful Muslim friends reading this, because Asakusa is so popular with tourists from around the world there are many popular halal restaurants in the area as well.
TOKYO STATION (Chiyoda Ward) – If you plan to visit many areas near Tokyo, particularly with the Shinkansen train to Mt. Fuji, Osaka, and Kyoto, consider staying around Tokyo Station. Cheaper travel by bus is also available to Kyoto and Osaka.
SHIBUYA (Shibuya Ward) – A mix of trendy eclectic shops and high-end clothes for Tokyo fashionistas are all concentrated in Shibuya. Many famous tourist attractions are around Shibuya, most famously Harajuku and Meiji Shrine. And don’t forget to make your rounds on the Shibuya Crossing. You haven’t been to Shibuya if you haven’t crossed it. And snap an Instagram photo with Hachiko while you’re there.
GINZA (Chuo Ward) – Not just for rich stuffy shoppers with cash bursting from their wallets. Ginza, my friends can also be budget-friendly as well with many affordable hotels and attractions like Imperial Palace and the old Tsujiki Fish Market.
IKEBUKURO (Toshima Ward) If you’re traveling to Tokyo during high season, check for hotels near Ikebukuro Station. It’s not far from Shinjuku, yet lesser known. If your budget is tight Ikebukuro is where you should stay to save money on hotels in Tokyo. This area is a lot more quieter but there are plenty of places to eat. Matter of fact Ikebukuro was where I stayed most of the time when I was a young solo traveler. I’ve got a lot of fond memories of Ikebukuro.
Tokyo Hotel Prices – Is it Expensive?
Historically the city of Tokyo and Japan overall always had the reputation for expensive hotels and accommodations. Space is a precious commodity in Tokyo. Spacious hotel rooms are expensive in Tokyo. Smaller rooms are cheaper It’s that simple.
That said, I come from New York City and I know NYC hotels are just about if not more expensive than Tokyo. However, Tokyo has a greater number of hotels compared to NYC. But I can say one thing for certain budget Japanese hotels are better than budget hotels in NYC, in terms of quality.
Many are shocked by the size of small hotel rooms. But trust me you will get used to it. And besides you are going to be outside most of the time anyway.
The more I travel throughout Japan I discover that the country’s hotel accommodations are not as expensive as most would think.
Japan Hotel Prices Are Not As Expensive As You Think
Today Japanese hotels are more expensive right after COVID restrictions were completely lifted. That said, it also means Tokyo hotels have to keep their prices competitive as well.
I generally avoid paying over $80USD a night in Tokyo when visiting alone. Most of the time when I’m traveling with my wife I spend between $100USD to $125USD for double occupancy rates. Which is not too bad at all.
When I am traveling alone, I mostly stay in Tokyo capsule hotels which cost around $60USD. If I’m in the mood for more privacy the APA branded business hotels in Tokyo are a very good budget alternative.
Wayfaring Soul Tip #287 – Booking Japanese Hotels “If you can’t stand stale cigarette smoke, remember to book non-smoking rooms.”
7 Tokyo Hotel Booking Tips
Tokyo hotels are very popular not only with foreign tourists. Local Japanese tourists from all over their country love visiting their capital city also. With rooms in high demand, especially during peak travel seasons (check out the info graph below) you should book one to two months in advance to be sure to lock in the price.
If the hotel you pick doesn’t include breakfast in the room rate but charges around $10USD extra you might consider paying that extra money for breakfast. More about that below.
Always pick a hotel within walking distance of JR Train Station and Metro Train Station. Frequent travel by metered taxi is too expensive in Tokyo. Trains and buses are the way to go to save money on transportation.
You can save extra money by walking to Tokyo attractions if possible. I often stroll from Shinjuku to Shibuya. Or from Ginza to Tokyo Station. Exploring the main avenues and side streets of Tokyo is fun! The sidewalks are wide and street signs are in English. Strolling through Tokyo is a joy.
First-timers visiting Japan are going to be shocked about the size of Japanese hotel rooms. Most of the recommended Tokyo hotels I reviewed and recommend below, range from 11-17 square meters. They were mainly designed for Japanese solo business travelers who pack light for overnight stays. Which doesn’t offer a lot of space for foreign tourist and their larger-sized pieces of luggage. But every hotel type in Tokyo has a coin-operated laundry room with a washer and dryer. So you don’t need to pack too many clothes as you can wash them when needed.
I cannot stress this enough, that if you are a non-smoker you must remember to book a room on a non-smoking floor. Here I recommend finding hotel discounts in Tokyo and make hotel reservations through Agoda.com. I personally use both websites to find hotel discounts in Japan and they give you the option of booking smoking and non-smoking rooms.
Tokyo hotels have differing check in and check out hours. Most budget hotels have no reception service past 10pm. Which makes checking in rather difficult if you arrive late into the night. So be sure to notify any Tokyo hotels you’re planning to stay in your expected check-in time.
Should I Book a Tokyo Hotel Room with Breakfast – Or Not?
While booking a hotel room in Tokyo you’ll come across the option to pick a room rate with breakfast or without.
Depending on the hotel it could be about $10USD to $20USD per guests. If you see breakfast included for an additional $10USD I think it is totally worth it.
Breakfast inside a Japanese hotel is usually a Western style breakfast with scrambled eggs, salads, sausage or bacon and plenty of bread for toast. There’s also a little bit of Asian dishes like congee and curry with rice.
Personally, I always choose a room with breakfast option as long as it’s around $10USD. Any more than that it’s better to grab some eats outside.
Typical hotel breakfast buffet at a Tokyo hotel…
The reason why is I can eat a lot. Every time I’m staying at a hotel in Japan with breakfast I stuff myself to the point I’m able to skip lunch. And eating two full meals out at a restaurant in Tokyo can be rather costly.
However, I know Tokyo has a lot of places where you can grab cheap meals too. As I said, this is just my personal take.
And during lunch times in afternoon you may have to wait for seating. And waiting around is the same as wasting time exploring the amazing city of Tokyo.
Okay, so now that we cleared the way by first introducing you to some Tokyo hotel booking tips and advice.
Let’s hop on over to the number one district for first time visitors to Tokyo, Shinjuku! And its my favorite district in all of Tokyo.
FIVE BEST HOTELS IN SHINJUKU FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS
Hotel Price Range: $110 USD to $350USD+
Shinjuku is the area you should most certainly start your Tokyo experience! There’s lots to see and do for all types of tourists, young and old. It is best to stay at a hotel near Shinjuku Station which is a major rail transit hub with these train lines:
JR-East system includes Yamanote Line, Chūō Main Line, Chūō Rapid Line, Chūō-Sōbu Line, Shōnan-Shinjuku Line and Saikyō Line.
To be honest, I can never, ever get used to Tokyo’s mind boggling train system. I feel like such a dork standing in front of the ticketing machine, figuring out which button to push. While taking ages to count coins for the fare.
I prefer walking with Google Maps leading me to my destination. From Shinjuku, I can practically walk to the interesting parts of Tokyo. I’ve taken 30 minute walks from Shinjuku to Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park. Which are located right in Shibuya and adjacent to Harajuku Station!
That’s the reason why out of these six best areas to stay for your first visit to Tokyo, I’ve stayed in Shinjuku the most times. Which is why I’ve been to so many hotels in the Shinjuku area.
5 Reasons Why You’ll Love Staying in Shinjuku for Your First Visit to Japan
Hotels in Shinjuku are affordable for solo and group travelers. For solo travelers to Tokyo look for capsule hotels or APA Hotel Shinjuku-Gyoemmae. For couples I recommend looking for small business classed hotels. Tokyo business classed hotels are also perfect for families with connected room types available.
Shinjuku is a quintessential Japanese experience so if this is your first visit to Tokyo, Japan then you should be staying in Shinjuku. Even Shinjuku Station is a center of activity.
For those looking for a fast frenetic pace of Tokyo, Shinjuku won’t disappoint you.
Although Shinjuku is a well known red light district in Tokyo called Kabuchiko, there’s normal nightlife where you can enjoy like Golden Gai without getting into the seedier parts.
Even though Shinjuku, Tokyo is a red light district, there’s still plenty of areas to bring your kids to. Like the Tokyo Toy Museum. Or take them out to a wonderful park at Shinjuku Gyoen National Park for some fresh air and exercise. Then end a day of fun at the Tokyo Fire Museum.
I can’t recommend this hotel enough. Every time my friends stay here too the tell me they enjoyed staying at Hotel Sunroute Higashi Shinjuku as much as I have. I wrote a hotel review post here awhile back, but I stayed there several times after. It was renovated back in 2016. Still to this day, it is one of the better and more affordable hotels in Shinjuku.
Single and semi-double rooms are the same size at 16 square meters with a single small bed that will fit two people. While twin rooms are larger at 21 square meters or 226 square feet. This means twin rooms will cost more.
Hotel Sunroute Higashi Shinjuku Read reviews and check for discounts on Agoda.com Check-in from: 14:00 (2 pm) Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
Hotel Sunroute Higashi Shinjuku – Photo Credit: Agoda.com
This hotel opened in 2015 so it’s recent, fresh and modern. APA Hotel Shinjuku-Kabukicho Tower hotel is located in the heart of Shinjuku which can be easily accessed on foot from JR Shinjuku Station and Seibu Shinjuku Station.
Though the standard rooms here are only 11 square meters the rooms are designed with functional furniture which provides a little more space for guest comforts.
This hotel is in a super busy location as the name states it’s within Kabukicho which is one of Tokyo’s red light district.
APA Hotel Shinjuku-Kabukicho Tower Read reviews and check for discounts on Agoda.com Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm) Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
APA Hotel Shinjuku-Kabuchiko Tower – Photo Credit: Agoda.com
I’m recommending APA Hotel Shinjuku-Gyoemmae especially for solo travelers not keen on staying inside a Tokyo capsule hotel. I stayed at this particular APA Hotel when I couldn’t find a hotel that fit my budget during my travel date.
Because a single rooms cost around $100USD including taxes. And that’s a good deal since most 3 star Tokyo hotels charge at least $150USD a night for single travelers to Tokyo.
The main Shinjuku station is about 10 minutes walk. However, there’s Shinjuku Gyoemmae Subway Station only 180 meters on foot. Also I enjoyed a peaceful stroll and lunch I picked up at 7 Eleven at the nearby Shinjuku Gyoen Park.
APA Hotel Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Hotel Read reviews and check for discounts on Agoda.com Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm) Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
APA Hotel Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Hotel – Photo Credit: Agoda.com
This hotel is located back in Kabuchiko nightlife district and closer to Shinjuku Station, about a 10 minute walk. Even though Kabuchiko is overly crowded I was relieved that Premier Hotel Cabin Shinjuku is in a quiet part of Kabuchiko. I didn’t even know that was possible. And plenty of shopping centers nearby so it’s a bonus.
The Premier Hotel Cabin Shinjuku is also another $100USD hotel inside Tokyo, but this hotel allows up to two guests. It’s a little bit of an older hotel though it’s going through a renovation. A small double room is 13 square meters.
Premier Hotel Cabin Shinjuku is also one of the hotels that charge 1100yen for breakfast. That’s reasonable so whenever I book a room there I just pay the extra for breakfast.
Premier Hotel Cabin Shinjuku Hotel Read reviews and check for discounts in Agoda.com Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm) Check-in until: 01:00 (1 am) Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
Premier Hotel Cabin Shinjuku Hotel – Photo Credit: Agoda.com
I mentioned earlier if you want to spend about $50USD in Tokyo then a capsule hotel is your best choice. But this is not just an ordinary capsule hotel it’s Book And Bed Tokyo Shinjuku and it’s one of the coolest hotels I’ve ever been to.
This is one of the places you’ll be telling your friends about your first visit to Tokyo.
There are shelves of books and manga throughout the hotel property to browse through after coming back from a full day of exploring Tokyo. Private rooms with a shower are also available for $100USD.
The nearest train station is Seibu Shinjuku Train Station which is about a 5-minute walk. And you’re in short walking distance to Kabuchiko and just further down is Golden Gai, a hidden narrow lane filled with tiny bars.
Extra Tips about Staying at Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku:
Towels are not free, but you can rent a towel for ¥162. Check in time is 16:00 (4pm) and check out time is 11:00 (11am). Be aware this is a hostel/capsule type environment so don’t expect too much privacy. Ear plugs are provided. Good news is you get to meet people from around the world.
Book And Bed Tokyo Shinjuku Read reviews and check for discounts on Agoda.com Check-in from: 16:00 (4 pm) Check-in until: 23:00 (11 pm) Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
Book And Bed Tokyo Shinjuku – Photo Credit: Agoda.com
So those are my five favorite hotels to stay in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. It’s an exciting neighborhood to get fully immersed in your first visit to Tokyo’s nightlife as well as sightseeing and travel.
But if you’re looking for a hotel in Tokyo of historic significance and not be totally boring, then check out my 5 favorite hotels in Asakusa!
FIND MORE HOTELS IN SHINJUKU, TOKYO
FIVE BEST HOTELS IN ASAKUSA FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS
Hotel Price Range: $90 USD to $175USD+
With 37,000,000 people living in Tokyo finding a quiet neighborhood that is not boring seems impossible. That’s why I’m recommending Asakusa to you if you like an area with less people but not far from any tourist attractions.
5 Reasons Why You’ll Love Staying in Asakusa for Your First Visit to Japan
Asakusa is the best area to find budget hostels in Tokyo. I highly recommend this area for all budget travelers searching for hostels are hotel rooms that are slightly roomier.
Sensoji and its surroundings are one of the most recognizable Buddhist temples of Asakusa. Surrounding this beautiful temple built in the 7th century
Sample the slow life in Asakusa. Watch the rickshaws pass you by as you’re sitting outside a café. Walk the old street lanes and wander around shops that have been around for generations.
Asakusa is an amazing neighborhood in Tokyo to explore on foot. You can walk from Sensoji temple, to Sumida River and down to iconic Tokyo Skytree. For a fun treat and peek at how Tokyo looked forty years ago take a walk along Asakusa Underground Street.
Food is a do not miss in Asakusa. Many small stores sell all sorts of sweet and savory foods. Remember, it’s not polite to walk and eat. So enjoy your newfound snacks near the shops you bought from.
Asakusa is the second district I’ve stayed the most in Tokyo and here are five hotels in Asakusa I know you’ll enjoy for your first trip to Tokyo.
This is one of the most well reviewed affordable hotels in Asakusa which is why I decided to stay at Red Planet Tokyo Asakusa when I visited Japan a few years back. The hotel’s location is great. Senso-ji Temple, which is Asakusa’s main attraction is a 5 minute walk.
You can get a double room for $90USD taxes included. If the room rate doesn’t include breakfast you can choose to purchase a breakfast buffet coupon for $10USD.
However, I recommend skipping the breakfast option. When I stayed there it wasn’t that good.
Red Planet Tokyo Asakusa Read reviews and check for discounts on Agoda.com Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm) Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
One of my best Japanese friends recommended Hotel Hokke Club Asakusa to me when a hotel I wanted to book had no rooms available. At the time it was a little too pricey for my budget.
But during one of my subsequent trips to Tokyo, I saw I could get a room small double room at Hokke Club Asakusa for $110 USD plus tax.
And I jumped at the chance to make a booking for this review. And I’m glad I did. It’s a very nice 3-star hotel five minutes walk to Kaminarimon and Nakamise-Dōri.
With short walking distance also to three train stations Asakusa Train Station, Kuramae Subway Station and Tawaramachi Subway Station.
Hotel Hokke Club Asakusa Read reviews and check for discounts in Agoda.com Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm) Check-out until: 10:00 (10 am)
Hotel Hokke Club Asakusa – Photo Credit: Agoda.com
Out of all the Tokyo hotels I reviewed here this one is the oldest. Agora Place Asakusa was built in 2012.
But I’m recommending them because it’s one of the few hotels in Asakusa where you can get a hotel room for around $70USD with taxes during the right time.
It’s a rate I found for their small double rooms which are 12 square meters. The last time I stayed there with my wife I paid about $90USD, taxes included.
As you can see, Tokyo hotel prices fluctuate so if you can spot a good deal you should book your room as soon as possible before the deal is over.
Agora Place Asakusa Read reviews and check for discounts in Agoda.com Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm) Check-in until: 00:00 (Midnight) Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
I know there’s always going to be some fellow traveler reading this and prefer staying in hostels. Not because it’s a cheap Tokyo accommodation option. But because one can meet many people from around the world interested in Japanese travel and culture.
Normally I do not stay inside a mixed dormitory hostel because I’m older. Plus I snore a lot and I think I want to be considerate to others.
Joking aside, I tried it out a few nights here because my young cousin was staying here while he was touring around Japan for his very first trip. Also, he agreed to let me have the top bunk bed.
And after staying there for a few nights I have to admit, Bunka Hostel Tokyo is one of the best budget lodging in Asakusa for the young folks. And not so bad for old folks either.
Mixed dormitory rooms are available at around $40USD plus tax. Bunka Hostel Hotel even has a private family dormitory style room with 4 bunk beds priced at $225USD plus tax which is a good price.
Bunka Hostel Tokyo Read reviews and check for discounts in Agoda.com Check-in from: 16:00 (4 pm) Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am) Guests arriving after 11:00 PM are requested to contact the property directly prior to arrival.
In Japan Royokans are guesthouses tourists can book like a traditional hotel. You get a close and intimate look at the Japanese way of life and living which I think is an amazing cultural experience.
While staying in Asakusa during one of my trips I found Ryokan Asakusa Mikawaya Honten. There are only 19 rooms with four floors. It’s an older property and with that said it’s part of the charm of staying at a Japanese Ryokan. But you can expect rooms to be clean and in proper working order.
One thing I truly enjoy is sleeping on futons over traditional tatami mats. It may not look comfortable but it is and believe after a long day of sightseeing you’re going to sleep like a log regardless.
Rooms at Royokan Asakusa Mikawaya Honten are smaller, especially the two-person Japanese-style rooms which are 10 square meters but there’s a private bathroom and tub. The rooms are very cozy.
If you’ve stayed in many hotels and want to try something different, a Japanese Ryokan is well recommended.
Royokan Asakusa Mikawaya Honten Read reviews and check for discounts in Agoda.com Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm) Check-in until: 22:00 (9 pm) Check-out until: 10:00 (10 am) Reception is open until: 23:00 (11 pm)
FIVE BEST HOTELS NEAR TOKYO TRAIN STATION FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS
Hotel Price Range: $110USD to $300USD+
Tokyo city’s namesake station is the most important transit hub in all of Tokyo. Nearly 3,000 trains arrive and depart in a single day connecting many parts of regional Japan.
This is why I recommend staying near Tokyo station if you plan to visit neighboring cities in Japan via rail travel.
If you choose to stay near Tokyo Station, remember the key is to pick a hotel that is not too close to the station. Many 3 to 4-star hotels with high price tags in close proximity to the hotel cost 50% more than if you were to walk 10 minutes away from the station.
But if you’re going to treat yourself to a very nice hotel you might as live it up near Tokyo Station. Treat yourself to a 5-star hotel which is why I am recommending Marunouchi Tokyo Hotel.
And if that’s too pricey for your taste then below you’ll find 5 affordable hotels near Tokyo Station for your first amazing visit to Tokyo.
5 Reasons Why You’ll Love Staying in Tokyo Station for Your First Visit to Japan
Staying at a hotel around Tokyo Station is ideal for travelers looking to stop in regional cities around Tokyo, like Kyoto and Osaka. Or zip out on a bullet train to Mount Fuji.
Located in the Marunouchi business district, Tokyo Station is not only a significant transportation hub. But a historical symbol of Japan’s growth spurt into the modern era. It’s a fabulous station that deserves visiting.
Tokyo Station is close to the Imperial Palace and also numerous parks to Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum to see a selection of fine arts from around the world. You can also travel on foot to Ginza, which is not far at all.
Ramen! I’m not kidding. Inside Tokyo Station, you will find “Tokyo Ramen Street” (東京ラーメンストリート) which has a row of famous ramen shops popular with Japanese office workers. When you get there but don’t know which ramen shop to dine in check out Rokurinsya (六厘舎).
Buildings around Tokyo Station have retained its modern yet classic architecture. Just like Tokyo Station, many buildings like Meiji Seimeikan make an interesting visit.
The Wayfaring Soul Travel Tip #352: “If you love jogging or long walks, check out Ueno Park (上野公園) near Tokyo Station.”
TOKYO TRAIN STATION (東京駅) – Best Hotels Near Tokyo Station
One of the most affordable hotels near Tokyo Station. Pearl Hotel Yaesu is 400-meter walk from the city’s most important transportation link in Japan. And located near Sakura DoriStreet where you’ll find plenty of affordable restaurant chains.
Pearl Hotel Yaesu is one of the few affordable full-service hotels near Tokyo Station. A single room for two persons cost around $90USD plus taxes. Goes without saying that the room is small at 12 square meters.
If you’re staying there be sure to check out a wonderful shrine called Suiten-gū (水天宮) devoted to conception and safe child-birth. And then head over to Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Honten to spend some of that cash you saved on staying at Pearl Hotel Yaesu.
This is certainly one of the most affordable hotels if you wish to explore parts of Japan by Shinkansen train. Or perhaps check out more of the city via the Tokyo subway Nihombashi.
Pearl Hotel Yaesu Read reviews and check for discounts in Agoda.com Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm) Check-out until: 10:00 (10 am)
This is an expensive hotel but if you can find a double room here for around $110USD with taxes I would definitely book a room here. Hotel Intergate Tokyo Kobashi hotels’ double rooms are 15 square meters in size.
Designed mainly as a business hotel for Japanese salarymen, which was what I saw mostly when I stayed there. But tourists will be just as comfortable here from my experience.
And there are so many cool places to check out near this hotel, especially if you’re into movies. I discovered the National Film Center by accident and enjoyed wandering around the exhibitions.
Hotel Intergate Tokyo Kyobashi Read reviews and check for discounts in Agoda.com Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm) Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
Hotel Intergate Tokyo Kyobashi – Photo Credit: Agoda.com
If you don’t want to pay over a $100USD for a fine 3-star hotel in Tokyo Station then here’s a $90USD hotel I recommend. I only stayed here for one night to catch Shinkasen train to Osaka but I was happy with that single night.
I stayed in the single room for two adults and the room size was around 13 square meters. But the way they have their minimalistic furniture set up you don’t get that cramped boxed in feeling.
And for the Pokemon nerds there’s a cool Pokemon Center & Cafe just a few minutes walk from Belken Hotel Tokyo’s doorsteps.
Belken Hotel Tokyo Read reviews and check for discounts in Agoda.com Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm) Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
Belken Hotel Tokyo – Photo Credit: Agoda.com
So those are the three hotels I’ve stayed near Tokyo Station. Besides the Pokemon Center there’s really not much to do and see for young at heart travelers.
Because the area is more of a transit point and business center with the nearby amazing Imperial Palace Grounds.
If you want to pick up the fast pace lifestyle of Tokyo then perhaps staying in a hotel in Shibuya is more to your liking.
FIND MORE HOTELS IN TOKYO STATION, TOKYO
FIVE BEST HOTELS IN SHIBUYA FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS
Hotel Price Range: $100USD to $250USD+
From my observations and experience in staying hotels around Tokyo, Shibuya hotels are more expensive than Shinjuku and Asakusa.
Like anything else, you can find Shibuya hotel deals and discounts when the timing is right.
If you love the latest Japanese fashion trends and mind blowing entertainment you must stay in Shibuya for your first epic trip to Japan. Even if you’re not you’ll still enjoy staying in Shibuya for your first trip to Japan.
5 Reasons Why You’ll Love Staying in Shibuya for Your First Visit to Japan
Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine are just a few places in Shibuya to enjoy some nature. And who can
The Japanese Harajuku craze is making less noise today. But it’s not dead. Check out Takeshita Street and walk shoulder to shoulder with the young Japanese fashionista.
Not only is Shibuya a start point for most Japanese styled fashion trends. More treats and interesting foods and cafes are located in Shibuya
Shibuya is also a popular transit hub. There’s the subway train and JR train access so you can check out other parts of Tokyo easy. Though you can walk to Shinjuku in only 30 minutes up Meji Dori Avenue.
Shinjuku is open 24/7. Sure most of Tokyo is but Shinjuku specifically has lots of activity at all hours. Chances are if you’re reading this you’re younger than me. There are a lot of nightclubs in Shibuya.
My wife and I stayed at Mustard Hotel Shibuya just a few months after in opened in 2018. So this is an all new hotel with bunk rooms for hostel style stay and also with private rooms.
We stayed in the 20 square meter superior double rooms with a private bathroom which cost $110USD per night with breakfast.
There are also private 10 square meter double rooms that cost $90USD per night with taxes and breakfast included but shared bathroom access with hostel guests.
Mustard Hotel Shibuya Read reviews and check for discounts in Agoda.com Check-in from: 14:00 (2pm) Check-in until: 00:00 (Midnight) Check-out until: 10:00 (10 am)
One of my best friends is a lady who loves to travel alone, especially around Tokyo. She’s the one that told me I must recommend Millenials Shibuya Hotel to single female travelers looking to stay inexpensively in Shibuya. Not that she’s implying that Japan is not safe for solo female travelers.
The Millenial Shibuya Hotel is not your average ordinary capsule hotel. They call it a pod style room and the difference is the ceilings are higher with a semi double 120cm wide bed. There’s a nifty storage space under the bed.
The Millenials Shibuya Hotel Read reviews and check for discounts in Agoda.com Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm) Check-in until: 01:00 (1 am) Check-out until: 10:00 (10 am)
It’s very rare that we book a hotel in Tokyo that costs $150USD plus tax for a night. But we were in Shibuya last minute. Long story short, we were too tired to look for something cheaper after a super long day of fun in Tokyo.
Shibuya Granbell Hotel is a full-service hotel and we booked a 13 square-meter room for one night before moving on to Kyoto.
It’s a comfortable clean functional hotel that is just a 5-minute walk to Shibuya Train station and a 10-minute walk to the famous Shibuya Crossing.
Shibuya Granbell Hotel Read reviews and check for discounts in Agoda.com Check-in from: 14:00 (2pm) Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
Shibuya Granbell Hotel – Photo Credit: Agoda.com
FIND MORE HOTELS IN SHIBUYA, TOKYO
FIVE BEST HOTELS IN GINZA FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS
Hotel Price Range: $100USD to +$300USD
If we judge a book by its cover then Ginza looks like a place where mere mortal tourist cannot afford a hotel or grace the pristine streets in worn down flip flops.
True, Ginza is geared towards upmarket local shoppers and travelers looking to live it up in a glitzy part of Tokyo. It’s one of the top fine shopping centers in the Tokyo area. If you don’t believe me check out GINZA SIX where you can find artwork from famous artist and purchase overpriced t-shirts printed in China.
At least window shopping is free and there are many cultural and historical stops in Ginza to explore.
Even though the streets of Ginza are lined with high end shopping centers, oddly enough I find hotels in Ginza less expensive than Shibuya.
I’m not into brand name goods and shopping for luxury items. But I never count Ginza out as one of the best areas to stay in Tokyo for tourists on their first trip to Japan.
5 Reasons Why You’ll Love Staying in Ginza for Your First Visit to Japan
I’m not into Kabuki, Japan’s famed traditional dance/drama opera. But maybe you are. If so, this is the reason why you’d want to stay in Ginza. The famed Kabukiza Theatre is located right in Ginza.
I’m in my mid 40’s but I’m still a kid at heart. Inside Hakuhinkan Toy Park, you’ll find over 200,000 varieties of toys. I’m also into the latest tech and the Ginza Sony Park. With toys and tech, you can easily let your inner geek out on your first trip to Tokyo.
Tokyo has some of the most interesting architecture and buildings in Japan. Because Ginza is so near Tokyo Station there are also many interesting architecture to check out. My favorites are the Nakagin Capsule Tower, the aforementioned Kabukiza Theatre, and Tsukiji Honganji Temple.
For beer lovers, grab a nice frosty one (or two or three) inside Lion Sapporo Beer Hall. It’s also a pretty good restaurant serving European dishes but with a Japanese twist. There’s no sushi. The atmosphere is fun and the ambiance is “unique” in Tokyo. Prices are reasonable and remember legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years.
Yurakucho (有楽町) is the main reason why I stayed in Ginza more than a few times. I love sushi and yakitori. But sometimes I just can’t help myself to some Italian, French and American food. I swear, the Japanese just do it better. Many of these restaurants are located underneath suspended rail tracks and you get this old-style feel. The lane runs up to Tokyo Station.
As I mentioned already, surprisingly Ginza hotels to me are more affordable than Shibuya. Here are a few full service Tokyo hotels I’ve personally stayed in Ginza.
With a long hotel name like that it’s gotta be good. Really I do pick hotels just by the sound of the name. I did the same while I was looking for a hotel in Taipei and found Hotel Papa Whale.
It’s also one of the most reasonably priced hotels I could find for my wife and me during one of our trips to Tokyo. You can get a room at Keikyu Ex Inn for around $100USD plus tax.
The old Tsukiji fish market and Ginza’s shopping centers are a short walking distance. Cultural sights are even closer to Keikyu Ex Inn like Tsukiji Honganji Temple and several other temples are a hundred meters away.
Keikyu Ex Inn Higashi Read reviews and check for discounts on Agoda.com Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm) Check-in until: 00:00 (Midnight) Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
I found Hotel Orient Express Ginza through Booking.com, it came up first during a search on my recent trip to Tokyo. I paid about $85USD for a double room that was 15 square meters.
That’s a sweet deal considering it’s only 120 meters from Tsukiji subway station. You can walk to the main strip of Ginza in 15 minutes. Also the old Tsukiji Market is about a 10 minute stroll.
Out of all the hotels I’ve listed here Hotel Orient Express Ginza has the most comfortable beds. Maybe because this hotel just opened in 2019 so everything is still in really good condition.
Hotel Orient Express Ginza Read reviews and check for discounts in Agoda.com Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm) Check-in until: 01:00 (1 am) Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
Hotel Orient Express – Photo Credit: Agoda.com
FIND MORE HOTELS IN GINZA, TOKYO
So finally we’re here on number six on list of the best areas with hotels to stay in Tokyo for your first epic visit to Japan!
Ikebukuro isn’t widely known as the other wards listed on this Tokyo hotel guide. Even when Ikebukuro, located in Toshima City is just north of Shinjuku. So you’re still in Tokyo.
If I can’t find any Tokyo hotels that I can afford during peak seasons, Ikebukuro never fails me. Below you’ll find just a few Ikebukuro hotels that I know you’ll enjoy!
FIVE BEST HOTELS IN IKEBUKURO FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS
Hotel Price Range: $70USD to +$200USD
I stayed in Ikebukuro a few times. The first time was due to Silver Week in September when there are a few national holidays. So hotels were fully booked or simply out of my price range.
The JR Yamanote line makes stops at Ikebukuro Station so you know it’s a major area in Tokyo. Though not too many people consider staying there because it’s not as glitzy and showy as Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ginza.
This area is sort of considered off the beaten path. But there’s perks when you travel down the road less traveled. It’s not easy finding a 16 square meter room like the three star Tokyo Stay Ikebukuro for two persons that cost $90USD.
Ikebukuro’s location is just the perfect spot in Tokyo to me. It’s only north of Shinjuku and conveniently connects both wards by JR Train Stations.
Even if you want to stay in Tokyo during low season and want to save even more money, I highly recommend looking into staying around Ikebukuro.
Because Tokyo is such a popular city to visit I’m not surprised at all that many surrounding wards are going to cover the influx of foreign visitors visiting Tokyo for their very first time.
5 Reasons Why You’ll Love Staying in Ikebukuro for Your First Visit to Japan
I think Ikebukuro is the best area to stay in Tokyo for families. Because the hotel rates are more affordable, families can book connecting rooms to maximize space.
You won’t be paying big Tokyo prices. Yet you’re still in Tokyo. Ikebukuro is the best area to stay inside the city of Tokyo on a budget.
Ikebukuro has the third busiest station hub in Japan. At the center of Ikebukuro is the train and subway station, a huge urban gathering shared by the JR East lines, the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and the Tōbu Tōjō Line. It is one of the main commuter hubs in the western Yamanote area of Tokyo. 8 minutes and 160 yen by the JR Yamanote, Saikyo or Shonan Shinjuku Lines and you’re at Shinujuku.
It is entirely possible to spend your entire stay in Ikebukuro and still enjoy your first Tokyo trip experience. And Ikebukuro has plenty of shopping centers like Seibu and Tōbu department stores.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Japan during the Tokyo Summer Olympics (July 24, 2020 – August 9, 2020) Ikebukuro is where you’ll find the most affordable hotels in central Tokyo during that time. While all the other areas mentioned here prices will be higher.
The first time I’ve stayed in APA Hotel Tokyo Itabashi Ekiamae was four years ago and since then I’ve stayed there two more times. Here’s my short hotel review of APA Hotel Tokyo Itabash Ekimae.
This APA branded hotel is a few minutes walk to JR Itabashi station. It’s just two short stops from Shinjuku Station so very close and you’ll save money on hotels even though you’re paying for train travel.
Funny thing is the first time I stayed at this hotel I paid about $120USD for a double room during winter. I just checked room rates for February and see a double room for $80USD with taxes. That’s a sweet deal.
Granted the hotel hasn’t is a little dated, it’s still a clean place to enjoy visiting Tokyo.
APA Hotel Tokyo Itabashi Ekimae Read reviews and check for discounts in Agoda.com Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm) Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
APA Hotel Tokyo Itabashi Ekimae – Photo Credit: Agoda.com
This hotel is about a 6 minute walk to Ikebukuro Station. Tokyu Stay Ikebukuro is the only hotel in Japan that I’ve ever stayed in with an actual washing machine and dryer, inside the room. There’s even a small microwave. I guess that’s the reason why their double rooms are 16 square meters.
If you’re staying in Tokyo for a little while, Tokyo Stay Ikebukuro should be on your short list.
Price point is not too shabby either at $100USD per night with taxes for double occupancy. If you’re staying alone it’s only around $80USD per night.
Tokyu Stay Ikebukuro Read reviews and check for discounts in Agoda.com Check-in from: 15:00 (3 pm) Check-out until: 11:00 (11 am)
Where to Stay in Kobe (神戸) For Your First Epic Visit to Japan
It is written that Kobe, Japan is only worth a day trip visit from Osaka and Kyoto.
I say how dare they. Have they ever visited Sannomiya?
The magnificent port city of Kobe, in its own right, is a city that deserves at least several overnight stays. And on this post, I’ll explain why Sannomiya is the best area to stay in Kobe along with a couple of affordable hotels I’ve stayed in.
Not long ago, I visited a full week in Kobe moving around three neighborhoods and staying in three different hotels. From my experience Kobe hotels are a lot more affordable than larger cities within the Kansai region of Japan.
Especially while I was in Sannomiya and discovered the reasons why it’s such a perfect location. It’s the center of Kobe and a major public transportation hub.
Kobe is a Fantastic Jump Point to Visit Other Prefectures of Japan’s Kansai Region
Most travelers make the choice of staying in Osaka or Kyoto first. And then visit nearby cities like Nara, Kobe, and Himeji which is the furthest city from the rest mentioned. That’s not a bad choice, Osaka is also a great city to visit for a first-time trip to Japan.
Instead, I’m making the case that Kobe is a great city as a base to explore other parts of Japan’s Kansai region. Especially when you don’t have a lot of time.
This is especially true when you’re flying out of Kansai International Airport (KIX). Traveling from Kobe to KIX is fast and affordable. From central Kobe where we were staying, it only took us one hour to reach Kansai International Airport.
If you stay in Sannomiya you won’t have a hard time traveling or rushing to the airport since it is so near.
Ferris wheel at Kobe harborland…
5 Reasons Why Kobe is Such a Great City to Check Out for Your First Visit in Japan
Kobe is located in Hyogo prefecture in Kansai region. It only takes a 20 to 30 minutes train ride (depending on the train line) to Osaka and train fares cost 300 yen to 400 yen.
Kobe hotels are more affordable compared to Osaka and Kyoto. And way more affordable compared to Tokyo. Below is a selection of fine affordable family family-friendly hotels I recommend.
Kobe is a historic city where many foreigners used to live in the Kitano-cho (北野町, Kitanochō) district. You’ll certainly enjoy the city’s history and natural beauty starting with Mount Rokko to Sorakuen Garden and on to Arima Onsen for hot springs. There’s more to see along Nankinmachi (南京町), Kobe’s own little Chinatown. There are plenty of sights and attractions in Kobe to round out an amazing vacation in Japan.
Kobe beef. Need I say more?
It only takes roughly one hour to travel between Kobe and Kansai International Airport.
Best Way to Travel to Kobe from Kansai International Airport And Back
Yes, it only takes 1 hour to travel from Kobe to KIX airport and vice versa. Here’s a post I wrote about traveling from central Kobe to KIX airport using the convenient Bay Shuttle. There are photos with directions on that post that will help you navigate and find the right area to catch the shuttle boat to the KIX.
A short 30 minute ride from on ferry shuttle from Kobe Airport to Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Bay Shuttle Kobe-Kansai Airport Fare 2023:
Adults 1880 yen (one way) – 3060 yen (round trip) Children ages 6 – 11 940 yen (one way) – 1530 yen (round trip)
But great news! While I was looking up the current fare price for Kobe-Kansai Airport Bay Shuttle. I saw a big discount for tickets.
Discounted Fare for Foreign Tourists Until March 31st, 2024:
Adults 500 yen (one way) Children ages 6-11 250 yen ( one way)
To reserve your fares and check the ferry schedule take a look at their website, credit cards are accepted. This is a special deal only available to foreign tourists.
This is the biggest discount I’ve ever seen…
But here’s a heads up. Japan’s typhoon season starts end of August to early September. So you’ll want to check the weather forecast or plan around this time to avoid travel delays.
How to Get to the Bay Shuttle from Kobe’s Sannomiya Station
At JR Sannomiya Station look for signs near the east gate leading to Kobe Portliner Sannomiya Station. Adult fare is only 330 yen and the ride. Look for the train heading to Kobe Airport which is the terminal station. The ride only takes 20 minutes.
Portliner Station is where you catch the train to the bay shuttle ferry at Kobe airport…The Kobe Portliner train is located at the east gate. You will see plenty of signs leading to the station…
Now that you know the reasons why I think you should stay longer in Kobe for your first epic visit to Japan, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. You’re home away from home.
My 4 Favorite Hotels Are located in Kobe’s Chuo Ward in Sannomiya
All the hotels I recommend in Sannomiya are close to 6 train stations:
JR / Sannomiya station
Hankyu Railway / Kobe-Sannomiya station
Hanshin Railway / Kobe-Sannomiya station
Kobe Port Liner / Sannomiya station
Kobe Subway Seishin-Yamate line / Sannomiya station
Kobe Subway Kaigan line / Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae station
With so many train stations you can easily catch one for day trips around the Kansai regions. I used the JR train to visit Himeji for a day.
Plus Nearby Things to See and Do in Kobe
Sannomiya, the center of Kobe’s city
Meriken Park is located on the bay of Kobe with its signature iconic red, cylindrical 108-meter-high Port Tower
Kobe Harborland has a seaport shopping center right next to Meiken Park. If traveling with young children check out Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall.
Kobe Maritime Museum also located within Meriken Park
Nanking Machi is Kobe’s vibrant Chinatown
My Favorite Hotels in Sannomiya
Sannomiya is the heart of Kobe City. It is divided into two areas, north and south which is conveniently divided by Sannoymiya Station.
Hotels in South Sannomiya from my experience is where you’ll find the most budget-friendly hotels in Kobe.
My recommended hotels all have free internet wi-fi as most hotels in this day and age should. And it’s fast with easy connection. I chose a few of these mostly because of the larger-than-average Japanese hotel room sizes.
Except for the capsule hotel which was mainly done out of fun and experience. Overall, my pick of these four hotels in Sannomiya will ensure you have a comfortable, enjoyable stay.
The rates I provided are based on season. And also two persons per room, except for the capsule hotel of course.
the b KobeKobe Capsule Hotel SekiAPA Hotel – Kobe SannomiyaHotel Villa Fontaine
1. the b Kobe Hotel – $75USD (Check rates and read reviews on agoda.com) This is the first hotel I’ve ever stayed in for my first trip to Kobe. And I’ve been back ever since. The reason is simple. Their rooms are larger than the average Japanese hotel room. With 14 sq. meters of space, my wife and I can stay in comfort without bumping into our luggage.
2. Kobe Capsule Hotel Seki – $30USD (Check rates and read reviews on agoda.com) What kind of Kobe hotel review will this be if I don’t include one of Japan’s famous capsule-style hotels? I stayed here while I was traveling solo a few years back. It’s fun, comfortable and clean. Most importantly cheap. A while ago it was converted into men’s only capsule hotel.
3. APA Hotel Kobe Sannomiya – $75USD (Check rates and reviews on agoda.com) I always rave about the APA chain of business classed hotels. This is my go-to hotel option whenever I’m in Japan and I don’t know which hotel to stay in. This particular APA hotel has a buffet breakfast option that costs $10USD extra. Which is a very good deal.
4. Hotel Villa Fontaine – $65USD (Check rates and read reviews on agoda.com) I stayed at this hotel because all of my favorite budget hotels in Kobe were either fully booked or didn’t have double rooms to share with my wife. But when I got my room here I was totally happy. A superior double room is 18 sq. meters. Hotel Villa Fontaine is very popular today and one of the best affordable hotels in Kobe with terrific reviews.
Half Day Trip to Two of Bangkok’s Nearest Tourist Attractions – Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong Market
Finally, I went somewhere in Thailand I’d thought I’d never visit. It was a half day tour of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำดำเนินสะดวก ราชบุรี) and Maeklong Railway Train Marketa.k.a. Umbrella Pulldown Market (ตลาดร่มหุบ).
It’s a perfect combination as a short day trip coming from Bangkok, especially when you’re in the city for a few days. And it was a self-guided tour with good friends, so that’s the main reason why I went.
Because I always tell everyone that Thailand is an amazing country with many beautiful scenery and natural attractions.
But when I mentioned to my Thai friends that I went to Damnoen Saduak, they shook their heads and asked, “Why would you go there?”
Two old vendors selling decorative fans at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand…
Unfortunately it’s because Damnoen Saduak Float Market has a reputation as one Thailand’s biggest tourist traps. I’ve never been.
So I can’t say that it is, or it isn’t.
There’s only one way to find out and that’s to go!
You’ve seen attractive photos of foreigners gently rowed down a river surrounded by friendly vendors selling fresh fruit, souvenir tchotchke and way overpriced coconut water. That’s what people are afraid of, getting overcharged.
Damnoen Saduak Floating River Market is widely advertised as one of the must see side trips from Bangkok. But it’s got that tourist trap stigma that’s hard to shake. And that’s something I’ve known ever since I first traveled to Thailand. And the main reason why I stayed away for so long.
7 Quick Tips About Visiting Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
River tour boats can fit 6 adult passengers.
There’s not really a best time to visit this market in my opinion. If you want to see more tourists and more activity than visit between 8am and 10am. I got there at 11am when activity started winding down. But there were still many tourists and shop vendors by the canal still open.
Life vests are available on request.
Make sure you ask for boats with a roof or umbrella to protect from rain and sun. My wife and I got wet from rain because our boat had no umbrellas.
Don’t hold onto the sides of the boats. Boat drivers get very close to piers and if you’re holding the sides of the boat you’ll hurt your fingers.
There are paddle boats and motor boats for hire. Please choose the paddle boats. It’s environmentally friendlier.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market has no entrance fee. Just putting it out there in case someone asks for money.
Visiting Damnoen Saduak was Inevitable – With a Side Visit to Maeklong Railway Train Market
As fate will have it, a very good family friend was coming over to Bangkok from Hong Kong. She and her friends wanted to visit Damnoen Saduak and also Maeklong Railway Train Market for a half-day tour.
She’s been to Thailand dozens of times so she’s a seasoned traveler in this country. And she and her friends were curious enough to check both markets. And me too I have to admit.
I was particularly looking forward to seeing Maeklong Railway Train Market. I’ve seen dozens of videos of a big, slow lumbering train passing through an active market. Right before shop vendors quickly, yet casually, pull and roll their goods away from the path of the train. So I was really looking forward to making a video of the train passing through.
I Have to Admit, I Was Excited to Go
My mission, if I choose to accept it, is to locate a local driver, where I and my wife will be the tour guides. Mission accepted. It’s on, it’s on like Donkey Kong.
I was presented with a chance to visit and write and share it all here. And I must say, I was extremely curious as to what would happen. I mean I already knew there’s a distinct possibility that we’re going to get over-charged for something. What that something will be, I don’t know.
There’s only one way to find out.
Getting to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Train Market from Bangkok
Both well known markets are about 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. And an hour and a half drive from central Bangkok. Or if you have a crazy van driver with a death wish around forty five minutes with no traffic.
We hired a local Thai driver familiar with the roads of Ratchaburi province where the river market is located. And also Samut Sakhon province where the train market is located.
By car, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Train Market is a short 30 to 45 minutes away from each other. Which is why both stopes make a very good half day to full day trip combo.
Cost of hiring a private driver is 3000THB. Here’s what it includes:
Driving from 9am to 7pm. After 7pm the driver gets an additional 300THB per hour counted as over-time.
Tollway fees
Fuel costs included. Usually when you hire a private driver you have to pay to cover the cost of fuel, so this is normal.
There were seven of us in total, so split that with 3000THB the price came out to 430THB per head. Which is an exceptional value for a private driver. He could only speak a little bit of English but not a problem. My wife and I could do all the translating.
Meeting at 9am Sharp
My wife and I left our house at 7:30am. But of course we got there 30 minutes late. Which isn’t so bad considering the horrific traffic we had to go through.
Our plan was to meet at the hotel my friends were staying at. That’s also where our driver will be waiting. He arrived an hour early. My friends were staying in Siam Square which is a perfect jumping point to both destinations.
Once we got to their hotel we quickly jumped into the van and off we went. Our plan was to make the first stop at the floating market because it’s more active in the mornings.
Also we knew there will be a train running through Maeklong Railway Market at 2:30pm. You can find a train schedule below where I go into detail. So we would have plenty of time to explore Damnoen Saduak first.
This is near one of the entrance. This photo was taken around after 11am and as you can see, the river is not so crowded…
First Stop, Damnoen Saduak Floating River Market
It took us one hour and thirty minutes to reach the floating market. It was a weekday and driving out of Bangkok at that time meant less vehicles on the road but still had pockets of congestion at certain points. And our driver wasn’t a speed freak so that was good.
He also knew a lot of road short cuts which made the trip quicker. Which made up the time where we got stuck in traffic. This is one of the reasons why it’s better to hire a local driver familiar with the area. Google maps is good and effective in Thailand. But not as effective as a driver that really knows the area.
When we got close to the area around Damnoen Saduak we found out there were numerous side boat entrances. But we decided to stop off at the main entrance, use the toilet and then take a short walk around, before checking out prices for tour boats.
First Impressions
Along the canal there are many shops selling souvenirs. Okay, really the first thought that came to my mind was, who buys all of this stuff? There were large pieces of Thai style home ornaments and decorations. Large paintings of fish and animal carvings.
Granted there were t-shirts, keychains, sun hats, umbrellas and sunscreen could sell well. But I couldn’t really see anyone buying large carvings of wooden elephants out in the middle of nowhere and lugging it back to their hotels.
Most of the market is situated along the side of canals. We saw boats selling grilled pork but those were all near the entrance. But as you travel further down the canal we didn’t see any boats selling anything at all.
There’s food and drinks all around which are priced higher than usual. Which is to be expected. But we’re not here for shopping. We’re here to check out the prices for tour boats and hopefully find out the real cost of hiring a boat to tour around Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
My friend from Hong Kong stated that her friend previously paid 3000THB for two persons to tour the river. That price does not include the cost of transportation to the market. A 3000THB price tag in itself is highly suspicious.
Time to Ask Prices for Boat Rides
When you’re touring Thailand, bargaining is a national pastime. Yes, even Thais do it when they travel. And believe me, locals do not get preferential pricing treatment at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
My friends and I took a step back and let my Thai wife do the talking. We only found two boat tour desks.
The first tour desk we approached quoted a price of 100THB per head for a one hour tour of the river. Wow, that wasn’t so bad.
Second tour desk we asked quoted us 150THB per head for one hour ride also. But they’ll take us to some type of “special” place where we can taste some “special” local drinks.
Okay the prices weren’t so bad. It was a hell of a lot better than paying 3000THB for a wooden boat. And we already knew where to go to save 50THB so we went back to the first tour boat desk. Or did we? Yeah I know, 50THB is such a small difference.
Problem with self guided tour is you don’t know what’s the real price for anything…
Talking in Circles
Here’s where things get a little tricky. The first desk that quoted us 100THB now told us the boat ride is for 30 minutes. And that 150THB is the new price for 1 hour trip.
There was another lady who seemed to be the one in charge at a different desk at a souvenir shop that changed the price to 150THB. Granted 50THB extra per person isn’t too much to complain about. I mean, we’re already there so we might as well go through with the tour.
A day later though my wife spoke to her mother and she also said she paid 150THB for a 1 hour river ride. So, I guess that’s the normal price. So I suspect the 100THB was just a lure to hook customers away from competitors. That’s just playing dirty.
But they know what they’re doing. Because we’re there already.
The Real Price of River Boats Tours at Damnoen Saduak
So my friends and I paid 150THB per head. But I checked around on google and read people paid 1000THB per person. But their tours were 2 hours long. We paid 150THB for 1 hour. Like I mentioned already, my friend mentioned her friend paid 3000THB for an hour tour for two persons.
The issue is, there’s no standardized rates nor tour itinerary at Damnoen Saduak. The prices depend on who’s taking you there. Could even be the driver or a hired guide taking a cut. Plus there are tour operators claiming they provide more value for the money. Thus the higher prices.
Our driver never accompanied us and stayed with the van the whole time while we were out. So we can’t suspect him of bumping up our price.
Which makes me think that the real price for a 1 hour boat ride is 150THB at Damnoen Saduak.
Onwards to the Tour
There are lots of boats with tourists coming and going and it was in the middle of the afternoon. The mornings would’ve been a lot worst I was told because that’s when most visitors from tour buses arrive. So we got in at a perfect time.
We hired a paddle boat which moved surprisingly fast through the canal. Sadly, the water isn’t too clean. Tourism has certainly taken its toll. So please take care of your trash.
Once you hop on that boat and start taking selfies, the boat driver will immediately park you near market stalls along the river.
Which you should expect. It’s a floating market after all. But it’s full of souvenirs and things you probably don’t want taking up space in your home. I honestly didn’t see other tourists buy anything at all. Like almost everything today, you’ll find it cheaper on Amazon.com with free shipping.
Even then, it’s quite nice to glide down a quiet narrow river even though there are vendors just staring at you while hoping you’d buy something. Thankfully, the vendors keep to themselves and never pushed things in our faces.
Usually the boat driver will just hang out at vendors for a minute before moving along to the next area.
Lunch on a River
Since we left our home early in the morning we only had time to grab coffee. So my wife and I were both hungry and waited until we could find some food vendors on the river. And we couldn’t find any.
Later on, we found a stall by the canal selling a variety of food, including paintings of nature and wood carvings of current pop culture figures.
This was actually quite a tasty styrofoam plate of chicken fried rice…
My wife ordered a bowl of noodles with pork. And I opted for a plate of fried rice with chicken. Before our hungry brains realized there were no prices on the menus. That’s a bad sign. My wife asked how much for both items including one bottle of water.
The food vendor just smiled and said one moment. One moment of calculating the price is not a problem to answer a customer. But no answer came.
Double the price of Bangkok for a bowl of noodles with pork. But it’s to be expected…
It was only until our food came out that we were given the price. The total came out to 160THB. So in Thailand that is expensive for an outside food vendor. It’s twice what you’d pay for at a hawker stand in Bangkok.
But it’s certainly a price that a Thai tourist would balk at. And that’s the reason why there are no prices on the food menus. They don’t want to scare away customers that know better. To be fair, all tourist attractions all over the world charge expensive prices for food.
Just take a look at Disney Land for example. Or have you ever bought a bottle of water in Central Park in New York City? Absolutely expensive.
My wife and I didn’t freak out about the prices. Only thing is she didn’t like her bowl of noodles. But my chicken fried rice was good and tasty and a decent sized portion with fresh ingredients. I’d buy another plate.
I think they should just put prices on their menus. There will be customers that find those food prices reasonable.
A Souvenir Shop Stop is Inevitable
Whether you want to or not a boat driver will take you to a souvenir shop. It’s also a rest area so if you have to use the toilet it’s the place to go do your business. You’re not obligated to buy anything at all but if I had a choice I’d just tell the boatsman to take us somewhere else.
Our boat driver dropped us off at this souvenir and rest stop for 15 minutes…
So expect a short trip to a souvenir shop, it’s standard procedure.
After spending fifteen minutes or so browsing at things we would never buy we called for our boat. It was time to head back and just when we did, it started drizzling lightly. Five minutes later it turned into full on rain.
There are roofs that hang out over market stalls that provided cover. But at certain points there are none so if it’s really pouring you’ll get a good drenching.
Back on Dry Land
After we got off our tour boat there was a huge downpour. We quickly ran back to our awaiting van where our driver took us to a really good spot for seafood lunch.
Overall, it’s great now that I can say, yes, I’ve been to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It’s one thing I can cross off my check list.
And if you are deciding to visit Damnoen Saduak Floating River Market, you too will know what to expect. But I know it’s not easy for most to make this a self guided tour. Especially when there’s a language barrier.
Second Stop, Maeklong Railway Train Market
With our belly’s full from enjoying a seafood restaurant recommended by our driver we made our way to Maeklong Railway Train Market.
I have to admit, this was one place I was really looking forward to seeing. I’ve watched dozens of videos of such markets with trains passing through. I wanted to take an old Go Pro camera and place it in the center of one of the tracks.
Below is my video:
Maeklong is a fully functional local wet and dry market, with an emphasis on local. Thais come here to buy groceries at cheaper than supermarket prices.
There’s fresh fish, all sorts of butchered meat, fresh vegetables and fruits for them to shop for. And the local folks don’t mind us tourists taking selfies in their shopping space. They’re even nice enough to warn folks to not stand too close to the tracks as the train approaches.
There are lots of durian sellers pushing their stinky, spikey fruit at this market. But to be honest, you’re better off going to Aor Tor Gor Market because that’s where you’ll find the best Durian in Bangkok.
Maeklong Railway Train Market Schedule
The local market opens 7 days a week from 6:20am to 5:40pm. Which is the same time the trains operate.
Arrival:
8:30am
11:10am
2:30pm
5:40pm
Departure:
6:20am
9:00am
11:30am
3:30pm
To explain the schedule further, don’t worry too much about the departure time, unless you’re planning to take ride on the train.
If you’re coming to Maeklong Market to see the train passing through, focus on the Arrival hours. We got to the market at 2pm to wait for the 2:30pm train.
The train arrived slightly ahead of schedule. In any case, get there at least 30 minutes before scheduled arrival so you can pick a nice spot to snap them photos.
Above is a train schedule chart I found inside a local coffee shop with an incredibly super friendly café owner. I wrote an article about opening coffee shops in Thailand and this owner has the perfect location. You can enjoy a drink while waiting for the train to come by.
If You Must Visit Damnoen Saduak & Maeklong Market – Look For a Reputable Tour Agency
If you’re looking for day trip recommendations from Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong Markets are really good side trip options. But I know it’s really difficult for foreign visitors to do self-guided tours in Thailand.
And finding a handsome funny guy like me to be your local guide will be difficult.
Okay, kidding aside, I know most travelers don’t want the hassle of doing a self tour where it’s a challenge to organize everything on your own. And organized day trip tours around Bangkok are inexpensive.
Going on an Personal Tour is the Best Way to Visit Both Markets
However, you want to find a tour agency that won’t charge funny fees or ask for money after you’ve paid for everything up front already.
Which is why I recommend TakeMeTour.com that is really popular in Thailand. They have local experts that can take you to all the locations I wrote about on this post. A TakeMeTour local guide will pick you up from your hotel or a meeting point.
Local tour experts will show you around the way only a local can. And when tours over they’ll take you back to where they met you.
After the train passed it was safe for a selfie…
The Final Verdict
I must say, I had a good time and fun! I really did even though I dreaded traveling to tourist trap destinations. But I can say from my own personal experience that Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is not a tourist trap. Sure, the food and souvenirs are overprice.
If those two reasons alone are sufficient to classify Damnoen Saduak a tourist trap then you have to lump Disney Land and Universal Studios also.
It definitely helps when you’re traveling with good friends. I might even recommend it to all of my Thai friends that wouldn’t even want to go near there.
I enjoyed my time so much that if another friend came over to Thailand and wanted to visit both markets as a day trip and asked me to join, I’d go. Without hesitation.
Most importantly was the experiences I gained from visiting Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong markets that I think are perfect day trip tours coming from Bangkok.
Not Philippine Airlines. Okay, so I’ve flown economy twice this year with them. First was from Bangkok with a 16 hour layover in Manila Airport then finally to New York City. Finally I can make a review of Philippine Air.
But I wanted to wait for my return trip from New York City to Bangkok with a shorter transfer time in Manila before writing this post. This way I’ll have a little more experience about my Philippines Air A350 review from JFK to BKK flight.
$100USD Extra for Emergency Exit Row Seats
Anyone reading my blogs for awhile know that I always request a seat at the emergency exit row for long haul flights. That’s my usual routine as I enjoy the extra leg room.
While checking in at Philippine Air counter at JFK I did just that.
Then I learned that it will cost me $100USD extra for those seats. It’s the same policy as my flight from Manila to New York. So I wasn’t surprised. But it’s good to have confirmation that this their usual policy.
Most airlines today charge extra for the privilege of sitting in the emergency aisle row.
It’s a nice feeling not having your knees constantly rubbing against the seat in front…
But It’s Not All Bad News – I Still Had Plenty of Leg Room
Sure, I was bummed about that. But you know what? Philippine Airlines A350 economy seats has a decent amount of front leg room space. My knees barely reached the back of the seat in front of me. Even if that seat was fully reclined. On Philippine Airline’s A350 economy seat there’s a 33 inch seat pitch.
Look’s like I don’t have to ask for a seat a the emergency exit row, or what I like to call poor man’s first class seats because that’s plenty of space for my 6 foot tall frame.
The Airbus A350 has a 3x3x3 seat arraignment so the plane is smaller and seats 241 economy passengers comfortably. Maybe that’s why I felt that the plane was roomier. There’s just less people. Which I liked because I never had to worry about long waits at the bathroom.
Philippine Air A350 has a 3x3x3 seating assignment
Awesome In-Flight Entertainment System on the A350
I could easily pass the time with Philippine Airlines collection of movies. Especially with the responsive touchscreen monitor. The screen is sharp and clear. The audio was really good with no static.
There were a lot of movies that I missed. So I was super happy to see the movie titles I wanted to watch. Like Creed 2, Glass, Alita: Battle Angel and a bunch of movies I watched before but didn’t mind watching again. Just like my last flight from Manila to New York it made my 16 hour flight feel shorter.
The only thing that bugged me a little was the location of the USB and headphone jack. It’s right on the bottom middle of the screen. Which meant if you’re using the tray table to eat your meal, the cords are directly right over your food.
But my USB cable and audio headphones provided by Philippine Airlines have long cables so I did manage to move it aside.
This was my first of two gripes. But not really a big deal.
The Food
My flight from JFK was delayed for nearly two hours. There’s no way I’d pay for the overpriced food at JFK. So I roughed it out and waited for my first inflight meal. I’m glad I waited.
Passengers have two choices: Filipino/Asian or Western
I’ve never had Philippine food. On my last flight I had some yummy pork with rice and a couple of other good meals.
On this leg of the trip all of my meals tasted really good also. Though I didn’t pick Filipino food this time because it was the same as my last trip, which I already tried. So I mostly picked western choices.
For my main meal I chose beef braised in red wine. I’m a sucker for beef. I enjoyed this meal so much I mopped up the gravy sauce with my bread roll. It came with a side of black bean quinoa salad and that was so tasty too. Wish the portions were larger though but that’s because I’m a pig.
It was a filling meal still so I skipped the pudding.
Trust me. It tastes better than it looks – Beef in Red Wine Sauce
Next was the snack meal served nearly halfway through the flight. I picked Penn Puttanesca and Meat Balls. Another tasty home run economy meal served up by Philippine Air.
Again, it taste better than it looks, I’m a piss poor food photographer – Penn Puttanesca and Meat Balls
The last meal service on this flight was breakfast served just a few hours before landing at Manila. This time I picked a Filipino meal. The pork picadillo with scrambled eggs and garlic fried rice. This was a tasty meal as well. I especially liked the garlic fried rice.
This is the kind of breakfast I could enjoy anytime of the day
Of all the times I’ve flown long haul flights, I’ve never found one on par with Korean Air for food quality. I really enjoyed all three meals. Well done Philippine Air!
But…
There’s no available in-flight snacks you can munch on in between meals. Normally on other long haul flights on other airlines, there are small snacks you can grab at the galley and take back to your seat. Like nuts, pretzels, small sandwiches or cookies.
This was my second and last gripe. Come on Philippine Air, you could at least provide some cookies. Passengers need some good ol’ snacks to keep them hunger pangs at bay.
It was the same during my Manila to New York flight. So, if you know you’re going to get the munchies you should pack some of your own snacks to fend off those hunger pangs in between in-flight meals.
Landing at Manila Airport – And Rushing to My Connecting Flight to Bangkok
My flight from JFK got delayed for 2 hours due to weather. Which meant that I had to hurry and catch my connecting flight to Bangkok with 30 minutes to spare. I made it in time because Philippine Air’s ground crew was ready to assist all Bangkok bound passengers with a quick shuttle bus ride to the connecting terminal.
After passing though security I made it to my flight with 10 minutes to spare. It’s a three hour flight to Bangkok. It’ll be a quick one.
For this leg of the trip to Bangkok the plane was older. There was no in-flight entertainment. Not even overhead screens. This wasn’t a big deal to me because at that point all I wanted to do was sleep.
And there was still plenty of leg space in front, not that it mattered much as it was a short flight.
Thin sliced beef over pasta, not great but edible… But avocado ice cream was handed out for dessert and was yummy!
There’s only one meal which is usual for a short flight. I picked a beef with pasta. It wasn’t as good as the beef with red wine sauce on my New York to Manila flight but decent enough.
It was a pleasant flight with friendly service as the same as my previous flight.
Philippine Air Service
One thing that stands out is the service and professionalism I’ve experienced on my round trip flight on Philippine Air. The air crew are very nice and friendly. Even the ground crew deserves some nice words.
While boarding my delayed flight from New York I could hear the ground crew apologizing for the delay. Even though it was due to weather and out of their control. It’s little things like that which adds up a lot of points in favor of Philippine Air.
Philippine Air impressed so much that I signed up for their frequent flyers club membership, called Mubuhay Miles. And I’m looking forward to flying with them more.
It’s been a long while since I’ve written a hotel review in Thailand. So I’m super excited to share my experience staying at AWA Resort Koh Chang.
My wife and I were planning to drive from Bangkok to Koh Chang for a week. And her friend from the island said she has this great recommendation of a 4 star hotel right on Kai Bae Beach. She said we definitely needed to check out AWA Resort.
It’s located on the south end of Kai Bae Beach which means it’ll be a lot quieter. And we do enjoy our quiet. Plus her recommendations were never wrong so far.
She was the one that told us about Emerald Cove Koh Chang which I reviewed a few years back. And she wasn’t wrong then so she knew we would like definitely love AWA Resort.
This is a view you get from AWA Resort’s lobby.
I also did my own research and found lots of positive reviews on the internet. So I booked a deluxe room on Agoda.com website for 3 nights at AWA Resort. We went there during late March, which was still high season. We paid $80USD per night which included breakfast. And thats not a bad price for a four star beach hotel on Koh Chang.
Remember to Book a Room on the Main Property
I want to add that if you want a room with a gorgeous view of the hotel’s swimming pool or the beach, then DO NOT book a room on the hillside. You see, AWA Resort has an annex building across the road where the hotel’s car park is also located. It’s not a far walk and the hillside room has a beautiful garden.
But if you’re going to stay at resort on the beach. Then you might as well stay on the beach side. Even then while checking prices recently, hillside rooms at the AWA Resort are only slightly cheaper than rooms on beach side. Pay a little more and you’ll stay at a better part of AWA Resort.
Kai Bae Beach at AWA Resort
The resort is located right on the southern end of Kai Bae beach. Which is on the west side of Koh Chang island. During my three day stay at AWA I enjoyed swimming at this beach. You have to go down some steps to get to the water.
Every time I get into the water in certain beaches I hate stepping on sharp rocks and coral. Good news is at AWA Resort I didn’t have that problem. There is a reef further ahead where you can do snorkeling. But overall I didn’t come across jagged rocks. I’ve got sensitive feet so it’s a legitimate complaint.
Amazing Architecture
When you step inside for the very first time through the doors of AWA Resort your jaws will drop. The hotel’s lobby is really high. The walls are white with Chinese motifs throughout. It’s a very beautiful hotel with so much open space.
While checking in we were given a welcome drink, which is a nice touch. We also got a huge basket of fruit! Just joking. Though you can help yourself. I did and the staff never minded. Just leave some for other guests.
I just couldn’t help but get good vibes about staying at this amazing resort in Koh Chang. I’m a hotel exploring fanatic and could not wait to see our room.
There’s a subtle Chinese theme throughout. Chinese porcelain and paintings decorate AWA Resort
Our Deluxe Room at AWA Resort Koh Chang
We booked a deluxe room for $80 USD per night. Which included breakfast. We were shown our room which was on the fourth floor. We passed by some rooms on the ground floor that have easier access to the swimming pools. Next time we stay at AWA we should definitely see if we can get those rooms.
I’m sure it’ll cost more but I’m curious to see how much more.
Here’s my only gripe, there’s a big wall but the flatscreen television is tiny compared to the overall space.
A spacious balcony to hang out
With an incredible view of the swimming pool and beach ahead
We were so impressed with our deluxe room at AWA Resort. It was about 50 square meters with this big bathroom, complete with a bath tub. There were also complimentary bath salts to give yourself a spa treatment. I did every single night before bed. Heaven I tell you.
Everything you needed for a perfect stay was inside. Some beach towels, bathrobes, an electronic safe, coffee and tea maker and a refrigerator with complimentary water. Every evening housekeeping, knocks on guest doors with tiny Thai dessert to hand out.
Don’t you think that televisions too small for that wall?
One of the biggest bathrooms I’ve seen for deluxe hotel room
There’s free Wi-Fi and it worked well even though my room was a little far from the router. Yes, I do check. As a digital nomad I always check and see how many routers there are near where ever I stay. Judging from what I saw on the floor I stayed on I think every guest room should get proper internet coverage.
You know I always thought the mattress at home is the best. Until I went around staying at different 4 and 5 star hotels. AWA Resort mattress was really comfortable. And the pillows were so soft it cradled my head like a fluffy cloud.
Besides the small flat screen television, another thing that bothered me was the amount of lighting inside the room. The brightest light source was the reading light by the bed. But the light on the desk was really dim. Maybe it’s a way to dissuade guests from working?
If so, it worked.
Breakfast Time
If you booked a room with breakfast, serving time starts 7:00am to 10:30am. It’s a buffet breakfast and it’s served in a cool looking restaurant called the Spoon that overlooks Kai Bae beach.
The Spoon has these super high ceilings just like the lobby. Though it only seats 120 inside. But no worries, theres plenty of tables and seats at The Sala, which is another on-site restaurant serving Thai food.
My wife and I had our breakfast at the Spoon the entire time we stayed there. And we certainly enjoyed all the food served inside. They’ll make pancakes and waffles fresh. There’s an egg station too. And of course a section with Thai breakfast with noodles and porridge.
I also noticed there are numerous kitchen staff from the Philippines. Because Filipinos can speak English fluently and I suppose management brought them on board to take care of English speaking tourists. Good move AWA.
You can also enjoy breakfast near this beach. But it’ll be a short walk.
AWA Resort Koh Chang is an amazing hotel. Can you believe it’s priced under $100USD. For us ordinary humans that’s reasonable. As of writing I see a beachfront room for $75USD a night with taxes included on Agoda.com. That’s cheaper then when I booked in March and it’s a better room.
I’ve stayed at several hotels around Kai Bae Beach in Koh Chang and I have to say, AWA Resort is the best, in terms of quality, service and price.
A Foreigner’s Guide to Starting a Small Business in Thailand – As Written By an Actual Foreigner Living in Thailand
A hot topic today for long stayers in Thailand is what type of business one should start if one is up to the task. After writing this post about starting a coffee shop in Thailand I’ve received many emails asking for my opinion about how to open other kinds of ventures also.
As much as my wife thinks I’m brain dead most of the time, I’m always brainstorming new business ideas in Thailand, that have potential and current with the times.
“We only have to find a need and fill it.” is a quote that I hold close to my heart.
An Update for June 2020 and Beyond
Okay, as of this update Thailand is in the midst of the corona (COVID-19) virus dilemma. On top of that, Thai household debt is at an all time high. It is a nation of voracious spenders, not savers.
As a result, foreigners are scared to travel to Thailand with the corona outbreak. Locals are more cautious about stepping outside. Business that relied on foreigner visitors are flailing, from tour agencies, Thai massage shops to popular night markets. Beauty salons, traditional Thai massage parlors and all types of malls were ordered to shut down.
Everything is back for businesses though since mid June 2020. Though as of writing, foreign internationals are still barred from entering Thailand.
What Does All This Mean?
It means if you’re planning on doing business in Thailand you should never, ever focus on foreigners.
Although the Thai economy is not in great shape, locals are still spending, regardless whether or not they are living paycheck to paycheck. They are not squirreling their salary when things get worse. Thais might be a little bit more cautious on their spending habits. But Thais still have to eat.
With the poor economy, a looming pandemic that looks like it’s getting worse, you might be having second thoughts about starting a small business in Thailand.
Certain small business types are able to withstand a poor economy…
If this scares you, it should. But I’m not here to scare you. The key is to look for recession proof businesses. History has shown there are certain types of businesses that can withstand a bad economy and perhaps a pandemic.
And, I also know there are a lot of people reading this and still plan on forging ahead with plans to live in Thailand and start their own little businesses.
Because to this day, I still get emails from people asking me advice on starting all kinds of businesses here in Thailand.
I Knew There Were Many Foreigners Intrigued About Starting A Business in Thailand – But I Did Not Know There Were So Many From All Around Over the World
I’ve received many questions about starting a tour agency in Bangkok. A t-shirt printing company in Hua Hin. Even a durian farm in Chanthaburi. Also a tofu factory in Pattaya too.
I admit, those business ideas are far and out of my area of expertise. However, I am so amazed about the variety of questions coming from people around the world interested in starting businesses in Thailand. From all walks of life, ages and backgrounds.
Now before you read any further, I am writing for those that are interested in starting a small to medium enterprise (SME) in Thailand.
If you need information for starting a large corporation, then I’m sorry to say, I’m not your guy. But if the salary is just right you can hire me as a consultant. But I warn you, I’m not cheap.
I opened a Thai massage once, but it didn’t work out so had to close it down
On a serious note, personally I’ve never started a large company in Thailand. Only small businesses located in Bangkok. Some are doing well. And some I had to shut down.
I micro-manage my companies without doing any actual hands-on work. I will explain further about this by delving into the topic on how to start a small business in Thailand first.
And then talk about the need for a work permit or not.
Never Start a Small Business in Thailand Focused Only on Foreign Tourist
I also do not recommend starting any type of business where your sole customer base are foreigners.
If there’s an event, such as this current corona virus in Thailand situation that’s drastically reducing the amount of tourists, your business will suffer the consequences.
The situation has become so dire that a group of Thai shop renters inside MBK mall has called on the landlord to reduce their rent as they rely heavily on tourists money. This type of response has trickled down to other tourist heavy shopping centers like Pratunam.
Now that we’re clear, I’ll get into a little bit about registering a business in Thailand for some context.
Forming a Corporation in Thailand For Running a Business as Foreigner
For my businesses in Thailand I never had my name attached to any of them. Everything is under my Thai wife’s name.
I don’t have an exact statistical number to share with you. But I’m sure, that a vast majority of small businesses in Thailand started by foreigners don’t have their names attached to their businesses also.
Like me, most of them have their business registered to their Thai spouse, Thai girlfriend or Thai boyfriend. It’s the same as a partnership. Except you’re a silent partner.
Thailand is conducive to foreigners starting mid to large sized companies. But not so much for foreigners wanting to open small little shops that don’t require a huge start-up capital. You’ll understand why later.
I have to admit, my view on this will be biased…
To Break Things Down, There are Two Ways to Have Your Own Little Business in Thailand
1. The Easy Peasy Cheapie Way – Pros and Cons
Pros
This is where a Thai spouse comes in handy if you want to register a little business. With the least cost and amount of paperwork. Though if the business is under your Thai spouse’s name, then technically, you don’t really own the business.
Regardless, this is the method most foreigners staying in Thailand use. Because they have a strong relationship with their Thai spouse and also within their family. And they are comfortable with their significant other being the sole business owner on paper.
Steps for Thais to Open Small Businesses
Thais don’t need a lawyer or an accountant to start a small business. For Thai citizens registering a small business is simple and fast. Here’s how easy it is for them:
Go to their local government business registry office.
Show lease contract (if renting) or proof of business address, a photocopy of Thai ID and a printed photo of the shop’s exterior. Answer some questions pertaining to business. Yes, for small businesses you can open first, and then go register later.
Pay fee for administrative work and business registration paper. This cost about 50B to 100B in Bangkok.
They’re in and out of the registry office within an hour.
Cons
I know Thai-Foreigner relationships could be a touchy subject for many. I’m sure someone will ask me, what if my Thai wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend runs away?
I don’t know anything about your personal relationships nor able to tell your future. But if this is your legitimate concern, then maybe you’ll want to hold off on starting a new business venture in Thailand.
Also the thought must’ve crossed your mind about what would happen if your Thai spouse suddenly dies? In that case, you better have children. Or get busy making a bunch of babies.
Practically every single foreigner that I know have children with their Thai spouse. Because the eldest child will be next inline to inherit the business.
If something unfortunate does occur while the child is very young then you should have a serious discussion with your spouses’ family beforehand.
No one likes to sit down and discuss these situations. Thais could consider it bad luck. Wait, let me take that back.
They will consider it bad luck and will most likely hurt their feelings. It certainly wasn’t easy for me when I did the talk. But it was necessary.
2. The You’ll Need a Thai Lawyer, Sign a Bunch of Papers, Expensive Way – Pros and Cons
Pros
If you want to be known as the official sitting CEO then you’re going to have to register your business officially with the Thai government.
You’ll need a registered capital of 2 million baht as a requirement. It doesn’t matter if you’re opening a small low cost business.
I don’t know about you. But that’s a hefty price tag for one planning to open a tiny 10 square meter coffee shop with four tables and some chairs. Good news is you can use the registered capital for company operations.
Though I know many foreigners in Thailand with small business ideas don’t even plan to spend 2 million baht let alone have the budget.
There’s really not much pros for small business owners. Except you’ll have your name on paper as an official business owner.
Cons
As an American citizen I can start a business in Thailand under Treaty of Amity. Which means American citizens can wholly own a registered company Thailand. But going through all the process is unnecessary in my situation.
If you’re not an American than you’ll need to find more than one Thai shareholder or partners.
Like almost every other developed country you have to pay corporate taxes. I don’t want to get too much detailed about this part mainly because I’m not a tax professional in Thailand.
You might want to contact Siam Legal for their expertise on this matter.
You’ll Need Thai Partners
Besides Americans, other foreign nationals are unable to own the entire company alone in Thailand. You will be required to have Thai partners. Three of them to be exact.
And if you own majority shares you have to file a Foreign Business License. Which cost extra and prolongs the process. But if majority shareholders are Thai then the business registration process will be smoother.
Plus a Thai law firm is required to help you navigate the rules and facilitate the process. Though the Thai government has made it quicker for foreigners to get their Thai business registered. You still need to spend a lot of money.
Aside from the 2 million registered capital I don’t know what the other cost are. But off the top of my head it’s not going to be cheap.
As I mentioned earlier, it seems the country prefers foreigners starting a large professional company with Thai partners.
For foreigners wishing to start a small shop on their own in Thailand it’s nearly impossible.
If you have the necessary capital to fund a medium to large business in Thailand you’re probably wondering, where can you go find Thai partners?
Yes, this part will be difficult and I don’t have any answers. Again, if you’re opening up a small shop, like a specialty candy store it doesn’t make sense to have a bunch of partners does it?
Like I mentioned the system in Thailand is not set up in anyway beneficial towards small and certain medium enterprises.
To Get a Work Permit or Not to Get a Work Permit
In Thailand it is unlawful for foreigners to work in the kingdom without a work permit. As it is in most countries. Though you want to open a very small business in Thailand, this really shouldn’t be such a big issue.
Your Thai spouse can delegate the responsibilities that you have instructed. You can’t serve the customers, work the cash register or clean the toilet (which is a good thing) directly.
Even if you do interact with customers inside your shop the chances of you getting caught by a passing immigration officer with super keen intuitive eye is super, super slim.
Once in awhile Thai immigration run crackdowns on illegal workers. But they are focused more on illegal workers from bordering nations like Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.
Thai immigration officers also crack down on English language schools where foreign nationals are teaching English without the necessary documents or qualifications.
They usually go for the bigger fish. It looks better in the news when it gets reported.
I’ve never heard or read about any foreigners secretly working inside their small business get into trouble with the law.
Not All Thai Visa Types Allow Employment
I have a non immigrant O-Visa based on marriage. So I am allowed to be employed as long as I get a valid work permit. But I don’t want it.
If you do, make sure your Thai visa states that you are allowed to work. Because I know with Thai tourist visas, employment is prohibited.
If you carry a Thai tourist visa you are unemployable…
For me, it’s not necessary for me to interact with customers. If it isn’t necessary for you to perform any services then don’t bother. You can lurk behind somewhere in the shop and just watch.
I have seen many foreign owners in Thailand interact with Thai customers. And they have no work permit. I know, because I’ve asked them. And they’ve been working without work permits for years with no consequences. They’re not worried at all. They’re even well like by their Thai customers.
However, if somehow you defied the odds and actually got caught working inside your small business without a work permit you could be imprisoned up to five years and or fined from 2000B to 100,000B.
Okay now that I got the legal (boring stuff) part out of the way you’re probably wondering what’s a good business idea to start in Thailand.
Here are my thoughts.
Everyone’s Got to Eat and Cut Their Hair
The food industry is hands down, 100% the best type of business to start in Thailand. Though I want to make it clear, if you can’t cook a proper meal to save your life then you might want to skip the food business.
Second thing that comes to my mind are mens’barber shops. You can find Thai barbers for hire but you yourself must have some experience in the barber business.
There are a few other small business ideas I think can do well in Thailand and I’ll briefly touch on them. But the food business and barbers shop idea are two of the most recession proof businesses in Thailand. It may not be for other countries. But below you’ll see why.
First let’s talk about starting a food business in Thailand.
Why Food?
Did you know that Thai residential buildings do not have kitchen gas stoves?
I grew up in apartments in NYC most of my life. A gas stove was as common as a refrigerator and toaster oven.
When I looked for apartments all those years ago when I decided to live in Bangkok long term, I was looking for a place with a spacious kitchen. I went around like an idiot asking for one. I couldn’t find any. Because there aren’t any.
Though most upscale Thai condominium today have a decent sized kitchen. But again, no gas powered stoves as they are considered dangerous fire hazards inside Thai condominiums and apartments.
The Reasons Why Thais Eat Outside Frequently
There are no gas pipe-lines beneath the grounds of Thailand. Portable propane tanks and electricity are the primary fuel source used for cooking inside Thai residences.
Even fast food chains, small and large restaurants, every food type business in the kingdom either use charcoal, propane gas, electricity or a combination.
And propane tanks are not allowed to be used inside apartment and condominiums for safety reasons. To cook Thais have to use electric induction stoves. But electric induction stoves are expensive and also increases electricity bill.
Propane tank usage is allowed inside residential houses and townhomes.
Local Thai Food – The Ultimate Recession Proof Business in Thailand
Also, the newer generation of Thais can not cook. Especially young Thais living in Bangkok. Plus the availability of ready made meal choices make people lazy to cook.
They rather buy small bags of pre-cooked food on their way to work or going back home. They can pop inside a 7 -Eleven for a quickie meal. There are tons of hawker stands set up with plastic seats and wobbly tables to eat on. There’s no need to wash pots, pans and dishes at home.
So the good news is that the food industry is still a very good small business idea in Thailand. The bad news is the food industry in Thailand is super competitive. Either way, people still have to eat regardless the condition of the economy.
Though a major cost of any business is rent. But, if you’re interested about a food industry in Thailand then you might want to consider a home based food business.
Home Based Food Delivery Business and Leveraging the Power of Social Media in Thailand
If You Can Cook or Bake – You’ve Got a Fair Chance
If you can bake a kick ass strudel or a bake a cheesecake better than Junior’s then consider a door to door food delivery service. It’s the perfect opportunity to have a home based business in Thailand today.
Commercial electric and propane gas powered ovens are readily available. You can find them at Makro. Commercial ovens that use propane tanks cost about 25,000B. Electric ovens cost about 35,000B. Second hand equipment are plenty.
And you’ll have to pay to promote your Instagram photos and videos or boost Facebook posts to reach a wider audience.
Good news is in Thailand not too many businesses advertise on social media. At the moment. Which means that the advertisement cost is lower due to less competition. But I wouldn’t count on it staying that way much longer.
A Prime Example – Fat Girl at Heart
My wife ordered a cheesecake from Fat Girl At Heart after seeing one of their sponsored post on Instagram. I’m sure they spent a lot of money on promoting their eye catching yummy cheesecakes on Instagram ads. As a result they’ve gained a lot of attention in Bangkok.
Her mouth watering dessert photos worked their magic. My wife and I bought from them twice already since writing. Judging from her comments and reviews on her Instagram account she’s got plenty of satisfied repeat customer.
Not bad for a home based business that started off without a full commercial kitchen.
Thais Love Seafood – Especially When It’s Spicy
Spicy seafood boil is a good business idea too in Thailand…
Seafood boils are very popular in Thailand. Every single night market has one these days and they’re usually full of customers. It’s not a cheap meal but Thais love seafood, especially when it’s spicy.
This is a perfect easy home business. I might kick my own ass in the future for telling people about this. Seafood boils are easy to make at home. I’ve got my own secret seafood boil recipe. But you can research your own.
You get the sauce right. You boil the shrimps, squid and clams just right (don’t overcook it), drain the seafood thoroughly. Then dump the seafood inside a sturdy kitchen bag full of spicy sauce and you shake it around vigorously until every single morsel is covered. Voila.
Then use one of the any food delivery service available and you’re in business.
Pizza – Even Thais Love Pizza Too
I live just right on the outskirt of Bangkok and I’ve got a home with a backyard. I was thinking about building a wood fired oven behind the house.
Thanks to some instructional videos from youtube I’m confidant I can build one too. Once I finished building out my oven I can start testing pizza recipes. Then, when I’m satisfied I’ve got a great tasting wood fired oven pizza I could advertise on social media.
Wood fire ovens for making delicious pizzas. I would love to have one of these in my yard.
Start giving my neighbors samples. I actually think Thai people would prefer thin crust Neapolitan style pizzas. Over popular thick crust like Pizza Hut and Pizza Company. If they like it and get hooked I’ll start charging them. Sounds like a great plan to me.
Pizza ingredients are readily available in Thailand so you should have no problems finding good quality cheese, tomato sauce and flour.
A real NY pizza slice in Bangkok… If you can make this at home and do delivery you can do well…
Just a side idea. There are companies that sell wood fired ovens in Thailand. But not many. If you’re good at construction and can learn how to build these ovens, then I believe you can go around and try and sell this type of service to homeowners.
Healthy Foods in Thailand
So eating pizzas on a regular basis isn’t ideal. As much as there are unhealthy foods in Thailand, healthy food alternatives are making strides into the eating habits of local Thais and especially expats.
The health food industry in Thailand will be risky, due to scale and complexity. But it’s a niche market with not a lot of competition. Younger generations of Thais are becoming more health conscious.
Most are aware and educated about the dangers of an unhealthy diet. And the health risks of eating a high salt and high sugar diet.
Paleo Robbie in Thailand is serving the paleo diet niche and seems to be doing very well
Sad to say, eating healthy in Thailand is not cheap. Salad bars are expensive inside supermarkets and restaurants. Thai people want to eat healthy. But unhealthy food choices are much cheaper than healthy ones.
I always like referring to this online specialty grocer Paleo Robbie and as their name states focus on the paleo diet. You can order pre-cooked gourmet meals and have it delivered to you on a scheduled basis. Or shop for organic vegetables, free-range poultry, hormone and anti-biotic free meats from New Zealand and Australia.
Their prices are reasonable. The majority of their customers from what I can tell on their Facebook page are Thai and foreign professionals.
I don’t know how well they’re doing financially. But I’m assuming they’re doing okay. Because they’ve got a lock on this niche business.
What If You Can Do This on a Smaller Scale…
There’s no doubt Paleo Robbie is a registered company in Thailand. With big financial backing. Perhaps more than 10 employees, a large kitchen and warehouse storage facility.
But if you’re on a smallish budget I think you can work the same but at a smaller, specialized scale. And grow as your customer base grows.
If you can cook really well and knowledgeable about ingredients as well as find out where to source organic meats and vegetables you can create a small menu and start from there.
I only found out about Paleo Robbie through Facebook and Instagram. You too can leverage the reach and power through social media in Thailand.
However, I would do something differently.
I’ve never seen videos of Paleo Robbie’s staff cooking food. They only have photos showing prepared foods, or pictures of happy customers with their groceries. And that’s a great way to promote their brand.
It’s the Personality or The Face of the Company That Sells, Not the Food
But I believe if they showed a human aspect to their company they will be able to connect and reach even more customers. Not just through photographs.
They should focus on making videos. For example have chef or a cook prepare a healthy fresh meal from start to finish. They can showcase their specialty ingredients which customers can order. Everything is filmed and uploaded to Youtube.
Maybe they’re concerned about people stealing their recipes. Thus no one would order from them. True this could happen. But the numbers would be miniscule.
Emeril Lagasse – You might not recognize that face. But for a long while he entertained millions of people with his cooking shows, pre-Youtube days.
If this were true across the board, famous chefs wouldn’t be writing cookbooks at all. Or doing cooking demonstrations and shows in public and record a series of cooking shows.
The fact is, people want to be entertained first. They don’t have the time to cook. Let alone shop for all the ingredients. I’ve watched hundreds of hours of cooking shows. You might’ve watched more than me.
Have you cooked everything you saw on television or internet? I think not.
And a lot of people have a fear of cooking, literally. The idea of showing a video to a viewer interested in the Paleo diet is just to create a bond that photos can not achieve.
Thais are fickle eaters. Better bring your A game to retain customers…
I don’t know about you, but whenever I watched cooking shows like Emeril Lagasse, I felt like I’m inside the studio watching Emeril cook from the comforts of my sofa.
We can’t taste what he made through the television. For all we know, it could be too salty and bland. But because Emeril is so likable, we’ll take the leap to assume that whatever he cooked is delicious nonetheless.
Bottom line is, if you can produce a cooking video where you can make the viewer like you for your wit, charm and cooking expertise, then you’ll have better chances of getting orders from viewers.
Establishing a bond with your customer base is the key to any business, whether small or large. This is essential to any business.
So you might not need a kitchen space this big. But it is best to get the biggest that your budget can afford.
Food Sounds Great. But I’ve Got No Space…
Any food business you think about starting up in Thailand you should have plenty of kitchen space. Big kitchen space inside Thai apartments and condominiums do not exist. Even large Thai homes don’t have adequate cooking space.
Most Thais who own their own houses typically have to do their own renovations to expand kitchen space. Or build one from ground up.
If you have the money, you can rent an old small townhome. There are many decades old townhomes all over Bangkok for rent. No one lives inside because it’s an older building and it could be deep down a Soi. If you’re doing a food delivery or catering business you don’t have to worry about dining spaces.
Thai townhouses are usually three floors. That’s plenty of enough space for a kitchen on the first floor. Storage on the second floor and the third floor you or your staff could live in.
Since you’re not opening an eat-in restaurant, you don’t have to worry about designing restaurant decor. Not unless you want to make a chef’s table.
That’s just an idea. You just need to make a nice, clean kitchen space that will look good on video when you’re cooking. Then train your staff to prepare and cook meals properly.
You Don’t Have to Hire In-House Delivery People
When hungry customer orders food or desserts from you, you’ve got to get it to their hands quickly. One reason why home based food business can do well, particularly in Bangkok is due to on demand delivery service providers.
For a nominal fee based on distance and charged to customers, messenger app company Line created Line Man door to door delivery service. There’s also Lalamove a newcomer delivery service based in Hong Kong. Grab food delivery is everywhere today in Thailand. Food Panda charges too much money and not feasible for home based food business.
Everything is delivered on a motorbike. So orders can get to the destination quick while hot.
I’ve used these services before and it’s really reliable. Which is one of the reasons why I think home based food business can do very well.
These days as long as you have the right products and a solid social media presence you don’t have to open a sit-in restaurant and pay exorbitant rent.
Finally, I don’t recommend opening a sit in restaurant. Not unless you own the building or property.
What I’ve Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand
My wife and I have a couple of nail salon businesses in Thailand. So our salons were ordered to shut down by the government to stem the infection rate. All non-essential businesses were ordered to close as a matter of fact.
Except businesses in the food industry. Though there are health rules restaurants and food businesses had to adhere to they could still stay open and earn a living.
I’ve always wanted to open a food business. And just recently I’ve got the chance to start one up. I won’t go into too much details about what style of food nor where I’m opening my food business.
But like I’ve been preaching, to promote a food business start making videos.
Support my channel by subscribing and liking the video. And do try these recipes!
I’ve always loved the food business and I can’t wait to get back in! So my biggest advice if you want to do a food biz in Thailand is to promote, promote, promote! Use social media as much as you can to succeed.
Next Big Idea – The Old Fashioned Men’s Barber Shop
If there’s one business that comes close to being recession proof it would be mens’ barber shops. The past few years I’ve seen an uptick of barber shops with a newer, fresher look.
Behind those flash yet vintage looking barber shops are young Thais running their own barber business.
Night market spots are really popular for young Thai men to get a trim or buzz cut. You’ll see plenty in this super famous night market in Bangkok.
Thai men like to have their hair cut short and neat. Some like the side fade look. Some like quiff. Having shorter hair is practical in Thailand.
Just think about yourself when you were in your younger days and started discovering girls. Didn’t you primp your hair and put a single strand of hair in place? In Thailand multiply that 10x. Thai men love to keep their hair in good order to attract the opposite sex.
It doesn’t matter if the economy is in the crapper. Thai guys want to look good. Period.
There Are Practical Reasons Too
For instance many Thai males own a motorbike. Most wear helmets so having shorter hair makes wearing helmets more comfortable. And shorter hair makes messy helmet hair less noticeable.
If you lived in Thailand long enough you might say Thais don’t wear helmets. Well still, having shorter hair makes more sense than having longer hair flailing around their eyes and face on a highway. Thus, they need to cut their hair short regardless.
You’d think barber shops only have male customers. Well they also have females also, but these aren’t your average frilly girls. They’re called “Toms” in Thailand but they’re the same as lesbians. And they keep their hair short, just like men.
The Cutler in Chiang Mai. Check out his youtube video.
The cost of a cut and shave starts about 80B – 100B in the residential neighborhoods of Bangkok. Though popular barber shops with skillful barbers can charge almost double. Doesn’t sound like a lot per cut but you make it up through volume. Because it’s that cheap they go to their favorite local barber shops once a month if not twice to get a trim.
In this line of business you have to open near an area with a high concentration of apartments. With adequate parking for motorbikes.
Even though I personally think starting a barber shop in Thailand is a great business to run I believe the biggest hurdle in this venture would be finding experienced barbers. And I don’t know any.
But this is just an idea off of my head. I know nothing about cutting mens’ hair. But if you’re reading this, maybe you know how to cut mens’ hair professionally. And you can teach Thais that are willing to learn how to cut hair and from there start out a barber shop.
Photo Credit: Coconuts Bangkok
Starting a Barber Shop Franchise
Thais with extra spending cash interested in starting a businesses love purchasing franchises.In their eyes it’s a business in a box model that if have a proven success model could be replicated.
To date, I do not know of any barber shop franchises. There are unisex hair salons but no barber shop specific franchises in Thailand.
Go set up a great looking logo. Design an interesting looking barber shop with consistent look. Again, if you are a skilled professional mens’ barber, you can train Thais, either men or women to cut mens’ hair.
Getting Known – Putting Your Products and Services Out There
No one can deny the power and reach through social media. Facebook and Instagram are on everyones’ smart phone in Thailand.
Coincidentally, Thailand is a country where the usage of social media is through the roof. According to this statistic, in Thailand there were 26.3 million facebook users in 2018. And it’s projected to climb higher.
To be honest, that number is super-inflated. I don’t think they’ve taken into account that Thais have multiple Facebook accounts on multiple phones. Thais also delete Facebook accounts and start new ones frequently.
But let’s eliminate 10% as duplicate accounts. That’s still 23 million Facebook users. It’s safe to say that everyone with a Facebook account will also have Instagram account.
Measuring Success
If you go in to starting a small business in Thailand and think it’ll make you rich. You might have to brace yourself for disappointment. I’m not saying you can’t make money.
Or maybe you can if you are as innovative and business savvy as Richard Branson.
But most small business owners in Thailand do okay. With a little bit of extra income to supplement their laid back lifestyles. Sustaining the business is the hardest part.
The most important thing is you’re doing something that you like. If you are passionate about cooking then operating a small restaurant or catering business would be perfect for you.
If you can’t cook or even have a basic culinary background you should learn first.
Know When to Call it Quits
Sometimes we think we’ve got the perfect idea, the perfect location, the perfect employees and the perfect product. Then the business becomes a money pit. Feeling dejected you throw in the towel and call it quits.
The hardest thing to do in life is shutting down the first business you’ve ever started. I know that feeling all too well. On the bright side after losing your second and third business the pain is little bit more tolerable.
It’s important to have a goal post to measure how well or how bad the business is doing. And from then on decide if it’s viable to stay, or to go. It’s never an easy decision to make.
I’ll end this off with some of my final thoughts. Running a small business is a great way to pass the time, or keep yourself busy in Thailand. You could be retired, or you could be a business owner from another country looking to start something new.
Thailand does have potential. But in my humble opinion there are many more Southeast nations more suitable for opening a business.
You just have to look deep inside yourself and think about the real reasons why you want to start a small business in Thailand. If it’s because you think it’ll make you rich, you might have to think much, much deeper.
For me, I’m married to a Thai, with a baby coming soon, which is the sole reason why I’m here.
And I think with some good planning, perseverance and a lot of good luck you can also run one or two successful businesses in Thailand.
So you want to start an E-commerce business, eh? Maybe you’re making some decent bank from the drop shipping biz. And now you want a direct link to a Chinese factory for maximum profits. Even if your goal is to open a physical store selling products, you must come to the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, China.
China’s Canton Fair Buyer’s Guide
Finding the latest fad products and jumping in before the craze hits the fan starts with a visit to Canton Fair in Guangzhou. Before you begin your new business venture, I’ll share tips on what to expect when dealing with Chinese suppliers and vendors inside one of China’s largest business expos.
Today practically everything you’ve interacted with, especially wearing was manufactured, or at least a part of it was made in the People’s Republic of China. From medical, health, and beauty products, agricultural, clothes, and especially those crazy little fidget spinners that made America’s kids go insane over a few years ago.
Fidget Spinners – Every single one of these were manufactured in China
If you had a steady supply of fidget spinners at that time you would’ve made some cash. And that’s what most entrepreneurs today want to replicate. Finding that one viral product consumers will eat up and pay ridiculous amounts of money for.
Yes, so that’s the idea. Meeting and rubbing shoulders with factories that produce products for cheap so you can line your pockets with big profits.
But… it’s not that simple. Well, it is and it isn’t. Luck plays into this in my experience. Which I’ll get into later below.
But first here are some reasons why you should go to Canton Fair to find factories for your desired niche products.
Canton Fair Is Where You Should Go
Whether you’re planning to start an E-Commerce business or sell from a physical store, Canton Fair is a great place to start sourcing products to stock your warehouse or store shelves.
It doesn’t matter what country you are in. The fact is any market selling shoes, stuffed animals, and local souvenirs was made in Chinese factories. Even 90% of the products sold in Bangkok’s Sampeng Wholesale Market came from China. Because many Chinese Thais have retained ties with family members in China.
Canton Fair, also known as China Import and Export Fair was founded in 1957 by the Chinese government. Twice a year in Spring (mid-April to early May) and Autumn (mid-October to early November) approximately 200,000 buyers from 210 nations converge on the grounds of Canton Fair to find out what’s new, hip, and chic to sell and make hefty profits on the market.
There are 150,000 exhibits spanning 16 industries during the Canton Fair to meet, greet, and gather information on trending items with the potential to go viral, like fidget spinners.
With so many buyers and sellers converging on one space, Canton Fair is broken up into three phases, with each phase lasting four days:
Phase 1
Electronics, lighting equipment, vehicles & spare parts, machinery, hardware & tools, construction materials, chemical products, and energy resources.
Phase 2
Consumer goods, gifts, and home decorations.
Phase 3
Textiles and garments, shoes, office supplies, cases and bags, recreation products, food, health products, and medical devices.
You’re probably super psyched about visiting Canton Fair to make some deals. But first, you’ll need a China Visa on your passport.
Traveling to Guangzhou, China for Canton Fair (A China Visa Might Be Required)
Depending on your passport you may need a China travel visa. Because I’m an American citizen with a US passport I needed one. I detailed my experience in applying for a China Visa in Bangkok, Thailand where I live most of the year.
Good news if you have a US passport you can apply for a multiple-entry visa with a 10-year expiration. This is great because I will be planning to visit the Canton Fair once a year. If I had to apply individually for each visit I’d have to pay 5060 Thai Baht each time I want to travel to China.
It is important to remember, that when you register as a buyer to attend the Canton Fair, you should receive an electronic invitation letter which is a good idea to take with you when applying. Bringing a copy of this invitation letter when handing in your visa application could make your China visa process smoother.
Because you will see on your China Visa application there are questions asking where you will be going or what you will be doing in China during your entire stay.
The Language
The only real obstacle however will be language. English is not widely spoken even in most service industry providers in Guangzhou. Most restaurants do not have menus in English.
Guangzhou’s metro subway train station is entirely in English including announced stops.
If you need to get somewhere by taxi make sure you have the address written down in Chinese.
While at Canton Fair rest assured everyone inside the exhibit booths can converse and write English.
In any case, have your Google Translate app ready for action. Better yet download the WeChat App. Every single vendor inside uses this app. There is even a nifty built-in translate-to-Chinese function.
Here’s a video of my 4 day stay in Guangzhou while attending the Canton Fair in late October through early November 2018:
1. Best Area to Stay in Guangzhou for Canton Fair
Yuexiu District
From my experience, if you want to stay in an area that is easy to travel to Canton Fairgrounds it is best to stay in Yuexiu District.
Personally, I stayed at Nomo Beijing Road A Jiedang MIX International Apartments and yeah, it’s got a long name. But the location is perfect. We were right inside a shopping center full of restaurants plus this subway station Gongyuanqian 公园前 in the lower levels. It can’t get any better than that.
You can check out more Yuexiu Hotels in Guangzhou on Agoda.com which is the same hotel website I used to search for discounts.
I’m looking at this from a business and a tourist viewpoint. Might as well go sightseeing in Guangzhou while making deals at Canton Fair, right?
And, the hotel is just north of the Yuexiu district and easy to reach by taxi which is what we used because we arrived in the city late and left for the airport early in the morning.
I could’ve used the subway trains to get to Baiyun International Airport but the Guangzhou Metro Stations open from 6 am until about 11:30 pm.
My wife and I enjoyed our sightseeing side trip. We went walking around and visited tourist attractions. And, the food in Guangzhou is awesome. It’s the kind of food I grew up eating like dim sum in New York City’s Chinatown or Hong Kong.
Even Western food is surprisingly yummy.
Might as well fill up on good food from restaurants around the Yuexiu district. Because even though there’s a cafeteria-type area inside Canton Fair my wife and I really didn’t find what was offered there too appetizing. But that’s just us.
Now that you know where to stay to enjoy the city of Guangzhou let’s jump into what you’re here for, which is doing business inside Canton Fair.
Wheeling and Dealing at Canton Fair
Before heading to Canton Fair you register online to get a buyer’s badge. It’s free and simple to navigate through the online application forms. You will need to send a front-facing profile photo and business card.
You can register on the premises of Canton Fair if you wish but I believe there is a small fee. And possibly a waiting line. Besides, I highly recommend registering online because you can get an invitation letter to make it easier on your China visa process.
The first day I went to Canton Fair I took a public taxi. My wife and I just did a little bit of sightseeing so we were not near a train station. Since there were so many public taxis driving around we decided to try it out.
I just showed the driver my buyer’s badge which had Canton Fair written in Chinese so he knew where I wanted to go. Guangzhou taxi drivers should not have any problems at all finding Canton Fair. It’s a big deal event that happens twice a year in Guangzhou so there’s no reason at all they wouldn’t know where it is. The metered fare came out to about 70RMB ($10USD) for 8 kilometers. Which is a reasonable price.
We took a subway train back to our hotel because I wanted to try it out. I mentioned there was a station right beneath our hotel too. It is insanely cheap, just 5RMB which is .70 cents US. Just bear in mind Guangzhou Metro train fares are priced on distance.
3. Tips on Finding and Meeting the Right Sellers for Your Products
Currently, I am selling different products manufactured in China. One of the items is ladies’ shoes. 60% of the shoes are made in China, whether it is fake or genuine. I’ll be using ladies’ shoes as a product example.
When you get to Canton Fair you will be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of sellers occupying exhibit booths. We certainly were. Many are elaborately decorated booths and some are modestly designed. All have wall-to-wall displays of shoe samples they have produced.
All the salespeople can speak English, some more fluently than others. Since we were selling ladies’ shoes to the Thai market we had to find a style that suited the style choices of Thai women.
China manufactures half of the world’s shoesMany shoe exhibition booths are small and others are largeYou can pick colors and designs at the exhibition booths of Canton FairRemember to take a photo with any seller you are planning to buy from
You will be speaking with lots and lots of salespeople because in the shoe section alone at Canton Fair there were hundreds of exhibit booths lining up and down the massive convention hall.
So have a notebook in hand to take down information. But most importantly staple the business cards of companies you’ve spoken with to said notebook. Even better download the WeChat app, which is China’s very own messaging app, and take down their contact information. On top of that, take photos of salespeople including the exhibit booth so you and they can remember who you spoke with.
4. Price Negotiating Like a Pro and Understanding MOQ
Remember this little three-letter acronym MOQ. It means Minimum Order Quantity. It means exactly what it sounds. Every seller you consequently speak with has a MOQ. And every seller you will encounter has a varying MOQ number. The prices they quote are in US dollars.
For example, this would’ve been our first time attempt at ordering shoes so we didn’t want to order too many ladies’ shoes to handle.
We were only looking to purchase an initial order of 1000 pairs of high-heeled ladies’ shoes. Which is a very, very small order in the world of shoe industry in China. Obviously, sellers want buyers to order as much as they can.
We did find many sellers with too high of an MOQ. But don’t sweat it, there are so many sellers you are bound to find one that fits your MOQ as long as it’s reasonable.
But the fact is, most people attending the Canton Fair are folks like you and I. My wife and I didn’t want to commit ourselves to a huge order. We just wanted a thousand pairs of ladies’ shoes to test the market back in Thailand. The women’s shoe business in Thailand is very competitive.
Chances are, whatever you are planning to manufacture in China and sell in your home country you don’t want to order a massive amount too. It will take some digging to find a seller willing to deal with small orders.
Three Tips to Remember Inside Canton Fair
The first thing you should never do is lock down a deal with the first exhibit booth. No matter how nice or friendly the salespeople are. Even if they’re giving out unlimited donuts. Just kidding.
Make it clear you are walking around and checking prices. If a salesperson knows you’re browsing for prices they may try and offer the best price they can give. But even then, try and talk it down as much as you can. You’d be surprised.
Chances are you will not be dealing directly with a manufacturer, but instead some sort of manufacturing broker. A middle company.
Okay, that third tip deserves some explanation. Believe me, it was a real revelation for me also.
This was something I suspected while speaking with the sellers on the side. And was confirmed with a family member who does business in Guangzhou and is sorta of kinda business broker herself in China.
I’ll explain from the start. You see, Guangzhou is a modern metropolis as I mentioned. It’s not exactly littered with factories spitting out gadgets, clothes, and, picture frames. Where Chinese workers toil long hours in sweaty factories.
That happens inside factories located in cities on the edge of Guangzhou. Like Shenzen, Foshan, Huizhou, Zhuhai, and so on.
There are many cities surrounding Guangzhou doing most of the actual manufacturing work
Guangzhou is also a convenient place for foreigners to connect with Chinese manufacturers, or at least with Chinese companies with connections to Chinese factories. Because there’s an airport in the city, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Guangzhou has a suitable and adequate hospitality infrastructure to handle foreign visitors comfortably.
And Guangzhou has a lot of office structures where middle companies have showrooms where buyers can go visit. We visited the company we used to put in our shoe orders. They picked us up from our hotel. And when we were finished finalizing our shoe order the owner was nice enough to drive us to a mall where we could do some shopping.
Don’t Be Shocked to Find Out You’re Dealing With Middle Companies – There Are Advantages
In essence, you’ll be dealing with middlemen companies that take orders from foreign buyers to factories surrounding Guangzhou. These middlemen companies deal with multiple factories. So they’ll take your order and shop around for factories fitting your price criteria as well as theirs.
I’m not saying this is true for every single industry represented at Canton Fair.
For my instance, it wouldn’t make sense for shoe factories to spend money on renting a space, spend money on decorating and designing a booth. Hiring people to sell. Break everything down at the end of the convention and ship everything back to their headquarters. That’s a lot of unnecessary work. Factory owners rather sit back and have middlemen bring orders to them.
I didn’t mind dealing with a middle company. Sure, they cut into your profits. But again, in my instance, there’s a big chance a shoe factory would not accept my small order. A broker could take my order, bundle it with all the other orders, and thus be able to present it to a factory for preferred pricing.
In the end, it’s a win-win situation where I’m satisfied with the price and quality of my shoe order.
Wrapping It All Up
Guangzhou is an amazing modern city and one of the largest three in China. I could’ve squeezed in the old cliche about the old and the new. But really, Guangzhou is a city intertwined with the old and the new! What can I say that no one else has said already?
There are modern buildings, modern subway trains with English signs and announcement stops, with modern buses. Above all this is how you know when a city has reached a level of peak sophistication. And that is the amount of Starbucks. There are so many Starbucks Café in Guangzhou that if you threw a rock you’d hit two Starbucks.
It’s an ideal location for hosting the Canton Fair. Remember to pre-register. Pick a hotel in the Yuexiu district. Don’t worry too much if you’re not dealing with a factory directly. Figure out the price you are willing to pay and the amount of products you can handle. Don’t remember to factor in the price for shipping freight. And grab some dim sum at a restaurant in Guangzhou and enjoy your trip.
Leave a Reply