Jul 30, 2016 |
If You’re Looking for Products to Buy and Sell Home, Go to Sampeng Market in Bangkok…
I enjoy reading blogs about living in Thailand. And I’ve come across some very interesting posts about how tourists can make money while traveling around Thailand.
But (and there always is a but) it’s not going to be easy. If it was, everyone would be doing it. However, there are frequent visitors to Thailand who do this for a living and do well.
One of the ways you can earn some cash from your travels around Thailand is by purchasing products that you can sell back home. Let’s face it, lots of stuff these days are made and produced from factories all over Southeast Asia. Even things from China end up in Sampeng at reasonable costs.
It’s a fact that many foreign travelers in Thailand buy all sorts of odds and ends with the purpose of resale back in their home country. It’s certainly not a new and modern concept. Think about Marco Polo and the Silk Road. Except you get to fly back home with suit cases full of goodies minus the horse and camel caravans.
3 Tips on Maximizing Your Profits on Buy and Selling Thai Products
- Buy made in Thailand products for maximum profits.
- Thai silk scarfs, flip flops, sandals and jewelry are just a few examples of high profit products manufactured in Thailand.
- Focus on small items that yields a high profit margin. This way you can pack more into your luggage.
Where’s Sampeng and Why’s it So Special…
Sampeng Market is located right in Bangkok’s Chinatown on Soi Wanit 1. This is a long lane running about 400 meters up. But Sampeng Market itself is wide spread and encompasses northeast of Yaowarat Road which is Chinatown’s main avenue. In this area you’ll mostly find clothing including women’s shoes, hand bags, flip flops, towels, cosmetics beauty accessories and a lot more.
You’ll even find some electronics, audio components such as headphones, portable bluetooth speakers, portable battery chargers, selfie sticks and memory cards.
Then there is Sampeng Lane which is really just an extension of Sampeng Market. Although Sampeng Lane is mostly a wholesale fabrics market you can find the same items and accessories as Sampeng Market. Sampeng Lane is quite narrow and it can get claustrophobic especially in the mornings and weekends.
Sampeng has a deep historical significance with many Thai business owners with Chinese roots. Many of the business owners can speak Mandarin and retained their connections with mainland Chinese relatives.
When you walk around Sampeng Market and Sampeng Lane you will see a lot of really old buildings with signs that have Chinese characters. Many of the buildings have been renovated though look the same as when they were built back in the 1900s. Walking around the area after hours you can’t help but feel like you’ve been teleported back in time. Or at least to China.
The more you buy the lower the cost…
When it comes to Bangkok’s tourist market scene, Sampeng is not as big as Chatuchak Weekend Market or as famous.
However, many of the items, hand made goods and Chinese made products you find at Chatuchak probably passed through Sampeng, which is one of the most well known wholesale market in all of Bangkok.
Sampeng Hours of Operation and Best Time to Visit
Sampeng, both the Market and Lane opens early though there is no definitive set hours. It’s not a mall after all. Each and every shop have their own hours but it’s safe to say most shops open around 6am. Closing times vary as well but it’s safe to say most shops close around 7pm to 8pm.
A majority of stores and shops in Sampeng open 7 days a week though some shops like wholesale shoe stores close on Sundays. I have seen shops close during the Chinese Lunar New Years. Which makes a lot of sense since many shops are operated by Thai Chinese.
For me, the best time to visit Sampeng is before afternoon when the sun gets too hot. However, it’s packed pretty much throughout the day. Many Thai locals that purchase their inventory at Sampeng are just as wise and get there early to replenish their shop inventory while avoiding the hot and humid afternoon temperature.
Some shops though have air conditioning. And if you feel a bit over heated, don’t be shy, step into a shop with air conditioning and browse around.
Plenty of water, fresh fruit and fruit juice vendors are all over so there’s no reason not to get your fluids and stay hydrated. Might be a good idea to carry a hand towel too.
Making Money from Products Bought in Sampeng Market
One of the most convenient ways for tourists to make some cash profits is buying goods from one of the many wholesale markets found in Thailand and selling them back home. Bangkok is the city where you can find locally made Thai products and even products imported from China.
Sampeng Market located in Bangkok’s Chinatown is one area I think is the best place to find products and goods sold at wholesale prices.
Earrings and other inexpensive bling are not expensive at Sampeng when purchased in bulk…
Of course if you’re coming to Thailand for vacation you can’t really buy big and large ticket items like teak coffee tables. Good luck shoving one of those in your check in luggage.
Keep an Eye Out for Made in Thailand Products
Here’s the biggest and best advice I can give you and that is if you want maximum profits you should buy made in Thailand products.
Due to Thailand’s abundant natural resources that can be repurposed to make handmade goods as well as relative cheap labor, you’ll be surprised to find decent quality products that you can resell for a hefty profit margin.
For example I found Thai handmade flip flops made with Thai rubber with nice designs with good quality materials. Plenty of handmade jewelry like the ones mentioned below are also items of high profitability. Be on the lookout for small portable items that you can stuff into your luggage.
Small packable items that can yield maximum profits is what you should be focused on!
Sampeng Market is a Tchotchke Paradise
You’ll want to sell small ticket items, simple baubles and tchotchke. Stuff that fits neatly in your checked or carry on baggage. And Sampeng Market is just the right place to go for that.
The most popular items are inexpensive bead jewelry…
A Very Small Sampling of What You’ll Find in Sampeng Market:
- Wrist Watches
- Inexpensive Jewelry (beads, rings, ear rings, bracelets and necklaces etc…)
- Non – Brand Name Women’s Cosmetics
- Keychains
- Cell Phone Cases
- Hand Bags
- Men, Women and Children Clothes
- Tools
- Small Electronics Accessories
- House Hold Items
The first 5 listed items you can squeeze in to your luggage. There are many more items and products such as large rolls of fabrics and common plastic household goods sold in Sampeng too. But your goal is to find something small which you can sell at least 3x to 5x the cost and fits in your luggage.
Now I say it’s convenient to find items to sell. But I will tell you up front it won’t be easy to sell things online these days unless you have a physical shop location back home already or have a running profitable E-Commerce website or some other online selling presence such as eBay and Etsy etc.
But if you’re into selling at flea markets then you could do okay. You could also be a lot smarter than me and perhaps have better ideas on how to unload the goods for maximum profit.
Jewelry Items Found in Sampeng is Also the Best Product to Sell
The best product to buy from Sampeng in my most humble opinion is jewelry. You can find all sorts of inexpensive jewelry from real silver necklaces to rhodium or nickel plated ear rings and bracelets. I couldn’t really get photos of those kinds of jewelry and I tried but the owners don’t like having strangers taking photos of their products.
But you don’t have to buy precious metals like silver. You can buy beads and stones and even sea shell type jewelry. You can even find jewelry made from coconuts and other sorts of eco-friendly materials courtesy of mother nature.
I wanted to take some photos of such items but again, shop owners are quite strict when it comes to taking photos of their products.
But I plucked out some photos I found on eBay of inexpensive beaded necklaces you can find at Sampeng’s many shops.
The ones pictured above are listed for sale at around $20USD but at Sampeng you can buy them for around $4USD to $5USD each. Because Sampeng is one of Bangkok’s most popular wholesale market the more you purchase the more the cost per piece drops down. The more you buy the bigger the discount you get.
Wristwatches are Also Good Products to Sell…
Walk around Sampeng’s lanes and you will find many wristwatch shops with tons of variety and styles of watches. The degree of quality on wrist watches is something you should really examine while you’re at those shops. Now I don’t know anything about watches but I do know a few Thai locals who purchase wrist watches from Sampeng to be resold in their home towns outside of Bangkok. And they say the quality is decent. But then again they know about watches.
“I recommend buying cheap kid’s watches with cartoons. If it’s sold cheap enough usually parents won’t complain if it breaks or even if their child loses it.”
We all know how expensive eye glass frames are. At Sampeng you can buy boat loads and sell them back in your home country…
And from what they tell me it is best to stay away from watches that are too cheap and by cheap I mean by price. If you find watches in mid range prices those are probably the ones that are better in quality.
As I said I don’t know much about wristwatch quality and craftsmanship but not buying adult watches that are dirt cheap in prices is sound advice.
Sunglasses and Other Fashion Accessories are Good Too…
My suggestion in choosing products to sell from Sampeng is to figure out what would most likely sell in your local area. For example I know a guy from Florida and every time he visits Thailand he always brings back suit cases full of cheap sunglasses, baseball caps and beach hats back home.
He then sells everything at flea markets, to friends and even on eBay. It won’t make him rich but what he did sell the proceeds made up for half of his purchased plane ticket. And that’s not bad.
Figuring out what to sell is also one of the most difficult part of doing this sort of business. But picking the right and proper product for your locality could make selling just a bit easier.
How Much Money You’ll Need and How Much Money You Could Make (Possibly)…
This post is not a how to get rich quick type of blog post. Nothing comes easy especially when you’re selling inexpensive wristwatches, sunglasses and other knick knacks for the very first time. Plus you’ll be competing against every other guy and gal selling the same products either online or at local flea markets. And of course you’ll need money to make money.
I have asked around friends and acquaintances on how much they recommend for a purchasing budget. And the general consensus is $500USD minimum. Which equates to 15000THB (as of writing) and that is a decent budget.
Sampeng is definitely one market you need to haggle and bargain in. The better price you get the healthier your profit margin will be. I also recommend if a certain price does not fit your budget then don’t feel pressured to buy. Move on and find another shop selling the same products. You might get lucky and get a better price somewhere else in Sampeng.
Many Thai locals buy bulk from Sampeng for resale either in a physical store location and even on their personel Facebook account…
Few Tips as a Buyer at Sampeng Market
Focus on One or Two Items:
As I already mentioned, think about what would be the easiest for you to sell. If the area you live in has a flea market that is visited by many children then maybe buying a bunch of Hello Kitty items or inexpensive kid’s watches with current and popular cartoon themes would be a good idea.
All sorts of Hello Kitty items are sold in Sampeng Lane…
Don’t buy a bunch of odds and ends simply because you think they would all sell. If you want to sell Hello Kitty items it might not be a good idea to sell screw driver sets and headphones next to it. Focusing on a few items within the same product category makes it easier to keep track of inventory too.
Build Rapport with Shop Owners
Many shop owners or at least shop staff can speak some English or they’ll find some way to communicate. But a calculator is the best translator and they always have one available. One of the best ways to get a better discount or preferential treatment is to deal with the same vendor. A lot of shops carry the same products at about the same wholesale prices.
Not all the folks inside these shops will be over-friendly. That’s just their style and because you’re not the only customer they have to deal with. Because there are so many wholesalers in Sampeng you’ll find at least one you can form a good business relationship with.
Remember, if you travel to Thailand often and plan on bringing back products to sell, it’s a good idea to start building relationships with Sampeng’s shop vendors…
Shops love repeat buyers though. Ask for their names and remember their faces. Smile and be polite. Learn a few Thai phrases and speaking just a little bit of Thai can go a long way.
You can build rapport by going to a shop and make a purchase at a price that is reasonable to you the first day. Then, go back the next day and purchase some more. You might get a better price. But of course this only makes sense when time permits.
And this also only makes sense if you’re planning on becoming a repeat traveler to Thailand.
It won’t make you rich but it could be fun…
Remember, this Won’t Make You Rich…
Buying all sorts of products from Sampeng Market in Bangkok and selling them back home is not for everyone. The act of “selling” is not for everyone. You’d probably have to be an extrovert and being a natural sales person doesn’t hurt.
And it won’t take the place of a full time job if you’ve got one. Most casual travelers I’ve come across in Thailand that do this type of business sell on weekends with full time jobs during the weekdays. It’s just one way to supplement their income and save up for a return trip to Thailand.
Jun 29, 2016 |
499THB Buffet at Yok Talay & BBQ House Including Beer…
If you love fresh seafood buffets you grill on your own and a taste of Thailand’s famous Moo Kata styled dining and unlimited beer you’ll love this little restaurant I’m going to introduce near Huay Kwang, a mostly residential area in Bangkok not far from the tourist center of Sukhumvit.
Did I mention unlimited beer is included?…
But there’s a catch. There’s a 1 hour 30 minute time limit to eat all that you can. Which really is plenty of time. Plus the restaurant is not in the city center of Bangkok. But not very far away from it either. And part of the fun (and the experience of traveling) is finding the places not too many tourists go to, especially when it comes to finding some good eats.
Yok Talay & BBQ House Buffet station…
Yok Talay & BBQ House
Address: ซอยประชาอุทิศ 8 (Soi Pracha Uthit Soi 8), Huay Kwang, Bangkok
Phone Number: 085-190-1989 and 083-891-6777
Huay Kwang is like the second Chinatown district in Bangkok. Many Chinese businesses have sprung up in the area by enterprising mainland Chinese.
Every taxi driver knows of this area so you should not have a problem getting to Huay Kwang. But traffic can get really bad there, or pretty much everywhere in the city. So if you’re not staying at a hotel in Huay Kwang it’s best to get there via Bangkok’s MRT subway train system which I will explain more about below.
It’s not a fancy restaurant and there is no A/C because it’s an outdoor restaurant. Yok Talay & BBQ House is tucked between a local pub and a future condominium building site down a narrow winding road in a mostly residential part of Bangkok.
Best Way to Get to Yok Talay & BBQ House
Take the MRT subway train and get off on Huai Kwang MRT station. Get out from Exit #1 and head to Pracharatbamphen Road and catch a taxi. Without traffic it should take about 3 to 5 minutes and the taxi fare should cost about 40THB to 50THB.
But if you find Yok Talay you will be rewarded with a decent selection of fresh seafood you grill on your own on over hot coals.
Moo Kata is a popular dining style in Bangkok…
And for Moo Kata fans you might be disappointed as there isn’t as much selection. There is a larger moo kata restaurant I wrote about years ago on a post here. However, I have to say that Yok Talay and BBQ House has better quality seafood choices and a hell of a lot easier to find.
You must try their pork skewers! It’s well marinated and when grilled just right it’s very juicy, tender and tasty.
And there is a small selection of dipping sauces where you can mix and match garlic, chili, BBQ sauce to your liking. They also have a good seafood green chili dipping sauce that went very well with the grilled prawns.
I live in walking distance to Yok Talay & BBQ House so I eat there about twice a month. Sometimes my wife and I eat there more especially between the months of January and February when the temperature is cooler.
It’s not a large restaurant but there are plenty of picnic style tables spread out which is great, especially when the temperature is hot. And of all the times I’ve been there it’s not really packed with people, which is also a good thing. Especially for those who are prone to sweating like yours truly.
If you just want the buffet and no beer the price drops down to 399THB…
As I mentioned, diners have a time limit which is 1 hour and 30 minutes to stuff their faces. If you have some kids and want to eat at Yok Talay and BBQ House here’s how much the charge:
- Kids under 120cm eat free. Kids over 120cm pay 199THB.
Kids over 120cm height pay 199THB. For all you bad parents beer is not included.
Bangkok is a city with many dining options. And I think today many of the locals are beginning to eat a lot more which is why I’m starting to call Bangkok the city of buffets.
Yok Talay and BBQ House is certainly not one of a kind. Even as of writing my wife just found out through a friend that there’s a similar style restaurant not far from where we live that charge 300THB including beer.
And you can bet once I check that place out I’ll have another seafood and BBQ buffet post coming up soon!
Jun 16, 2016 |
My Air China Experience from EWK to BKK
I’ve always wanted to add airline comparisons and reviews to this blog. But I’ve always been flying Korean Air with a stop over in Seoul. So this time around I wanted to try another airline. And Air China was the one I chose to review for my flight from New York to Bangkok.
Air China has been aggressively cutting air fare prices in order to compete. I paid $800USD for my Air China tickets while Korean Air had air fares costing $1300USD. That’s 37.5% more and a convincing reason to give Air China a go.
Now if you check around reviews about Air China like I did you’ll see a lot of unfavorable remarks and experiences from passengers. And I have to admit I was a bit worried about flying Air China. Plus I love Korean Air and I know their in-flight services and quality is hard to top.
The total flight time not including layover on Air China is about 19 hours. Korean Air total flight time is about 18 1/2 hours. But both planes fly different routes.
I was determined to go on Air China with an open mind and give a fair review despite all the bad comments I’ve come across.
JFK or EWK
At Newark International, plenty of staff to help check in at Air China…
Air China flies out of JFK in New York City and EWK in Newark, New Jersey. Since I live in NYC it would’ve been more convenient to fly out of JFK. However, I only get one hour to connect to my Bangkok flight at Beijing International.
While flying out from EWK I get five hours to connect to my Bangkok flight at Beijing International. It’s a no brainer, EWK was a better option because I get plenty of time to connect.
Air China uses the older twin engine Boeing 777-200ER for their EWK to PEK route. While when I used Korean Air I was on board a 4 engine Boeing A380, which is a lot newer. But again, I’m going to keep an open mind.
Getting Ready to Leave NYC Again…
I got to EWK with four hours to spare until my flight departs. Air China’s check in counter was already open. I wanted to get there early to get those emergency exit row seats. These seats are worth gold to me and I call them the poor man’s first class seats. The flight duration was 14 hours straight to China. So that extra leg room is going to come in handy.
Poor man’s first class seats at Air China…
I didn’t know if Air China would charge me for those seats or whether they provided them exclusively to Star Alliance members which I am not a member of. But I was so happy to find out those seats were available free of charge. Remember, emergency exit rows are based on first come first served. Which is why I always get my ass on the check in line as soon as I can.
The check in agent got me an emergency exit row aisle seat and believe me I was so relieved I could get one. The Boeing 777-300ER has a 3-3-3 seat configuration. On my particular flight it wasn’t packed so the middle exit row seat was empty so I had space to prop and charge my iPad and iPhone.
A lot of Chinese movies, no surprise, but still a decent selection to pass time…
The Air China seats are the same width as the Korean Air A380. Although on the Korean Air A380 you can put your seat back a tiny bit more at 33 to 34 pitch.
But I could already tell that this particular plane was older. The floor carpeting looked worn. But at least everything looked clean. According to this article Boeing 777-200ERs were built in the late 90’s and none will be built anymore.
The Food
Sliced beef scallion over rice, some fruit and a salad with sliced ham…
If you’ve been following this blog you know how much I love to eat. And I found Korean Air’s in-flight meals tasty. Air China however… not so much. They can do much better. At least I think so. When it comes to food I’m not biased at all.
On Korean Air there are always snacks around in the galley area you can raid like honey roasted peanuts, pretzels and crackers. You can also order Cups of Noodles when you got the inflight munchies on a Korean Air flight. And Korean Air economy hot meals are better and flavorful, even for airplane food.
All the bread you can eat on an Air China flight…
For snacks, Air China had bread rolls. Cold, hard, bread. They can do better than that. Some would argue for $800USD what could I expect? I would expect something better than bread.
But lucky I was sleepy most of the time and the flight was relatively smooth. So I slept through most of my hunger and before I knew it there were 4 hours left to go before we hit Beijing Airport and another meal service was beginning.
I’m was trying very hard to remember what that meal was. Really, I’m not joking…
By this time I wasn’t expecting to be wowed by another meal. But I was just curious as to see what was available. And honestly I can’t remember what I picked. At least the Oreo cookie tasted good.
I have to admit I was famished and really looking forward to hitting the food courts or restaurants at Beijing International.
Air China In-Flight Service
There’s nothing to complain about regarding service. The flight attendants did their jobs and seemed friendly enough when they came around offering drinks. Although Korean Air flight attendants came around more frequently with trays of water and fruit juices for passengers.
I also noticed while the the seat belt sign is still on due to turbulence or during pre-landing passengers are still allowed to use the bathroom. On Korean Air, flight attendants are quite strict on their flights. If the seat belt light is on passengers are required to remain seated. That’s just an observation.
Air China’s EWK to PEK flight route passes the north pole region…
At Beijing International Airport (PEK)
The plane arrived on time at Beijing International Airport. Because I disembarked on the tarmac to get on the bus that takes passengers to the terminal, it was a significant moment. Because it’s the first time ever I stepped foot on mother land China. I really should be traveling more around China.
My first breath of air in Mother China…
Anyways I was starving and I was looking for the passenger terminal hoping to find some serious good eats. Heck, for some reason I had this strong urge for a Double Whopper at Burger Kings.
Much to my surprise Beijing International did not have a lot of restaurants. I asked a young lady at the information desk and she said there’s no Burger King. Not even a McDonalds. There was a Pizza Hut which I do like.
Beijing International Airport had these nice lounge chairs. But after spending 14 hours on a plane I didn’t want to sit…
I was really surprised Beijing International did not have a whole lot of dining options. When I fly with Korean Air and have a layover in Incheon Airport it’s like a small city decked full of restaurants.
Flying from PEK to BKK
After a quick bite at Pizza Hut and some much needed iced latté at Starbucks I went over to the gate to wait for my flight and to find out if there is an emergency exit row seat available.
Not a whole lot of international food choices in PEK airport but at least its got a Starbucks…
Beijing International is a big airport and when I finally got to the gate I asked an Air China staff if there were any emergency exit row seats available. I asked in English because I can’t speak a lick of Mandarin. The Air China staff said there were none. I think there was a bit of lost in translation going on. Because she didn’t even check the computer. And she seemed a bit rude too.
Anyways, there was no point to get all upset about it. The flight to BKK was empty. And there were empty emergency exit row seats available and I was free to move into one. I pretty much slept the whole 5 hours and skipped the in-flight meal.
The Verdict
Even though I went in to make this comparison review between Air China and Korean Air with an open mind, deep down I knew already Korean Air is the better airline hands down.
A Korean Air B747 used for long haul flights…
That doesn’t mean I think Air China sucks. I would fly them again when the price is right as I really think they are a good alternative. Most importantly I got to Thailand in one piece and on time. And I saved some cash which is always good.
May 28, 2016 |
New Thai Tourist Visa that Allows You to Stay in Thailand for 6 to 9 Months
The Thai Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) allows foreign tourists to stay in Thailand for 6 months. But you can stretch your time in Thailand up to 9 months if properly used. I’ll explain more about that later. It is a new category of visas introduced in November 2015.
First I’ll explain why I got the METV instead of the usual double entry Thai tourist visa. Because both allow visitors to stay in Thailand up to 6 months. And you will learn what the differences are between Thai Tourist Visa and the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa.
How I Used to Stayed in Thailand for 6 Months Using the Double Entry Tourist Visa
Since I am a US citizen and NYC resident I always apply in person for a tourist visa at the NYC Thai Consulate General located on 52nd Street 3rd Avenue.
For many years I have been entering Thailand using a double entry tourist visa which allowed me to stay in the country up to 6 months maximum.
Each entry I got 60 days. When those 60 days are over you are allowed to extend your stay for 30 days. Since I got double entry I can extend two times for a total of 60 days.
After 90 days I had to exit the country and do a border run by land or air. I usually go by air. I am too old to be cooped up in a speeding van on a visa border run driven by a guy with nothing to lose. And when I return to Thailand for the second entry I get a fresh 60 days and a “Used” stamp on my old visa.
Here’s a breakdown of the old double entry Thai Tourist Visa
2 months (first entry) + 1 month (first 30 day extension) + 2 months (second entry) + 1 month (second 30 extension) = 6 months.
Each entry fee cost $40USD so for me I paid $80USD for 2 entries. The cost of 30 days extension is 1900THB and you can apply for one at Bangkok’s Immigration Office located in Changwaettana, Bangkok.
As of November 2015, double and triple entry Thai tourists visas are discontinued.
That’s how I stayed in Thailand for 6 months before.
Today, the Thai Multiple Entry Tourist Visa has essentially eliminated and phased out the double and triple entry tourists visas. Which means from now on, if you want to stay in Thailand for 6 to 9 months you’ll need to get the new METV.
That said, single entry Thai tourist visas are still available for $40USD fee at the NYC Thai Consulate General.
You can find this document on NYC Thai consulate general’s website.
Applying For Thai Multiple Entry Visas at the NYC Thai Consulate General
One of the benefits of living in NYC besides the awesome Pizza and Gray’s Papaya hot dogs is that I have the convenience of applying for whichever country (except for North Korea, not that I want to go there) I need tourists Visas easily.
For Thailand I simply make my way to the New York Thai Consulate General, drop of my Visa application and supporting documents in the morning and pick up the next day afternoon time:
NYC Thai Consulate Visa Service Hours:
Monday to Friday (closed on weekends)
- Submission: 9am to 12pm
- Pick Up: 1:30pm to 4pm (next day)
Bear in mind the NYC Thai Consulate office is closed on both major US and Thai holidays so check their calendar on http://www.thaicgny.com/ to make sure they are open the days you plan to go submit your application as well as passport pick up.
It is very important to mention that the METV can not be obtained by doing border runs. METV are only issued from the home country of the applicant.
This is just one way the Thai government is cracking the whip against foreigners who have been abusing back to back tourist visas in order to work in the country longer illegally by doing the border run shuffle.
As a reminder, even METV holders are prohibited from working in Thailand.
What You’ll Need to Apply for METV Including Required Documentations in NYC
- Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
- A passport or travel document valid for at least 6 months.
- A filled out visa application form. Be sure to fill out the section asking where you will be staying. Here is the link to download a Thai visa application.
- 2 passport sized photos, 2 inches x 2 inches.
- For non-US citizens you must provide one copy of U.S. permanent resident alien card or a copy of valid US visa with employment verification. If you have a US student visa you should provide a letter proving full-time student status.
- One copy recent bank statement showing you have adequate funds a minimum of $7000USD. Could be checking account or savings account.
- An employment verification letter.
- One copy each of airplane ticket and hotel reservation.
- $200USD visa fee either cash or US money order. This fee is non-refundable even if your visa application is denied.
In the past few years, Thailand has been tightening up on immigration policy. While in Thailand almost once every month or so I would read about down and out foreigners living on the streets of Bangkok or inside a teepee in some secluded beach. And those are the ones spotted on the news.
As a result changes were made in Thai consulates and embassies around the world to carefully vet potential foreign visitors before they set foot in Thailand.
Inside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thai Consulate visa office full of disgruntled foreign tourists…
I started noticing this a few years ago when I went to the Thai consulate office in Kuala Lumpur for the very first time to apply for a Thai tourist visa.
I could see and hear a lot of pissed off foreign tourists when they were told to supply more documents such as a bank statement copy, hotel reservation or a ticket out of Thailand. I’m guessing a lot of people got caught off guard. But then again the Thai Consulate in Kuala Lumpur has always had a reputation for denying visa applications for insufficient documentation.
But for me all I supplied was my entry/exit airfare ticket out of Thailand. I think every visa officer has different ways of sizing up an applicant. Because they do have the authority to ask for whatever proof reasonable as clearly written inside the consulate office (I wish I took a picture of the sign).
Getting Tourist Visas Today Has Changed Even in NYC Thai Consulate Office
For years I have been getting a double entry tourist visa in NYC. I usually just bring my application, passport photos and my flight itinerary. That was it.
However just recently, while handing in my application for the multiple entry tourist visa I was politely asked to provide a bank statement. It was not a problem at all but at the moment I did not have a copy.
I pretty much opted in for electronic statements on all my financial accounts so my banks don’t have to send paper statements anymore. Just doing my part on saving trees.
The friendly visa officer asked me which bank I use and I told him. He pointed out the nearest branch where I could request a statement print out. So I went and returned with my statement and handed everything back to him again.
He checked my documents again and was satisfied. I paid my $200USD fee and was handed a receipt. It was simple and painless.
Royal Thai Consulate General New York, 351 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10022
I have to admit I was a little caught off guard too. But he only asked for a bank statement just to make sure I met the minimum required cash amount of $7000USD. Which is one of the requirements when applying for METV.
He could’ve asked me for a letter of employment verification too but didn’t. But I guess when he saw that I filled in the application that I was self employed that was sufficient enough. Or maybe he just saw that I was old and concluded I didn’t have to work anymore.
But it’s more likely because they have seen me before and recognize me. The Thai consulate in NYC is a small office and every year I’ve gone back there I have never had to stand in long lines. And I always got my passport with a newly minted visa back the next business day.
From my experience the visa officers inside the NYC Thai consulate are always super nice and friendly. Whatever questions about the METV I had they took their time to answer. I must’ve been inside speaking with the visa officer for 5 minutes without another visa seeking applicant coming in.
But I”ll be prepared for next time and have all my required documents ready when asked from now on.
If you can not apply in person or reside in the following states listed below you can mail your visa application and include the required documents, passport photos and fees. It will take about 10 days to process including shipping time. For more information take a look at NYC Thai Consulate website on how to apply via mail.
The NYC Thai Consulate General Handles Mail-in-Visa Application Processes for:
- New York
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Vermont
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- New Hampshire
My new Thai multiple entry tourist visa (METV)…
How the METV Works
The one major difference between my new Multiple Entry Tourist Visa and old double entry tourist visa is that I can travel in and out of Thailand within a 6 month period as much as I want. Which was never possible with a traditional double entry visa.
Because I live in NYC and know that the NYC Thai Consulate has a fast reliable visa process turn around, I can go in a few days before my scheduled flight to drop off and then pick up my passport the next business day.
“The METV is unique in that it allows visitors to travel in and out of Thailand as much as they wish within the visas maximum 6 months stay.”
It’s important to know that your visa is active the day it was printed and placed on your passport. So if you apply for your METV 2 weeks before your scheduled flight then you’ve just lost 2 weeks in Thailand.
As you can see on my visa the issue date is May 26, 2016. And note that the enter before date is November 25, 2016 which is the expiration date. That’s six months in total.
Every time I exit Thailand and return I will get a stamp on my passport for another 60 days as long as it is before the expiration date, which in my case is November 25, 2016.
This means that I can plan a small trip to Hong Kong on November 20th and return on November 24 before the expiration date then I can get another 60 days with an option to extend another 30 days more at Bangkok immigration office for 1900THB.
Under the METV if You’re in Thailand 90 Days Consecutively…
Keep in mind that every consecutive 90 days stayed in Thailand, METV holders are still required to exit Thailand.Which was the same rule as the now defunct double entry tourist visa.
For example once you’ve stayed in Thailand for 60 days you can go to the nearest immigration office and apply for a 30 day extension. After those 30 days are up this means you’ve been in Thailand for a total of 90 days. Which means you must exit the country to do a visa run.
Upon return to Thailand, as long as it’s before the METV expiration date, you will get a fresh 60 day passport stamp.
Thailand is a wonderful country. I can’t blame anyone for wanting to stay there for as long as possible…
Love it or Hate it the METV is Here to Stay
I’ve been reading around the inter-web about the Thai multiple entry tourist visa. Seems like there are many hates and complaints about the new METV. It could be the stricter documentation requirements.
To me, I don’t really have a problem with it at all. Because Thais have to jump through bigger hurdles and requirements just to get a tourist visa to my home country USA.
Vacationing and living in Thailand is wonderful. It’s a great jump off point for visiting even more countries!
Thailand wants tourists too. It is not in the country’s best interest to discourage foreigners from visiting. Just get the right visa, present the right documents and you’re on your way to an unforgettable time in Thailand.
Apr 7, 2016 |
The Perfect Spot for a Wedding by the Beach. Private, Secluded and Magical…
La A Natu Bed and Bakery is the resort we always visit when when my wife and I need to get out of Bangkok and recharge. This super private resort is located in the middle of nowhere. But in a good way. Because of its secluded environment and privacy, my wife and I even took our wedding photos at La A Natu.
I mean literally it’s hard to find for most. But when you do find it you will be rewarded! La A Natu was definitely one of my favorite quiet beachside resorts to review!
Wouldn’t you like to wake up to sunrise like that every morning!…
La A Natu Bed and Bakery Location
As you can see on the map La A Natu is far from many tourist attractions from Hua Hin. So it’s better to have your own set of wheels to get around.
But realistically if you want a resort to spend your honey moon or just a romantic getaway, La A Natu will most certainly impress your significant other.
La A Natu’s Rooms
There are only 10 rooms divided in 3 categories. Me and my wife we always choose their tropical village style villa. And each villa has a unique name. Matter of fact all of their accommodations have a unique name linked with nature.
The villa we always stay at is called Ta-khrai (Lemon-grass- ตะไคร้). And all three villas are facing the beach where you can lazily sit back and watch the sun rise in the morning.
There are 3 tropical village style villas. Ta-khrai (Lemon-grass- ตะไคร้) is right in the middle…
So far I think we’ve been in that same villa at least 5 times. The villa style is so cool and interesting and when you step inside you’ll feel instantly at home.
I normally pay around $150USD $200USD per night during low season. With that price tag we don’t stay too long. But even it’s a few days we were more than enough happy. And we normally book via Agoda.com as usual for the better rates.
La A Natu Bed and Bakery is not a super luxurious resort. However, it does have a 4 star price so they are not cheap. Though their rooms are certainly worth the money and compared to many other properties with expensive price tags a good choice for those looking for privacy and seclusion, but don’t want to pay through the nose for it.
A Beautiful Little Beach Right Outside
I really enjoyed walking out on the beach every morning. Since we usually stay at La A Natu during the weekdays there are very few guests. So I’m pretty much the only one out in the morning while my wife is still enjoying her peaceful sleep.
I can watch the fishing boats slowly coming back through an inlet bringing in fresh catches of squid and fish. Being in Bangkok most of the time with all the concrete, chaos and noise one can truly appreciate the feel of soft sand and the quiet sounds of ocean waves and nothing else. And the air is so clean.
There are no other hotels on the same strip of beach as La A Natu Bed And Bakery except for a few private houses.
The Breakfast…
What’s a morning without a good breakfast at a resort? And I do love to eat! Because La A Natu is such a small property with not too many guests it is understandable they don’t have a massive buffet spread. But what they do have is certainly sufficient and enough to satisfy hearty appetites.
La A Natu Also Serves Up Tasty Lunches And Dinners
This is one resort where you don’t even have to leave the property to get a good meal. However, I would recommend stopping by at a 7 Eleven or even a supermarket to load up on snacks and beers. Other than that, La A Natu’s prices for lunches and dinners are quite reasonable.
Not a Luxurious Resort but they Deserve 4 stars…
Only guests are allowed to roam around the resort property…
If you plan on staying at La A Natu Bed and Bakery one thing you can expect is privacy. Lots and lots of privacy. They are well known for their bakery and especially their afternoon tea set complete with delicious homemade cakes. So there are public visitors that come to the resorts restaurant just to sample their delights.
However, only guests with rooms at La A Natu are allowed to walk around and explore the rest of the resort grounds.
Thailand is littered with lovely tiny resorts by the beach. Where you can go and unwind to your hearts content with the sun shining down through coconut trees and fresh ocean breeze. La A Natu Bed and Bakery is our special little slice of heaven in Thailand.
Best Way to Get to La A Natu Bed and Bakery
The only way to get to La A Natu is by car. There are no forms of public transportation in the area at all. So you have to drive. Or you can always hire a driver to drop you off and pick you up when you check out.
La A Natu Bed and Bakery is about a 30 minute drive from Hua Hin City center. So if you’re coming in from Bangkok you can easily hire a taxi to take you there.
If you are self driving then getting there is very easy. And I do recommend driving. Because you can check out Sam Roi Yod, an area with many mountains, shrimp farms and beautiful landscapes.
Map from La A Natu Bed and Bakery
And if you drive up an down the coast you’ll be treated to even more private beaches. The roads leading to La A Natu are narrow but there are very little cars on the roads. And when you are nearby you will start seeing small little signs leading to the resort so keep a sharp eye out to avoid getting lost.
Things to Know Before Booking
La A Natu’s High Season and Low Season
- High Season: October and January through May
- Low Season: June through September and November to mid December
- Peak Season: Mid December through early January and mid April
Because the resort has only 10 rooms divided into 3 categories you can bet high season and during long weekends you may have a hard time booking a room there. Prices will be a lot higher too during those times, especially peak season.
My wife and I usually stay during low season on weekdays. Rates are cheaper but still expensive compared to other 4 star hotels in Hua Hin city center.
La A Natu Bed & Bakery
Address: 234 Moo 2, Samroiyod, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand 77120
Click to Book this Hotel and read more guest reviews.
Jul 29, 2015 |
A Nice Budget Pet Friendly Hotel in Hua Hin
I’ve always been a fan of Ibis hotels. But when I found out that the Ibis Hua Hin allows cats and dogs into guest rooms I became an even bigger fan!
Toby our blue tabby cat loves to travel too. That’s cause he’s got the wayfaring travel bug. But there are not a lot of hotels that allow pets in Hua Hin. Last I checked there were about 5 in and around Hua Hin. But some pet friendly hotels in Hua Hin are too expensive. And the cheaper ones had some really bad reviews.
However, the Ibis Hua Hin was just right in every aspect. It’s a clean hotel though the standard guest rooms are only 20 square meters. Though their space saving furniture design doesn’t make you feel claustrophobic. And the bed is pretty comfortable too. It’s a short 5 minute walk to a beautiful stretch of Hua Hin’s beach. The service from hotel staff is friendly and courteous.
Reasonably Priced Hotel in Hua Hin but Skip the Breakfast
And it only cost me 1400THB per night including taxes, that’s about $40USD at current exchange rates. The downside is they charge 200THB for breakfast. Normally, it’s 250THB but if you pre-pay for breakfast at check in the Ibis gives you a 50THB discount. We stayed for 3 nights so breakfast for my wife and I totaled 1200THB. That’s nearly the price for an extra night.
Now, I wouldn’t mind paying for good food. But the breakfast at this particular Ibis was truly unimpressive and certainly not worth 200THB. It’s a mix of Western and Thai dishes with not a whole lot of variety. We stayed there for 3 nights and the food just got boring. There’s no egg station where you can order up a fresh cooked omelet or scrambled eggs. Many hotels these days even in the 2 star range has an egg station.
Still A Good Value Hotel to Stay if You’re Bringing Your Pet
Okay, so I’m not staying there just for the breakfast. Most important factor we made on deciding to choose Ibis was because it’s pet friendly.
No pets over 10Kg are allowed however. While staying there I saw quite a few guests with pets. All of them had dogs and from what I saw we were the only ones with a cat. Some guests even had 2 dogs. And pets are not allowed in the dining area as well as the swimming pool. And you can’t leave them alone in the room.
But there were several times we had to leave Toby in the room during the day. If you’re a cat owner then you know already cats sleep during the day. So taking him out during that time is like carrying a sack of rice around for nothing.
There’s room under the sink for a litter box, that’s where we put it…
We just waited until room cleaning was done before leaving our little guy to rest in the comforts of an air conditioned room. What a lucky guy!
Ibis is a very pet friendly hotel in Hua Hin…
No pets allowed at the pool…
But guests with pets are allowed to eat breakfast in the lobby area. Though pets are not allowed in the swimming pool area.
Good Location, Reasonable Rates, The Ibis is Okay in My Book!
Ibis Hua Hin provides guest free shuttle service to most areas in central Hua Hin along Phetchkasem Road. The furthest I think the shuttle will take guests is to Hua Hin Night Market. But you have to make reservations ahead of time at reception. I forgot to take a picture of the shuttle but it fits about 9 to 12 people.
You can also walk to the popular Cicada Weekend Night Market, it’s south of the hotel about a 10 minute walk. The hotel shuttle service can take you there as well.
I really like this hotel. Even if I wasn’t traveling with Toby I would still stay at the Ibis Hua Hin. And although their breakfast is bad I can easily overlook that. But I think most people will like this hotel because it’s a clean hotel with friendly service and not a far walk to the beach.
Read current guests reviews and find discounts for Ibis Hua Hin.
How To Get There
It’s super easy to find this hotel. Go down Petchtkasaem Road (Highway #4) heading towards Khao Takiab. It’s the first hotel you’ll see at the entrance of Khao Takiab.
