Applying for a Chinese visa in Bangkok could be smooth sailing. Or a total nightmare. That’s depending on where you’re getting your information from. Because I’m heading to Guangzhou (广州市), China to check out the 124th Canton Fair for business and to eat some dim sum.
Which means I’m going to have to get a China visa for my US passport. So like any average Joe looking for information about applying for a visa to visit China. And I was in Thailand at the time so I did a google search on how to get a Chinese visa in Bangkok.
I started reading blog comments and caught a glimpse of what to expect. And the glimpse I caught frankly caught me off guard.
According to this blogger, regular service takes 4 days. Which is normal and if you’ve done proper travel planning shouldn’t be an issue. But I also read it was possible that it could take a month to get back your passport and a tourist visa to China!
Applying for My First China Visa in Bangkok
In the immortal words of Bart Simpson, “Aye Caramba!” we were hoping it won’t take that long. My wife and I were applying for our Chinese travel visas two weeks before our scheduled flight departs for Guangzhou. And we already paid for our hotel in full with no refunds.
Then, I’ve been reading Mark Wien’s experience when he went to apply for his China tourist visa. His experience was more streamlined and uneventful. But it was the comments from his readers that got me nervous.
Bear in mind that his information and experience was posted in 2014. A lot of things could’ve changed in that time span. Which I found out did.
I read someone’s comment that he had to hand in a color copy of their passport. I always thought it was illegal to make photocopies of passports in color.
There’s just so much information out there about getting a China visa in Bangkok and I didn’t know who or what to believe. There were a mix of helpful information about the process. And there were some info out there to make oneself paranoid about the Chinese visa application process.
So like anything else I knew nothing about, I started with baby steps. First, I started off with something easy. Like check what time the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok opens.
The First Big Change
One thing my years of travel experience had taught me is you go to an embassy or consulate of the country you’re planning to visit to apply for a tourist visa.
So it would make sense that I would have to go to the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok, right?
Wrong!
Currently you cannot apply for a China Visa at the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok. You have to go to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Thailand (CVASC) located inside an office building a few miles away from the Chinese Embassy.
Business hours Monday-Friday, Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.
Submission of applications: 9:00 to 15:00.
Payment and collection: 9:00 to 16:00.
Good thing I came across this bit of info. Otherwise I would’ve ended up at the front steps of the Chinese Embassy.
With my visa application in hand only to have guards pointing and laughing at me like the idiot I am.
Be Sure to Check Out CVASC Website
Next thing to do is to download the China visa application. And also find out what supporting documents are required for a US citizen staying in Thailand needs. Which I found on CVASC (website) a list of requirements for your specific visa purpose. For tourist the visa category is L.
Again, because I am going to China for business I needed to apply for the M category.
Even though you’re reading this and applying for a China tourist visa, the documents and procedure required which I listed below is 95.9% the same.
Click on that button to find requirements for all visa category
The CVASC website is cool. There is an online form, not a PDF version like the one that I used from China Embassy website. And, you can make an appointment too. Which had I known, I would’ve used the CVASC website exclusively.
You do not need to make an appointment before showing up.
Click on that button and you’ll see an online China visa. You can even make an appointment too
Getting Ready to go to China Visa Application Service Center
I didn’t use the CVASC online visa application form because I found out too late about it. Instead I used the this four page form I downloaded from Chinese Embassy in Thailand’s website.
Since it’s a PDF electronic form you can input your information directly in. And then print out and sign when completed.
Which is great because I’ve got horrible handwriting. There could be a few questions that could trip you up but I’ll highlight those later on. Make sure you put on the caps lock too while typing.
There are China visa application forms at the CVASC you can fill out with an old fashioned pen. But honestly printing out filled out forms beforehand is the smarter move.
Filling Out China Visa Application Form (V.2013)
Make Sure Your Visa Form is Filled Out Accurately
The visa form is straightforward with 5 sections with sub-sections. Chances are you won’t need to fill out all 5 sections in this China visa application.
There are just a few sections that might make you scratch your head though.
Section 1.5 – This section you put in your current occupation. If you don’t see the listed description for yourself then just mark “other” and then write in specifically what you do. For me, I’m a business person so I checked marked that box. But that’s too vague. So the clerk personnel instructed me to check “Other ☑️” and write in specific occupation.
Section 2.7 – This section is basically asking who’s paying for your trip. I just typed in “SELF FUNDED”.
Section 2.6 – Here you get asked about your itinerary. I was just staying the entire week in Guangzhou. I just wrote on one line. For date “30-10-18 TO 05-11-18” and then for detailed address I just wrote in the address of the hotel I was staying at.
Section 2.10 – This ones just an observation from myself. This section asks what other countries you’ve visited in the past 12 months. So I listed the countries I’ve been within 12 months and one of them was Taiwan. So if you don’t know by now, China and Taiwan are not so friendly towards each other. The clerk personnel who initially checked my visa form just taped over Taiwan with white out. So if you’ve been to Taiwan in the past 12 months, just leave it out.
Don’t forget to sign your China visa application form and date it.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
Okay, so everyone reading this will probably have to bring different documents depending on their traveling situation.
Here’s my situation. I’m married to a Thai with a Non-Immigrant O visa based on Thai family. And my work is based in the USA. I’m heading to China on a business/tourism purpose.
Here’s a list of documents I brought with me for submission:
My Prepared Documents (You only need to hand in one set)
Two recent passport sized photos (size and requirements) Glue one photo on the area indicated on first page of visa application. The other photo will be clipped to your passport.
Photo copy of passport photo page, Thailand entry stamp, Thai visa page
Proof of residence in Thailand (Not necessary if you have a Thai Tourist Visa)
Thai marriage certificate to prove I’m married to a Thai and the reason why I’m in Thailand (Also, don’t need this if you’re just a tourist in Thailand)
Flight itinerary – Into China and out of China
Hotel confirmation
* Invitation letter from Canton Fair
** Letter of intent (What’s all this about? You’ll find out below)
Recent bank statement
In Mark Wien’s blog post he stated Americans needed to hand in two sets of applications. I was only required to hand in one. I made an extra set, just to be safe. Again his blog post was made 4 years ago. In any case, the agency clerk took only one set from me.
There are copy machines and passport photo booths inside. I don’t remember how much they charge but just make your life easy and have all the copies and passport photos ready. Chances are, it’ll be cheaper to get all this done outside of the CVASC office.
* Letter of Intent
For #9 I mentioned letter of intent. This is a short letter you sign declaring what you’ll be doing in China. I didn’t even know I had to write this letter until I read this blogger’s post on getting a China visa in Bangkok.
Here’s what my letter of intent looked like:
To Whom it May Concern
My name is Warren Chan. I am a citizen of the United States with passport number ********. I have a Thai wife and currently staying in Thailand with a type “O” non immigrant visa based on marriage/family.
I would like to travel to Guangzhou China to attend the 124th Canton Fair and tourism with my wife. I have already pre-registered for attendance to Canton Fair and have included my invitation letter with my visa application.
I would like to stay in Guangzhou, China from October 30th, 2018 to November 5th, 2018.
Sincerely,
When you’re writing your own letter of intent just make it simple. My first letter of intent was long and too specific in detail. And I changed it to the one you see above.
** As my letter states I’m planning on attending the Canton Fair which upon registration I could download an invitation letter. Whenever you’re going to China for business if you can get an invitation letter from the company or factory you’re planning to visit make sure you get a letter from them so you can submit along with your China visa application. This is only needed if you’re applying for a China business visa.
If you know a Chinese citizen living in China and you’re planning to visit them, ask them to write a letter of invitation on your behalf. Same goes for education purpose, say for example if you want to study Chinese martial arts at an institution.
Going to Chinese Visa Application Service Center
The Chinese Visa Application Service Center is not an embassy nor a consulate. It’s just an agency operating on behalf of the Chinese government for processing and handling China visas. And they charge a service fee which you can see below on my receipt.
With my stack of documents organized like an anal retentive applicant I felt prepared for the worst.
The easiest way to reach Thanapoom Tower is by using the MRT subway train. The closest station is Petchaburi MRT station. Use Exit #2 and make a left turn when you’re outside. It’s a 700 meter walk, pass Saint Dominic’s School and Thailand Tourism Authority office building.
Remember the China visa application service office is on the 5th floor.
The front of the CVASC office, but the entrance is on the right with a metal detector…
Inside CVASC Office
During my research on submitting China visa applications in Bangkok I read a lot of blog posts and comments where people complained of long lines and long waits. However, there were also lots of comments saying it was a quick, easy and painless process.
I got inside 9:10am and there was a line but wasn’t that bad. There were 3 lines for individual applicants to queue up on. There were about 10 people ahead of us. So things went smoothly. But I can understand why this part of the process could be a slow going.
CVASC office in Bangkok
First of all from my sharp ears I could listen to the staff telling people they were missing documents. Or some parts of their visa forms were filled out incorrectly.
Also, there are a lot of Thai tour agencies handing in piles of China visa applications with Thai passports. Obviously this is for large Thai tour groups. So one messenger would bring in stacks and stacks of applications which would take time for Chinese visa agency staff to sort through.
But the office clerks went through the piles of Thai passports quickly as Thai travel agencies already know the document process and requirements.
Getting the Ticket Number
Okay, so the line my wife and I first queued up on is really where CSAVC clerks check your application to make sure you have all the necessary information filled out properly. And they take a look at your supporting documents.
The staff are all Thai. They can speak English but not fluently. From my short interactions with them they are sincere. They are there to really help out and offer suggestions to make your application as squeaky clean as possible. So your China visa application process goes smooth.
Ahead of us were a couple of young European travelers that were in line ahead of us. I overheard they did not have their paperwork together. From the looks of it they seemed frustrated. On their hands were only two China visa application forms. It didn’t look too good for them as they stepped off line.
Waiting to Be Called
Your number could come up quickly. Which happened in my case. Because I had to change my letter of intent a little under the advice of the CVASC staff who first looked at my papers. Luckily, I brought my laptop and made the corrections right on the spot.
But I needed to print it out. On the second floor there is a small convenience shop with a computer and printer. I emailed the letter to my email account and printed it off from there. It cost 15THB per print out.
Pay attention to these screens…
By the time I got back to the 5th floor my number had passed. No big deal. Just go back to the desk where you got the first ticket and let them know what happened. They’ll print you a new one.
There are television screens at the front with ticket numbers as well indications for which counter to go. There’s no automated voices announcing numbers. Just the sound of a bell whenever a new number is displayed. Which means you have to have your eyes glued to the screens when your number is almost up.
When your number does comes up head to the designated counter. And hand in your paper work to the nice clerks.
Photo copy of my passport photo page, entry stamp, Thai visa page
Proof of residence in Thailand (again, you won’t need this if you’re on a Thai tourist visa)
Thai marriage certificate (no, you do not have to marry a Thai to get a Chinese visa)
Flight itinerary – Into China and out of China
Hotel confirmation
Invitation letter from Canton Fair (to prove I’m going to China for business)
Letter of intent
Recent bank statement
The agency clerk went through our applications and it was pretty straight forward. We had all our papers ready and in order.
Only our hotel confirmation and bank statement copies were not needed and returned to us. I recommend bringing them anyways. Because you just never know.
Then we were given our receipts and because we chose regular service we were told to come back in 4 days. You pay the fee when you pick up your passport.
My China visa fee was 5060THB. If you think about it that’s a pricey visa fee. However USA charges Chinese citizens the same amount in US currency when they apply to visit USA. The CVASC clerk that handled my case recommended I get the 10 year multiple China entry visa.
Which made a lot of sense because it’s the same price as a single entry visa which I had initially marked on my visa form.
Everything was simple and easy for my experience. As long as you have all your papers in order the China visa process in Bangkok should be painless.
I was out of the CVASC office just a little over an hour. So didn’t take much time at all really.
Picking Up My Passport
4 days later I got back to the CVASC office. Passport pick up time is scheduled between 9am to 4pm. I got there about 1pm and the place looked quieter than the first time I went.
Perhaps, it’s best to go hand in visa applications in the afternoon time instead to beat the morning rush?
I went straight to the counter, with no line to wait and showed my receipt and got a ticket number. I plopped my ass down on one of the chairs and a few minutes later my number came up.
Notice the 467.29B service fee?
Went to the counter and handed in my receipt and paid my 5060B fee for my brand new Chinese visa. My wife has a Thai passport her fee is 1500B. I checked my passport with my brand new China visa and saw I had a 10 year expiration date. So that’s cool. Be sure to check that your name is spelled correctly and your passport numbers match before you leave the center.
My wife wasn’t with me this time but as long as I had her receipt I could pick it up for her. I spent no more than 10 minutes this time.
Smooth Sailing
Thankfully, everything went through without a hitch. I learned a few things about getting a Chinese visa in Bangkok to share with everyone here.
Granted I went for the business visa, I don’t think getting a tourist visa to visit China could be any much harder. Not that it was hard to begin with.
It’s not difficult at all as long as you have all your supporting documents with you, before you show up. That’s the main key. Also bring your laptop to make quick changes on your China visa application forms if necessary. There’s no internet access inside, but you can use your mobile phone to act as an internet hotspot.
With all the proper documents in hand you shouldn’t have any problems also while applying for a China visa in Bangkok whether you’re going as a tourist or for business.
Need help with finding the best Hua Hin beach hotels in Thailand? I have just the right hotels by the beach you’re looking for. Including my personal reviews and cost.
Hua Hin may not be as developed as Bangkok but it does afford many tourists comforts such as good quality hotels by the beach with reasonable rates. It’s a city well known for a much more laid back atmosphere. A clean beach and most of all delicious and affordable seafood.
But if you don’t mind walking just a short distance to Hua Hin beach you can certainly locate cheaper accommodations. However if you’re coming from afar, why not pick a hotel in Hua Hin that is close to the beach.
You’d be surprised how affordable beachside hotels in Hua Hin are.
I’ll even reveal my “Top 5 Hua Hin Hotels by the Beach” so you can make a better decision on where you want to stay.
But before I get into that, here are the best reasons why I think you should stay at a hotel right on Hua Hin’s pristine beach.
5 Reasons Why You Should Stay at a Hotel Near Hua Hin Beach
Hua Hin’s beach lines the central section of the city. By choosing a hotel by the beach area you can easily visit nearby attractions in Hua Hin such as their famous night bazaar.
For a small city, Hua Hin has a pretty big traffic problem. With very few pedestrian crosswalks in between. By staying at a hotel right on Hua Hin beach you don’t need to worry about crossing and waiting for long traffic lights.
Lots of hotels on Hua Hin Beach provide free shuttle service for guests to travel to nearby attractions such as the Cicada Market, Bluport Mall,and other points of interest near the hotels. So no need to rely on your own transportation or pay for tuk-tuks that charge 150THB one way.
Even though there are many international 5-star hotels located right on Hua Hin beach you don’t need to spend big money. There are many very affordable hotels right next to the mega hotels that share the same beach. If you can afford the big-name hotels then go for it. You won’t regret it.
Hua Hin beach is on the eastern seaboard so you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful sunrise in the morning. Which is the best reason of all in my book to stay right on the beach!
I Highly Recommend Staying at a Hotel on Hua Hin Beach Between Hua Hin Night Market and Cicada Market
Hua Hin has a long stretch of sandy beach with many hotels right on the beachfront, from 5 stars to cozy boutique hotels.
The best area of the beach with hotels is between Hua Hin Night Market down to Khao Takiab (เขาตะเกียบ) translated as Chopstick Hill. Though Monkey Hill would be a more proper name as the area is full of cheeky monkeys that will rummage through your bags if given the chance.
But a few of the hotels on my top 5 Hua Hin beach hotels are just slightly outside of that particular area. Not by much though.
Matter of fact, one of my favorite hotels in Hua Hin by the beach and very close to Khao Takiab is number one on my list. It’s one of the best hotels in Hua Hin and is recommended for your first visit.
I’ve always been a fan of Amari-branded hotels and never had any problems at any of their properties. So when I found out there’s an Amari hotel property in Hua Hin by the beach I was excited to stay there. Granted it’s a bit of a walk to the beach. But they have a free shuttle car to take hotel guests there and back.
The Amari Hua Hin Hotel on Khao Takiab Beach
Technically the Amari Hua Hin is on Khao Takiab which is the southern end of Hua Hin Beach. They even have an awesome clubhouse by the beach where you can order drinks, and food and just chill out by the swimming pool overlooking the ocean.
When I stay at the Amari Hua Hin I usually book their Deluxe Pool View King room. It’s spacious and clean. I particularly like the view of the awesome massive swimming pool in the center of the hotel property. You can get a deluxe room with a view of the pool for around 3000THB per night with taxes.
Address: 25/2 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin City Center, Hua Hin / Cha-am, Thailand
Affordable large rooms with a great ambiance. I did a review of Escape Hotel Hua Hin a few years back. I’ve been back there a few times ever since, especially when they have price drops on their hotel rooms during low seasons which is a great bargain.
The Escape is still one of the nicest hotels with a short walking distance to the beach and highly recommended. When I’m there I usually book the double rooms on the second floor for 3000THB per night. It’s a great bargain.
There’s even a free shuttle to take you down to Hua Hin’s night market. And they’ll even pick you up for a free return trip at a designated time. The Escape is one of the best affordable beach hotels in Hua Hin I highly recommend it.
Address: 25/2 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin City Center, Hua Hin / Cha-am, Thailand
If you like pets or you’re traveling with your furry friends, the Ibis Hotel Hua Hin is the best pet-friendly hotel by the beach. Whenever my wife and I travel to Hua Hin with one of our cats we always prefer staying at the Ibis Hua Hin.
There are not many hotels on the beach in Hua Hin that allow pets. Thankfully Ibis is one hotel that does.
Granted their rooms are the smallest out of the five hotels reviewed here. But it’s very clean and the property throughout is well maintained.
However I want to add if you’re given the option to purchase breakfast I recommend passing it. I don’t think it’s an added value. There are many places to eat near the hotel within a short walk.
Address: 33 Naresdamri Road, Hua Hin Beachfront, Hua Hin / Cha-am, Thailand
With the Hilton brand name, you’ll know this will be one of the best beach hotels in Hua Hin. This 5-star resort is practically right on the beach. The beach is 90 meters from the hotel but with their amazing swimming pool, it’ll be hard to decide if you’ll want to stay by the pool or swim in the ocean.
The Hilton Hua Hin is not cheap. But not expensive either by international standards. Their King Classic Ocean view rooms are only 4000THB per night with taxes. That’s a real bargain for a 5-star hotel in the center of Hua Hin’s beach.
5. Avani Hua Hin Resort and Village – 4 Star Hotel
Address: 1499 Petchkasem Rd. Cha-am, Hua Hin Beachfront, Hua Hin / Cha-am, Thailand
The Avani Hua Hin is another awesome hotel by the beach in Hua Hin. Again, the swimming pool at this resort’s main attraction. I’ve spent many days just soaking in the pool. Some really fun memories.
Yet this is another hotel by the beach only 90 meters from the hotel and affordable too. For 3000THB per night with taxes I’ve stayed in the Avani Deluxe Room.
The Avani Hua Hin is practically one of the newest hotels in central Hua Hin, built-in 2016. I especially recommend this hotel if you’re traveling with children. Your kids will love the swimming pool and the fun kid’s club on premises.
These are the best beach hotels to stay in Hua Hin for the very first time. And if you consider the prices are quite affordable too, especially 5-star hotels like the Hilton Hua Hin. And if you’re on a budget you should consider staying at the Escape Hotel Hua Hin.
But whichever hotel you choose on this list I’m sure you’re going to enjoy your holiday in Hua Hin for your very first special visit.
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A Little Side Trip From Taipei With Kitty Cats – And a Mystery Shrouding the Village’s History
Recently on my latest Taiwan trip, I came across Houtong Cat Village 侯硐貓村 in Ruifang District, just northeast of Taipei about 35 kilometers and just 1 hour away from Taipei Main Station by train.
After a few days spent sightseeing in Taipei, I decided it was time for a leisure side trip. I wasn’t looking for a full-day trip away from Taipei. Because I also wanted to drop by various locations to explore along the way.
So I googled for some must-see places to visit in Taiwan that were at least an hour away from Taipei and found Houtong Cat Village. A village with lots of cats. Say no more. I’m there.
Anyone who knows me knows I love cats. I adore them to death and have three cuddly fur balls back home in Thailand. I even created an Instagram account for my feline rascals named Cats of Sai Mai (<– Note: shameless plug to get more followers on my cats’ Instagram account) so I couldn’t pass on the chance of being in the pleasant company of cats again.
Houtong Cat Village with the Keelung River cutting through it…
Houtong Cat Village – Or is It Monkey Station?
I can’t read Chinese so while I was doing research for this blog post I wanted to add the Chinese translation of Houtong Cat Village which is this “侯硐貓村” (as listed on google maps) to my blog. You know me, I like to be thorough with my travel blog posts like a good blogger should be.
But the thing is the actual railway station name for the village has this name “猴硐車站” which translates to Monkey Station. Hmm, monkeys and cats, this could get interesting.
But alas, there’s not a single monkey in this village. At least not anymore. When Japan took control of Taiwan in the late 1890s a coal mining industry was started in this village after it was discovered to be rich in coal deposits. There’s even a retired coal mining cave named after monkeys that is a converted tourist attraction today.
It doesn’t matter which name you prefer to call it, Houtong Cat Village or Monkey Station either one will get you here as this is the only village in Taiwan famous for a sizable cat population outnumbering village residents.
The Best Map of Houtong Cat Village (in English)
Most of the maps were in Chinese but I found the only map of the village in English. I wish I had found it earlier during my visit. Because there were a few points of interest I missed out on.
However, one thing I want to point out is that there are slight inconsistencies like the Ruey San Coal Dressing Plant. It doesn’t look like the illustration at all.
Here’s what the Ruey San Coal Dressing Plant looks like…Credit: http://librarywork.taiwanschoolnet.org/gsh2012/gsh7217/houtong_map.html
Granted the entire cat village is not a huge place as you can see on the map. You can find billboard maps at certain points inside the railway station and Houtong Square. But those maps are only in Chinese.
I missed out on the visitor center as I didn’t even know it was there. I found the tourist information center and thought it was the same. Just my opinion but I think they should move the visitor center next to the tourist information center so everyone can find it easily.
猴硐車站 Huotong Station Entrance
So What Happened to the Monkeys?
My theory is since humans have such a propensity to be enormous a-holes the monkeys were forcefully displaced or hunted due to the prospering coal industry. I can imagine that the monkeys were looked upon as a nuisance and were getting in the way of day-to-day mining operations.
I mean, if monkeys lived inside the cave I wouldn’t be surprised at all if a couple of wrenches, hard hats and perhaps coal miners’ lunches went missing oftentimes.
Or maybe the monkeys got scared and fled deep into the mountains after watching 6000 humans move into their neighborhood to work the mines and support the industry.
But Ruifang District’s coal mining stopped operating in the early 1990s and with the downfall of the coal industry, the town population dwindled to less than 100 people as unemployed residents left in search of jobs elsewhere. Yet still no monkeys in sight.
But this isn’t the mystery I’m looking to solve…
But First, Here’s a Look at Houtong Cat Village
Houtong Cat Village opens at 8:00 am and the shops close around 6:00 pm. I arrived at the village in the afternoon and since it was early April the weather was cool and at times windy. It was cloudy which added an extra chill in the air. You can hear the wind blowing on my video’s audio.
There are not a lot of cats on this side of the town which is west of the Keelung River while I was there. At the end of the video, you’ll see the entrance of Monkey Cave. You can only get inside with a guided tour. More details about Monkey Cave are below.
During my visit, most of the cats were found on the residential side of the village…
To find more cats you have to cross the futuristic-looking cat bridge opposite Monkey Cave. This area is where what’s left of the local population lives. And the locals are active in caring for the cats.
I wish I made a video of this part of town but I was too busy playing with the cats. One of the moments as a blogger I wish I had three arms. Oh well, this just means I have to add this to my list the next time I’m back in Taiwan.
How Many Cats Are in Houtong Cat Village?
Hard for me to say since I was only there for about 3 hours. Cats sleep most of the afternoon time and have nocturnal traits. But they are active during mornings and evenings which is the conventional wisdom offered by cat behaviorists.
But I can tell you it’s best to keep your expectations down. I honestly thought I’d find a boatload of cats all lined up in a row everywhere waiting to greet me with purrs while curling under my feet.
Inside Houtong Station you’ll find this photo board near the ticket booth. There are only about 80 cats…
If you ask me about cat behaviors I can tell you this, cats are awake and sleep whatever time they damn please on their own accord. If I recall correctly I came across 15 different cats. And I am sure there are more around somewhere. It’s a big village with plenty of hiding spaces for kitty.
It’s just that it was chilly in the morning and even though the afternoon warmed up a little when the clouds cleared the cats were still snoozing in or keeping warm somewhere.
All the cats I saw that day were adults. Was hoping to see some kittens…
While searching online for Houtong’s cat population number I came across this article stating 200 cats. Another article stated that 80% to 90% of the cat population was neutered and spayed.
At Houtong Station there’s this poster board lined up with cat photos. But I only counted 80 cats and none of them were kittens.
Which leads me to think will there be another generation of cats to bolster the current cat population?
So the next time I go back to Houtong Village I’d like to find out what the official number is closer to.
But first, there’s a mystery to solve and it starts with finding out who Peggy Chien, the woman who single-handedly revitalized the village of Houtong is…
The first time I’ve ever seen a litter box in a train station filled with kitty nuggets…
Houtong Cat Village – How They Get Famous So Fast?
As curious as a cat (pun intended) I was trying to find out how Houtong became a village famous for its cats in a decade.
Online research pointed me to a Taiwanese photographer named Peggy Chien (a.k.a. Chien Pei-ling) who started it all with her Flickr account.
Long story short Peggy’s numerous cat photos in Houtong Village piqued the curiosity of cat-loving Taiwanese people. Eventually, the world matter of fact as her series of cat photos was reportedly seen on Flickr with 800 million views.
That’s an insane number of views. Even for cats if you think about it.
There’s not even a mention in National Geographic’s article about Taiwan’s famous cat village Peggy Chien.
This is the best information I could find about Peggy here. And many other news sources scraped the same article about her to the point I don’t even know where the article originated.
And those articles are the only sources I could base my research on for this blog post.
Maybe this little kitty knows who Peggy Chien is…
Coincidentally Peggy’s husband is a veterinarian and along with a group of volunteers in 2007 they all traveled to Huotong and systematically neutered, spayed, and vaccinated most of the feline population.
With plenty of healthy cats roaming around and thousands of eager visitors waiting to play with kitties, Houtong grew into a village that hosted cat lovers worldwide with cat cafés and shops crammed with cat-themed souvenirs.
Just like that a new tourist industry and the attraction were born. That’s the short history version of course but that’s how this village of kitties in Taiwan came to be such a popular day trip from Taipei.
The Real Mystery of Houtong Cat Village
I wanted to add a photo of Peggy to my blog and as adept as I am with this internet thingie I can’t locate one photo of her. There’s no luck finding the actual Peggy Chien (also her alias) of Houtong Village’s claim to fame on Facebook and Instagram.
We all know how easy it is to find people these days on both social media platforms especially if there’s notoriety attached to a name. And reportedly she published several books featuring the cats of Houtong Village too.
Granted maybe she doesn’t have a Facebook account. But she’s reportedly a photographer by trade. If so the least she would have is an Instagram account, right?
I mean look, even my cats have their own Facebook page here. (<– Note: look, another shameless attempt to get more likes! Might as well click the link and follow my cat’s FB page and be done with it)
Souvenir store on the residential side of the village. Regardless of where Peggy Chien is it’s undeniable that cats have revived this village…
Also, I couldn’t even find one book title she published. Or her Flickr account with the 800 million views that started it all. Not even a photo of herself in Houtong Village doing what she does best. Mysterious indeed don’t you think? (cue X-Files theme song)…
Back to the Cat Village
But I digress. I suppose it doesn’t matter. What matters is that a wonderful little village has been given a second life with thousands of visitors coming in on weekends to have a chance to enjoy the company of cats and breathe the fresh mountain air.
The denizens of Houtong averted the possibility of their village becoming a ghost town. There’s a good uplifting story in there no matter how you look at it.
Maybe even a Hollywood movie will be made one day where they’ll cast Scarlett Johansson to play Peggy Chien. Have you seen Ghost in the Shell?
Peggy if you’re out there they should make you the Mayor of Houtong Cat Village.
This is the first souvenir shop right downstairs from Houtong station…The village square has a handful of restaurants and souvenir shops…This souvenir shop sells Taiwan’s famous pineapple cakes in the shape of cats…
Chances are if you’re in Houtong Cat Village you’re also going to want to check out Monkey Cave. It’s connected to the Ruey San Coal Transportation Bridge over the Keelung River.
Assuming you’ve successfully maneuvered past all the folks taking selfies. This bridge is a great spot to get a magnificent 360 view of the mountains surrounding the village.
I haven’t been all over Taiwan yet but after spending a little bit of time on this bridge overlooking the Keelung River and viewing the mountains with thick lush green trees and plants one can’t help but think “Wow Taiwan is really beautiful”.
Ruey San Coal Transportation Bridge connects Monkey Cave and Houtong Village Square…
Monkey Cave
This is the only attraction in Huatong Village with an entrance fee. An adult ticket cost NT$150 and if I recall correctly NT$100 for children. I think it’s worth it and the money funnels back into the village so why not?
Sitting on a toy train and getting ready to get into Monkey Cave…
You and a group of tourists ride a toy train through a short section of tunnels. Eventually, there will be an open area where everyone gets off. The tour guide/toy train operator only spoke Chinese.
He explained the history of Monkey Cave the daily lives of coal miners that lived in the village and how they worked. I can’t understand Mandarin Chinese but I’m pretty sure that’s everything he said.
Maybe if I could understand Mandarin Chinese I would’ve learned what happened to the monkeys.
This little toy train with enough space for approximately 20 people…Tour guide and toy train operator. He only speaks Mandarin Chinese…The next time you complain about your job just remember this photo…
After the explanation, visitors stay in the area for about 15 to 20 minutes where they can put on hard hats and handle pneumatic drills and push around wheel barrels. The perfect time for obligatory snapshots and selfies.
It’s the one time in your life you get to play pretend you’re a coal miner. If you’re traveling with kids I think they will enjoy this part of the tour.
There are fewer cats to see around Monkey Cave…
After visiting this side of the Keelung River it was time for me to head to the other side of the village where it is said you can find even more cats.
Remember, the Keelung River splits the village in two so all I had to do was make my wake back across the bridge through the railway station and walk across the cat bridge.
If you do not want to take a tour of Monkey Cave you can certainly learn a lot about the village’s past coal mining operation at the visitor center near Huatong Railway Station. There are public bathrooms inside the visitor center…
From the Monkey Cave entrance to the cat bridge is a short 15-minute walk. This village isn’t all that big. Which is why you probably won’t need to stay here the entire day.
I remember as I was making my way across the village the sun started to peak out and the wind died down. With luck, more cats will come out to warm themselves and soak up the sun.
Off to the Other Side of the Village, I Go
Cat Bridge -Kind of resembles a cat but could be I took this pic at the wrong angle…
On this side of Houtong, you’ll see it’s the main residential section of the village. Some of the residents have converted their dwellings into cafés and some sell souvenirs and food outside of their homes.
But you’ll also see evidence of collapsed homes and some that fell into disrepair. I was quickly reminded that Houtong Village once had a population of around 6000 people when the coal mining industry was booming.
A row of cat café in Huatong Village…
I could see there were more cats in this section of the village. This makes sense because there are locals in this part of town with a ready supply of kitty kibble to feed hungry feline residents. Most of them looked feral however and don’t let humans too near them.
And because the clouds cleared you can see a handful of cats sunning themselves after a chilly start in the morning. Cats wearing collars were more friendly and playful most likely because they’re used to being around people.
Awwww…Don’t you just admire a cat’s grooming ability?…
The Rules of Huatong Village Cat Club
You can tell the residents of the village value the feline population that shares space with them. All the cats I’ve seen look well-fed and cared for.
Some I saw lived indoors with residents but every single cat was coming and going minding their businesses. But almost everywhere I saw have cat shelters placed all over. It’ll be difficult to find a homeless cat in Houtong that’s for sure.
There are even rules posted throughout the area such as:
Do not scare the cats or chase them
Do not feed the cats inferior food
Do not use flash photography on the kitty
And there are rules to protect the village property and personal health like:
Do not leave leftover food
Wash hands after playing with cats
Pick up garbage and keep all areas clean
Feeding Time – A resident prepares a mix of wet and dry cat food for feeding time…The entrepreneurial spirit is not dead in Huatong Cat Village…Many cats are looked after by local business owners like this kitty inside this cat café…
How to Get to Houtong Cat Village from Taipei
What I did was take a northbound train to Ruifang. Train fare cost NT$56 one way at Taipei Main Station. You can purchase tickets from automated vending machines but there are no English instructions.
However, station workers are wearing a yellow vest that can speak English and they can assist you with purchasing the right ticket and direct you to the correct platform.
Make sure you don’t lose your ticket because there will be a station attendant waiting to collect your ticket near the station exit. If you lose your ticket they will make you clean every single litter box in the station.
Houtong Railway Station
Spending two to three hours in Houtong Cat Village is sufficient enough. Additionally, you can also visit nearby Shifen Old Street 十分老街 with its scenic waterfall.
Plus the old gold mining town of Jiufen 九份 also another historic district in Taiwan (I’ll have blog posts about both areas soon) to make a complete day trip from Taipei.
The next time I return to Houtong Cat Village I’m going to make sure I don’t go there on weekends. Because the Riufang train route is very popular with visiting tourists and locals making stops at Huatong, Shifen, and Jiufen. It’s better off visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
The Takeaway
If you’re looking for a nice little side trip from Taipei and have a soft spot for cats you should come visit Houtong Cat Village. The landscape surrounding the village is breathtaking and if you visit there during the summer the view is even better.
But I certainly enjoyed my time there even though the temperature started chilly.
I recommend visiting Houtong Cat Village with your kids…
If you’re traveling with children this will be a fun outing for them. All the kids I saw looked like they were having a good time.
Whether by chance or design, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. And this is a place that I would certainly visit again when I’m back in Taiwan.
If you need some information about visiting Houtong Cat Village or if you know anything about Peggy Chien so that I may update this blog post, please drop a comment below.
Guide on Things to Do Around Chatuchak Weekend Market You Might’ve Never Known About
If you’ve visited Chatuchak Weekend Market (a.k.a Jatujak also JJ Market จตุจักร) more than a few times you’ve probably become too familiar with one of Bangkok’s most famous shopping attraction. And by now, maybe it’s boring.
That’s why I listed 5 points of interest that are near and around Chatuchak Weekend Market you might find new and interesting.
A lot of my friends that frequently visit Chatuchak all think that the market is only good for buying cheap clothes and tchotchke souvenirs. There are over 15,000 stalls opened on weekends so it’s kind of hard to leave Bangkok’s largest flea market with your hands void of plastic bags stuffed with Thai souvenirs.
But there’s a whole lot more than t-shirts and throw away hats and sunglasses at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Or this little hip and chic spot right inside JJ Market I wrote about here.
Did you know Chatuchak has the largest aquarium fish market open 7 days a week?
Admit it, even if you’re not an aquarium hobbyist you did learn something new today. Just a short distance from Chatuchak Weekend Market there’s also an area where you can find Thai hand made items to decorate your home.
And skip the food sold inside Chatuchak Weekend Market and head to Aor Tor Gor Market, where you can buy the best durian in Bangkok just a short distance away.
JJ Green Night Market -One of the easiest night markets to travel to Bangkok…
Even though I’m very familiar with Chatuchak Weekend Market due to the fact that I’m always playing tour guide for my visiting friends and family. I always try to find alternative areas around Chatuchak to show my friends.
And I’m more than happy to share it here! First off is a place I highly recommend and it’s my go-to place for good authentic Thai food and the freshest fruit this side of Bangkok at Aor Tor Gor Market.
1. Aor Tor Gor Market (ตลาด อ.ต.ก.)
Through the years Aor Tor Gor Market which is super close to Chatuchak Weekend Market, by the way, is making a name for itself today. This is the market Thai locals go for good eats and the freshest but pricey fruit year round.
The real reason why you would want to come to Aor Tor Gor Market is for the food. The second reason why you would want to come to Aor Tor Gor Market is for the variety of fruit.
There’s a food court section with tables to enjoy our lunch but afternoon times when the lunch crowd hits it’ll be hard to find empty chairs and tables.
After scarfing down some delicious Thai food you’re going to want to walk off those calories. How about some furniture shopping? Anyone up for some antiquing?
Opening Hours: 6:00am – 8:00pm (every day) Location: Kamphaengphet Road, opposite Chatuchak Weekend Market. Best Way to Get There: Take the MRT subway to Kamphaeng Phet station. Exit #3 is the nearest to Aor Tor Gor.
2. Furniture and Home Decoration
One would easily think Chatuchak Weekend Market was created specifically for foreign visitors. But no, this popular market has local roots and a place for local Thais to hang out, shop and eat. Which is why you’ll find lots of furniture shops from modern to vintage.
Many expats including myself and local Thais can find stylish furniture and home decor near the surroundings of Chatuchak Weekend Market. Personally, I’m not into antiquing but if buying old things floats your boat you’ll want to wander around this area for some items to stick in your abode.
Whatever you can’t carry with you on the plane there are many shipping companies located in the area ready to help you arrange shipping from boxing to packing and delivery.
Now that you know where to find furniture and home decorations, how about having a pet fish with an aquarium to go along with your brand new home decor?
Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (every day though most shops open Friday to Sunday) Location: Kamphaengphet Road, between Chatuchak Weekend Market and JJ Mall Best Way to Get There: Kamphaeng Phet – Take the MRT subway to Kamphaeng Phet station. Head out from Exit #2 walk straight up Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road and head 300 meters before JJ Mall.
3. Browsing the Largest Aquarium Fish Market in Bangkok
For the hobby aquarist at heart, you’ll find one of the largest aquarium supply centers in Bangkok right by Chatuchak Weekend Market. Thailand is one of the biggest exporters of tropical fish in the world.
From freshwater and saltwater fish to aquatic plants. You’ll even find supplies to set up your home aquarium at reasonable prices. Even if you’re not ready to buy and take home it’s quite nice to just take a walk through and enjoy the beautiful aquarium designs.
Lots of aquatic hobby products are produced in Thailand. Which means the cost is lower. Most countries even allow transporting live fish as carry on. As long as it doesn’t exceed the liquid allowance on certain flights to certain countries.
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm (everyday) Best Way to Get There: Best to take a taxi to Kamphaengphet 4 Road, opposite Chatuchak Weekend Market
4. Get a Manicure and Pedicure with Nail Art
Glam up your nails before heading back home or the night out in Bangkok…
There’s a very popular and affordable little nail salon near Chatuchak Weekend Market called Glamour Girls Nail Salon. I wrote a review post about them here.
After a long day of checking out those areas why not drop by for a bit of nail therapy. They also provide spa manicures and spa pedicures services. But Glamour Girls Nail Salon are best known for acrylic extensions and nail art service in Bangkok near JJ Weekend Market.
After getting your nails glammed up at Glamour Girls, why not head over to one of Bangkok’s popular night markets that is easy to get to, which is JJ Green Night Market.
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 9:00pm (every day) Location: The One Park Mall Bangkok opposite from Union Mall. Best Way to Get There: Take the MRT train to Phahon Yothin Station and head out from Exit#3 Website: http://www.glamourgirlsnailsalon.com/
5. JJ Green Night Market **(Closed Indefinitely)**
One of the easiest night markets to visit right within Bangkok near Chatuchak Weekend Market…
(Update February 2020 – I know that this night market is super popular. Currently it has moved to a different location in Bangkok’s Laksi district and renamed as JJ Green 2 Night Market)
Open Thursday to Sundays, JJ Green Night Market is at its peak busiest on weekends from 6 pm to midnight. Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest though, especially during long holiday weekends.
Located a short distance from Chatuchak Weekend Market it’s a smaller market but has an enjoyable ambiance at night. There are bars and pubs also which sometimes open past midnight.
Also, a good place to buy local Thai made products like clothes designed by Thais. It’s also a popular area to scope out second-hand items at reasonable prices. And of course, you’ll find cheap sunglasses and hats.
Lots of snacks can be found at JJ Green Market too but if you love seafood I recommend going to Koongtung (กุ้งถัง ). It’s seafood boil style with fresh shrimps, clams and crabs. If you can’t handle spicy they have different levels you can order.
Opening Hours: Thursday – Sunday 5:00 pm – 2:00 am Address:เลขที่ 1 ถนนกำแพงเพชร 3, แขวงจตุจักร, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 Best Way to Get There: Even though there is an MRT (Chatuchak) and BTS (Mo Chit) stations nearby, JJ Green Night Market is a little bit deep inside Chatuchak Park. So best to take a taxi.
The Takeaway
Chatuchak Weekend Market is like an institution in Bangkok. The area surrounding Chatuchak is growing with more businesses especially with the new BTS train lines being constructed around the area. Which means more people will be able to travel to Chatuchak easily.
With all the progress and more visitors means more shops and businesses opening up in the neighborhood. And I wouldn’t be surprised if one day you took a walk around Chatuchak Weekend Market and discovered something new for yourself.
Guide on Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur for First-Time Visitors
If you’re searching for the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur, then I’ve got you covered. Kuala Lumpur is one of the most exciting cities I’ve had the pleasure to travel frequently in Southeast Asia through the years.
And I can confidently say these are the 5 Best Areas to Stay in Kuala Lumpur!
So I know which areas tourists should book a hotel for their first trip to Kuala Lumpur based on my experiences. Here in this post, I’ll point out the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur that are safe and perfect for sightseeing.
I’m going to make personal recommendations on the best hotels near KL’s nightlife, shopping, and of course most importantly for finding excellent Malay food. I’ll point out where to stay in Kuala Lumpur on a budget or to live it up in 5 star hotels. In essence, you’re going to learn where the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur are right here so you can pick that perfect hotel.
And as you can see from this post, I really do enjoy eating in Kuala Lumpur and that’s just one of the many reasons why I am so passionate about coming to KL.
3 Quick Tips on Your Kuala Lumpur Hotel Search for Your First Trip in Malaysia
Book your KL hotels near a train line. It’s one of the best ways to get around and explore the city. I recommend staying at a hotel near any of the hotels along the KL Monorail Line, specifically Imbi Station and Bukit Bintang Station.
If you can’t stand the smell of cigarettes, then be sure to specify you want a nonsmoking floor. Trust me on this, you’ll thank me later.
Don’t be turned off if you see a room rate that is too cheap. Many $20USD per night hotel rooms in Kuala Lumpur are decent and clean, but on the small side. And there may not be a window.
Kuala Lumpur is rapidly expanding its subway train lines…
The 5 Best Areas to Stay in Kuala Lumpur for First-Time Visitors
Bukit Bintang– Kuala Lumpur’s primary shopping center, with many hotels from guest houses to the city’s top 5-star hotels. From here you’re in easy walking distance to explore popular parts of the city. My recommendation and one of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur.
Changkat– If you like your hotels near bars for booz,e then Changkat is where you want to be. From dive pubs to wine bars, if you pick a hotel near Changkat you’ll be right at home.
KL Sentral– Trains and buses plus a shopping center all rolled into one at KL Sentral. KL Sentral is the city’s main transportation hub, so book a hotel here if you’re planning on taking day trips out from KL.
Chinatown – Sort of the city’s historic district with old-fashioned shophouses, restaurants, and counterfeit luxury goods markets.
Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC)– Here’s where you’ll find lots of 5-star hotels in KL’s business district. Hotels in this area are close to KL’s most famous building and landmark, the Petronas Towers. LRT Ampang Line has a few stations around KLCC.
Below I have a selection of four hotels in five different areas of KL that I think you will enjoy staying in.
All the locations I recommend are right in central Kuala Lumpur, perfect for any first-time visitors for sightseeing purposes. Keep reading and you’ll know why they are the 5 best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur for first-time visitors!
But first, check out my video and get a quick look at traveling to Kuala Lumpur from Bangkok. There’s also a review of Chaos Hotel in Bukit Bintang!
Update – Malaysia’s Hotel Tax
As of September 1st 2017 a 10RM per room per night hotel tax has gone into effect.
Malaysia’s 10MYR per room hotel tax is to be paid upon check in…
The first area I highly recommend staying in is called Bukit Bintang. It’s my favorite area in Kuala Lumpur!
1. Bukit Bintang
Hotel Price Range: $25USD to $250USD Subway Line: KL Monorail Bukit Bintang station and LRT Bukit Bintang station Why Stay in Bukit Bintang: Everything’s here, food, shopping, and train stations. One of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur, even for backpackers on a budget.
Big expensive chain hotels in KL are surrounded by smaller locally run budget hotels all over Bukit Bintang…
Speaking from personal travel experiences in KL, I do believe that Bukit Bintang is one of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur ever.
Bukit Bintang is like the Times Square of New York City. It has flashy billboard lights, and shopping centers, full of activity and people. I highly recommend booking a hotel in the Bukit Bintang area of Kuala Lumpur for your very first visit.
Yes, sure it’s where all the tourists go to stay. And that’s for a good reason. Everything you could want and possibly need for a fun experience in KL can be found in Bukit Bintang.
Even though Bukit Bintang is such a busy neighborhood, prices for hotels are not so expensive. Even though all the top hotel chains like Marriott and Millennium Grand are there, believe it or not, you can find economy hotels with single rooms as cheap as $25USD.
That’s not bad at all considering you can easily walk to the posh shopping centers of Bukit Bintang and walk to Jalan Alor, KL’s famous street food haven.
For traveling families, Bukit Bintang will be the perfect location for kids and most certainly for adults.
I highly recommend staying at a hotel in Bukit Bintang, especially when it’s your first visit to Kuala Lumpur. It’s easy to travel to and get to where you need to go because of the train stations. There are so many varieties of restaurants all around, plus the shopping malls to check out.
Trust me, after staying in Bukit Bintang for yourself, you will know for sure why it’s one of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur.
But for the more adult crowd, it’s not a bad idea to look into Kuala Lumpur’s Changkat area, which is not far from Bukit Bintang.
2. Changkat
Hotel Price Range: $15USD to $250USD Subway Line: KL Monorail Bukit Bintang station and LRT Bukit Bintang station Why Stay in Changkat: The mecca of international bars and pubs in KL. Easy walking distance to Bukit Bintang and KLCC. Changkat is easily one of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur for nightlife.
Changkat’s restaurants, bars, and pubs add an international flair to KL’s nightlife…
Changkat borders Bukit Bintang so it’s still an advantageous location for your first visit to Kuala Lumpur. The only difference is you have to walk just a little further to Bukit Bintang Monorail station and LRT Bukit Bintang station. But if you put yourself up at a hotel near Changkat you’ll be near KL’s popular mini pub crawl street that is closed off at night to vehicles.
Changkat is also near Jalan Alor, KL’s famous tourist food spot popular for hawker stands and foods found throughout Southeast Asia. Jalan Alor is where you should go to find famous Malay food and other Southeast Asian favorites.
Also, a strip of affordable massage parlors can be found along the streets leading to Changkat. A great little location in KL for adult travelers. So I recommend staying at Changkat for KL’s nightlife. Because the location is also not far from Bukit Bintang. The only difference is that Changkat is a more adult-oriented neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur.
Out of the four hotels on this Changkat hotel list, I recommend Izumi Hotel Bukit Bintang and you can take a look at my post review here.
Stay in Changkat and you’ll know why it’s one of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur for partying.
Changkat is a decent area to pick and choose hotels as there are also many hotels in low price ranges to slightly upscale hotel properties to book.
It is a more adult-oriented location in Kuala Lumpur, so you may come across touts looking to persuade men to partake in “special” massages. But even so, Changkat is a pretty good area to stay and explore Kuala Lumpur during your first-ever visit to the city.
3. KL Sentral
Hotel Price Range: $30USD to $250USD Subway Line: All train lines and certain bus lines converge at KL Sentral Why Stay in KL Sentral: If you’re in KL for a few days and need quick access to KLIA airports. KL Sentral is the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur for shopping.
Booking a hotel near NU Sentral Mall is a good idea for a first visit to KL…
KL Sentral is where you can find the most good quality budget hotels in Kuala Lumpur.
As the transportation hub of Kuala Lumpur, there won’t be a problem finding a hotel in KL Sentral. From there you can travel to most parts of the city via the train system and even to most parts of Peninsular Malaysia.
Every single train line in Peninsular Malaysia converges on KL Sentral. This is why this is a great area to choose a hotel if you’re planning on exploring Western Malaysia.
Another reason why KL Sentral is a very good area to pick a hotel in Kuala Lumpur is because it’s attached to NU Sentral Mall. So you’re not far off from retail therapy as well as a wide variety of dining options from fast food to casual sit-in dining.
Because KL Sentral is linked to all train lines, you can take a quick trip to Bukit Bintang as well as Changkat. So you’re not far off from popular tourist spots in Kuala Lumpur. This is one of the main reasons why KL Sentral is one of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur.
As I mentioned earlier, I am a frequent visitor to Kuala Lumpur. Sometimes I visit for a few days, and when I do I prefer to book a hotel near KL Sentral. Mainly because I like using the KLIA Express train located beneath KL Sentral station to get to the airport.
NU Sentral Mall, which is connected to KL Sentral station, has lots of retail brand name stores as well as plenty of casual restaurants plus Western fast food chains.
KL Sentral is an ideal area to stay in KL when you’re planning on exploring Kuala Lumpur and other parts of beautiful Malaysia.
4. Chinatown
Hotel Price Range: $10USD to $70USD Subway Line: Chinatown is a wide area. Pasar Seni MRT is in the center of Chinatown. KL Monorail Line Mahajarela is near the entrance to Petaling Street. Then up north of KL’s Chinatown is Masjid Jamek LRT station. Why Stay in Chinatown: The old world meets the new world at KL’s Chinatown. Chinatown is the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur on a budget.
Kuala Lumpur is certainly a multicultural city with its local Chinese population present…
Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown is a colorful and lively part of the city filled with restaurants and hawker stands serving up good cheap eats and cheap shopping. If you’re here you’re looking for hotels near or along Petaling Street.
Petaling Street is KL’s shopping bazaar filled with loads of goods, mostly cheap and fake, but that’s part of the fun, isn’t it?
You can also walk to other points of interest in KL such as Central Market and Merdeka Square, the sight of KL’s independence.
So if you want to see the old parts of Kuala Lumpur, picking a hotel right in KL’s Chinatown will put you in touch with KL’s rich history. This is why many consider Chinatown as one of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur.
Ahyu Hotel
I Highly Recommend the Ahyu Hotel in Chinatown
I frequently stay at Ahyu Hotel when I come to Kuala Lumpur alone. It’s a short walk to Masjid Jamek LRT station. So it is easy for me to get to this hotel from KL Sentral after taking the 1 hour 30-minute bus ride from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Rooms cost about USD 20 with taxes, and these are the rooms with windows. So of course windowless rooms are cheaper. Most importantly, it is clean and the rooms look new and in good condition. There’s a small fridge, room safe, and the Wi-Fi internet speed is sufficient.
The front staff service is super friendly, it is a terrific hotel! And you can enjoy the Indian restaurants nearby. I certainly did!
Currently, it’s a good time to start your exploration of KL by booking a hotel in Chinatown. Through the years I’ve noticed that this little slice of KL is undergoing major renovation. New hotels are being built and many small businesses, particularly hipster cafés and restaurants, are popping up all over the area.
KL’s Chinatown is undoubtedly one of my favorite spots in the city and it’ll be interesting to see how the transformation will look.
Regardless, I find Chinatown is the best area in Kuala Lumpur for budget travelers.
5. Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC)
Hotel Price Range: $40USD to $300USD Subway Line: Ampang Line and KLCC Why Stay in Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC): This is KL’s flash business center with many new hotels including 4-star properties. Best hotels in the Kuala Lumpur area are all in the KLCC area.
KLCC- The financial district of Kuala Lumpur…
If cash is not a concern for you, then KLCC has the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur for you. KLCC neighborhood is Kuala Lumpur’s financial business area. I stayed in KLCC the fewest times because I used to go over to the Thai Embassy in KL to apply for a new visa.
KLCC is where you will find the most high-class business hotels in Kuala Lumpur. If you have the money and can pay for high-end hotel rooms, then KLCC is the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur for you.
KLCC is also where you can find the Petronas Towers, Malaysia’s famous skyscraper. Staying at KLCC, you still have some advantages when exploring the rest of Kuala Lumpur. There are several LRT train lines located along KLCC.
There are also a few shopping centers and the biggest one is located on the lower levels of the Petronas Towers. Plenty of restaurants can be found in the area as well. But if you’re staying there, check out the food court inside Suria KLCC on level 2.
KLCC area is a bit more spread out. So I recommend looking for a hotel near the Petronas Towers because it’ll just be more convenient for sightseeing on your first visit to KL. The closest one on this list is Le Apple Boutique KLCC, which is a very nice hotel, and in walking distance to an LRT train station, too, plus a shopping center.
The Takeaway
Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to explore in Malaysia. I travel there often back and forth from Thailand at least 3 or 4 times a year. So I’m quite familiar with the areas of KL, particularly where to stay for sightseeing.
Please remember the 10MYR per night hotel tax that was introduced on September 1st, 2017. You pay directly to the hotel upon check-in. However, if you book with a hotel booking website like Agoda.com, the tax is collected through their portal.
Now that you know where the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur are, I’m sure you’re going to fall in love with the city as much as I have. It’s been one of my favorite cities to visit ever since my first visit, I’m pretty sure you’ll feel the same way on your very first memorable trip to Kuala Lumpur.
A Taste of the Beach Life at Baan Sukhita in Chanthaburi, Thailand
Thailand has a lot of beaches. Some good. And some not so good. Everyone, including yours truly that is planning to stay indefinitely in Thailand is always out in the search of the best beaches as a side trip from Bangkok, either for a day or more. And that’s what we found at Baan Sukhita in Chanthaburi, Thailand.
A few weeks ago for the very first time I visited Chao Lao Beach where I made a review of Maldive Beach Resort. While driving around I came across Ao Yang by chance.
Ao Yang is a bay, so not a beach even if there is a small one. “Ao” in Thai “อ่าว” pronounced àao with a low tone means bay. But theres a small beach lined with restaurants and a parking area for visitors to the beach and restaurant customers.
The view right outside of Baan Sukhita Hotel. Quiet and peaceful bay in Chanthaburi Thailand…
There are several hotels and guesthouses along Ao Yang. But we chose to stay at Baan Sukhita because we had already seen it while driving through when we last visted Chao Lao Beach. And their sea view rooms left a good impression on us which is why my wife and I decided to go back check it out.
Reception desk at Baan Sukhita…
Baan Sukhita is just a simple hotel. But in a good way. It’s not a fancy place for the fancy folks that enjoy high tea in the noon overlooking the bay. It’s ideal for any visitor looking to get away from Bangkok just for a little while to reset and rest. Which is just right up our alley.
Baan Sukhita Chanthaburi – The beachfront rooms on the left are triple deluxe sea view rooms and the ones on the right are normal sea views rooms…
Baan Sukhita has sea view rooms just 50 or so meters from the beach with a picket fence and the road in between.
There’s no fitness center. No Swimming pool. A row of beach chairs, benches and tree trunks shaped into chairs with a lovely view of the bay from the property lawn.
No hotel bar with happy hours. So be sure to stock up on your favorite beers and snacks as there are no full convenience stores in Ao Yang.
Many hours were spent on this hammock… Pure bliss with the gentle breeze blowing in from the bay…
But there is a cool tree hammock! Just a single hammock is slung between two beautiful trees. Now I can imagine this hammock wouldn’t be enough during the weekends with more guests staying at Baan Sukhita.
Since my wife and I stayed during the weekday we were pretty much alone. So I had the hammock all to my self!
Baan Sukhita has 21 Rooms With 3 Room Categories:
Standard Nature View – 20 m² / 2 Adults and 2 Kids 0-11 age
Sea View – 24 m² / 2 Adults and 2 Kids 0-11 age
Triple Deluxe – 32 m² / 3 Adults 2 Kids 0-11 age
Room #106 with a sea view. Our home sweet home, well at least for 4 night…
On this trip I booked a sea view room and stayed in room #106. Per night we paid 1500THB ($55USD). The property was renovated back in 2014 and well maintained. The room still looks new with a nice comfortable queen sized bed, a flat screen television plus some chairs, a mini fridge stocked with 2 bottles of water daily and a small work table.
Sea view rooms lead straight out to the beach…
The bathroom has a shower room and the fixtures looked brand new. Though I believe the bathroom would benefit with a ventilation fan to to keep the air moving out.
First impressions of the room, nice and clean…
I also think the room would really benefit with more light fixtures. At night with all the existing room lights turned on the room was still too dim especially near the area where the work table was placed.
The Wi-Fi was not stable but I could always piggy back off the hotspot from my phone to my laptop computer. Television has a dozen Thai channels and a movie channel with Hollywood hits but of course it’s dubbed in Thai.
Garden view rooms at Baan Sukhita…
The Breakfast
Breakfast which was included with our room rate at Baan Sukhita is served from 7am to 9am. There’s not a lot of breakfast variety but understandably so. It’s a small hotel property which receives most of its guests on weekends.
No sense to cook up a bunch of food which will just go to waste with not enough people to eat it.
Western style breakfast at Baan Sukhita…
It’s not exactly buffet style but if you want to order more food the hotel kitchen staff were more than happy to cook another set. They even offered to make an omelette just to change up the menu a bit as we stayed for 4 nights. Staff were very nice at Baan Sukhita I have to add.
Khao Tom Moo Gung – A Thai style rice soup with minced pork and shrimp normally eaten for breakfast…
What they do serve is sufficiently enough. Sunny side eggs, some boiled ham and chicken sausage with toast is the western option. Khao Tom Moo Gung is the Thai breakfast of choice served with lots of fresh shrimp and minced pork was my favorite and I had it every morning with American style breakfast.
Things to See Near Baan Sukhita
To really explore Chanhtaburi and the area surrounding Baan Sukhita you’ll need to have a car or hire a driver. It’s the only way to get a glimpse of the natural beauty that surrounds Baan Sukhita. The area is mainly popular for beaches and there are a handful to enjoy. But I just want to mention that because these beaches are less traveled or visited you will find trash along the sand.
Lots of signs with English pointing to places of interest. But having Google Maps to get around was helpful…
Beaches near Baan Sukhita Hotel
Ao Krathing – This beach is owned by the army. You have to walk down to the beach, about 150 meters down a man made stone pathway. But coming back up could be tiring. Not a far drive from Baan Sukhita.
Hat Chao Lao – This beach is the nicest with long stretch of sand and not as much rocks in the surf. Great for swimming. Not a lot of resorts on this beach still quiet even on weekends. Drive time to Chao Lao Beach’s eastern tip is about 20 minutes.
Hat Laem Sing – Similar to Hat Chao Lao but a lot more busy during the weekends. Drive time from Baan Sukhita to Laem Sing takes about 10 minutes.
Recommended Area to Visit in Chanthaburi
Chanthaburi Waterfront – I haven’t been all over the city of Chanthaburi but I came across this little section of town near a river. It’s a nice little place to visit, explore and perhaps enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the many cafés by the river. A recommended side trip while staying over in Baan Sukhita.
Chanthaburi Waterfront – Because the area has Chinese and Vietnamese background you’ll see their influences all around…
The Takeaway
I like Baan Sukhita a lot for the ambiance and environment. If you want to travel Thailand, relax at a beach with not ton of people around than this is the type of place you’ll like and enjoy. I certainly did.
But you also have to have some expectations as well. Ao Yang is not a very developed. There’s a row of seafood restaurants along the bay where the locals go to enjoy freshly caught seafood right off the bay. And that’s all there is in the immediate vicinity of Baan Sukhita Hotel.
There’s absolutely nothing to do at night. Matter of fact the area is deserted at night except for the seafood restaurant owners and workers that live nearby. There are many dogs in Ao Yang area too and from my experience they are friendly. Especially when they get to know you. But if you’re afraid best to avoid them.
This is Frank, but in Thai is name is pronounced “Flang”, very friendly when he gets to know you…
During the day you can lounge on the hammock or take a dip in the beach and explore Chanthaburi by car. But this is the kind of rest and the sort of thing I enjoy. And enjoy I did at Baan Sukhita Hotel. I highly recommend staying at this nice little beach hotel in Chanthaburi, Thailand.
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