Hello everyone! My name is Lee and I am a cultural travel photographer. I would like to share my experience in taking artistic travel photos. No complicated theories here, just some practical approach I use. I hope it will be helpful to some of the readers who are in their early stage of developing their skills. Comments and discussion are welcomed.
Southeast Asia may be a huge region — but it’s super easy to get around.
It’s well-traveled (backpackers have been following “the banana pancake trail” since the late ’60s), and there’s an extensive network designed to ensure that you can easily get from A to B.
In Hanoi and need to get to Bangkok? In Vientiane and want to go Malaysia? Or Ko Samui? No problem. Someone can arrange that.
But what’s the best way to get around Southeast Asia on a budget?
How can you go from point A to point B in the most efficient and easiest manner?
Here’s how you can travel around Southeast Asia on the cheap, with example prices and estimated travel times.
Table of Contents
This is the quickest but most expensive way to get around Southeast Asia. There are a lot of budget airlines (like Ryanair or EasyJet in Europe) in the region: Scoot (merged with Tigerair), Jetstar, and AirAsia are the biggest. Nok Air has a lot of flights within Thailand, and VietJet Air is popular in Vietnam. Lion Air serves Indonesia, but its safety record is really spotty and I would not fly them.
Here are some sample prices for some of the biggest routes:
If you book early, you can save on fares, as most of the airlines offer deeply discounted fare sales all the time, especially Air Asia. The best places to find cheap flights are Momondo and Skyscanner.
Keep in mind two things, though:
All in all, I only recommend flying if you are pressed for time or find a super cheap deal.
The easiest and cheapest way to travel around Southeast Asia is by bus. Buses will take you anywhere you want to go, no matter how far.
Buses are generally run by a plethora of small operators (there is no version of Greyhound here). You simply go with the operator that services the route you want to travel or with the company the tourist agency or guesthouse set you up with.
In Southeast Asia, you don’t have to plan ahead that much either. You simply show up at the bus station and buy your ticket! They use a first-come, first-serve basis but are rarely full. You don’t need to book them in advance or online — although, if I know where I’m going, I often book my bus the day before simply as a precaution. In all my years traveling this region, I’ve never shown up and been turned away.
Here are some sample fares and travel times for bus routes in Southeast Asia (in USD):
Moreover, the backpacker trail in Southeast Asia is so well established that there is a very well-oiled “tourist bus” system here. (Usually, when you book buses from tourist agencies or guesthouses, they put you on these tourist buses.) These buses will pick you up at your accommodation or have a set meetup point in the tourist area and take you directly to your next destination.
For example, if you need to go from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you’d buy a ticket, meet the bus (probably on Khao San Road), and enjoy the night ride up to Chiang Mai with other travelers. No stops at other bus stations — just a straight shot to Chiang Mai.
And while tourist buses are very convenient, they are also usually about 25% more expensive than the buses locals use. They generally cost $5-8 USD for a 5-6-hour journey; overnight buses are $22 USD or more depending on distance.
There are two organized backpacker specific bus companies that serve Asia: Bamba Experience and Stray Asia. These are hop-on-hop-off buses that travel set routes across the continent.
Bamba Experience’s flexible passes start at around $600 USD for 15 days. Stray Asia’s pass is about $1,836 for a minimum of 40 days.
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of these services. You’re paying for flexibility, but it’s easy to get around the region as well as meet people, so I would skip this method of travel. Even if you’re a first-time traveler, the tourist buses can do everything these tours can do for you.
Train service in Southeast Asia is basically nonexistent other than in Thailand, the only country that has an extensive train system around the country (and onward to Singapore), and Vietnam, which has a train along the coast, though it is slow and expensive compared to the bus (1,445,445 VND/$62 USD from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City instead of 695,865 VND/$30 USD).
Train prices are determined by distance and class, so the farther you go, the more you pay. Night trains with sleeper cars are more expensive than day trains: the night train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok takes 12 hours and costs 965 THB ($29 USD) for a sleeper seat, but that same train during the day is 230 THB ($7 USD).
You can travel by train between Singapore, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Bangkok as well. It’s a long journey that will take you over a day to get there, but you can find fares for as little as $80 USD. If you’re a train enthusiast, it’s one of the most classic rides out there. If you have the time, I highly recommend the experience.
Myanmar has train service but it’s very limited. There is no website for Myanmar Railways, but the ministry of rail transportation has a schedule (don’t depend on this though — you’re better off finding out exact times at a station). You can also use 12go.asia to look up routes and buy tickets. There are trains every day between Yangon and Mandalay, with stops in Bago, Taungoo, Naypyitaw, and Thazi. This entire 15-hour route costs about 4,600 K ($3 USD) for an ordinary seat and 12,750 K ($8 USD) for sleeper class. There are a handful of other routes as well, like Yangon to Inglee Lake via Thazi.
In Indonesia, the main cities of Java (Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Probolinggo (for Mount Bromo), and Banyuwangi (the ferry terminal for Bali)) are well linked by train, including. Economy class to Jakarta to Surabaya takes 15 hours and costs about 104,000 IDR ($7 USD), while a 9-hour executive-class trip can cost up to 1,250,000 IDR ($90 USD). Surabaya to Probolinggo (for Mount Bromo) takes 2-3 hours and costs 29,000 IDR ($2 USD) for economy or 150,000 IDR ($11 USD) for executive class. Surabaya to Banyuwangi (for Bali) takes 6-7 hours and costs as little as 56,000 IDR ($4 USD) for economy or 190,000 IDR ($13.50 USD) for executive class. You can reserve your tickets at tiket.com.
I don’t recommend renting a car. Rental cars are expensive and the roads here are nuts. I would never drive around the region.
However, a lot of people motorbike around the area. I don’t know much about this, but Travelfish does. He’s the guru on this. Check it out here.
While this won’t be your main way of getting around, it will definitely come into play in certain countries. If you’re exploring the islands of Thailand, for example, you’ll need to rely on boats and ferries. And if you’re backpacking around Indonesia or the Philippines, ferries will be the cheapest way to island-hop (but definitely not the fastest!).
It’s worth noting that ferries in Southeast Asia don’t often adhere to Western safety standards and lack of life jackets is an issue. Some people recommend staying on the top deck so it’s easier to quickly leave the boat if necessary.
While it’s not necessary to book in advance, it’s a good idea during peak season or on more popular routes to book your tickets the day before you plan to travel to make sure you have a spot. You can buy tickets on the ferry company’s website or via a ticket agent like 12go.asia. However, every agent or hostel or hotel can get you a ferry ticket too. It’s really simple!
Here are a few sample routes and prices to help you plan:
You might also consider doing a multiday cruise on popular waterways like the Mekong River or Halong Bay. On the Mekong River in Laos, slow boats from Huay-Xai will drop you off in Luang Prabang. Slow boats take 2-3 days, stopping at guesthouses for nightly accommodation. Prices will vary depending on the quality of your tour company, but a decent tour will run you around 1,000,000 LAK ($116 USD).
Halong Bay tours from Hanoi start around 850,000-1,403,377 VND ($35-60 USD) for two-day trips and increase exponentially from there.
Local buses are really your best and cheapest option when you’re traveling in town as well. Fares typically cost less than $1 (and even less if you buy multi-trip passes). All of the towns you’ll visit will have reliable, affordable public bus systems.
In some of the bigger cities (Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur), you’ll even find subways and tram systems. Jakarta and Hanoi are working on building their subway systems, but buses are still the best option in those places for now.
I normally advise budget travelers to skip taxis because they are way too expensive. But in Southeast Asia, you don’t have to always stick to this rule. Taxis and tuk-tuks (small shared taxis with no meters) are options here. They require a bit of haggling and cost more than public transportation, but they are clearly more convenient when you’re in a jam or not yet accustomed to an area.
In Singapore and Indonesia, taxi drivers do put on the meter. In Bangkok, you can get taxi drivers to use the meter, but if you’re hailing one in a tourist area, he might try to avoid using it. In Vietnam, the meter is usually rigged, but if you use a reputable company like Mai Linh, you won’t have any problems.
Grab (an Uber offspring) is a household name in Southeast Asia. It, too, is convenient, but it sometimes costs even more than a taxi. Gojek in Indonesia is a similar option. Be forewarned: If you order a Grab or Gojek, you might wind up on the back of a motorbike!
Here is a distance and travel-time table of how long it takes to get around Southeast Asia.
In short, Southeast Asia is pretty easy to get around: take the train as often as you can in Thailand, take the train in Vietnam if you have the time, and take buses everywhere else. If you’re pressed for time, take the night trains or fly. And if you find a good flight deal, definitely fly!
Simple and easy.
As long as you do that you’ll be able to get around Southeast Asia on a budget and make the most efficient use of your time and money!
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewher eother than a hotel, use Booking.com, as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!
Looking for more information on visiting Southeast Asia?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Southeast Asia with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!
Photo credit: 4
The post How to Get Around Southeast Asia on the Cheap appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
The following is a review of the Sigma 100-400mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens which was released in February of 2017 as part of Sigma’s affordable “Contemporary” lens lineup. The introduction of the Sigma 100-400mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM C lens is a logical one for the company as it competes in a market segment that remains unexploited by the likes of Canon and Nikon.
This is an in-depth review of the Nikon Z6, a 24 MP mirrorless camera announced in August 2018 alongside the higher resolution Nikon Z7. The Z6 and Z7 marked Nikon’s entry into the full-frame mirrorless market, a category of camera that many Nikon shooters had anticipated anxiously for years. But it was always a question of “when,” not “if” Nikon would satisfy the mirrorless hunger, as the demand for such cameras remained steady and even increased despite the camera market’s overall decline. The Nikon Z6 in particular – being the more affordable of the two Z cameras – is a critical part of Nikon’s future plans. But how does this camera hold up in practice? The review below covers everything you need to know.
Landscape photography goes hand in hand with black and white. It isn’t just because of famous landscape photographers like Ansel Adams, but also because the intricate shapes that attract our attention in nature often “just feel right” in monochrome. Want to take better black and white landscape photos? This article explains why such images work so well, including how to make your own black and white landscape photography as strong as possible.
Posted: 2/25/2019 | February 25th, 2019
While walking down the streets of Medellín, I came across a Dunkin’ Donuts, a donut chain from my hometown of Boston. (It’s the best. Locals are quite attached to Dunkin. Don’t mess with a Massachusetts resident and Dunkin.)
As I looked at the store, a pit formed in my stomach and I got quiet and melancholy.
For days, I had been coming across Starbucks, McDonald’s, KFC, Papa John’s, and now, Dunkin’ Donuts!
Medellín had been overrun by the chains.
Another place ruined by globalization!
Another place where the local character was dying.
Or…was it? (Said in a Morgan Freeman narrator voice.)
Was that Dunkin’ Donuts really a bad thing?
Or that Starbucks I saw earlier? Or all those Papa John’s? (I mean that garlic butter sauce is amazing.)
As I continued down the street, a thought struck me: What had that Dunkin’ Donuts really ruined?
I mean the shops and stalls nearby were still full of life and brimming with customers buying snacks and coffee.
What was really bothering me?
Then it hit me.
I realized that maybe why I got sad was because what Dunkin’ Donuts really had destroyed was not Medellin but what I thought Medellin was.
As travelers, I think we tend to hate “globalization” because we imagine places to be a certain way from books, movies, and our collective cultural consciousness.
We often have this image — based on no firsthand experience — of what a destination should be like and how the people should act. We imagine deserted beaches, or quaint cafés, or rustic old towns, or gritty, worn-down cities because we saw that in a movie or read a book ten years ago. I mean, most Americans still think Colombia is teeming with narcos or that Eastern Europe is still like it was the day after the Iron Curtain fell.
We want the places we visit to fit into the box we mentally created for them. We want our image of them validated.
I mean we in part travel for a sense of adventure and exoticness. To be explorers and find spots devoid of any outside influence.
Globalization stops all that from happening.
Suddenly, we’re walking down the street — and we see a part of home.
Our illusion – the myth we created about the destination we are in – is shattered.
“Well, there’s a Starbucks. The tourists are here. This place is ruined now.”
But is that really a bad thing?
When we imagine how someplace should be — like Thai islands with little huts and empty beaches, or rural villages filled with only local food and pushcart vendors — we seek to freeze the world (and often with an air of leftover colonialism).
We forget that places aren’t Disneyland and it’s not 100 years ago. Things change. Places develop, mature, and move on. The world around us hasn’t stood frozen in time to act like our theme park. (And this doesn’t even touch the tip of the iceberg around the colonialism / Western stereotypes associated with these ideas.)
Would I rather see the world full of mom-and-pop stores and no Dunkin’ Donuts in Medellín?
On the surface, yes.
But if I really think about it, that’s because I want to escape my home, not be reminded of it. It’s because I’d like the world to match the one I see in books and movies. It’s because no one is completely immune to the views I just talked about. I’ve created a castle in the sky that I don’t want to see destroyed.
But part of the art of discovery is having your preconceptions shattered.
For example, most Americans (and maybe even most people in the world) view Colombia as this remote jungle full of coffee, crime, fruit, and narcos roaming the street. It’s gritty and dangerous.
But Colombia is nothing like people think it is. Medellín has one of the best transportation systems I’ve ever seen outside Scandinavia, and Wi-Fi is everywhere. There’s also some incredible Michelin star–worthy gastronomy taking place here. Bogotá has world-class museums. Digital nomads flock there. The roads are stellar. Many young people speak English, they are educated, and they are very informed of world events.
So, as Colombia sheds its narco past and embraces the world as much as the world embraces it, should we – I – be surprised that the guy riding in a little jeep is playing Taylor Swift, or that burgers and pizzas and gin and tonics are really popular? Should we be surprised that Colombians want a taste of the world too?
We often think of globalization as a one-way street, where the Western chains “invade” other countries. Our conversation in the West is always about how we’re ruining other places.
Yet these places don’t survive on tourist dollars alone. Locals do eat there. Who are we to tell them no?
And I often think about the reverse: when people from other non-Western cultures travel, do they have the same reaction?
Do Colombians travel somewhere and go, “Ugh, a mondongo place here? This place is ruined.”
Do Italians hate the sight of pizza on vacation?
Do the Japanese lament seeing sushi abroad?
I don’t want to see the golden arches next to the Pyramids, but is it so bad that there are some franchises in Egypt? Who are we to say, “Hey, you can’t have that. I want to imagine your country as this Arabian Nights fantasy! Get rid of that pizza place! Where are the guys on camels?”
Whether it’s a chain or just a type of cuisine, I don’t think the mingling of cultures is such a bad.
Globalization is not perfect. And, of course, its benefits aren’t balanced. People have written volumes on this subject. Let’s leave that aside. I’m not here to discuss that. I’m here to ponder globalization and our perceptions of it as travelers.
That Dunkin’ Donuts reminded me that the globalized world that allows me to be in Medellín also allows Colombians to access not only my culture but other cultures as well.
I think we need to stop viewing globalization through the myopic one-way lens of being a Western traveler.
Do we really want places to stay impoverished / secluded / unconnected so we can have an “authentic” experience based on some fantasy we have about a destination? Do we really not want the locals to experience pizza, or burgers, or Scotch, jazz music, or Thai pop, or anything else not local?
I don’t think we should look at globalization as causing a place to be “ruined.” Cultures are always in flux.
The same process that has brought unfamiliar cultures to us has also brought parts of our culture (among others) there.
When you have more cultures interacting with each other, you get to understand that everyone is a human being and shares the same wants and needs.
And I think that is something we should celebrate.
Matt’s note: Before everyone freaks out in the comments, let me be clear: I am not saying globalization is all rainbows and unicorns. There are a lot of problems with multi-national corporations, specifically, when it comes to taxes, labor, and how much money they keep in a country. There are also a lot of environmental and social problems related to outsourcing. Those are important social and economic issues that need to be addressed politically so that everyone can share the benefits of a more globalized world. I don’t deny there are problems. But this post is simply about looking at the issue from a traveler’s perspective.
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!
The post What Does Globalization Really Destroy? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
Posted: 2/25/2019 | February 25, 2019
Thailand is one of the most popular backpacker destinations in Southeast Asia.
It’s also my favorite.
Of course, I’m biased.
Thailand was where I decided to quit my job and travel the world. I lived there for two years. I ran tours there. I speak the language. I feel at home there.
But that aside, Thailand remains popular some thirty years after the first hippies arrived on the “banana pancake trail” for a simple reason: it’s awesome.
The succulent food, the warm people, the postcard-perfect beaches, the lush jungles, the hot weather — Thailand is simply a wonderful place.
That said, Thailand is also a pretty big country.
What’s the best way to get around Thailand?
Well, how you will get around Thailand depend greatly on how long you’re staying. You have options!
So what should you do?
Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to travel around Thailand (including travel times) regardless of budget or the length of your stay in the country:
Table of Contents
Flying is obviously the most expensive but quickest way to get around. You can get pretty much anywhere in the country in two hours or less, making flying the perfect choice for people who are rushed for time.
Thai Airways is the largest (and costliest) carrier, but there are numerous budget airlines, like Thai Smile, Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion, AirAsia, and Nok Air. But avoid some of the smaller budget airlines like Orient Thai, as their safety records are pretty spotty.
Flights around Thailand generally cost 1,400-6,600 THB ($44-200 USD). Flights to the islands tend to be costlier than those between large cities like Bangkok and Phuket. Flights to Ko Samui are always more expensive than anywhere else, thanks to monopoly pricing by Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways.
Here are some sample fares (as of February 2019) so you can get an idea of how much flights cost:
If you book early, you can save on fares as the budget carriers usually offer around 30-50% off tickets when they have sales — and they always have sales (especially Air Asia).
Keep in mind that each airline has different baggage fees and policies – budget airlines typically charge extra for like credit card processing (the stupidest of all fees), baggage fees, and preferred seating.
Thailand is one of the few countries in the region with a decent rail network. It covers 2,796 miles and is one of the best and cheapest ways to get around the country.
There are three classes of travel: first class is the most expensive and is available only on night trains. Second class is quite comfortable and has softer seats, as well as air-conditioned cars. Third class is bare-bones cars, with hard seats and no A/C. However, these are the cheapest seats around! (I actually like third class, though, as you meet more interesting people and there are always vendors coming on and off selling delicious and cheap food.)
Trains here move very, very slowly. The Chiang Mai-to-Bangkok night train — a distance of only 430 miles — takes 12 hours.
Day trains are even worse, as there are frequent stops and waiting at stations for reasons I’ve never figured out.
There’s no high-speed train in this country so don’t be in a rush if you’re traveling Thailand by train!
That said, I love traveling by train in Thailand if I’m not in a rush. The trains are spacious, there’s always food and drinks available, most of the cars have A/C, vendors get on and off at each stop to sell meals, fruit, or drinks, and the scenery as you cruise through the tropical countryside is out of this world.
It’s also crazy cheap, especially if you take the day train. Heck, even the night train is super cheap! Here are some example fares for both day and night trains:
You can see train schedules and ticket prices on the State Railway of Thailand website (railway.co.th).
You can buy train tickets through a travel agent (there’s a slight upcharge) or directly at the train station. You can buy tickets the day of travel — there’s always space, especially on the day trains. That said, if you are looking for a bed on the night train, I would book at least three days in advance to ensure you have a reservation, especially during high season.
As trains don’t go everywhere in Thailand, taking the bus is your second-best option. Actually, buses are the widest form of transportation here. You can go anywhere in Thailand by bus. Though they often show bad Thai movies with the sound turned up too loud and blast the A/C, they are a comfortable and spacious ride.
If you’re taking a day bus, note that they often stop in multiple towns along the way to pick people up and drop them off, and they also pick up people by the side of the road. Don’t expect to move in an efficient or quick manner. They aren’t in a rush.
Be sure to tell them exactly where you want to go, because often there are no signs when you pull into bus stations.
There are also “tourist buses” that, while more expensive, are usually a lot more convenient. They are usually best for long distances (they tend to travel at night), and when combined with island ferry tickets (say, Bangkok to Ko Phi Phi). They are more expensive than local buses, but they are more direct, and you don’t have to worry about where you are or if it’s your stop. They usually pick up in the tourist area and drop you off in the tourist area of the next place — plus there’s no stopping to pick up other people along the way.
You can book these via the many travel agents that line the tourist areas of town.
Here are some sample fares for bus routes in Thailand:
Don’t rent a car in Thailand. They are expensive, and the roads in Thailand are crazy.
It’s much better to rent a motorbike and ride across the country. It’s quite a common thing to do. This is a good article to help you plan a trip.
While you won’t be using the ferry to get around Thailand, it will definitely be an important mode of transportation when you’re exploring the islands. Due to the well-established travel trail, booking your ferry ride is simple and straightforward – you can often book tickets online or just show up. Most hostels and hotels will be able to help you with this if you need assistance. They will also have the most up-to-date schedules.
Here are some example routes and fares to help you plan your trip:
Trying to figure out how long it will take you to get from point A to point B? Here is a distance and time chart so you can get an idea of how long it takes to get from place to place.
*No direct flights.
**Includes ferry
Trains are the best way to get around Thailand cheaply and in comfort, night buses are great for places that aren’t serviced by the train, and if you’re short on time, just fly.
***
That’s it. These are the best ways to get around Thailand. It’s pretty easy, as visitors have been traveling around here for decades and there’s an extensive network to make sure you can get from A to B no matter what!
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments!
Want to plan the perfect trip to Thailand? Check out my comprehensive guide to Thailand written for budget travelers like yourself! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money. My guide will help you with:
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewher eother than a hotel, use Booking.com, as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!
Looking for more information on visiting Thailand?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Thailand with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!
Photo Credit: 2
The post How to Get Around Thailand on the Cheap in 2019 appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
Posted: 2/25/2019 | February 25th, 2019
I’ve always liked London, but when I visited last year something in me just clicked—and poof! I finally saw the light and came to love it.
London has a million things to do to keep you busy a lifetime over. With its amazing architecture, world-class art museums, tons of historical sites, and unique shopping experiences, what’s not to love?
What’s not to love about a city where the pubs are so small everyone just stands on the street with their pint glass?!
And from its beautiful gardens to the excitement of Piccadilly Circus, there’s just an energy that can’t be beat.
But London is huge, containing more than 8 million people and 48 neighborhoods stretching over 607 square miles.
I mean it’s HUGE.
Any city that warrants a “I survived the subway” T-shirt usually is. Stay in the wrong neighborhood and you’ll spend hours on “the tube.”
So which are the best neighborhoods and places to stay when you visit London?
That depends on a lot of things (especially what your idea of fun is).
Each neighborhood has its own charm.
So I’ll break down the best neighborhoods and accommodations in London (for travelers, according to me):
This is technically the center of London (sometimes called “The Square Mile”), and it’s where the Romans set up a small military outpost named Londinium in 43 CE. You can still see evidence of the Romans here, including the crumbling wall on Tower Hill. Now, the area a financial district. There are several good markets here like Whitecross Street, with its large number of international food vendors; the Sunday Upmarket in the Old Truman Brewery for handmade crafts and clothing; and Leather Lane for a more traditional mix of everything from leather to tropical flowers. I like the history, quiet, and central location of this neighborhood.
Best Places to Stay in The City
If you have come to London to soak up British history or to indulge your love for all things royal, this is the neighborhood to be. Kensington is where London’s Museum Quarter is, including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum. It’s really close to Hyde Park and the regal Kensington Gardens. I love to stroll the neighborhood and gaze at the mansion-lined streets. It’s quiet, quant, and classically British.
Best Places to Stay in Kensington/South Kensington
Mayfair is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in London. Located between Hyde Park and the West End, it’s home to numerous five-star hotels, classy art galleries, and ultra-expensive shops but quiet at night. If you’re looking to stay in one of the city’s fancier and more beautiful neighborhoods, this is it!
Best Places to Stay in Mayfair
Soho is one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The former red-light district, Soho is home to hundreds of restaurants, pubs, stores, all-night coffee shops, and theaters. It’s eclectic and exciting, and London’s artistic community thrives here. I love Soho at night when the pubs here spill onto the street with folks having a pint after work. You’re a twenty minute walk from a lot of the main attractions (especially the theaters of the West End). This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city.
Best Places to Stay in Soho
Covent Garden is just east of Soho. This is the theater district and is also known for its historic indoor market and throngs of tourists. There are plenty of street performers and lots of shopping opportunities. But it’s also a quirky neighborhood with cobblestone streets, cool shops, restaurants, and a historic square. It’s also very central.
Best Places to Stay in Covent Garden
This artsy, hip neighborhood in East London is an up and coming neighborhood filled with outdoor markets, vintage clothing stores, bars, and restaurants, and it’s one of the best nightlife districts in town. The abundance of street art contrasts old industrial warehouses and dimly lit streets. Thanks to the immigrant influence here, you’re never too far from a döner kebab or a plate of Peruvian ceviche.
Best Places to Stay in Shoreditch/Spitalfields
These two neighboring areas are especially popular with backpackers and young Londoners. King’s Cross has a lot of hostels, and the canal banks are full of warehouses that have been transformed into restaurants and bars. Camden has always been a hot spot for the alternative crowd. Like Shoreditch, it has a lot of vintage and unusual shops (like Cyberdog, the futuristic glow-in-the-dark shop that’s also part rave). The waterside Camden Lock Market is quite famous, and you’ll definitely find some treasures here.
Best Places to Stay in King’s Cross/Camden
Chelsea has a reputation as London’s most fashionable neighborhood. There are also some very picturesque hidden squares you can find with a little exploration, and the colorful buildings make for great photography. It’s located on the Thames, and Albert Bridge (reputably one of the “most romantic bridges in the world”) has beautiful views over London. Chelsea is pretty residential, but there are lots of galleries and shopping options!
Best Places to Stay in Chelsea
This historic district on the south bank of the Thames has a lot going for it. Tourists flock to the neighborhood, as it is home to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. There are several food markets, but Borough Market is the best, especially for foodies. You can’t miss London’s tallest, most modern building, the Shard. Make sure to take a walk along the river, as it’s a scenic route that affords great views of the city skyline. You can cross back and forth the Thames via the Tower, Millennium, or London Bridges.
Best Places to Stay in Southwark
This is a really unique neighborhood, with cobblestone streets, Victorian townhouses, and plenty of quaint charm. You’ll find shop after shop with walls lined with antiques, as well as street food vendors, mom-and-pop shops, and small cafés and pubs that serve up some delicious grub. Notting Hill is really stylish! Each Saturday, it hosts the country’s largest antiques market, Portobello Road Market.
Best Places to Stay in Notting Hill
For a long time, Clapham was a rundown suburb of London but, in recent years, Clapham has turned into one of those up-and-coming districts with a constantly improving list of restaurants, nightclubs, music venues, specialty shops, and more. It’s now one of the hip places to live in the city, thanks in part to the cheap rent there! And, when the sun is out, head to the Clapham Common and join the other Londoners hanging out or picnicking on the grass.
Best Places to Stay in Clapham
Paddington is a hub for independent markets and boutique shops, and there’s a café on every corner. Spend an afternoon strolling along Praed Street and you’ll have your souvenir shopping done in no time. There are also unlimited sidewalk menu boards advertising meal specials day and night. Plus, you can wander the streets and take in the classic Georgian architecture.
Best Places to Stay in Paddington
This is by no means an exhaustive list of London neighborhoods. These are just my favorites. No matter where you stay, you’re sure to find the city an excellent destination. There’s so much — including lots of free museums and attractions — that you’ll never run out of things to do. Take it easy, pace yourself, and make sure you get to know each neighborhood.
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use it all the time.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!
Looking for more information on visiting London?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to London with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!
Photo credits: 4, 5, 8, 11, 12
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