The two Southeast Asia gateway cities of Singapore and Bangkok, which lie at either end of the Malay Peninsula, are connected by an efficient, inexpensive, safe and comfortable network of ground transportation. I had been wanting to check out this route for a number of years and finally had the opportunity to go by bus and train from Singapore in the south to Bangkok in the north, with overnight stays in the Malaysian cities of Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown/Penang. I met a number of other travelers, including solos, groups and families, following the same trail and it turned out to be a great way to experience the culture and history of this interesting region. As per my usual routine, I had made no reservations for transportation or lodging ahead of time, but had no difficulty in securing either along the way.
Bus Leaving from Golden Mile Complex, Singapore
Logistics
While travelers could just as easily start at the huge, but visitor friendly train station up in Bangkok and head south, I began my journey down in Singapore going north. The trip only took me three days, but of course it would have been nice to have had more time to explore some of the sights along the way, such as Melaka and the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia or Phuket on the Southern Peninsula of Thailand. After carefully researching all the alternatives I chose to take the bus from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and then from there to Georgetown. I then took the overnight train from Penang to Bangkok. A good starting point for planning your trip is a visit to the website, The Man in Seat 61, one of our featured links, which has all the details on ground transportation in Southeast Asia and throughout the world for that matter. I found that the detailed information described on this website was factually correct, reliable and up to date…spot on, as they say…and I used it as a guide during my entire trip through Southeast Asia.
Inside Bus from Kuala Lumpur to Georgetown, Malaysia
Booking Your Tickets
When visiting Southeast Asia, I recommend that you fly in and out with an ‘open jaw’ ticket, arriving in Singapore, as I did, and flying home from Bangkok, or vice versa. This precludes the need for backtracking, saving both time and money. While I was exploring Singapore, I stopped at the Golden Mile Complex on Beach Road, a shopping mall where there are many bus companies standing by to book your seat on a coach heading north. For $32 I reserved a seat on a bus with Five Stars Tours (Update: Five Stars Tours abruptly closed all operations in January 2014) leaving the next morning for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The six hour ride took us across the Straits of Johor and on through some beautiful country. Arriving in Kuala Lumpur around 3 PM gave me plenty of time to explore this city and get my bus ticket for the next day heading on to Georgetown/Penang. On that leg of the trip the five hour bus ride was comfortable and included rest stops along the way, including a stop at Ipoh near the Cameron Highlands. The train is an equally good alternative for traveling between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown.
Ferry from Butterworth to Georgetown, Malaysia
A Town Called Butterworth in Malaysia?
Confused about Penang vs. Georgetown vs. Butterworth? Well, here’s the low-down. Penang is a state on the northwest coast of Malaysia which consists of an island, known as Penang Island, and a portion which is situated on the mainland. Butterworth (love that name!) is a city on the mainland part of the state of Penang, which has a bus and train station and a ferry landing all within walking distance of one another. Georgetown is a city on the Penang Island part of the state of Penang and it has a bus station and ferry landing, but no train service. The most popular way in and out of Georgetown on Penang Island is through Butterworth on the mainland. The 20 minute ferry crossing costs about 40 cents for pedestrians going from Butterworth to Georgetown and is free going the other way. Ferries leave every 10 to 20 minutes from about 6 AM to 1 AM.
Inside the Night Train to Bangkok, Thailand
Night Train to Bangkok
In my case I arrived in Butterworth from Kuala Lumpur by bus. I walked to the nearby train station to purchase my ticket on the night train to Bangkok for the following day. Then I took the ferry across to Georgetown for the rest of the day and overnight. The following day, I took the ferry back across to Butterworth to catch the train. The ticket for a sleeper on the train cost $34 and the train left at 2:20 PM, arriving at the Hua Lamphong Railway Station (the main station in Bangkok) at 12:20 PM the next day. So, what was it like spending almost 24 hours on a train traveling up the Southern Peninsula of Thailand? It was actually quite pleasant and relaxing with some spectacular scenery along the way. I enjoyed meeting a number of other travelers and had a good night’s sleep before arriving in Bangkok the next morning. It was also my first introduction to the sometimes painfully slow speed of the trains in Southeast Asia, compared to the express trains of Europe or the bullet train in Japan. While the departure and arrival times were reliable, there were times that the train seemed to be just pooping along. In the end this ate into some of my allotted time, which I eventually had to make up for by taking several unplanned in-region flights.
Scenery Along Train Route to Bangkok, Thailand
Coming Next: Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown with reviews of two Awesome Accommodations.
You can get to Singapore by train, bus or boat, but most visitors will arrive by plane at the spectacular Changi Airport, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. There you will be greeted by an efficient, friendly staff as you walk through the great halls festooned with live orchids and other exotic blooms. Going through customs is a breeze and almost 80% of the world’s countries can travel to Singapore without a visa! The Singapore Mass Rapid Transit subway or MRT is one of the best transportation systems in the world and you can catch the 30 minute ride from the airport into downtown for about $2. Although much of downtown Singapore can and should be walked, the MRT will be your best friend when your feet get tired or you want to explore some of the outer regions.
Changi Airport, Singapore
Along with Bangkok, Singapore is one of the two major gateway cities for Southeast Asia. For those heading north, I recommend taking the bus from the Golden Mile Complex on Beach Road where I got a ticket to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for $32. There are many bus companies to choose from there and I can recommend Five Stars Tours (Update: Five Stars Tours abruptly closed all operations in January 2014), which provided a safe, comfortable ride across the Straits of Johor and up the Malay Peninsula. In short, Singapore has transportation all figured out and tourists will appreciate the ease, comfort and convenience that this travel hub provides.
The MRT, Mass Rapid Transit, Singapore
2. Amenities Galore
When it comes to amenities, the city-state of Singapore is at the head of the pack. Whether it’s hotels, dining, shopping or top quality hospitals you’re looking for, Singapore has them all. The spectrum of available accommodations runs the gamut from five star hotels to budget hostels, but visitors will find few real bargains when it comes to looking for a place to stay. Perhaps a city with so much else to offer can be forgiven this one disappointment. On the other hand, Singapore is a diner’s paradise, particularly if you’re into street food. There are vendors everywhere, now mostly in well regulated centers, which is somewhat reassuring to wary visitors concerned about sanitary standards. Be sure to save some room in your suitcase or backpack, because nobody leaves Singapore empty-handed. The shopping is simply too good to pass up. In addition to toys, house wares and silk ties and scarves, I have purchased three custom tailored suits on my various visits to Singapore.
Merlion Park on Marina Bay, Singapore
Planning ahead regarding medical care is an important part of any trip and includes having adequate health insurance, medical evacuation coverage when appropriate and a contingency for where to seek assistance when needed. Singapore is fortunate to have several excellent hospitals, including Mount Elizabeth Hospital and Singapore General Hospital. It’s no accident that Singapore has one of the world’s highest life expectancy and lowest infant mortality rates. One tip to remember regarding medical care in any foreign city…you can always check with your embassy or consulate for advice or recommendations.
Clarke Quay, Singapore
3. Multicultural Diversity
Singapore is an outstanding example of how people from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds can live together in harmony, enjoying their differences, while at the same time supporting their commonality. There are many cities and countries throughout the world that could learn a lot here. One need only take a ride on the MRT to see people from all backgrounds in close proximity, interacting with one another on a friendly basis. Singapore actually showcases its diversity in its various cultural enclaves which comprise several of the downtown districts. Dating back to 1330, Chinatown is one of the largest and oldest Chinese communities in the world. It is home to a number of historic, cultural and architectural sites, not to mention the accommodations and dining experiences available there. Just across the Singapore River is Little India which features the Tamil culture and is a popular destination for visitors who appreciate curry, enjoy shopping and want to see some interesting temples. Rounding out the cultural panoply in Singapore is Arab Street. Perhaps you’ve heard the expression “The Arab Street” used to describe popular opinion in the Muslim world. Well this is the real thing…a neighborhood actually known as Arab Street, where you can experience the real Arabian culture, including ethnic cuisine, bargaining for your purchases in the souks, and Singapore’s largest mosque, the Sultan Mosque. With such a diverse array of cultures in Singapore, you’ll feel like you’ve had a quick trip around the world by the time you leave.
The Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple
4. Orchard Road
The Orchard Road area, known simply as Orchard by the locals, is one of my favorite spots in Singapore. As Singapore’s more homey answer to Tokyo’s Ginza, it is a hub of activity day and night with its shopping, entertainment, hotels, restaurants and parks. Now a one way street, it got its name back in the 1800s when it was the road that led to the orchards and plantations. Just take the MRT to the Orchard station and you’ll find yourself in the center of activity. Pedestrians will find it easy to navigate this tree-lined boulevard with its crossing bridges and walkways underneath the road. One could spend days wandering around this famous district, just browsing through the upscale department stores and shopping plazas and taking periodic refuge from the crowds in the Botanic Gardens, where admission is free.
Orchard Road at Night, Singapore
5. The Historic District
Considered the founder of modern Singapore, British statesman Sir Stamford Raffles sailed up the Singapore River in 1819 and developed a town plan for the future city-state that has endured to this day. Visitors can now get a glimpse of history by walking along the river from its outlet in Marina Bay all the way up to Clarke Quay. Before heading up river be sure to check out Clifford Pier, the original site of an old fishing village and stop by the Merlion Park with its statue spewing water from its mouth. Here you will also get a glimpse of the unbelievable Marina Bay Sands Resort, a series of three skyscrapers with what looks like a huge ship on top. Now going up the Singapore River, along the way you will see the Parliament House and Raffles Landing, the original landing site of Sir Stamford Raffles, now marked by his statue. A little farther north of the river are the St. Andrews Cathedral and the iconic Raffles Hotel. The Raffles is one of the most famous hotels in the world, patronized by the rich and famous including many literary giants and, thankfully, the hotel grounds are open to visitors. Finally reaching Clarke Quay, visitors will be delighted with the combination of historic buildings and modern pedestrian mall right in the heart of Singapore.
The Raffles Hotel, Singapore
6. Sentosa Island
Sentosa is an island resort just south of downtown Singapore which features a mile long beach, five star hotels, golf courses and many other attractions suitable for all members of the family. Visitors can enter Sentosa by a spectacular, albeit expensive, cable car ride from Mount Faber, by public transportation or by walking across the new Sentosa Boardwalk, where the admission fee is one Singapore dollar. Other attractions on this popular resort island include a Butterfly Park, another, bigger Merlion Statue and, my favorite, the Underwater World which is an underground aquarium with a horizontal escalator that transports you through a glass tube surrounded by water. You’ll feel like you are swimming with the fish without getting wet! Sentosa is definitely worth seeing if you have time during your visit to Singapore.
Sentosa Boardwalk, Singapore
7. Architectural Splendor
For students of architecture, Singapore is a veritable encyclopedia of building styles, reflecting various cultures and periods, while at the same time based on utility and the best use of limited space. Within the short span of a few city blocks you will see everything from ultramodern skyscrapers to Art Deco construction to Colonial Period buildings. As you wander the city you will be impressed with the number of places of worship that demonstrate the great diversity of the city, including Chinese, Hindu and Sikh temples, Jewish Synagogues, Islamic Mosques and Christian Churches. Over the years that I have visited Singapore, it seems that the city has been in a constant state of construction, with new skyscrapers and ever more dazzling buildings like the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay going up all the time. Fortunately, the city fathers have a great respect for the past and make allowances for the preservation of historic structures. While a signature building representing the city-state of Singapore has yet to emerge, this beautiful metropolis has definitely taken its place among the great architectural destinations of the world.
The Marina Bay Sands Resort, Singapore
8. Festivals and Holidays
On my first trip to Singapore I had the good fortune to arrive at the time of the Chinese New Year celebration. The spectacular nighttime parade down Orchard Road is something I’ll never forget. I have also experienced the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts during which deceased relatives are said to return to the realm of the living and wander the earth for thirty days. While they are making their rounds, living relatives make food offerings to prevent the deceased from performing acts of mischief. Because of the rich diversity of Singapore there are many other festivals, events and holidays for tourists to experience. In addition to having most of the western holidays, Singaporeans also celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, Teacher’s Day, Children’s Day and Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Christian holidays. Planning ahead is important because accommodations are harder to come by during these periods and costs are higher.
Cable Cars to Sentosa, Singapore
9. Temperate Climate
Singapore is located just 85 miles north of the Equator, so it’s not surprising that it would be hot and humid there. But ‘some like it hot’ and I happen to be one of them. With little variation in the temperature and steady rainfall throughout the year, there are no distinct seasons in Singapore. The wettest months are from November to January when it may rain for a time every day, usually in brief bursts in the afternoon, and the driest months are from May to July. Singapore is often described as having a tropical rain forest climate or having monsoon characteristics, but being a land of generally clement weather makes this a comfortable, pleasant place to visit year round. For those not used to humidity, you can seek refuge in almost any indoor facility, including the MRT, shopping arcades and underground walkways.
‘First Generation’ Bronze Statue on the Singapore River
10. Tiger Beer
I would be remiss if I did not mention one of Singapore’s most famous and popular products…Tiger Beer! While the name Singapore is derived from the Malay word Singapura, meaning Lion City, it is the tiger for which the city’s signature adult refreshment is named. And younger travelers will be happy to know that adulthood begins at age 18 in Singapore, at least where drinking is involved. In 1932 Tiger Beer became Singapore’s first locally brewed beer and it is now available in 60 countries worldwide. This pale lager comes in bottles with a strikingly attractive label which loses nothing in the translation when applied to souvenir tee-shirts and mugs. So, when you need a break from shopping and sightseeing on a warm afternoon in Singapore, what could be better than ducking into a pub and having a cold Tiger Beer!
It was with some trepidation last May that I embarked on a three week trek through six countries in Southeast Asia…on my own! With nothing but a pack on my back I made my way through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, hitching a ride on everything from planes, trains, buses and boats to taxis, bicycles, motor scooters and tuk tuks (more on that later). Heading out into uncharted territory like that is all part of the fun and I think what motivates most adventure travelers. Little did I know how easy it would be and how smoothly I would be able to make connections and find accommodations. While I did do a lot of planning ahead of time, I made no reservations in advance, except for the first night in Singapore. The timing could not have been better, with fewer crowds after the peak season and perfect (albeit hot) weather just before the wet season which begins in June. In the end, I got to see some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and met friendly, helpful people everywhere I went. This was truly the adventure of a lifetime.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Bargain Hunter’s Paradise
Of the many things that make Southeast Asia a paradise on earth, none will be more appreciated by the value-minded traveler than the plethora of bargains waiting to be redeemed. As word gets out, it’s hard to say how long this will last, but for now savvy travelers like the many backpackers and students I encountered along the way are taking advantage of the low prices, reminiscent of the bargains available in Eastern Europe ten to fifteen years ago. On most evenings, the first hotel I walked into had a room available, sometimes for as little as $20, including breakfast! With the exception perhaps of Singapore, all of my accommodations were a great value for the money. My hotel in Hoi An, Vietnam even came with a bicycle! And traveling from one point to the next, whether by plane, train or bus, was unbelievably inexpensive. I actually traveled on a comfortable bus from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Bangkok, Thailand for $12. And how ‘bout this…dinner at a charming French restaurant in Luang Prabang, Laos for $7.50. I think you get the idea. Southeast Asia is a bargain hunter’s paradise and you’ll want to take advantage of it while it’s still possible.
The Petronas Twin Towers from My Hotel Room, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Cultural Potpourri
Within the relatively small area of Southeast Asia, you will experience a variety of cultures and meet a lot of friendly, interesting people. Everywhere I went, folks went out of their way to be helpful and nice and many times where as interested in me as I was in them. Singapore is like a microcosm of the entire area, where people from many backgrounds, religions and cultures all live together in harmony. Malaysia is a moderate Islamic country that stands out as a shining example of what a Muslim country can be. I found the people of Malaysia to be very welcoming and also proud to show off the many interesting things about their beautiful country. Thailand is a thriving, modern constitutional monarchy and boasts the world’s longest ruling monarch. Thai and Chinese are the main ethnic groups there and Buddhism is the primary religion. In contrast, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia are communist countries, but even the most observant visitor would be hard pressed to see any evidence of it. Instead, what you are more likely to notice is that these are burgeoning capitalist countries full of hopeful people. It was especially heart warming for me as an American to find how warmly I was greeted throughout Vietnam. So, if it’s culture you’re looking for, Southeast Asia is brimming with it.
Hoi An, Vietnam
World Heritage Sites Abound
There are no less than 20 UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites in the six countries that I visited in Southeast Asia and among them are some of the most famous in the world. One of the highlights of my trip was seeing the temple complex at Angkor Wat in Cambodia, which had been on my bucket list since I was a kid. The historic trading city of George Town on the Straits of Malacca in Malaysia is another designated site and will give visitors a glimpse into the colonial era of Southeast Asia. Of the many World Heritage Sites located in Vietnam, there are two that you absolutely must plan to see during your swing through this beautiful country. Ha Long Bay, meaning Bay of Descending Dragons, is up north and about 100 miles east of Hanoi. Almost 2000 incredibly shaped islands dot this area in the Gulf of Tonkin and there are many tour boats waiting to take you out to see them. Midway down the long, narrow outline of Vietnam on the map is the ancient town of Hoi An. Much of this quaint little city has been preserved and it now attracts many visitors from around the world. Perhaps the most out of the way site I visited was the historic city of Luang Prabang located on the Mekong River in the northern mountains of Laos. Just when you think you are at the end of the world, you find yourself in a town full of interesting temples, charming French provincial architecture, great hotels and scrumptious dining. These fabulous World Heritage Sites alone should be enough to get you thinking about your trip to Southeast Asia.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Planning Your Trip
The best plane fares to and from Southeast Asia will be found using gateway cities like Singapore and Bangkok. To save time and money and avoiding backtracking, I purchased what is called an ‘open-jaw’ ticket, which means you arrive in one city and depart from another, Singapore and Bangkok, in my case. This enabled me to add a visit to Singapore and a trip up the Malay Peninsula onto the beginning of my itinerary. Then it was simply a matter of traveling the circuit from Bangkok up north to Laos and then down through Vietnam and finally across Cambodia back to Bangkok. It was actually fairly easy travel and half the fun was the variety of modes of transportation along the way. For travelers from the U.S. the only visa that should be arranged before the trip is for Vietnam. No visa is required for Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand and a visa on arrival can be obtained in Laos ($30) and Cambodia ($20). The money situation can seem a little intimidating at first, since each country has its own currency: Singapore dollars, Malaysian ringgits, Thai bahts, Laotian kips, Vietnam dongs, and Cambodian riels. Fortunately, in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia the U.S. dollar is accepted almost everywhere, so I highly recommend taking plenty of cash including small bills like ones, fives and tens. There will be lots more information, tips and photos from my recent trip to Southeast Asia in upcoming articles on Blue Orb Travel, so I hope you will stay tuned and come back often.
The Year of the Dragon might just be the year to travel to China and take advantage of the hotel deals that abound there. With many hotel chains opening up new venues throughout the country, there are many more rooms than guests to fill them, at least for the time being. As an example, the hotel boom in Shanghai on the run up to the World Expo in 2010 gave visitors a wide array of luxury hotel rooms to choose from and the occupancy rate was 64.4 percent that year. Just a year later that rate was down to 54.4 percent according to consulting and research group STR Global. With hotel chains such as Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt expanding their operations, four in ten hotel rooms in China are now empty.
Pudong Skyline, Shanghai, China
Popular Tourist Destination
As the third most visited travel destination, behind the United States and France, China is expected to see a steady increase in the number of hotels during the next several years and many will be ultra-luxury facilities like the new Waldorf Astoria that opened in April 2011 in Shanghai. While much of the demand for hotel accommodations in China comes from the increasingly affluent citizens of that country, visitors will still have an opportunity to take advantage of the glut of hotel rooms in the short term. If you’ve been thinking of that trip to China, now may be the time to take the plunge. See our series on China for more information about what to see and check our Awesome Accommodations pages above for some of our favorite hotels in China.
A spectacular view of the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River awaits you as you reach the east end of East Nanjing Road and emerge onto the Bund in Shanghai, China. The Bund is actually an elevated promenade that runs north-south along the western side of the river following East Zhongshan No 1 Road for nearly a mile. According to the Lonely Planet travel guide of China, The Bund is ‘an Anglo-Indian term for the embankment of a muddy waterfront’. This boulevard was the financial center of Old Shanghai and is now lined with historic buildings representing various periods of Chinese history. All day and late into the evening crowds of locals and tourists stroll together along this famous walkway, taking in the stately buildings on one side and a view of the modern skyscrapers across the river on the other. I found myself going back many times to bask in this sensory overload and almost enjoyed watching others take in the ethereal atmosphere as much as I enjoyed experiencing it myself. At night colorfully lighted boats ply the waters between the two crowded banks of the river, adding to the spectacle.
The View of Pudong from the Bund Across the Huangpu River
The Bund and Pudong Skyline
China Pavilion, Expo 2010
On my second day in Shanghai I found the ferry boat going across the river to Pudong, albeit with some difficulty. Pudong is home to the Shanghai Exposition, the airport and some of the world’s tallest and most famous buildings. The most notable among them are the Oriental Pearl Tower with its stacked globes, the Jinmao Tower with its observation deck on the 88th floor and the Shanghai World Financial Center, reputed to be the world’s third tallest building. Just standing at the feet of these behemoths is awe inspiring. A short bus ride will take you to the site of the Shanghai Expo 2010, which officially closed on October 31. This huge exposition, which drew thousands of people from all over the world, covers many blocks and the trademark China Pavilion is destined to become a lasting symbol of Shanghai.
the China Pavilion, Expo 2010
Ferry Across the Huangpu River
On the ferry ride back across the river to the Bund I realized that my three weeks in China was rapidly drawing to a close and it was finally time to start thinking about getting to the airport the next day for the long flight home. I was actually looking forward to the flight on Korean Air, which in my opinion is one of the best airlines in the world. Not only is the service superb, but it is difficult to take your eyes off the gorgeous ladies who serve as flight attendants. Looking back on my trip, I covered a tremendous amount of territory in those three weeks, visiting some of the most famous sights in China and meeting a good cross section of its friendly people. And all this without spending a lot of money! China is a big country, though, and I still have lots more to see on my next trip!
Pudong, Shanghai, China
TRAVEL TIP:
Going between the Pudong Airport and most parts of Shanghai is easy using the high speed Maglev (magnetic levitation) Train which has a station in Pudong connecting with the metro. A one way ticket on the high speed train should cost about $7.00 and the connecting metro ticket is less than one US dollar. This is quick, convenient and considerably cheaper than a taxi and gives you an opportunity to ride on one of the world’s fastest trains at 250 miles per hour.
The Astor House Hotel was a bit of a splurge for this budget traveler, but compared with some of the other hotels in Shanghai it was a good value. Since I knew that I would be in Shanghai on the last two nights of my trip, I booked it in advance through Hotels.com, which I found to be easy and reliable. I paid $99.00 per night including taxes and fees, but disappointingly, not including breakfast. The hotel is conveniently located just a short walk across the bridge over Suzhou Creek near the northern end of the Bund.
The Astor House Hotel, Shanghai, China
Old World Charm
The place reeks of old world charm from the moment you spot its colonial architecture, to your greeting by doormen in kilts and on until you get to your room, which is big enough to quarter a small army. The bathrooms are correspondingly huge and completely modern. On the other hand, the floors and woodwork are all original and very old. Most rooms include an original fireplace. The front desk staff were friendly and helpful and the maid service was efficient and regular. Although they put out a sumptuous spread for the $11.00 buffet breakfast, it would have been worth it if only to sit in the spectacular domed dining room. I can highly recommend this elegant old hotel based on location, value and ambience and can easily understand why it was frequented by the celebrities of yore.
Update: November 2021
Sadly, it appears that the Astor House Hotel will be closing and is no longer available for accommodations.
Doormen in Kilts at the Astor House Hotel
TRAVEL TIP:
For independent travelers, booking hotels in advance can be risky, since your itinerary may change. If you are flying in and out of a gateway city, however, you know where you will be on the first few nights and the last few nights of your trip and booking in advance can ease some of the stress of traveling. Generally, at each end of your trip you will be in a big city that you will want to spend a few days exploring. At the beginning of your trip this enables you to refresh yourself after a long plane flight and at the end, it is a nice way to unlax after a busy trip.
The Astor House Hotel, Shanghai, China
Across the Lighted Bridge to the Astor House Hotel
My Room at the Astor House Hotel
Elegant Bathroom at the Astor House Hotel
Dining Room at the Astor House Hotel
Ceiling in the Dining Room of the Astor House Hotel
