Most Best-For-Value Hostel in Hue: Thanh An Hostel

Thanh An Hostel is one of the cheapest hostel I've ever stayed in. Being a firm believer in "You get what you pay for", I was pleasantly surprised by Thanh An Hostel in all aspect - from the location, my sleep quality, the friendliness of the staffs and the cleanliness of my room!

The facade of Thanh An Hostel

I booked a two-night stay at Thanh An Hostel through Booking.com because that was the cheapest hostel in Hue I could find, and also it was one of the hostel with stellar reviews in town.

Everyone commented on how centrally located Thanh An Hostel is. The area surrounding Thanh An is condoned off to vehicles after 5.30pm, transforming into a pedestrian-only street, bustling with street vendors selling cheap and delectable street food. Pubs, restaurants, bars, convenient shops and clothes shops are all within walking distance!

Major tourist attractions like Dong Ba market and the Imperial City are also within (a slightly longer) walking distance, probably about 20-30 minutes by foot.

Upon arriving at Thanh An Hostel, we were greeted warmly by the receptionist. We were given a cold bottled water and a fresh fruit smoothie before they proceed to check us in. A cold bottled water is given to us every day when we return to the hostel.

Our room - Double room with en-suite toilet on the 3rd floor

We paid 8 USD per night for a double room with en-suite toilet. Which works us to only 4 USD per person per night! The room has a mini refrigerator and a fully-functional air-cond too - useful to store cold beer. Water pressure was decent and the heater worked well so no complain for the washroom.

Do take note that there are no lifts in this hostel. Do let the hostel know in advance if you prefer a room on the lower floors.

View from our room. 

As our room was facing the main street, it can be a little noisy at times. But it wasn't really a problem for us as the noise subside after 11.30pm and we are up and out early in the morning. If you are a light sleeper this might pose as a problem for you. Alternatively, you can try requesting a non main road facing room.

We arranged a super affordable motorbike rental through this hostel too (4 USD per day, got the bike with an empty tank). The hostel also organizes tour around and beyond Hue at a very affordable price. Receptionist were friendly and were more than glad to give us suggestions on what to do and where to visit. Recommended place to stay in Hue!


Price: ★★★★★

Location: ★★★★★

Sleep Quality: ★★★★

Staffs: ★★★★★

Book a stay at Booking.com through my referral link to get 10% cash back from your hotel booking!

Sin Kok Thye (New Cathay) Hailam Kopitiam, Klang

I have been rather drawn towards Hainanese food recently, especially after my meal at Sun Sun Nam Cheong at Kuala Kubu Baru - hence the food hunt across Selangor in search if the best Hainanese food to curb my cravings.

Sin Kok Thye/Cathay in Klang showed up on my radar and I decided to check it out on one Saturday morning (would prefer going out on Sunday mornings but Cathay is closed on Sundays).

 Cathay Hailam Kopitiam is located in Port Klang, on the corner lot of a row of pre-war shoplots, below a flyover where the thundering and rumbling sound of lorries and trucks passing by is imminent.

The usual Hailam food suspects, scribbled on their old-school style menu.

Roti Bakar with Butter/Margarine & Kaya
What is a kopitiam without Kaya Butter Toast? The Kaya Butter Toast here is unbelievable...

Just look at the amount of butter. So sinful, I know. But so good!

Fish Chop (RM12, Front) & Chicken Chop (RM10, Back)

Apologies for not having a clearer photo. The fish chop was okay, glad that it didn't had a strong "fishy" smell. I love the portion of the chicken chop & fish chop here! Despite the affordable price tag, Cathay clearly didn't skimp on the portion size. Me likey. And I really liked the fact that the wedges was made out of real potatoes, not frozen fries. The gravy was a tomato-based gravy which was on the sweet side. Personally, I prefer the savoury gravy served at Yut Kee or Sun Sun Nam Cheong.

All in all, I enjoyed my meal at New Cathay, and am really pleased with the portion size there :p. Would definitely be back, and now it is time to hunt for more Hainanese food!

Sin Kok Thye (New Cathay) Hailam Kopitiam
23, Jalan Kem,
Port Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.


Business Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 6.30am – 6.00pm.
Closed on Sundays