Sim's Guesthouse

The best way to get to Sim's is by picking up their business card from another hostel before getting there -- it contains directions written in Chinese that explain the route to taxi drivers. It's not far from the train station but you are probably best to get a taxi on arrival and the same from the bus stations.

The staff speak excellent English and while it's a busy place they remain quite personal. Sim and his wife are always around and very helpful with any problems from broken cameras to tours, onward travel, and so on. There is a travel desk near reception to organise tours out to the Great Panda's (you can also go by local bus), Tibet permits, hostel bookings, and more. You can rent bikes from the cafe on the premises. Cute little pigs and dogs run around under your feet -- even in the eating areas -- and they serve up good coffee and meals at the bar/restaurant. Internet is available as well as washing services, a library, and you can even help yourself to left-behind clothing.

The dorms have two bunks inside -- they are very clean and roomy with plenty of room to hang your towel, put your bag on a shelf, and a small desk to write on. The toilets and showers are communal but very clean and the water is hot. There are also Asian- and Western-style toilets. They provide free maps that have both English and Chinese characters -- perfect for getting around. There are numerous communal areas so you do get to chat to people a bit, but they request quiet after 11 or 12 at night so there are not endless parties or noise.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
June 2007