Welcome to Hong Kong
Fireworks,
Food &
Fun!
Hong Kong - Asia's Melting Pot
One of Asia’s great destinations and well worth visiting.
Lots for you to see and do, from beaches to great shopping, great restaurants and an excellent transport system. Huge number of hotels to chose from budget and luxury both on the island, on the mainland and on the smaller islands.
You could easily spend a few weeks here and not get bored.
Would highly recommend visiting for New Year, the celebrations are spectacular probably in the top five places in the world.
Hong Kong - A Return After 23 Years - Travel Report
Two Amazing Trips 2017
Where to Stay
All depends on whether you want to be on HK Island or the mainland and there are a range of options for both. Most people prefer the island as there are more options for shopping, dining and nightlife.
On the island you have the choice of two Mandarin Orientals, the original being rated as the best hotel for years, the newer Landmark has a more boutique feel. The new in place is The Upper House which is highly rated and you also have a Four Seasons and Grand Hyatt with harbour views. The JW Marriott, Shangri La and Conrad are all connected to a nice shopping Mall and very convenient for Central. Besides the big brands you have lots of smaller boutique style hotels such Lanson Place and Indigo.
Over on the mainland there is the iconic Peninsular and right next door with the same views The Salisbury YMCA is far cheaper and is more a hotel than hostel. Top hotels also include the Ritz Carlton attached to another shopping mall and currently has the highest bar, stunning views from here. The Langham, W Hong Kong, Shangri La and a new Rosewood are other options in Kowloon.
Chosen Hotels
What to See
Victoria Peak
Great views over Hong Kong, have lunch at The Peak Look Out, wander round the shops and take the historic tram down.
Star Ferry
Cheap and quick transport between HK island and Kowloon with a scenic view on the way.
Repulse Bay
Lovely beach with chinese temple and boardwalk of restaurants and shops
Stanley
Lively market and shopping centre with restaurants and bars
Lan Kwai Fong
Head here for restaurants and nightlife.
Disneyland
Great for the kids
Ocean Park
Resident Pandas and amusement park
Wong Tai Sin Temple
Covering 3 religions, Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism pilgrims believe that Wong Tai Sin makes wishes come true.
Lantau Island
Home to the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery with the second largest Buddha statue in the world. Good vegetarian restaurant in the gardens.
Victoria Harbour
Light show at 8 pm every evening. If you are Hong Kong for New Year’s Eve then try and get out on a boat to see the fireworks, absolutely spectacular.
Tram Tour
1 hour tour starting at the western terminus and ending in Causeway Bay
Wan Chai Heritage Trail
A two part 2 hour walk through Wan Chai
Hong Kong Travel Tips
Will depend on when you go and where you are staying, there is no dress code except at the top hotels.
Jeans, t-shirts and leather jackets, leggings and short skirts, boots or comfortable shoes were perfect for November and December.
I also threw in some smart casual dresses and shoes for dinner and night clubs.
Plus if you have not got it then you can certainly buy it so again if you intend shopping leave plenty of space in the suitcase.
Not required for most countries, depending on nationality you can stay from 7 to 180 days.
Free import (irrespective of age):
- 19 cigarettes or 1 cigars or 25 grams of tobacco;
- 1 litre of alcoholic beverages;
Getting here:
By Plane - Most international airlines fly to Hong Kong
By Ferry - from China
By Coach - from China
By Train - from China
Airport Express - fastest way to get to and from the airport
Taxis - can be hailed except from restricted zones, you will see taxi queues. - All taxis have meters.
There are 3 colours of taxis for different areas of HK.
Red Taxis operate throughout HK except Tung Chung Road on Lantau Island.
Green Taxis are only for the New Territories
Blue Taxis only operate on Lantau Island
Buses and Minibuses - most buses are air conditioned and run throughout HK. Exact change is required or the Octopus Card. Minibuses carry up to 19 people, green ones except the Octopus card or exact change, the red ones are not on fixed routes and you can get off and on anywhere. You should have a knowledge of HK or speak cantonese to use them.
Ferries - the Star Ferry runs between the island and Kowloon, easy and cheap to use with a view as well. There are also other cross harbour ferries available.
Ferries also run to the outlying islands and operate from the Central Ferry Piers on the island.
MTR - covers all major districts on 11 rail lines. You can buy a Tourist Day Pass for $65 adult, $30 Child for unlimited day travel. There are exceptions mainly the Airport Express.
Trams - only on the island, exact change required or the Octopus Card. You get on at the back and then pay at the front when getting off.
Octopus Card - store valued card to pay for transport, at fast food outlets, convenience stores, supermarkets and more.
Hong Kong Dollar - change at ATMs or currency exchanges. A number of banks issue their own Hong Kong Dollar notes which you may have trouble changing back into your own currency in your home country.
A sub tropical climate with a Typhoon season beginning in May and ending in November.
Spring March to May - rising temperatures and humidity but evenings can be cold.
Summer June to August - hot, humid and sunny.
Autumn September to November - best months to visit with sunshine and lower temperatures.
Winter - December to February - cool and dry although it can get hot enough to wear T-shirts!
There are downloadable e-guides for walks, cycling and dining.