Hong Kong
If you dream of traveling to Hong Kong, have the courage to pursue it because it is worth it.
Hong Kong is perpetually short on space and overflowing with people, reason why the country is sprinkled with eye-popping high-rise apartment buildings to address the housing crisis. Yet despite its size, it attracts millions of tourists each year, and that’s not really surprising, given the wealth of family-friendly attractions, lively street life and shopping meccas here. And if you feel like escaping the bustling, futuristic jungle, rush to the outlying areas with hills and beaches that remain untainted by commercialism.
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
Hong Kong Disneyland — Undoubtedly one of the famous attractions in Hong Kong, this theme park boasts of 7 themed attractions like Fantasyland, Adventureland, Main Street, Mystic Point, Toy Story Land, Tomorrowland and Grizzly Gulch. Being here is like fulfilling a childhood dream, especially seeing the fireworks display.
HONG KONG ISLAND: CENTRAL
VICTORIA PEAK
Victoria Peak, also known as Victoria Peak is where famous actors, politicians, consul generals, bank CEOs and businessmen live. But the main reason tourists flock here is because of the scenic view of the city skyline and Victoria Harbour. You can use the coin-operated telescopes installed at the viewing deck to view the cityscape.
AVENUE OF STARS, SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS AND VICTORIA HARBOUR
One of the famous attractions in Hong Kong for tourists is the Symphony of Lights, organized by Hong Kong Tourism Board at 8:00 PM. This is where you’ll see a FREE harmonious display of lights, laser lights, fireworks and music lasting for a few minutes. The best place to watch this is at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui Harbour. English narration is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. But you can also watch this on board sightseeing ferries passing by Victoria Harbour. If you prefer to experience riding the sightseeing ferry, you can book tickets below.
NGONG PING VILLAGE, TIAN TAN BIG BUDDHA AND POLIN MONASTERY
Ngong Ping highland in Lantau Island is home to 3 of the top attractions in Hong Kong — Ngong Ping Village, The Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha.
Po Lin Monastery was established sometime in 1960 by 3 monks, this famous Hong Kong attractions has grown to be the biggest Zen Buddhist temple in the country. The front hall decorated with coiled dragons leads to the main Ten Thousand Buddha Hall.
Beside the monastery, you can find the colossal Big Buddha called Tian Tan Buddha, another top attraction in Hong Kong. This bronze statue weighs 250 tons and stands at 35 meters high.
Ngong Ping Village is a culturally themed village, established to showcase the spiritual and cultural integrity of Ngong Ping. Here, you can find many interesting attractions such as the “Walking with Buddha”, “Stage 360” and restaurants.
Lan Kwai Fong — Nightlife
Everyone knows Lan Kwai Fong is Hong Kong’s party district — with award-winning bars, incredible restaurants and amazing clubs all within a few streets. But there’s even more to discover than the hottest bars, restaurants and parties; this neighbourhood has a little bit of everything, like unique art exhibits, awesome shopping and some incredible spas.
Hong Kong may be busy during the day, when everyone is putting in that hustle at work, but the city truly comes alive at night. This is a work-hard play hard city, and to get the true Hong Kong experience, you need a night out in Lan Kwai Fong. Lan Kwai Fong is home to some of the greatest clubs in Asia. From the legendary Dragon-I to newer favourites like Cé La Vi and Cassio, the scene is ever-changing with new additions (and amazing DJs) adding more spark to the city’s skyline. If you don’t know where to start, check out our list of the must-visit clubs in the area. There’s even a thriving Latin dancing-scenehere, so dust off your salsa shoes and get ready to fiesta!
Lan Kwai Fong is home to some of the world’s greatest speakeasies and cocktail bars. Whether you want to sip on a rare whiskey, a trendy cocktail or even just watch the game over a beer, there’s plenty to be had — andnew bars are always popping up. Employees Only is a firm favourite, this New York-powerhouse mixes up strong drinks and offers some of the best service in town. Just down the road, you can explore Hong Kong’s largest gin collection at the hidden Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour, one of Hong Kong’s (not so) hidden treasures. Don’t forget to check out some happy hours for great value drinks!
Dragon-i
The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central; +852 3110 1222
www.dragon-i.com.hk
Cé La Vi
25/F, California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Central; +852 3700 2300
hk.celavi.com
Cassio,
2/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central; +852 3792 0129
cassio.com.hk
Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour
Shop B31A, First Basement Floor, Landmark Atrium, Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road, Central; +852 2111 9449
www.drfernshk.com
The Best Things to Do in Mong Kok
Mong Kok, which in Cantonese means ‘crowded corner’, is true to its name — it’s one of the busiest districts in Hong Kong. From seeking out antiques to trying stinky tofu.
Treat yourself to new kicks on Sneakers Street
The southernmost section of Fa Yuen Street is known as Sneakers Street, thanks to its abundance of shoe shops. Here you’ll find the hottest styles, as well as rare and limited-edition lines from brands including Nike, Adidas and New Balance. In addition to sneakers, there are numerous sportswear stores selling basketball shirts and other merchandise, making this the place to be for sports-loving fashionistas.
Wander along Sai Yeung Choi Street
Sai Yeung Choi is a long, bustling pedestrian street, home to an abundance of shops, malls and restaurants. You will be able to find almost anything you want, from international cosmetics and skin care brands such as Innisfree from Korea and NYX from the USA, to high-tech electronics. Local chain stores Fortress and Broadway sell the latest gadgets, but these can also be found at a fraction of the price at the smaller shops hidden within the labyrinth of office buildings. Don’t pass up the opportunity to check out the restaurants and street stalls selling local delicacies like Taiwanese fried chicken and Hong Kong stir-fried noodles.
Sample street food
Trying local street food is a must on any visit to Hong Kong. In Mong Kok, you can find plenty of street-food stalls scattered on Sai Yeung Choi Street, Dundas Street, Fa Yuen Street and Soy Street. They are not limited to selling traditional Hong Kong-style snacks such as stinky tofu, fish balls, and fish siu mai. Nowadays, you will also find pizza, Thai tea, and even poutine, all at very reasonable prices. If you’re feeling intrepid, be sure to try a food trend taking Hong Kong by storm — cheese cap tea. This intriguing sweet-savoury drink sees cold tea topped with a foamy layer of milk and cream cheese, finished off with a sprinkle of salt.
Score a bargain at Mong Kok’s best markets
As well as being a vital part of everyday life for many Hong Kongers, markets are at the top of the list of things to do in Hong Kong. You’ve come to the right place — Mong Kok is home to many of Hong Kong’s most popular markets. If you are looking to buy some classic Hong Kong souvenirs or perhaps some designer knock offs, then the Ladies’ Market is a must-visit. Though located a little outside of Mong Kok, the Temple Street Night Market is just a short walk away and a shopping hotspot after sundown. Along with having your fortune told, here you can find authentic souvenirs: antiques, jade, clothes, tea-ware, and electronic gadgets are all up for grabs.
It’s all mixed up with kitchen gadgets, exotic vegetables, a small bakery for fresh mooncakes, and one stall loudly demonstrating the rich variety of karaoke microphones available today. The corner at Mongkok Road houses a covered wet market, where mongers eschew ice in favour of compartmentalised counters holding enough shallow water for fish to wriggle energetically until purchased.
Flower Market Road
This is half a mile of cheap blooms and plants with large numbers of orchids and bonsai trees — the clue’s in the name. The pavements are crammed with greenery, the air heavily scented. It’s a welcome oasis in the midst of Mong Kok’s overcrowded thoroughfares. At the centre is Brighten, a three-storey, air-conditioned supermarket of dried-flower sprays for every occasion, Christmas decorations (from August), mid-autumn festival bouquets, giant paper rabbits and silk flowers aplenty.
Catch a glimpse of the Goldfish Market
At Tung Choi Street North, also known as the Goldfish Market, you can buy any type of fish your heart desires. Its speciality, however, is (unsurprisingly) goldfish, who stare out from the plastic pouches that hang from the many stalls and store fronts lining the street. Regular pet stores are now beginning to crowd out the goldfish stalls — bringing cats, dogs and rabbits and other pets onto the scene — so swing by and see this curious sight before it disappears!
TAI O FISHING VILLAGE
O Fishing Village is somewhat untouched by Hong Kong tourism boom and boasts tranquil surroundings where the Tanka people, who have constructed their traditional houses on stilts in the northwestern coast of Lantau Island. This place is known to locals for its best seafood, shrimp paste, dried fish and snacks. If you want to see what the old Hong Kong looks like, this is the place to be, as the style of the stilt houses here dates back to the 19th century. It is one of the few remaining traditional fishing villages in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Travel Tips — SUMMARY
- Although Hong Kong is expensive compared to other Asian countries, it is possible to stay on a budget. Again, as mentioned above, the cheapest areas to find a hotel/guesthouse is around Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui.
- Bring a drinking bottle and refill it
- Purchase an Octopus Card or the Airport Express Travel Card to get discounted MTR fares.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will do a lot of walking.
- Early in the morning, you can watch locals practicing Tai in Victoria Park.
- Make time to line up to eat the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant — Tim Ho Wan. This restaurant is known for its dimsum style dumplings and savory pastries. Eat the best local food in Hong Kong!
