Traveling to Hong Kong is popular, especially among international travelers. With Hong Kong being small and urban, it is роѕѕіblе to see most of the highlights in just a few days by traveling around the island on foot and using public transportation.
Hong Kong’s diversity is a huge part of what makes it so incredible to visit. From ethnic enclaves, each with its own traditions, to shiny skyscrapers that soar in the skyline, the city boasts an enticing blend of old and new.
With so much to see and do in Hong Kong. A visitor to Hong Kong will never be bored. As you depart you will find yourself thinking of your next trip back to Hong Kong.
Learn More About Hong Kong
- Things To Do On Hong Kong Island
- Hong Kong Travel Tips
- Can You Drink Tap Water in Hong Kong?
- Fun Things To Do in Hong Kong
- Scams in Hong Kong
Basics Before Visiting Hong Kong
Getting A Hong Kong Tourist Visa
Nationals of the US, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand don’t require a visa to enter Hong Kong for stays of up to 90 days and six months for UK nationals.
You will need six months’ validity on your passport.
If need more information on visa requirements or if planning on going to Hong Kong, you can visit their nearest embassy or visit this website.
http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entry-permit.html
Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency.
Tipping
Hong Kong does not have a tipping culture. You will notice that hotels, bars, and restaurants charge around 10% service charge on top of the prices quoted.
In hotels, tipping is considered mandatory for bellboys and maids.
Climate
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate, with its only district seasons. With the average temperature ranging from 12 to 32c.
Where To Stay In Hong Kong?
Hong Kong by no means is cheap. A very basic small hotel room prices start from $35.
Safely, Pickpockets and Scams
Hong Kong is one of the safest places to visit in Southeast Asia. Anyway, you should always be careful and use common sense will your belongings and your safety while traveling.
Read more about scams in Hong Kong here.
Like any other country, Hong Kong has its scams and bag snatching. Like being at home be vigilant at ATMs and beware of pickpockets. You should be careful. Remember to report a crime.
It’s helpful to check the hotel or hostel reviews on booking.com, Agoda, and TripAdvisor before booking it. As there may have been incidents of things being stolen from the hotel. Check that there is a safe and bring your own lock.
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is the political and economic center of Hong Kong. This is also called the ‘Central’.
This is the place the British took as their own and so if you are looking for historical sites from the territory’s colonial past, then this is a good place to explore.
Things To See And Do On Hong Kong Island
Everything on Hong Kong Island is compact and can be explored in a few days. You’ll find skyscrapers, museums, and shopping malls on Hong Kong Island.
Read more about things to do in the Hong Kong Islands here.
Use The Peak Tram To Reach Victoria Peak
The Peak is the highest in Hong Kong. From this spot, visitors can see the scenery of Hong Kong.
The evening is a good time to see the sparkling skyscrapers in Hong Kong.
The Peak is also famous as an elite location in Hong Kong since colonial times. So, it can be a good idea if you want to see Hong Kong city from its peak.
The historic Peak Tram runs continuously from 7 am until midnight and gives passengers plenty of time to see all the views of the city.
Get on board from the Garden Road terminus in Central and it’s only HK$65 for a return ticket.
Ride The Star Ferry
Since 1888, the Star Ferry has been providing transport by boat from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon.
Today, the Star Ferry vessels continue to operate and have become a top tourist attraction to enjoy.
The Star Ferry can be boarded at the Central terminal going to the Tsim Sha Tsui terminal. At 8 pm every day, you can see the light show from the ferry.
Hong Kong Zoological And Botanical Gardens
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest zoological and botanical centers in the world.
It occupies an area of 5.6 hectares at Mid-levels, on the northern slope of Victoria Peak in Hong Kong.
Read more about things to do in the Hong Kong Islands here.
Things To See In Kowloon
Kowloon covers the northern part of Hong Kong, on the mainland across from Victoria Harbour. Today, it is a shopping, arts, and entertainment district.
Read more about things to do in Hong Kong here.
Things To See And Do In Kowloon
In Kowloon, you will find the famous Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade which is a great place to start exploring. Here are a few things to see and do in Kowloon.
Enjoy The Views From The Star Ferry
Get the best views of the iconic Hong Kong skyline along Victoria Harbour by getting on board the Star Ferry at the Tsim Sha Tsui terminal and setting sail to Central.
There are 12 boats in the Star Ferry fleet and the crossing only takes seven minutes, so have your camera at the ready.
Shop At Temple Street Night Market
This market is properly the most famous in Hong Kong and is located on Temple Street.
It sells everything from accessories, clothing, souvenirs, and other items. You can get great souvenirs at the Temple Street night market.
See The Symphony Of Lights
Hong Kong Symphony of Lights is the world’s largest permanent light and sound show according to the Guinness World Records.
This nightly spectacle combines interactive lights of 45 key buildings on both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with musical effects to showcase the vibrancy and glamorous night vista of Victoria Harbor.
Read more about things to do in Hong Kong here.
Visit The Outlying Islands
Hong Kong is surrounded by 260 outlying islands, most of them uninhabited.
These islands seem a world away from the city’s hectic pace.
Getting To The Islands
Three of the most accessible and popular islands are Lantau, Cheung Chau, and Lamma. Fares to the islands are a bargain. Monday to Saturday, tickets for ordinary ferries cost just HK$12 to HK$18 for ordinary class and HK$18 to HK$22 for deluxe, depending on the destination.
Fares are slightly higher on Sundays and public holidays. Prices range from HK$17 to HK$20 for ordinary class and HK$26 to HK$32 for a deluxe ticket.
Fast Ferries range from HK$23 to HK$37, depending on the destination and the day of the week. Children and seniors pay half the price.
Things See And Do On The Outlying Islands
The outlying islands have a lot to offer from market stalls, restaurants, and street food to temples, caves, and Disneyland.
Here is an overview of the islands.
Visit Cheng Chau
Cheng Chau is more of a one-day visit. It offers a full array of shops, restaurants, and beaches.
The island’s two biggest beaches are Tung Wan and Kwun Yam Wan.
While on Cheng Chau, try to see the Mini Great Wall, Kwan Kung Pavilion, Yuk Hui, and Pak Tai Temples, and the cave hideout of a notorious 19th-century Chinese pirate.
Explore Lantau Island
This is Hong Kong’s largest outlying island and is home not only to Hong Kong’s airport but also to a giant bronze Buddha statue, Hong Kong Disneyland, beaches, forests, and hiking trails.
Visit Lamma Island
It’s properly the easiest outlying island to reach from Hong Kong. After Lantau and Hong Kong, Lamma is the 3rd largest island.
Food and activities come at a lower price here. Lamma is a bohemian blend of East and West and a popular place for ex-pats to live.
Visit Peng Chau
This Island is of culture, fresh seafood, and temples. The island offers hiking trails, and food and is rich in history.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, you will have plenty of things to see in Hong Kong that will keep you busy. You can explore it in your way when you get there. All you have to do is choose the activities you prefer and start enjoying what Hong Kong has to offer.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on this Hong Kong Travel Guide Blog To Exploring Hong Kong has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is any more to add.
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