Hong Kong Introduction
A perfect blend of natural scenery and ultramodern skyscrapers, Hong Kong is an urban playground where you can soak up traditional Chinese culture, commune with nature in the middle of a busy city, spot Western influences on these Eastern shores as you walk around, and party until you keel over – all in one day. Although you can stay several days in Hong Kong and still have so much to do and see, keep in mind that it’s a gateway to other destinations like Macau and Shenzhen.
Hotels in Hong Kong
For tourists, Hong Kong is largely divided into two main parts: Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Whichever side you want to stay in, you’ll have numerous lodging options to choose from, as there are hundreds of hotels in Hong Kong. The five-star hotels boast harborfront locations and stunning bay views, along with pools, health clubs, and multiple restaurants. Some have storied architectural details. With the exception of the luxury hotels, Hong Kong accommodations are synonymous with compact rooms, and even three-star hotels usually don’t have breakfast service or any other facilities. Cheap options include unfussy inns, and spartan guesthouses located in residential buildings.
Where to stay
Kowloon’s glitzy Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district has the greatest concentration of hotels in Hong Kong. Although there are many cheap and cramped guesthouses in
Chungking Mansions, Tsim Sha Tsui is generally an upmarket area, with the top-tier hotels clustered along the waterfront. If you want to be on the Kowloon side but not shell out too much for lodging, choose from
Mong Kok’s hostels and budget hotels. This area also features night markets and roadside stalls selling various wares and street food. On Hong Kong Island, Central offers a selection of luxurious hotels, along with a mouth-watering assortment of restaurants.
Things to see
You can either hike or taking the Peak Tram funicular railway to the top of Victoria Peak, the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island. From here you can take in spectacular, unobstructed views of Hong Kong – unless a thick fog clouds the vista. For shopping, go to the malls and designer boutiques in Tsim Sha Tsui or haggle for souvenirs at the night markets in Mong Kok. Families with young children can choose from two theme parks, or even visit both.
Hong Kong Disneyland’s Iron Man Experience was the first Marvel attraction built in any Disney park worldwide, while Ocean Park Hong Kong is an oceanarium and theme park rolled into one. End your day with a nightcap in Lan Kwai Fong, a lively strip of bars, gastropubs, and nightclubs that’s frequented by locals and expats alike.
How to get to Hong Kong
Most visitors to Hong Kong fly in through Hong Kong International Airport. This multi-awarded airport is an important transport hub in Asia, with flights to and from every continent. It also links mainland China with the rest of the region. Airport Express trains are the fastest way to reach downtown Hong Kong, but it’s much cheaper to board a bus then transfer to the MTR at Tung Chung Station. Buses will also take you straight to Hong Kong’s center, but they’re susceptible to traffic jams. From Hong Kong, you can get to Macau by boarding a ferry at Kowloon’s China Ferry Terminal or Hong Kong Island’s Hong Kong–Macau Ferry Terminal. You can also take a ferry or a train to mainland China.
