Hong Kong is one of the most cosmopolitan and modern cities on the planet. Along with its towering skyscrapers and stunning modern amenities, it manages to conserve its heritage landmarks and old world charm. Hong Kong's Heritage is a charming mixture of European and Chinese cultures. It is one of the most favored destinations for leisure and business travel. The infrastructure is superbly modern and the facilities offered are numerous. Hong Kong can be viewed individually or as part of a package tour of China. Hong Kong Package travel includes visits to the main island attractions,
numerous heritage walks and tours, hiking or biking tours and shopping centers.
Popular tourist destinations on Hong Kong Island
- The Victoria Peak, for a splendid view over Hong Kong.
- Lan Kwai Fong and So Ho for exciting nightlife.
- Golden Bauhinia Square for the special Flag Raising Ceremony.
- Ocean Park for a fun filled family entertainment
- Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen Harbor for classic Chinese cuisine.
Places to visit in Kowloon
- The beautiful Kowloon Walled City Park.
- Cheung Sha Wan Fashion Street and Apliu Street Flea Market.
- Yuen Po Street Songbird Market, the Kowloon Flower Market in Mong Kok and the Goldfish Market on Tung Choi Street.
- Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple which supports all three faiths – Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.
There is a Disneyland in the New Territories and Race Courses at Happy Valley and Sha Tin. There is a giant Buddha and the
Po Lin Monastery in Lantau Island.
Hong Kong Travel Guide – Here are some tips and things to remember while traveling in Hong Kong.
While people in Hong Kong, especially in the Hotels, restaurants and shopping establishments, speak English, it is recommended that travelers carry either a Hong Kong Travel Guide or a ready reckoner to avoid getting lost or misled. English speaking policemen have red shoulder tags. HKTA staff wears color coded badges to indicate the languages they know. For the less adventurous or those traveling to Hong Kong for the first time, most hotels and travel agencies offer Hong Kong Package Travel or local guided tours with a guide proficient in English.
Clothes should be packed keeping the subtropical climate in mind -
- Spring (March to May) - Tourists should carry light jackets or sweaters to combat the slight chill.
- Summer (June to September) – Casual Cotton Clothing is recommended. Since the humidity is high and rains are frequent, it is advisable to carry an umbrella or a light raincoat.
- Autumn (October to December) – Clear weather is expected, travelers can carry light clothing and light jackets.
- Winter (January to February) – Travelers can pack in suits, warm clothing and light overcoats, weather remains cool and humidity is low.
Comfortable footwear is recommended for all seasons since there is much to explore and pedestrian friendly areas are many. Pack lightly since there are plenty of shopping destinations to peruse. However, prices at some of the more elite boutiques can be exorbitant. While Hong Kong is famous for jade carvings and antiques, fakes abound so caution is advised. At flea markets and local shops, bargaining is recommended. Hong Kong has a very low crime rate, but petty crimes are common. It is recommended that tourists carry traveler cheques and credit cards instead of cash.
Hong Kong is famous for its culinary extravaganza. Along with the gourmet meals and delicious Chinese cuisine at exotic restaurants and bustling “food streets', travelers should try the unusual fusion food at Cha Chaan Teng. Budget travelers will find low prices and local flavor at the Dai Pai Dong booths. Seafood is easily available and coastal eateries feature freshly prepared lobster, squid, abalones and oysters. Barbecuing is popular and there are free for all public barbecue pits near most beaches. The local water supply matches international standards of hygiene. However, mineral water is available everywhere. The legal age for drinking alcohol is 18. Since drinking is usually popular among the Western tourists, beer or other alcoholic beverages are slightly expensive.
Hong Kong Hotels are the ultimate in luxury. High end options include the Peninsula with its opulent old world style and the swanky modern Metropark. The Budget travelers prefer the Salisbury for its affordable rent and convenient location. Autumn is the peak tourist season and room rates can be exorbitant.
Public Transportation options are many and are extremely convenient. Tourists are recommended to purchase an Octopus Payment Card, available for prices ranging from HKD 150 to a maximum of HKD 1000. It is useful for payment on public transportation, vending machines and even some local food joints.
- Taxis Cabs are easily available and very comfortable. It is worth noting that taxi cabs usually serve a specific area or district – Red Taxis ply in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, Green Taxis run in New Territories and Blue Taxis serve Lantau Island.
- Bus Service – Hong Kong has a well developed public and tourist bus service. Brilliantly colored double decker buses and yellow and red striped minibuses travel to most destinations.
- Yellow and green maxicabs ply on fixed routes.
- Train Service – The Kowloon Canton Railway, the Mass Transit Railway and the Light Rail Transit lines criss cross all over Hong Kong and are convenient and comfortable for travel.
- Tram Service – The Victoria Peak tram is ultramodern and travels on a vertical track.
- Ferry Service – Star Ferry and Hong Kong Ferry services offer scenic rides between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
- Cable Car Rides can be taken from Ocean Park to Hong Kong Island.
- Rickshaws are a popular tourist attraction at the Ferry Point on Hong Kong Island.
- Bicycles are a ubiquitous form of travel and can be rented cheaply almost everywhere. Some of the roads are restricted for biking to avoid congestion.
