Since 10,000 B.C., the Asian continent has shown itself to the world as an important and beautiful place that currently maintains these principles, which is a place worth seeing. This time we bring you an incredible place that you will not want to leave. Hong Kong is a metropolitan area and special administrative region of the People´s Republic of China composed of three zones (Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and New Territories) and more than 250 islands, with more than 7.5 million inhabitants, this place will let you breathless.
Discover the fun things you can do in Hong Kong, like seeing the imposing skyscrapers, fill your gallery with incredible photos, enjoy the light show with lasers and music form the philharmonic orchestra of Hong Kong, or eat delicious and cheaper street food in the markets. Keep reading and learn all the different ways to better up your travel to Hong Kong!
How to get there
To get to this country, there are different options available depending on where you come from. The first option is by plane, and in this case, the Hong Kong International Airport also called Chek Lap Kok International Airport is the only option. It has been working since 1998 and currently it is considered one of the best airports around the world. It has banking services, Wi-Fi and Internet access, lounges, and more.
If you are traveling from cities on the Mainland, a good option is to travel by train. The national high-speed rail network connects Hong Kong to many destinations such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing.
Last but not least, there is the option of travel by ferry, from the Mainland and Macao. If you travel from Macao, it will take you approximately 55 minutes to get there.
If you are traveling around Asia, the best and most affordable option is to travel by train or ferry to Hong Kong.
Visa Information
Depending on your nationality, you may or not need a visa to enter Hong Kong. Most of the citizens from countries around the world do not need to apply for a visa, however, there are limitations regarding the number of days you can stay in the country (180, 90, 30, 14, or 7 days). Of course, if you plan to travel there for work or study purposes, you will need a valid visa from the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
Best time to visit the country
Probably you want to travel to Hong Kong, but you do not know what the best time to go is. Well, it is going to depend on a few things! For example, to enjoy the best weather, you should travel from October to December. During these months, it is expected to experience sunny and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 28°C.
If you want to travel there just to enjoy the famous festivals that are held in Hong Kong, then you may want to travel in January or February. These are the coldest months when the temperatures are from 10°C to 23°C. The most popular festivals during these months are the Spring festival and the Lantern Festival. Finally, to avoid the crowds you can travel during March, April, or May, however, the weather will be humid and it is to be expected that it will rain a lot.
Safety
Hong Kong is considered a safe country to travel, which means a place where you can go with no worries about being in danger. However, it is always important (no matter where you go) to remember some essential safety tips. For example, do not leave your belongings unattended, especially in crowded places. We suggest you avoid accepting drinks or food from strangers or leave them unattended. You just have to follow your instincts and take the same precautions as at home.
Budget
One of the most important things that we think about when planning a trip is the budget. How much will we spend on our trip? For your trip to Hong Kong, you could expect to spend around HK $1,085 ($140) per day. This will cover standard accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. Then, if you are traveling for a week, you could spend HK $15,189 ($1,960) and for two weeks HK $15,189 ($1959.78).
Let’s see how much you can afford with HK$1,085 ($140) per day:
- Hotel or Hostel: HK $480 ($61.93)
- Food: HK $205 ($26.45)
- Local transportation (taxis, buses, subway): HK $55 ($7.10)
- Entertainment (shows, movie tickets): HK $593 ($76.51)
Let’s break down some more specific food and drinks prices:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: HK $45 ($5.8) – Meat or chicken with rice.
- Mid-range restaurant: HK $250 ($32.26) – Three-course meal.
- Soft Drink: HK $9.17 ($1.18) – 0.33-liter bottle.
- Beer: HK $58 ($7.48) – 0.5-liter draught.
Currency
The official currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong dollar or HKD (HK$). One USD is equivalent to HK $7.75. You can use US dollars at some stores in Hong Kong, but you will get a better rate and price is you pay with the official currency. The best way to get cash is by using an ATM (Automated teller machine). You can also exchange your dollars in a bank or at a start-rated hotel. However, the use of credit cards is increasing in Hong Kong, and American Express, Visa, and MasterCard are widely accepted.
Interesting facts about the culture
Hong Kong is a metropolitan area located in southeast China. It is known for having one of the most prosperous economies in the world. The languages spoken there are Cantonese, Chinese Mandarin, and English, some people even combine Cantonese and English in the same sentence!
Your experience in Hong Kong will be incomplete if you do not try the local food. Dining out is among the best and most popular things to do. For example, when you travel there, definitely you have to try the sweet and sour pork (one of the most famous dishes). There are also wontons, being the most famous Sichuan-style wontons. It is a delicious soup made of chicken, duck, and pork. Finally, a Cantonese common dish: Roast goose. You can enjoy them, especially in the New Territories.
This place is very sophisticated, with all those pretty and tall skyscrapers that shine during the night. When you travel there, you will meet very polite and modest people, and one of the most beautiful places in the world.
What to do in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a great place to enjoy and spend good holidays; all the things you can do in this Metropolitan Area will surprise you. One of the things that stand out in Hong Kong is its incredible sights, from the great Buddha to thousands of golden statues, and the views of its landscapes will enchant you just with seeing them.
The best sights
- Victoria Peak, in Hong Kong Island: It is the highest hill on Hong Kong Island, famous for its views of the sea and the urban skyline.
- Sky100, in Kowloon: It is a 360° indoor observation platform, which occupies the 100th floor of the Skyscraper “International Commerce Center”.
- Tian Tan Buddha, in Ngong Ping, Lantau Island: Large bronze Buddha accessible by a staircase, with a carved bell, a museum, and relics inside.
- Man Fat Sze, in the New Territories: One of the most colorful Buddhist temples in Hong Kong, with more than ten thousand golden Buddha statues.
Hong Kong is not only seeing the monuments, many things you can do to have fun. You can enjoy the daily light show, visit the beautiful panda bears, sing karaoke, enjoy the culinary delights of the food of the Metropolitan Area, and find treasures at the best prices in the markets. An endless number of things that we are sure you will love!
The best activities
- Take a ride on the Star Ferry: This ferry has been transporting passengers between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon since 1888. Enjoy the beautiful views.
- Come and have fun at the Hong Kong Disneyland, in Lantau Island: All the magic of the Magic Kingdom Parks, in Hong Kong.
- Climb The Victoria Peak on the Peak Tram: The fastest and most scenic way to get to “The Peak”, enjoy the wonderful landscapes from the seat of the tram.
- Search for hidden gems at the Temple Street Night Market, in Kowloon: A nightly street bazaar where hundreds of stalls pop up after the sun goes down and offer a variety of trinkets.
- Enjoy the daily lasers, light, and sound show: a visual show synchronized to music and narration that explodes in a fantastic event to see.
How to get around in Hong Kong
There are different ways to get around Hong Kong. There is the option of travel by taxi, which is a good option because they are safe and well regulated. You can also travel by bus. There are different routes and the buses are comfortable and air-conditioned. To pay for the bus, you need to buy an Octopus card at the Hong Kong International Airport. Then just recharge that card and use it every time you get on a bus. However, the best way to get around in Hong Kong is by using the Mass Transit Railway (MTR). There you can also use your Octopus card, which costs around $6.40.
How to stay connected in Hong Kong
When we travel around the world, especially to a new destination, it is very common to think: what is the best way to stay connected? Of course, you do not want to be disconnected from the world during your trip. Your smartphone can be very useful to find new destinations and communicate. The best way to be online as soon as possible is to buy a local prepaid SIM card.
In Hong Kong, the main mobile operators are China Mobile, CSL, New World Mobility, and Three. Most of the carriers have plans for tourists, so we suggest you check them on their corresponding websites.
If you are traveling around Asia, you might prefer to buy an international prepaid SIM card. In this case, we recommend that you take a look at our SIM cards for Hong Kong, all of them with enough data to be connected during your trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rent a car?
It is a better idea to travel around using MTR. But if you are staying in New Territories you should rent one.
Which airports can I fly to?
The main airport is the Hong Kong International Airport.
What are the most popular types of hotels?
The most popular accommodation types are family hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals.
How much does a holiday cost?
You can spend around HK $1,085 ($140), including standard accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.
What are the best things to do?
If you are traveling to Hong Kong, visit the temples is something that you must do.