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On this article, I’d like to share with you our 5-day itinerary for Hong Kong, that includes plenty of budget-friendly issues and must-do actions.
Hong Kong is certainly one of my favorite locations on Earth. I used to be very lucky to have spent over 5 months on this superb metropolis again in 2013, and once I returned earlier this yr, I used to be overjoyed to be again once more. On this 5-day itinerary for Hong Kong, I wished to share a few of my favorite locations in Hong Kong and must-visit locations that may make you fall in love with Hong Kong, too!
Right here’s a brief overview of the 5-day itinerary for Hong Kong
Day 1: TST, the Avenue of Stars, Star Ferry, Mid-levels and Central Market & Victoria Peak at sundown
Day 2: Lantau Island – Bid Buddha and Tai O fishing village
Day 3: Dragon’s Again Hike, Seashore, LKF
Day 4: Disneyland or Ocean Park OR Monastery & Lion’s Rock Hike, non-compulsory sundown cruise
Day 5: M+ Museum, Ozone Bar, Harbour Metropolis
The place to remain in Hong Kong?
In the event you’re questioning what one of the best space to remain in Hong Kong is (because it’s an enormous metropolis and nobody likes commuting on a vacation), I like to recommend a pair. Hong Kong just isn’t the most cost effective place to remain – and essentially the most sought-after areas are usually pricy. Nevertheless, there are many locations within the metropolis that match any price range.
Listed here are the areas I might suggest:
TST or Tsim Sha Tsui (greatest for views, procuring and total one of many best-connected areas)
Central (greatest for sightseeing resulting from connectivity; a lot of eating places are round)
Admiralty (a really fancy space, well-connected, a lot of procuring malls however barely additional away than Central and TST)
Mid-levels (greatest for distinctive outlets, hipster cafes and going out)
Causeway Bay (nice for procuring, much less handy for connectivity)
Sha Tin (a lot of locations close by, good connectivity, budget-friendly)
Mong Kok (extraordinarily busy, because it’s the place the women market is, nonetheless very centric)
Keep away from New Territories – whereas many areas are good, the commute to town centre is simply too lengthy. I lived close to Siu Hong station for five months and it could take me no less than 1 hour to go to town centre each time, which isn’t preferrred for those who’re in Hong Kong for under 5 days as you’ll spend an excessive amount of time within the MTR.
Motels I might suggest:
Luxurious with one of the best views: Ritz Carlton, Sheraton Hong Kong (the one in TST)
Mid-range: Courtyard Hong Kong (the place we stayed for 4 nights), New World Millenium Lodge
Reasonably priced: Hop Inn, Examine Inn Hong Kong
Overview of the hyperlinks on your Hong Kong journey:
Excursions to guide: Sundown cruise – test availability right here
Dragon’s Again climbing tour with a information – test right here
Meals tasting tour – guide right here
Disneyland tickets – guide right here
The Victoria Peak tram – test availability and guide on-line
Ngong Ping Skip the Line (to Huge Buddha) – guide right here
Sky 100 remark deck – guide right here
With out additional ado, let’s get began!
5-day itinerary for Hong Kong: superb issues to do
Earlier than we begin with the detailed itinerary for Hong Kong, I wished to say that this itinerary is extremely depending on the climate – the climate in Hong Kong might be fairly unpredictable, and even throughout a dry season, you may get some stormy days. Whereas I’m writing a separate article about one of the best issues to see in Hong Kong on a wet day (I’ll hyperlink to it right here as soon as it’s prepared), I’ll point out that it’s greatest to postpone any panoramic actions till it’s sunny (or, no less than, not very wet). In any other case, you may even see nothing. Actually.
Day 1: Essentially the most touristy issues to do in HK
(Victoria Peak & Central Hong Kong Island. Star Ferry, TST and the Avenue of Stars)
As I discussed earlier than, if it’s a wet day or the visibility just isn’t one of the best, attempt to postpone this stuff to the following good day and do a day 2 itinerary as a substitute.
The Avenue of Stars
In the event you’re fortunate with the climate, it’s not raining, and the visibility is nice, I like to recommend heading to the TST (Tsim Sha Tsui space) very first thing within the morning and having fun with the Avenue of Stars when it’s not crowded. You’ll nonetheless have an opportunity to benefit from the Symphony of Stars present at 8pm one other day and see town at evening.
Across the Avenue of Stars is a singular shopping center referred to as K11 Musea – it’s free to go to – for those who’re curious to see a free exposition (it ought to take as much as half-hour to go to), head there for a couple of minutes.
Star Ferry
Star Ferry connects the TST space with Hong Kong Island, and it’s truly public transport fairly than a vacationer attraction. It accepts Octopus playing cards, and one journey on the ferry is tremendous reasonably priced (one thing like £0.3 USD) – the ferry departs a number of instances per day, so the queues are often not so giant.
Most individuals benefit from the views and the sensation of being on a ferry – I like to recommend taking it no less than as soon as, despite the fact that the MTR is quicker and extra handy.
The Mid-levels space & Central Market
The following place I like to recommend visiting in Hong Kong is the Mid-levels space and the Central Market positioned subsequent to it. Don’t let the title idiot you, Central Market just isn’t a standard market – it’s a really new place with a lot of stalls promoting quirky candles, soaps, tea, cosmetics and cookies.
The mid-levels space in Hong Kong is dwelling to the world’s longest escalator. Within the morning, all escalators go all the best way to Central, whereas within the afternoons, they go the opposite means, all the best way up & again to the residential components of HK island. It’s free to take, so you’ll be able to skip the steps and take the escalator as a substitute.
Mid-levels can be a beautiful space to have lunch – there are many eating places throughout the Central Market and out of doors within the Mid-levels space.
Nevertheless, if I had been to suggest one place, I might advise making an attempt Tim Ho Wan restaurant within the IFC mall (within the decrease ranges – nearly within the Central MTR station). – it was the world’s most cost-effective Michelin-star restaurant, however it misplaced its star a few years in the past. Even so, once we visited this yr, it was just like the way it was again in 2013 when it nonetheless had the star. Please don’t go away it with out making an attempt the BBQ buns, they’re mouth-watering!
Victoria Peak tram & the remark deck
Victoria Peak is one of the best place to see the postcard-perfect panorama of Hong Kong, and the easiest way to go there may be earlier than the sundown so as to watch the sundown from there. The sundown is often round 7pm in summer season and 5:30pm in winter, so ensure that to reach on the remark deck no less than 30-40 minutes earlier than the sundown.
Essentially the most touristy solution to go up is by taking the well-known Victoria Peak tram. To keep away from queues on the ticket-selling factors, you should purchase a combo ticket for a return tram experience and the remark deck on-line right here.
Typically, the queues for the tram might be lengthy, so ensure that to reach early. There are many issues to do within the Victoria Peak space, so don’t fear for those who arrive too early. You possibly can all the time stroll across the shopping center or close by and even discover the Victoria Peak Gardens space.
Watching the sundown from the Victoria Peak remark deck is a magical expertise, and town modifications lots after darkish – I personally can’t determine which panorama I want – the one in the course of the day or the one at evening, each are beautiful.
Dinner
After visiting the Victoria Peak remark deck, head again to town centre for dinner. A number of the trendiest eating places in Hong Kong must be booked upfront; nevertheless, a lot of locals (and vacationers alike) simply head to eating places at procuring malls – every shopping center could have no less than 20 eating places and queue there – it often takes simply round 10-Quarter-hour to get a spot (relying on a restaurant).
Day 2: Lantau Island – Bid Buddha and Tai O fishing village
Ngong Ping 360
On the second day of 5 days in Hong Kong, you’ll be able to discover one other iconic location – Lantau island, dwelling to the Huge Buddha, Lin Po temple and the Tai O fishing village.
If the climate permits, head to the Tung Chung MTR station and purchase the cable automobile tickets – Ngong Ping 360. On a sunny day in the course of the excessive season, the queue is perhaps fairly lengthy, so that you may wish to purchase some skip-the-line tickets for the cable automobile right here.
The experience within the cable automobile takes round 30-40 minutes and goes by many lovely areas. Lantau Island may be very inexperienced – there are many climbing trails all around the island.
If the cable automobile just isn’t working or visibility just isn’t one of the best, it’s also possible to take a bus to Huge Buddha – it’s additionally less expensive.
Huge Buddha & Po Lin Monastery
The Huge Buddha statue in Hong Kong may be very spectacular. The doorway to the realm and the Po Lin Monastery is free, and despite the fact that the place will get fairly crowded, it nonetheless has a serene and peaceable ambiance.
Huge Buddha, or Tian Tan Buddha, is the world’s tallest seated bronze Buddha. It’s a comparatively new building – accomplished in 1993 – to go all the best way up and see essentially the most beautiful views of the mountains close by, it’s essential climb fairly a number of stairs, however it’s value it.
The Po Lin Monastery can be undoubtedly value visiting – it’s certainly one of Hong Kong’s most lovely monasteries!
Tai O fishing village
As soon as you are feeling such as you explored the Po Lin monastery and the areas close by, you’ll be able to head to the Tai O fishing village. You possibly can both take a taxi or a bus to get there. The experience solely takes 10-Quarter-hour, however the buses solely go as soon as each hour, so ensure that to test the schedule beforehand so you recognize when to return to the bus cease.
Tai O fishing village gives a glimpse into the historical past of Hong Kong – how Hong was 100 years in the past, and it feels just like the village is frozen in time. Individuals nonetheless reside in stilt homes and use boats and bicycles to get round. There aren’t any automobiles and no trendy outlets round both.
Many guests come to Tai O to see the photogenic village and check out native seafood and avenue meals. The road meals choices are barely totally different from different areas of Hong Kong – for instance, I’ve but to see shrimp paste wraps and hand-made mochis with nuts wherever else.
Additionally, seafood eating places are pretty in Tai O. Additionally, as you’ll be able to think about, fish may be very contemporary!
In addition to strolling round and consuming, it’s also possible to take a ship tour to see the well-known pink dolphins – we haven’t accomplished it, however I’ve heard good issues about it!
To get again to Tung Chung, you’ll be able to both take a bus again to Huge Buddha after which one other bus to the Tung Chung station or anticipate a ferry that additionally goes each hour and brings you to Tung Chung immediately and far quicker. Make sure you find the money for in your Octopus card, as there may be nowhere to reload it in Tai O, and the ferry isn’t that low cost!
Day 3: Dragon’s Again Hike, Seashore, LKF
The Dragon’s Again Hike
Hong Kong is an excellent climbing vacation spot, and just a few individuals understand it! In the event you’re fortunate with the climate and also you’re visiting Hong Kong when it’s not too sizzling or too chilly, among the best issues you might do there may be hike. Considered one of my favorite hikes in Hong Kong is the Dragon’s Again Hike – I’ve accomplished it twice, and in my view, it’s one of the best hike you are able to do for those who’re in Hong Kong for a restricted time.
The most effective half about this hike are the beautiful views and the very fact it ends on a really good seashore. It’s additionally simply accessible by public transport and isn’t too difficult to finish.
I like to recommend waking up early (however not exaggeratedly early) – 8am could be nice. Have some breakfast, go to a grocery store and purchase some snacks, plenty of water and the rest you may want for a hike/seashore.
Getting there / climbing
To get to the beginning of the Dragon’s Again Hike, take the MTR to the Shau Kei Wan station, exit the station and take the minibus 9. Inform the motive force you’re doing the Dragon’s Again hike, and he’ll inform you the place/when to exit. It takes round 15-20 minutes to get there by minibus.
If you exit the minibus, there might be a map of the hike and likewise a bathroom. There received’t be extra bathrooms all through the whole length of the hike. The hike will begin fairly steep, however then it would get simpler and extra gratifying.
Having fun with the Huge Wave Bay seashore
The stroll to the Huge Wave Bay seashore is the final a part of the hike. Even for those who’re not planning to swim, I like to recommend ending the hike there because it’s a stunning seashore to go to, and you’ll undoubtedly take pleasure in simply seeing it. And if you wish to swim, it’s a really pretty and clear seashore with small waves, and it’s enjoyable to leap them!
There are additionally some eating places and outlets close by – for those who’re hungry, it is a superb place to have a snack or a lunch/dinner.
To get again to town centre, take the identical minibus, 9, to the Shau Kei Wan station after which take the MTR again to town centre.
LKF
In the event you’re not too drained, I like to recommend spending the night discovering Hong Kong’s nightlife space – LKF or Lan Kwai Fong. It has modified a bit within the final 10 years – I might say it has turn into extra refined. There was simply nightclubs and fairly mediocre lounge bars – now there are additionally a lot of pretty cocktail bars, from speakeasies to bars from the checklist of the highest 100 bars of the world, e.g. Coa.
Day 4: Disneyland or Ocean Park OR Monastery & Lion’s Rock Hike, non-compulsory sundown cruise
In your fourth day in Hong Kong, I had two totally different choices for you! In the event you like amusement parks, I’ve excellent news for you – there are two implausible amusement parks in Hong Kong – Disneyland and Ocean Park. Disneyland is fairly small however has every thing you want. It’s simple to get there by MTR, and you may simply spend all day there, particularly for those who determine to remain for the fireworks. You possibly can pre-book your Disneyland tickets and test the newest worth right here.
I really like Ocean Park equally – it’s a lot greater than Disneyland and has many issues to do. It’s additionally extra reasonably priced. In addition they do seasonal specials – I had a chance to go to Ocean Park earlier than Halloween, and it was among the best Halloween experiences I’ve ever had. You possibly can test the value and availability right here.
If amusement parks aren’t your cup of tea, I’ve acquired an alternate choice for you!
Visiting Hong Kong’s monasteries:
Hong Kong has beautiful temples and monasteries, and there are lots of! Listed here are a few of my favorite ones. You possibly can both go to 1 or 2 of those monasteries or simply go to at least one and do one other brief hike. Listed here are Hong Kong’s greatest monasteries:
Chi Lin Nunnery
Wong Tai Sin temple
Sha Tin temple
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
Lion Rock Hike
In the event you loved climbing Dragon’s Again, you may like one other hike. Lion Rock hike is a a lot shorter hike positioned comparatively near the centre of Hong Kong, and the views from there are totally totally different from Dragon’s Again. As an alternative of seashores and hills, you will notice very dramatic city landscapes. Subsequent to the beginning of the hike, there may be one other thrilling temple – Sik Sik Yuen Wong you could additionally go to. The hike takes round 1 hour to go up and 1 hour to return, and it’s fairly steep, however the views are beautiful!
To get there, you’ll be able to take the MTR to the Wong Tai Sin MTR station after which stroll to Shatin Street.
Sundown cruise
Lastly, for those who nonetheless have some power left, take a sundown cruise in Hong Kong. The cruise is the easiest way to benefit from the Symphony of Gentle present, however one of the best half concerning the cruise is that you’ll expertise the sundown and see superb views. You possibly can test the costs and availability of a sundown cruise right here https://getyourguide.tp.st/zNk5dyCm
Day 5: M+ Museum, Ozone Bar, Harbour Metropolis
Now, in your ultimate day of this itinerary for five days in Hong Kong, you are able to do a little bit of sightseeing and procuring. In the event you like museums, head to the M+ Museum. It’s a really new museum (opened a few years in the past) positioned in a formidable, industrial-style constructing in an space that’s at the moment being developed and expanded, the West Kowloon Cultural District.
M+ primarily focuses on trendy artwork; nevertheless, there are expositions devoted to the historical past of Hong Kong, they usually had been my favorite ones.
Whereas within the space, it’s also possible to go to Ozone Bar within the well-known Ritz Carlton Lodge. Ozone Bar is the tallest bar on the planet – and the views from there are unreal. Be sure to go to on a transparent day, although; in any other case, you danger not with the ability to see a lot from there.
Lastly, you’ll be able to spend the remainder of your time earlier than flying in certainly one of Hong Kong’s many procuring malls.
A few of my favorite procuring malls in Hong Kong:
- K11 Musea
- Hysan Place, Causeway Bay
- Harbour Metropolis, TST
- Parts West Kowloon
- IFC Mall
- Pacific Place
- Instances Sq.
The closest shopping center to the M+ museum and Ozone bar is the Parts West Kowloon, nevertheless, Harbour Metropolis can be close by. I actually like Harbour Metropolis as a result of it has loads of quirky and never overly costly shops, in addition to loads of nice locations to eat!
As soon as you might be accomplished with procuring and consuming, it’s time to go to the airport. You possibly can both take the MTR or seize a taxi (taxis to the airport aren’t too costly, and final time we requested for one, we acquired a brand new Tesla).
Abstract of 5 days in Hong Kong
I hope you discovered this 5-day itinerary for Hong Kong helpful and acquired some concepts about the way you’d wish to spend your time on this implausible metropolis. 5 days in Hong Kong could be sufficient to get to know town and go to among the fundamental landmarks!
As talked about earlier than, Hong Kong is a tropical place, and the climate might be unpredictable. Most of those locations (aside from museums, procuring malls and monasteries) are greatest loved when it’s sunny and heat (or, no less than, when it’s not pouring). If you’re unfortunate and the climate forecast doesn’t look too optimistic, test for some different points of interest from my article right here: what to do in Hong Kong on a wet day.
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