Can’t resolve the place to remain to your subsequent Hong Kong journey? Is Tsim Sha Tsui an excellent space for vacationers? Is Central higher than Mong Kok? When is it very best to remain in Lantau island? On this article, we’ll break it down that can assist you decide the most effective neighborhood for you.
Hong Kong is considered one of our most visited locations. Over the previous 13 years, now we have stayed at varied areas inside the territory. And sure, some areas are higher than others. However to correctly decide the most effective, we have to perceive Hong Kong’s geography.
Hong Kong could also be small, however it’s a bit sophisticated. It’s set primarily on a peninsula, however it additionally covers varied close by islands. To its north is Shenzhen and to its west, now related by a bridge, is Macau. And like Macau, Hong Kong is a Particular Administrative Area of China. It is part of China, however it has its personal financial system, foreign money, and immigration legal guidelines. That’s why even Chinese language mainlanders nonetheless have to undergo immigration checks when coming into Hong Kong.
Hong Kong consists of three important areas:
- Kowloon, on the peninsula, the place Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok are situated. Hong Kong’s metropolis middle has two faces. One among them is Kowloon, which covers a lot of the developed space on the mainland. That is the older and extra conventional facet of town. It’s what many think about quintessential Hong Kong. It’s extremely developed, sure, however you’ll simply discover that most of the buildings usually are not very fashionable. It’s dense, busy, and extremely textured. This facet is usually used as a setting in Hollywood films.
- Hong Kong Island, the place you’ll discover the Central Enterprise District. If Kowloon is gritty and conventional, Hong Kong Island is polished and aesthetically extra colonial, mixing Chinese language tradition with British influences properly. However it’s divided into smaller neighborhoods together with Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Sheung Wan, and Causeway Bay.
- New Territories, which covers the world north of Kowloon and 200 outlying islands together with Lantau Island, the place you’ll discover Hong Kong Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360, and Tai-O Village. The Hong Kong Worldwide Airport can also be inside the New Territories.
The reality is, Hong Kong is additional divided into 18 smaller districts. However for vacationers, particularly first-timers, only some of those will in all probability matter.
So which is the most effective space to remain? Objectively, I’d say it is dependent upon your particular itinerary. However when you ask me for my private desire, right here’s how I might rank these areas.
(By the way in which, you’ll additionally discover a checklist of prime inns within the space, categorized by price range. After we say “reasonably priced”, we imply that comparatively. Lodging are usually costly in Hong Kong. Lodge costs have skyrocketed over the previous years. The properties we listed below reasonably priced should be thought of pricey by different requirements.)
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
1. CENTRAL
Strictly talking, Central usually refers to a selected space surrounding the Central Station. However for tourism functions, the time period is usually used loosely to incorporate the entire Central and Western District, encompassing Admiralty and Sheung Wan.
The center of Hong Kong’s Central Enterprise District, it’s bustling particularly at rush hours. Nevertheless it will get much less busy as you progress away from it. On our most up-to-date journey, we stayed in Sheung Wan which could be very quiet.
Central could be very accessible, extra accessible than Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok in Kowloon. There’s a direct bus from the airport (A11 bus). However most significantly, there’s a direct prepare – the Airport Specific, which is the quickest technique to get to town middle. You may attain Central in roughly half-hour, considerably faster than taking the bus or a number of common prepare rides. (By the way in which, if you wish to guide a seat on the Airport Specific prepare, you may reserve upfront on Klook.)
Central is your leap off level to 2 standard points of interest: Victoria Peak and Ocean Park. So in case your itinerary has these two websites on two separate days, this can be an excellent base.
One other large professional for Central is that its dotted with numerous iconic foodie spots, and plenty of of them are reasonably priced. Some are even awarded with Michelin Bib Gourmand or Michelin stars. I’ve stayed on the Central space a variety of occasions, and I beloved it every time due to these eating places! A number of meals excursions additionally scribble throughout the world.
Whereas many inns in Central-Central district are upscale, it’s not unattainable to search out comparatively cheap locations to remain particularly within the Sheung Wan space.
However as a lot as I like Central, it’s not for everybody. It’s hilly. The bottom is so uneven, strolling round might be so exhausting when you’re not used to it, and might be very difficult for these with mobility points.
And though not as dangerous as Kowloon inns, area right here can also be costly, so count on tiny, cozy rooms!
PROS
- Central location
- Accessible from the airport
- Near key points of interest
- Unbelievable eating places
- Reasonably priced lodging choices
- Vibrant nightlife
CONS
- Additionally crowded
- Hilly and many stairs
- Cozy rooms
Prime Reasonably priced Inns in Central & Sheung Wan
Listed below are among the top-reviewed Central and Sheung Wan inns and hostels on Agoda which can be comparatively reasonably priced.
Prime Premium Inns in Central & Admiralty
Beneath are the highest Central properties on Inns.com, whatever the worth.
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2. TSIM SHA TSUI
Area: Kowloon
Tsim Sha Tsui (usually shortened to TST) is well-known amongst price range vacationers due to three issues.
First, accessibility. There isn’t a direct prepare line between this and the airport, however there are direct airport buses (Bus A21) that cease at a number of factors throughout the district. In truth, TST’s important artery is Nathan Highway, which runs parallel to the A21 Bus route and in addition to a piece of the MTR or subway prepare’s Tsuen Wan Line. This subway line additionally connects TST to the Central district on the opposite facet of the harbor. There are a number of MTR stations, ferry terminals, and bus stops! See? Very accessible.
The second motive is its proximity to some key Hong Kong points of interest together with the Avenue of Stars, the K11 Mall, and the purchasing streets in Mong Kok and Jordan areas.
Lastly, there’s A LOT of budget-friendly lodging in Tsim Sha Tsui. However beware, as a result of area is such a scarce commodity in these elements of Hong Kong, most rooms in Kowloon are extraordinarily small. There isn’t normally a lot area to maneuver round, however you’ll discover properties which can be cleverly designed.
Most budget-friendly rooms are housed in both of the 2 well-known (or notorious) buildings: the Chungking Mansions and Mirador Mansion. You’ll have heard loads about these two properties earlier than: some could also be good, some could also be dangerous. So what’s the reality?
Properly, these two are previous residential buildings, however many house owners have turned their items into guesthouses or mini-hotels for vacationers. They appear good and glossy from afar, however up shut, it may be a bit intimidating. Its crowded floor flooring is a maze of assorted outlets, and inside — er, let’s simply say they’ve seen higher days. However don’t write it off but.
Truly, in our early years, we all the time stayed right here. Aside from lengthy elevator queues sometimes, we by no means actually had a foul expertise. That’s to not invalidate different accounts I’ve seen on-line which point out mattress bugs and all. I’m simply saying we didn’t have that have, even in our latest keep right here just some months in the past.
However that’s the factor! Whereas they give the impression of being dated (or dare I say dilapidated, not less than the hallways), some items are clear and well-kept. Only a few months in the past, we booked a room at Victoria Inn at Mirador Mansion. It was cramped however neat and furnished with resort necessities. Total, we had a nice keep!
It’s only a matter of reserving a good institution, so all the time test opinions.
By the way in which, Tsim Sha Tsui is generally flat, which makes a stroll throughout the world a stroll within the park. The streets are busy and slim, although, so don’t be too complacent.
PROS:
- Numerous budget-friendly inns
- Accessible
- Direct bus airport bus
- Near vacationer points of interest
- Near avenue markets
CONS:
- No direct airport prepare
- Small, cramped rooms
- Crowded
Prime Reasonably priced Inns in Tsim Sha Tsui
Eager about Tsim Sha Tsui? Beneath are among the comparatively cheap inns with the most effective opinions on Agoda.
Prime Premium Inns in Tsim Sha Tsui
Beneath are the highest Tsim Sha Tsui properties on Inns.com, whatever the worth.
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3. MONG KOK & YAU MA TEI
Area: Kowloon
Additionally value trying out in Kowloon are Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei. Each are elements of the Yau Tsim Mong District, the identical administrative unit that Tsim Sha Tsui belongs to. And each have loads of similarities to TST.
They’re additionally accessible from the airport by the identical direct bus – Bus A21. They’re additionally alongside the Tsuen Wan Line, which is related to Central, and Nathan Highway, which is punctuated by a number of bus stops.
However the vibe in Mong Kok, particularly, is considerably totally different. Its streets are lit by colourful neon indicators, and the vitality right here is extra buzzing, extra frenetic. It’s a preferred purchasing space. Its map is scribbled with purchasing streets and night time market streets. It’s additionally right here that you just’ll discover the legendary Sneaker Road.
When looking out on-line, you’ll additionally come throughout a number of reasonably priced lodging, each previous and new. And when you’re into avenue meals, you’re gonna love Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei, too!
PROS
- Central location
- Accessible from the airport
- Near key points of interest
- Shut to nighttime markets and purchasing streets
CONS
- Additionally crowded
- Cozy rooms
- Busy and noisy
Prime Finances Inns in Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei
Lovin’ the vibe of Mong Kok? Beneath are some inns and inns in Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei areas that acquired nice scores from Klook clients.
Prime Premium Inns in Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei
When you’ve got an even bigger price range, listed here are some choices on Agoda and Inns.com with the most effective opinions from precise friends, not contemplating the charges.
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4. TUNG CHUNG and HONG KONG SKYCITY (Close to Airport)
Area: New Territories
Staying close to the airport comes with loads of perks. And the identical is true for Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Worldwide Airport is situated on reclaimed land on Chek Lap Kok Island, simply off Lantau Island. Beside the airport is a cluster of respected inns referred to as SkyCity. Simply throughout the channel, on the a part of Lantau Island closest to the airport, you’ll spot one other developed space referred to as Tung Chung.
Most of the lists of finest locations to remain that you just’ll discover on-line don’t even point out these two areas. However don’t dismiss them immediately. I truly consider that in lots of circumstances, these are essentially the most very best.
Huh? You is likely to be asking, “Nevertheless it’s so indifferent from town middle! Why would you suppose it’s an excellent space to remain in any respect!”
Properly, the airport isn’t the one key focal point near Tung Chung and SkyCity. This space is house to the next:
- Hong Kong Worldwide Airport
- Hong Kong Disneyland
- Ngong Ping 360 (Tian Tan Buddha)
- CityGate Shops Mall
- Tai-O Village
- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Port, which is the gateway to Macau
So in case your itinerary primarily consists of those points of interest, it makes extra sense to remain in both SkyCity or Tung Chung. For those who keep within the metropolis middle like Tsim Sha Tsui or Central, you’ll should journey backwards and forwards, losing loads of money and time within the course of.
Furthermore, a lot of the large inns in SkyCity and Tung Chung provide FREE bus switch to and from the airport and Tung Chung MTR Station. Yep, fully FREE of cost. And there’s normally a bus each half-hour or so.
The catch is: most inns listed here are a bit high-end – Marriott, Sheraton, and the like – however its costs are aggressive, a lot decrease than its counterparts within the metropolis middle, and generally, as much as par with mid-range ones.
For instance, final 12 months, we visited in peak season. We booked two inns: a supposedly price range resort in Tsim Sha Tsui’s Mirador Mansion and this extra upscale resort in Tung Chung. For the “price range” TST resort, we paid HKD 930 (PHP 6640) per night time. Sure, I do know it’s nonetheless steep, however this was actually one of many least expensive we discovered for that interval.
Throughout the identical time-frame, our room at 4 Factors by Sheraton in Tung Chung prices HKD 990 (PHP 7070) per night time. That’s only a HKD 60 distinction per night time, however there’s a giant distinction in expertise. Our room in Tung Chung was at a full-service resort and was a lot, rather more spacious and far cleaner, too.
However, this space has its cons. Other than it being removed from town middle, there are additionally very restricted reasonably priced eating choices. We had to ensure we had dinner elsewhere earlier than coming again to the resort or we’d be caught with the costly in-house eating places on the resort. That or the comfort retailer.
This space is just not for everybody. In case your itinerary requires extra time within the metropolis middle, then don’t guide a resort right here. However when you’ve got the Disneyland-Ngong Ping-and-Macau trifecta in your itinerary, think about it!
PROS:
- Close to the airport
- Most accessible from Disneyland, Ngong Ping, and Macau
- Typically with free switch to airport and MTR
- Extra spacious resort rooms at aggressive
CONS:
- Not various resort choices
- Restricted eating spots
- Removed from metropolis middle
Prime Inns in Tung Chung
Prime Inns in Hong Kong SkyCity
Seek for extra Inns Close to Hong Kong Airport!
What’s the finest space to remain in Hong Kong?
Once more, I’d should reply with “that is dependent upon your itinerary.”
- For those who’re visiting HK Disneyland and Ngong Ping 360, and and also you’re doing a day journey to Macau, I actually suppose SkyCity and Tung Chung are your finest bets.
- In case your itinerary includes a number of days within the metropolis middle, then keep in both Kowloon or Hong Kong Island.
- For those who’re after good meals and nightlife, I like to recommend you keep in Central or surrounding areas like Sheung Wan and Admiralty.
- For those who like purchasing and night time markets, select Mong Kok.
- For those who’re on a decent price range, keep in Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok.
As for me, when you ask me to decide on with none set itinerary, I’d decide Central/Sheung Wan. It has all of the issues I need in a neighborhood, quick access from the airport whether or not by bus or by Airport Specific prepare, near key points of interest like Victoria Peak, and many scrumptious meals spots!
However that’s simply me. How about you? Have you ever tried staying at any of those districts? Which one is your favourite? Tell us within the feedback part beneath.
That’s all for now. Bear in mind: plan sensible, journey protected, and make each journey WORTH IT!
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