Hong Kong Travel Planner

Vibrant, fast moving and quirky—you really can go beserk in Hong Kong any time of the day or night. The city of Hong Kong is a sophisticated and frenzied fusion of east and west, a city of diversity where new and old meet at every turn. Hong Kong offers all the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s big cities, but there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy peace and the people have a quiet demeanour. The transport network is very good, shopping centres and boutiques are upscale and modern, the cuisine is world class and the temples, small curious nooks, beautiful greenery and hiking trails make it unique.

Hong Kong is an synthesis of cultures and traditions that has formed as a result of being essentially Cantonese but with a long period of British influence. Despite its British colonial history, Hong Kong remains very much a Chinese culture underneath the flashing neon and western influences.

Hong Kong has four principle areas; Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Hong Kong is the ideal jumping-off point to China, including Macau.

Hong Kong Island

This is the busy commercial centre of Hong Kong and one of the worlds financial centres. Gleaming skyscrapers sit alongside the harbour, as well as the company headquarters here, there are also plenty of shops, bars and a handful of cultural sights, including some good museums. Do not miss the famous Peak Tram ride to Victoria Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with some astonishing views of the harbour and the metropolis that surrounds it.

Kowloon

Kowloon is a paradise of retail - shopping, cafes, bars and hotels. It is not only popular with visitors but also the locals It is known for its street markets as well the all important shopping areas. The markets offer incredible value with a true Hong Kong flavour. You’ll also find a few nice temples in Kowloon, such as the famous Wong Tai temple, and some interesting museums.

New Territories

Beyond Kowloon lie the New Territories. Much of the landscape here is untouched and is dotted with tiny ancient villages, vegetable plots, heritage sites and fish ponds. The magnificent coastal landscapes and hill areas are well preserved within Hong Kong’s 23 country parks, three aquatic parks and one maritime reserve. Well worth a visit!

Outlying Islands

Hong Kong offers another 235 islands, including popular Lantau Island, home of the giant Buddha, Disneyland, the famous Hong Kong International Airport, and Tai O a quaint traditional fishing village built on stilts. Other smaller islands worth visiting are Lamma, with its great seafood, quaint villages which stands on stilts. Cheung Chau is another island worth a visit it is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike because it doesn’t have any cars!

Macau

Jsut under an hour by high-speed ferry from Hong Kong, Macau is home to a colourful mix of culture and people-Chinese, Dutch, Moorish, Portuguese, Spanish and British are all represented here. After 400 years of Portuguese administration, that only ended in December 1999, Macau’s cobblestone streets and pastel buildings could deceive you into believing you are in a town in southern Portugal. Turn any corner however, and shops selling dried herbs and medicines and modern skyscrapers in the background are an immediate reminder of Macau’s actual location.

Shopping

Hong Kong is one of the world’s hottest shopping destinations. Visitors can find that unusual gift or bargain in one of many open-air markets or sophisticated department stores that house designer boutiques and flagship stores of some of the world’s best-known brands. During the Hong Kong Shopping Festival from July to September, you can snag discounts of up to 70 per cent—catch the sale fever!

Dining

Even the most fastidious food connoisseurs will be thoroughly satisfied in Hong Kong. There are a stunning number of restaurants, teahouses, streetside stands, dessert houses and bars serving up a bewildering array of international and local cuisine. You can eat anything from turtle soup to the finest soufflé and everything in between. Yum cha in Hong Kong should is a must for at least one try, or stop at the famous Peninsular Hotel for a traditional English high tea.