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On this article, I’d like to share with you our 5-day itinerary for Hong Kong, that includes quite a lot 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 wonderful metropolis again in 2013, and after I returned earlier this 12 months, I used to be overjoyed to be again once more. On this 5-day itinerary for Hong Kong, I needed 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, Seaside, LKF
Day 4: Disneyland or Ocean Park OR Monastery & Lion’s Rock Hike, non-obligatory sundown cruise
Day 5: M+ Museum, Ozone Bar, Harbour Metropolis
The place to remain in Hong Kong?
Should you’re questioning what the perfect 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 finances.
Listed here are the areas I’d suggest:
TST or Tsim Sha Tsui (finest for views, purchasing and general one of many best-connected areas)
Central (finest for sightseeing attributable to connectivity; a number of eating places are round)
Admiralty (a really fancy space, well-connected, a number of purchasing malls however barely additional away than Central and TST)
Mid-levels (finest for distinctive retailers, hipster cafes and going out)
Causeway Bay (nice for purchasing, much less handy for connectivity)
Sha Tin (a number 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 a minimum of 1 hour to go to town centre each time, which isn’t very best for those who’re in Hong Kong for under 5 days as you’ll spend an excessive amount of time within the MTR.
Resorts I’d suggest:
Luxurious with the perfect 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
Inexpensive: 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 Massive 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: wonderful issues to do
Earlier than we begin with the detailed itinerary for Hong Kong, I needed 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 will get some stormy days. Whereas I’m writing a separate article about the perfect 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 finest to postpone any panoramic actions till it’s sunny (or, a minimum of, not very wet). In any other case, you might 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 the perfect, attempt to postpone this stuff to the following good day and do a day 2 itinerary as an alternative.
The Avenue of Stars
Should 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 quite than a vacationer attraction. It accepts Octopus playing cards, and one journey on the ferry is tremendous inexpensive (one thing like £0.3 USD) – the ferry departs a couple of instances per day, so the queues are normally not so giant.
Most individuals benefit from the views and the sensation of being on a ferry – I like to recommend taking it a minimum of as soon as, regardless that the MTR is quicker and extra handy.
The Mid-levels space & Central Market
The subsequent 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 identify idiot you, Central Market just isn’t a conventional market – it’s a really new place with a number of stalls promoting quirky candles, soaps, tea, cosmetics and cookies.
The mid-levels space in Hong Kong is residence 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 elements of HK island. It’s free to take, so you possibly can skip the steps and take the escalator as an alternative.
Mid-levels can be a stunning space to have lunch – there are many eating places throughout the Central Market and outdoors within the Mid-levels space.
Nevertheless, if I had been to suggest one place, I’d advise attempting Tim Ho Wan restaurant within the IFC mall (within the decrease ranges – nearly within the Central MTR station). – it was the world’s least expensive Michelin-star restaurant, nevertheless it misplaced its star a few years in the past. Even so, after we visited this 12 months, it was much like the way it was again in 2013 when it nonetheless had the star. Please don’t go away it with out attempting the BBQ buns, they’re mouth-watering!
Victoria Peak tram & the remark deck
Victoria Peak is the perfect place to see the postcard-perfect panorama of Hong Kong, and the easiest way to go there’s earlier than the sundown to be able to watch the sundown from there. The sundown is normally round 7pm in summer time and 5:30pm in winter, so be certain to reach on the remark deck a minimum of 30-40 minutes earlier than the sundown.
Essentially the most touristy approach 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 trip and the remark deck on-line right here.
Typically, the queues for the tram might be lengthy, so be certain 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 at all times 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 quite a bit after darkish – I personally can’t determine which panorama I desire – 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 few of the trendiest eating places in Hong Kong have to be booked prematurely; nonetheless, a number of locals (and vacationers alike) simply head to eating places at purchasing malls – every shopping center could have a minimum of 20 eating places and queue there – it normally 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 possibly can discover one other iconic location – Lantau island, residence to the Massive 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 automotive tickets – Ngong Ping 360. On a sunny day in the course of the excessive season, the queue is perhaps fairly lengthy, so that you would possibly wish to purchase some skip-the-line tickets for the cable automotive right here.
The trip within the cable automotive takes round 30-40 minutes and goes by means of many lovely places. Lantau Island may be very inexperienced – there are many climbing trails all around the island.
If the cable automotive just isn’t working or visibility just isn’t the perfect, you can too take a bus to Massive Buddha – it’s additionally less expensive.
Massive Buddha & Po Lin Monastery
The Massive Buddha statue in Hong Kong may be very spectacular. The doorway to the world and the Po Lin Monastery is free, and regardless that the place will get fairly crowded, it nonetheless has a serene and peaceable ambiance.
Massive Buddha, or Tian Tan Buddha, is the world’s tallest seated bronze Buddha. It’s a comparatively new development – accomplished in 1993 – to go all the best way up and see essentially the most beautiful views of the mountains close by, it’s worthwhile to climb fairly a couple of stairs, nevertheless it’s price it.
The Po Lin Monastery can be undoubtedly price 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 possibly can head to the Tai O fishing village. You possibly can both take a taxi or a bus to get there. The trip solely takes 10-Quarter-hour, however the buses solely go as soon as each hour, so be certain to test the schedule beforehand so you realize when to return to the bus cease.
Tai O fishing village supplies 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 are not any vehicles and no trendy retailers round both.
Many guests come to Tai O to see the photogenic village and check out native seafood and road meals. The road meals choices are barely completely different from different areas of Hong Kong – for instance, I’ve but to see shrimp paste wraps and hand-made mochis with nuts anyplace else.
Additionally, seafood eating places are pretty in Tai O. Additionally, as you possibly can think about, fish may be very contemporary!
In addition to strolling round and consuming, you can too take a ship tour to see the well-known pink dolphins – we haven’t performed it, however I’ve heard good issues about it!
To get again to Tung Chung, you possibly can both take a bus again to Massive 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 sooner. Make sure you come up with the money for in your Octopus card, as there’s nowhere to reload it in Tai O, and the ferry isn’t that low-cost!
Day 3: Dragon’s Again Hike, Seaside, LKF
The Dragon’s Again Hike
Hong Kong is a superb climbing vacation spot, and only some individuals realize it! Should you’re fortunate with the climate and also you’re visiting Hong Kong when it’s not too scorching or too chilly, among the finest issues you would do there’s hike. One in every of my favorite hikes in Hong Kong is the Dragon’s Again Hike – I’ve performed it twice, and for my part, it’s the perfect hike you are able to do for those who’re in Hong Kong for a restricted time.
The very best half about this hike are the beautiful views and the actual fact it ends on a really good seaside. 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 can be nice. Have some breakfast, go to a grocery store and purchase some snacks, quite a lot of water and the rest you would possibly want for a hike/seaside.
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 driving force you’re doing the Dragon’s Again hike, and he’ll let you know the place/when to exit. It takes round 15-20 minutes to get there by minibus.
Whenever you exit the minibus, there might be a map of the hike and in addition a bathroom. There received’t be extra bathrooms all through all the period of the hike. The hike will begin fairly steep, however then it is going to get simpler and extra pleasant.
Having fun with the Massive Wave Bay seaside
The stroll to the Massive Wave Bay seaside 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 beautiful seaside 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 seaside with small waves, and it’s enjoyable to leap them!
There are additionally some eating places and retailers 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
Should 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’d say it has grow to be extra refined. There was simply nightclubs and fairly mediocre lounge bars – now there are additionally a number of pretty cocktail bars, from speakeasies to bars from the record of the highest 100 bars of the world, e.g. Coa.
Day 4: Disneyland or Ocean Park OR Monastery & Lion’s Rock Hike, non-obligatory sundown cruise
In your fourth day in Hong Kong, I had two completely different choices for you! Should you like amusement parks, I’ve excellent news for you – there are two incredible amusement parks in Hong Kong – Disneyland and Ocean Park. Disneyland is fairly small however has every little thing you want. It’s straightforward 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 most recent worth right here.
I like Ocean Park equally – it’s a lot greater than Disneyland and has many issues to do. It’s additionally extra inexpensive. In addition they do seasonal specials – I had a chance to go to Ocean Park earlier than Halloween, and it was among the finest Halloween experiences I’ve ever had. You possibly can test the worth and availability right here.
If amusement parks aren’t your cup of tea, I’ve bought an alternate choice for you!
Visiting Hong Kong’s monasteries:
Hong Kong has beautiful temples and monasteries, and there are various! 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 1 and do one other quick hike. Listed here are Hong Kong’s finest monasteries:
Chi Lin Nunnery
Wong Tai Sin temple
Sha Tin temple
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
Lion Rock Hike
Should you loved climbing Dragon’s Again, you would possibly 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 fully completely different from Dragon’s Again. As an alternative of seashores and hills, you will note very dramatic city landscapes. Subsequent to the beginning of the hike, there’s one other thrilling temple – Sik Sik Yuen Wong that 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 possibly can take the MTR to the Wong Tai Sin MTR station after which stroll to Shatin Highway.
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 the perfect half concerning the cruise is that you’ll expertise the sundown and see wonderful 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 closing day of this itinerary for five days in Hong Kong, you are able to do a little bit of sightseeing and purchasing. Should 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 presently being developed and expanded, the West Kowloon Cultural District.
M+ primarily focuses on trendy artwork; nonetheless, there are expositions devoted to the historical past of Hong Kong, they usually had been my favorite ones.
Whereas within the space, you can too go to Ozone Bar within the well-known Ritz Carlton Lodge. Ozone Bar is the tallest bar on this planet – and the views from there are unreal. Be certain that to go to on a transparent day, although; in any other case, you threat not having the ability to see a lot from there.
Lastly, you possibly can spend the remainder of your time earlier than flying in certainly one of Hong Kong’s many purchasing malls.
A few of my favorite purchasing malls in Hong Kong:
- K11 Musea
- Hysan Place, Causeway Bay
- Harbour Metropolis, TST
- Parts West Kowloon
- IFC Mall
- Pacific Place
- Occasions Sq.
The closest shopping center to the M+ museum and Ozone bar is the Parts West Kowloon, nonetheless, 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 performed with purchasing 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 bought a brand new Tesla).
Abstract of 5 days in Hong Kong
I hope you discovered this 5-day itinerary for Hong Kong helpful and bought some concepts about the way you’d prefer to spend your time on this incredible metropolis. 5 days in Hong Kong can be sufficient to get to know town and go to a number of the predominant landmarks!
As talked about earlier than, Hong Kong is a tropical place, and the climate might be unpredictable. Most of those locations (apart from museums, purchasing malls and monasteries) are finest loved when it’s sunny and heat (or, a minimum of, when it’s not pouring). In case you are unfortunate and the climate forecast doesn’t look too optimistic, test for some different sights from my article right here: what to do in Hong Kong on a wet day.
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