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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 one in all 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 after I returned earlier this yr, 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?
In the event you’re questioning what the very 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 typically pricy. Nevertheless, there are many locations within the metropolis that match any price range.
Listed here are the areas I’d suggest:
TST or Tsim Sha Tsui (finest for views, buying and total one of many best-connected areas)
Central (finest for sightseeing as a result of connectivity; numerous eating places are round)
Admiralty (a really fancy space, well-connected, numerous buying malls however barely additional away than Central and TST)
Mid-levels (finest for distinctive retailers, hipster cafes and going out)
Causeway Bay (nice for buying, much less handy for connectivity)
Sha Tin (numerous 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 the town centre is just too lengthy. I lived close to Siu Hong station for five months and it might take me not less than 1 hour to go to the town centre each time, which isn’t ideally suited in the event you’re in Hong Kong for under 5 days as you’ll spend an excessive amount of time within the MTR.
Accommodations I’d suggest:
Luxurious with the very 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 Resort
Inexpensive: Hop Inn, Examine Inn Hong Kong
Overview of the hyperlinks in your Hong Kong journey:
Excursions to guide: Sundown cruise – verify availability right here
Dragon’s Again mountaineering tour with a information – verify right here
Meals tasting tour – guide right here
Disneyland tickets – guide right here
The Victoria Peak tram – verify availability and guide on-line
Ngong Ping Skip the Line (to Huge Buddha) – guide right here
Sky 100 statement 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 needed to say that this itinerary is very 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 the very 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 finest to postpone any panoramic actions till it’s sunny (or, not less than, not very wet). In any other case, you might even see nothing. Actually.
Day 1: Probably 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 very best, attempt to postpone these items to the subsequent 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 sweet, 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 the town at night time.
Across the Avenue of Stars is a novel shopping center known as K11 Musea – it’s free to go to – in the event you’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 really public transport moderately 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 just a few 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 not less than as soon as, although 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 situated 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 numerous 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 way in which to Central, whereas within the afternoons, they go the opposite means, all the way in which 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 a substitute.
Mid-levels can be a beautiful space to have lunch – there are many eating places inside 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 once the world’s most cost-effective Michelin-star restaurant, nevertheless it misplaced its star a few years in the past. Even so, after we visited this yr, it was just like the way it was once 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 statement deck
Victoria Peak is the very best place to see the postcard-perfect panorama of Hong Kong, and the easiest way to go there may be earlier than the sundown in an effort to watch the sundown from there. The sundown is often round 7pm in summer time and 5:30pm in winter, so be sure that to reach on the statement deck not less than 30-40 minutes earlier than the sundown.
Probably the most touristy strategy 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 statement deck on-line right here.
Typically, the queues for the tram might be lengthy, so be sure that to reach early. There are many issues to do within the Victoria Peak space, so don’t fear in the event you arrive too early. You’ll be able to 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 statement deck is a magical expertise, and the town modifications lots after darkish – I personally can’t resolve which panorama I choose – the one through the day or the one at night time, each are gorgeous.
Dinner
After visiting the Victoria Peak statement deck, head again to the town centre for dinner. A number of the trendiest eating places in Hong Kong must be booked upfront; nevertheless, numerous locals (and vacationers alike) simply head to eating places at buying malls – every shopping center may have not 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 possibly can discover one other iconic location – Lantau island, residence 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 through the excessive season, the queue may be fairly lengthy, so that you would possibly wish to purchase some skip-the-line tickets for the cable automobile right here.
The trip within the cable automobile takes round 30-40 minutes and goes by many stunning places. Lantau Island could be very inexperienced – there are many mountaineering trails all around the island.
If the cable automobile just isn’t working or visibility just isn’t the very best, you may as well take a bus to Huge Buddha – it’s additionally less expensive.
Huge Buddha & Po Lin Monastery
The Huge Buddha statue in Hong Kong could be very spectacular. The doorway to the realm and the Po Lin Monastery is free, and although the place will get fairly crowded, it nonetheless has a serene and peaceable environment.
Huge 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 way in which up and see essentially the most gorgeous views of the mountains close by, that you must climb fairly just a few stairs, nevertheless it’s price it.
The Po Lin Monastery can be positively price visiting – it’s one in all Hong Kong’s most stunning monasteries!
Tai O fishing village
As soon as you’re 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’ll be able to 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 sure that to verify the schedule beforehand so you recognize when to return to the bus cease.
Tai O fishing village supplies a glimpse into the historical past of Hong Kong – how Hong was once 100 years in the past, and it feels just like the village is frozen in time. Folks nonetheless stay in stilt homes and use boats and bicycles to get round. There aren’t any vehicles and no fashionable retailers round both.
Many guests come to Tai O to see the photogenic village and take a look at 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 beautiful in Tai O. Additionally, as you possibly can think about, fish could be very contemporary!
In addition to strolling round and consuming, you may as well take a ship tour to see the well-known pink dolphins – we haven’t executed it, however I’ve heard good issues about it!
To get again to Tung Chung, you possibly can both take a bus again to Huge Buddha after which one other bus to the Tung Chung station or await 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 may be 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 mountaineering vacation spot, and only some folks realize it! In the event you’re fortunate with the climate and also you’re visiting Hong Kong when it’s not too scorching or too chilly, the most effective issues you can do there may be hike. Certainly one of my favorite hikes in Hong Kong is the Dragon’s Again Hike – I’ve executed it twice, and in my view, it’s the very best hike you are able to do in the event you’re in Hong Kong for a restricted time.
One of the best half about this hike are the gorgeous 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, quite a lot of water and the rest you would possibly want for a hike/seashore.
Getting there / mountaineering
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 inform you the place/when to exit. It takes round 15-20 minutes to get there by minibus.
While you exit the minibus, there will likely be a map of the hike and in addition a bathroom. There received’t be extra bogs all through the whole period of the hike. The hike will begin fairly steep, however then it is going to get simpler and extra satisfying.
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 in the event you’re not planning to swim, I like to recommend ending the hike there because it’s a beautiful seashore to go to, and you’ll positively take pleasure in simply seeing it. And if you wish to swim, it’s a really beautiful and clear seashore with small waves, and it’s enjoyable to leap them!
There are additionally some eating places and retailers close by – in the event you’re hungry, it is a superb place to have a snack or a lunch/dinner.
To get again to the town centre, take the identical minibus, 9, to the Shau Kei Wan station after which take the MTR again to the 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’d say it has turn into extra refined. There was once simply nightclubs and fairly mediocre lounge bars – now there are additionally numerous beautiful 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-obligatory 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 part you want. It’s simple to get there by MTR, and you may simply spend all day there, particularly in the event you resolve to remain for the fireworks. You’ll be able to pre-book your Disneyland tickets and verify the newest worth right here.
I really like Ocean Park equally – it’s a lot larger than Disneyland and has many issues to do. It’s additionally extra inexpensive. Additionally they do seasonal specials – I had a possibility to go to Ocean Park earlier than Halloween, and it was the most effective Halloween experiences I’ve ever had. You’ll be able to verify the value and availability right here.
If amusement parks are usually not your cup of tea, I’ve bought another choice for you!
Visiting Hong Kong’s monasteries:
Hong Kong has gorgeous temples and monasteries, and there are various! Listed here are a few of my favorite ones. You’ll be able to both go to 1 or 2 of those monasteries or simply go to 1 and do one other brief 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
In the event you loved mountaineering Dragon’s Again, you would possibly like one other hike. Lion Rock hike is a a lot shorter hike situated comparatively near the centre of Hong Kong, and the views from there are completely totally different from Dragon’s Again. As a substitute 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 which 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 gorgeous!
To get there, you possibly can take the MTR to the Wong Tai Sin MTR station after which stroll to Shatin Street.
Sundown cruise
Lastly, in the event you nonetheless have some vitality left, take a sundown cruise in Hong Kong. The cruise is the easiest way to benefit from the Symphony of Mild present, however the very best half concerning the cruise is that you’ll expertise the sundown and see superb views. You’ll be able to verify 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 buying. In the event you like museums, head to the M+ Museum. It’s a really new museum (opened a few years in the past) situated in a formidable, industrial-style constructing in an space that’s at present being developed and expanded, the West Kowloon Cultural District.
M+ primarily focuses on fashionable artwork; nevertheless, there are expositions devoted to the historical past of Hong Kong, they usually had been my favorite ones.
Whereas within the space, you may as well go to Ozone Bar within the well-known Ritz Carlton Resort. Ozone Bar is the tallest bar on the planet – and the views from there are unreal. Be certain 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 possibly can spend the remainder of your time earlier than flying in one in all Hong Kong’s many buying malls.
A few of my favorite buying 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, 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 executed with buying and consuming, it’s time to go to the airport. You’ll be able to both take the MTR or seize a taxi (taxis to the airport are usually not 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 implausible metropolis. 5 days in Hong Kong could be sufficient to get to know the town and go to a few of the principal 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, buying malls and monasteries) are finest loved when it’s sunny and heat (or, not less than, when it’s not pouring). If you’re unfortunate and the climate forecast doesn’t look too optimistic, verify for some various points of interest from my article right here: what to do in Hong Kong on a wet day.
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