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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 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 needed to share a few of my favorite locations in Hong Kong and must-visit locations that can 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?
When 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 shouldn’t be the most cost effective place to remain – and probably the most sought-after areas are typically pricy. Nevertheless, there are many locations within the metropolis that match any price range.
Listed below 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 because of connectivity; plenty of eating places are round)
Admiralty (a really fancy space, well-connected, plenty of procuring malls however barely additional away than Central and TST)
Mid-levels (greatest for distinctive retailers, hipster cafes and going out)
Causeway Bay (nice for procuring, much less handy for connectivity)
Sha Tin (plenty 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 the town centre is simply 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 very best in case you’re in Hong Kong for less than 5 days as you’ll spend an excessive amount of time within the MTR.
Accommodations I might 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 Resort
Reasonably priced: Hop Inn, Examine Inn Hong Kong
Overview of the hyperlinks on your Hong Kong journey:
Excursions to e book: Sundown cruise – verify availability right here
Dragon’s Again mountaineering tour with a information – verify right here
Meals tasting tour – e book right here
Disneyland tickets – e book right here
The Victoria Peak tram – verify availability and e book on-line
Ngong Ping Skip the Line (to Large Buddha) – e book right here
Sky 100 statement deck – e book 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 extremely depending on the climate – the climate in Hong Kong could be fairly unpredictable, and even throughout a dry season, you may 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 greatest 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: 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 shouldn’t be the perfect, attempt to postpone this stuff to the subsequent good day and do a day 2 itinerary as a substitute.
The Avenue of Stars
When 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 evening.
Across the Avenue of Stars is a singular shopping center known as K11 Musea – it’s free to go to – in case 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 somewhat 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 just a few instances per day, so the queues are normally not so massive.
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 subsequent 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 identify idiot you, Central Market shouldn’t be a standard market – it’s a really new place with plenty 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 way in which to Central, whereas within the afternoons, they go the opposite manner, all the way in which up & again to the residential components of HK island. It’s free to take, so you may skip the steps and take the escalator as a substitute.
Mid-levels can also 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 have been to suggest one place, I might advise making an attempt Tim Ho Wan restaurant within the IFC mall (within the decrease ranges – virtually within the Central MTR station). – it was once 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 much like the way it was once 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 statement 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 so as to watch the sundown from there. The sundown is normally round 7pm in summer time and 5:30pm in winter, so be certain that to reach on the statement deck not less than 30-40 minutes earlier than the sundown.
Essentially the most touristy method to go up is by taking the well-known Victoria Peak tram. To keep away from queues on the ticket-selling factors, you should buy a combo ticket for a return tram experience and the statement deck on-line right here.
Generally, the queues for the tram could be lengthy, so be certain that to reach early. There are many issues to do within the Victoria Peak space, so don’t fear in case you arrive too early. You may 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 statement deck is a magical expertise, and the town adjustments lots after darkish – I personally can’t determine which panorama I desire – the one throughout the day or the one at evening, each are beautiful.
Dinner
After visiting the Victoria Peak statement deck, head again to the town centre for dinner. A few of the trendiest eating places in Hong Kong have to be booked prematurely; nonetheless, plenty of locals (and vacationers alike) simply head to eating places at procuring malls – every shopping center can have not less than 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 may discover one other iconic location – Lantau island, residence to the Large 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 throughout 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 via many lovely areas. Lantau Island may be very inexperienced – there are many mountaineering trails everywhere in the island.
If the cable automobile shouldn’t be working or visibility shouldn’t be the perfect, you too can take a bus to Large Buddha – it’s additionally less expensive.
Large Buddha & Po Lin Monastery
The Large Buddha statue in Hong Kong may be very spectacular. The doorway to the world and the Po Lin Monastery is free, and although the place will get fairly crowded, it nonetheless has a serene and peaceable environment.
Large 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 probably the most beautiful views of the mountains close by, it’s essential to climb fairly just a few stairs, however it’s price it.
The Po Lin Monastery can also be positively price visiting – it’s certainly one of Hong Kong’s most lovely 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 may head to the Tai O fishing village. You may 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 be certain that to verify the schedule beforehand so you already know 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. Individuals nonetheless dwell in stilt homes and use boats and bicycles to get round. There aren’t any automobiles and no fashionable retailers 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 may think about, fish may be very recent!
Apart from strolling round and consuming, you too can 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 may both take a bus again to Large Buddha after which one other bus to the Tung Chung station or look forward to a ferry that additionally goes each hour and brings you to Tung Chung straight and far quicker. Make sure you have the funds 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 an excellent mountaineering vacation spot, and only some folks understand it! When you’re fortunate with the climate and also you’re visiting Hong Kong when it’s not too scorching or too chilly, top-of-the-line issues you may do there’s hike. One in all 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 in case you’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 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 anything you may want for a hike/seaside.
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 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.
Whenever you exit the minibus, there might be a map of the hike and in addition a bathroom. There received’t be extra bogs all through the whole length of the hike. The hike will begin fairly steep, however then it should get simpler and extra pleasing.
Having fun with the Large Wave Bay seaside
The stroll to the Large Wave Bay seaside is the final a part of the hike. Even in case you’re not planning to swim, I like to recommend ending the hike there because it’s a stunning seaside to go to, and you’ll positively 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 – in case you’re hungry, it is a wonderful 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
When 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 develop into extra refined. There was once simply nightclubs and fairly mediocre lounge bars – now there are additionally plenty 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 totally different choices for you! When 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 simple to get there by MTR, and you may simply spend all day there, particularly in case you determine to remain for the fireworks. You may pre-book your Disneyland tickets and verify the newest value 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 top-of-the-line Halloween experiences I’ve ever had. You may verify the value and availability right here.
If amusement parks usually are not 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 various! Listed below are a few of my favorite ones. You may both go to 1 or 2 of those monasteries or simply go to 1 and do one other quick hike. Listed below are Hong Kong’s greatest monasteries:
Chi Lin Nunnery
Wong Tai Sin temple
Sha Tin temple
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
Lion Rock Hike
When you loved mountaineering Dragon’s Again, you may 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 solely totally 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 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 may take the MTR to the Wong Tai Sin MTR station after which stroll to Shatin Highway.
Sundown cruise
Lastly, in case 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 perfect half in regards to the cruise is that you’ll expertise the sundown and see superb views. You may 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 closing day of this itinerary for five days in Hong Kong, you are able to do a little bit of sightseeing and procuring. When you like museums, head to the M+ Museum. It’s a really new museum (opened a few years in the past) situated in a powerful, industrial-style constructing in an space that’s presently being developed and expanded, the West Kowloon Cultural District.
M+ primarily focuses on fashionable artwork; nonetheless, there are expositions devoted to the historical past of Hong Kong, they usually have been my favorite ones.
Whereas within the space, you too can go to Ozone Bar within the well-known Ritz Carlton Resort. Ozone Bar is the tallest bar on the earth – and the views from there are unreal. Be certain 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 may 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
- Components West Kowloon
- IFC Mall
- Pacific Place
- Instances Sq.
The closest shopping center to the M+ museum and Ozone bar is the Components West Kowloon, nonetheless, Harbour Metropolis can also 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 procuring and consuming, it’s time to go to the airport. You may both take the MTR or seize a taxi (taxis to the airport usually are not 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 incredible metropolis. 5 days in Hong Kong can be sufficient to get to know the town and go to a few of the major landmarks!
As talked about earlier than, Hong Kong is a tropical place, and the climate could be unpredictable. Most of those locations (aside from museums, procuring malls and monasteries) are greatest loved when it’s sunny and heat (or, not less than, when it’s not pouring). In case you are unfortunate and the climate forecast doesn’t look too optimistic, verify for some different sights from my article right here: what to do in Hong Kong on a wet day.
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