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On this article, I’d like to share with you our 5-day itinerary for Hong Kong, that includes a whole lot of budget-friendly issues and must-do actions.
Hong Kong is one among 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, optionally available 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 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 affordable place to remain – and probably the most sought-after areas are usually pricy. Nonetheless, there are many locations within the metropolis that match any finances.
Listed here are the areas I’d suggest:
TST or Tsim Sha Tsui (greatest for views, procuring and total one of many best-connected areas)
Central (greatest for sightseeing on account of connectivity; numerous eating places are round)
Admiralty (a really fancy space, well-connected, numerous procuring malls however barely additional away than Central and TST)
Mid-levels (greatest for distinctive outlets, hipster cafes and going out)
Causeway Bay (nice for procuring, 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 town centre is just too lengthy. I lived close to Siu Hong station for five months and it might take me at the least 1 hour to go to town centre each time, which isn’t splendid 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’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 Resort
Reasonably priced: Hop Inn, Examine Inn Hong Kong
Overview of the hyperlinks to your Hong Kong journey:
Excursions to ebook: Sundown cruise – verify availability right here
Dragon’s Again mountaineering tour with a information – verify right here
Meals tasting tour – ebook right here
Disneyland tickets – ebook right here
The Victoria Peak tram – verify availability and ebook on-line
Ngong Ping Skip the Line (to Massive Buddha) – ebook right here
Sky 100 statement deck – ebook 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 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, at the least, not very wet). In any other case, you may 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 subsequent good day and do a day 2 itinerary as an alternative.
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 town at evening.
Across the Avenue of Stars is a singular shopping center referred to 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 truly public transport quite 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 a number of occasions 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 at the least as soon as, despite the fact that 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 identify idiot you, Central Market just isn’t a conventional 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 house 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 approach, 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 also be a beautiful space to have lunch – there are many eating places inside the Central Market and out of doors within the Mid-levels space.
Nonetheless, if I have been to suggest one place, I’d advise making an attempt Tim Ho Wan restaurant within the IFC mall (within the decrease ranges – virtually within the Central MTR station). – it was the world’s most cost-effective Michelin-star restaurant, nevertheless it misplaced its star a few years in the past. Even so, once we visited this 12 months, it was just like the way it was 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 one of the simplest ways to go there may be earlier than the sundown with the intention to watch the sundown from there. The sundown is often round 7pm in summer season and 5:30pm in winter, so be certain to reach on the statement deck at the least 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 buy a combo ticket for a return tram trip and the statement deck on-line right here.
Typically, the queues for the tram could be lengthy, so be certain 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 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 statement deck is a magical expertise, and town adjustments quite a bit after darkish – I personally can’t determine which panorama I choose – the one through the day or the one at evening, each are beautiful.
Dinner
After visiting the Victoria Peak statement deck, head again to town centre for dinner. A few of the trendiest eating places in Hong Kong must be booked prematurely; nevertheless, numerous locals (and vacationers alike) simply head to eating places at procuring malls – every shopping center could have at the least 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, house 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 through the excessive season, the queue is perhaps fairly lengthy, so that you may need 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 stunning places. Lantau Island could be very inexperienced – there are many mountaineering trails all around the island.
If the cable automotive just isn’t working or visibility just isn’t the perfect, you may also take a bus to Massive Buddha – it’s additionally less expensive.
Massive Buddha & Po Lin Monastery
The Massive Buddha statue in Hong Kong could be very spectacular. The doorway to the world and the Po Lin Monastery is free, and despite the fact 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 building – accomplished in 1993 – to go all the best way up and see probably the most beautiful views of the mountains close by, it is advisable to climb fairly a number of stairs, nevertheless it’s price it.
The Po Lin Monastery can also be positively price visiting – it’s one among Hong Kong’s most stunning 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 verify the schedule beforehand so you already know when to return to the bus cease.
Tai O fishing village offers 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. Folks nonetheless reside in stilt homes and use boats and bicycles to get round. There are not any vehicles and no trendy outlets 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 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 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 also take a ship tour to see the well-known pink dolphins – we haven’t achieved 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 straight and far quicker. Make sure you have the funds 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 just a few 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. One in all my favorite hikes in Hong Kong is the Dragon’s Again Hike – I’ve achieved it twice, and in my view, it’s the perfect hike you are able to do in case you’re in Hong Kong for a restricted time.
The perfect half about this hike are the beautiful views and the actual 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, a whole lot of water and the rest you may 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 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 likewise a rest room. There gained’t be extra bathrooms all through your complete length of the hike. The hike will begin fairly steep, however then it is going to get simpler and extra pleasurable.
Having fun with the Massive Wave Bay seashore
The stroll to the Massive Wave Bay seashore 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 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 outlets close by – in case you’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
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 change into extra refined. There was simply nightclubs and fairly mediocre lounge bars – now there are additionally numerous beautiful cocktail bars, from speakeasies to bars from the listing of the highest 100 bars of the world, e.g. Coa.
Day 4: Disneyland or Ocean Park OR Monastery & Lion’s Rock Hike, optionally available sundown cruise
In your fourth day in Hong Kong, I had two completely different choices for you! In the event you like amusement parks, I’ve excellent news for you – there are two unbelievable amusement parks in Hong Kong – Disneyland and Ocean Park. Disneyland is fairly small however has all the things you want. It’s simple to get there by MTR, and you’ll simply spend all day there, particularly in case you determine to remain for the fireworks. You possibly can pre-book your Disneyland tickets and verify the most recent value right here.
I like Ocean Park equally – it’s a lot larger 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 the most effective Halloween experiences I’ve ever had. You possibly can verify the value and availability right here.
If amusement parks usually are not your cup of tea, I’ve received an alternate possibility for you!
Visiting Hong Kong’s monasteries:
Hong Kong has beautiful temples and monasteries, and there are lots of! 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 greatest 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 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 fully completely different from Dragon’s Again. As an alternative 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 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 Street.
Sundown cruise
Lastly, in case you nonetheless have some power left, take a sundown cruise in Hong Kong. The cruise is one of the simplest ways to benefit from the Symphony of Mild present, however the perfect half concerning the cruise is that you’ll expertise the sundown and see wonderful views. You possibly can 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 remaining day of this itinerary for five days in Hong Kong, you are able to do a little bit of sightseeing and procuring. 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 presently being developed and expanded, the West Kowloon Cultural District.
M+ primarily focuses on trendy artwork; nevertheless, there are expositions devoted to the historical past of Hong Kong, they usually have been my favorite ones.
Whereas within the space, you may also 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 sure that to go to on a transparent day, although; in any other case, you threat 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 among 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, nevertheless, 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 achieved with procuring 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 usually are not too costly, and final time we requested for one, we received a brand new Tesla).
Abstract of 5 days in Hong Kong
I hope you discovered this 5-day itinerary for Hong Kong helpful and received some concepts about the way you’d wish to spend your time on this unbelievable metropolis. 5 days in Hong Kong could be sufficient to get to know town and go to a number of the fundamental 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, at the least, when it’s not pouring). If you’re unfortunate and the climate forecast doesn’t look too optimistic, verify for some different points of interest from my article right here: what to do in Hong Kong on a wet day.
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