Located on the east of Pearl River Delta, in South China is the gorgeous city of Hong Kong.
One of the shining stars in this part of the world, Hong Kong is a top name that comes in the minds of every traveler who wishes to explore places with a perfect combination of city life and natural beauty.
Besides Hong Kong, there are nearby cities too that are worth visiting to make your trip wholesome.
The place is suitable for people of varied tastes. So, whether you are traveling solo, or with family or even friends, you shall not get bored on your trip.
Whether it is a stunning skyline in the evening or the bustling nightlife, you can find a slice of Chinese’s culture permeating through everywhere while remaining as modern as ever.
However, due to the British influence, the touch of modernity is also visible in central Hong Kong.
For getting to Hong Kong, you can get plenty of airlines on Expedia from any big city in the world landing in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong was my first solo trip and the first time in Asia. Landing after mid-night, The Chek Lap Kok airport or the Hong Kong International Airport is one of the busiest airports.
Besides this, you can also get to Hong Kong by train or road from any big city in China as I managed to also visit Guangzhou by train from Hong Kong.
However, I would highly recommend visiting Hong Kong at a minimum of two days without hurrying up any place ever.
CONTENTS
A 4 Day Itinerary For Hong Kong And Macau
Day 1: Hong Kong
Once you have checked into your chosen hotel in Hong Kong, you can start right away. As I arrived late in the night, I checked into Marriot Court Yard and got some shut ear before heading to explore the beautiful city.
My room had stunning views of Victoria Harbour so I could see Kowloon, views over Hong Kong Island before jetlag go the best of me. This was before I had learned the art of packing essential items for long Haul travel.
Catch The Tram To Victoria Peak
Start views of the city by heading to Victoria Peak for the bird’s eye view of the island. Known as Mount Austin but locally as The Peak. It’s also the highest hill on Hong Kong Island.
When you board the tram to Victoria Peak, be sure to sit on the right-hand side for the best views on the way up. For additional places with stunning views, also add Jardine’s Lookout if you have more time. Its among the most beautiful hikes in Asia.
Pro-tip: A great way to orient yourself when you first visit Hong Kong is to take the Hong Kong Island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen, and Sampan ride.
Man Mo Taoist Temple
If you wish to start your day with great peace and tranquility, then a trip to the Man Mo Taoist temple is essential.
This temple is all set to calm your senses with quaint interiors and allows you to meditate and relax. From there, you can directly head off to shop.
Hong Kong is famous for the malls and bazaars. So, if you do not shop for some cool and advanced electronic gadgetry from here, it will be a waste of the trip.
However, shopping from the Fa Yuen Market is going to be a must if you love shopping as much as anyone else.
Nathan Road In Kowloon
Nathan Road is a must-see and the perfect destination if you wish to explore the market area while stopping by and eating your lunch. Dig into some local dim sums and Cantonese platter for a healthy and sumptuous meal.
The Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower is a highlight of this district of Tsim Sha Tsui, and you can just spend the entire day here exploring the best of brands and stores selling everything of style and class.
If you are interested in buying one of the jewel pieces unique to this part of the world, then drop into Jade Market. Shop for some of the gorgeous Jade-studded bracelets or necklaces that you shall take pride in.
Stop By For Views Afternoon Tea At Cafe 103 At Ritz Carlton
Café 103 offers a refined lounge atmosphere where guests can indulge in a sumptuous spread of lunch and dinner buffet, as well as Chocolate Afternoon Tea delights.
Filled with natural light that pours in through large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the breathtaking harbor views, Café 103 among those unmissable things to do in Hong Kong. For more see my post on our visit to Ritz Carlton’s Cafe 103.
‘Symphony of Lights’ Fireworks And Laser Show
Head back to Victoria Harbour and walk off your afternoon tea. Victoria Harbour is an amazing place to stroll and always buzzing with atmosphere.
Here is also where each night the city puts on a ‘Symphony of Lights’ which involves more than 40 buildings on both sides of the harbour.
Recognised in the Guinness World Records as the World’s largest permanent light and sound show. Laser beams, searchlights perform an unforgettable light spectacle synchronized to music.
Hong Kong Nightlife
Experiencing the nightlife is a big reason for many travelers to visit Hong Kong. You can take an MTR or cab to reach Central Hong Kong.
By evening, go for a cruise ride through the Hong Kong harbor and dine at one of the many restaurants in Victoria Peak. The nightlife at Sheung Wan and Lan Kwai Fong are worth checking out if you cannot decide on a place.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Ocean Park
Day 2 can begin with a visit to Ocean Park, one of the best spots to watch giant pandas in their habitats. The park has some other local inhabitants that draw scores of tourists every day.
There is also a beautiful aquarium for those who wish to take in that beauty visually. From there, you can head off straight to the Victoria Central Business District.
Pro-tip: One of the most satisfying ways of getting to know a city is to explore by foot. I highly recommend taking the Old vs New Kong Hong tour or this Central District walking tour to discover Hong Kong’s colonial past.
Wong Tai Sin Temple
Take a cab and head off to Wong Tai Sin Temple. One of the majestic temples in Hong Kong, it is Kowloon and has temples and halls dedicated to saints.
There is one for the famous visionary Confucious here. The temple opens as early as 7am if you want to be the first to take pictures without people in them.
Ladies’ Market
This is another one of those places not to miss on any Hong Kong itinerary. Featuring over 1oo stalls of bargain clothing, accessories, and souvenirs to bring back from Hong Kong. Make sure you bring your haggling skills for the best bargain.
Hong Kong Nightlife In Lan Kwai Fong
This is one of Hong Kong’s most popular nightlife spots with over 90 restaurants and bar to entertain you. Many host carnivals and celebrations throughout the year and is very lively most nights in the week.
Pro tip: To maximise your short trip in Hong Kong when it comes to checking out gastronomy in Hong Kong, I highly recommend doing a food tour guided by local foodies in HK.
Day 3: Lantau Island Day Trip
No trip to Hong Kong is complete without a trip to visit the giant Buddha. Take the cruise from Hong Kong as early as possible in the morning to visit the Lantau Island.
The families usually pick Disney Land over everything else. Yes, Hong Kong’s Disneyland is one of the most popular draws, and this is undeniable.
If that is not your cup of tea, you can directly go for the Ngong Ping area and visit the Big Buddha temple.
The towering 34-meter high Tian Tan Bronze Buddha statue is breathtaking. In order to reach it, you will need to take the cable car. The Tai O Fishing Village is a great place to visit if you love seeing something unique to the Chinese fishing technique and market.
Once you arrive prepare to climb up more than 200 steps up to see Buddha. For more tips check out my post on visiting Lantau Island’s Big Buddha.
While you are here you can also visit Po Lin Monastery, this is one of Hong Kong’s most important Buddhist sanctums and home to many monks and surrounded with beautiful, peaceful garden.
Day 4: Macau Island Day Trip From Hong Kong
If your idea of fun is anything risky and thrilling, then you must definitely visit the scenic Macau island. Besides the city getting all the modern city spots, there is a touch of Venice in an old part of the town that you must not miss.
Start with a visit to the Macau Tower, which opens on weekdays at 10 am, step into the revolving cafe, and even take in a panoramic view of Macau.
If you wish to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a black sandy beach, then the Hac Sa beach will be an appropriate place to be in Macau.
Next, on your itinerary, history can take a prominent place with a visit to the ruins of forts like the Guia fortress and the Fortaleza de Monte. Macau is not just another tourist spot.
The highlight of this place is its nightlife sprinkled with a list of casinos. Many famous casinos of the West like MGM Casino and Grand Lisboa Casino are surely the top names. Dig into some of the best culinary delights like roast duck, Pork Chop Bun, and others to experience Macau like no other.
After all, the trip to the East is all about satisfying the senses, isn’t it?
Getting Around In Hong Kong
Getting around Hong Kong is fairly easy. Many hotels will offer a shuttle dropping off at the ferry terminals as mine did during my visit. As far as transportation goes below are the following options for transport in HK:
MTR: The MTR is Hong Kong’s most popular and most efficient public transport connecting Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories and Lantau Island.
Ferries: Ferries run between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon as well as Discover Bay, Lamma, Lantau and other outlying islands such as Cheung Chau and Peng Chau. Do not miss the opportunity to take the Star Ferry, its a great way to take in the iconic Hong Kong city skyline.
Taxi: Passengers have to over tunnel tolls and the driver’s return toll. Look out for cross-harbour taxi stands where drivers will accept a one-way tunnel fee.
Trams: Board the tram at the rear end and get off at the front. Pay by cash or Octopus on exiting the tram. No change is given.
Where To Stay In Hong Kong
The are plenty of places to stay in Hong Kong, you can choose between staying on Kowloon or Hong Kong Island. I choose to stay on Hong Kong Island during my stay and shared a post with shorts from my stay at Marriott Courtyard.
Below are some of my favourite hotels in Hong Kong.
Novotel Century – Located in the bustling Wanchai area of Hong Kong. Its only minutes walk from an MTR, Star Ferry. Wan Chai is known for its amazing nightlife with an array of shopping and restaurant options.
Harbour Grand Kowloon – Breath-taking lobby and many rooms boasting Habour views. There is a rooftop pool, 24-hour gym and the hotel is close to an MTR with Hunghom ferries close to the hotel doorstep.
Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel – Stunning rooms with Victorian elegance, there are amazing facilities for families to rest and relax.
Harbour Plaza Metropolis – Located in the heart of Kowloon and across from Hung Hom MTR with easy access to Tsim Sha Tui.
The Langham Hong Kong – An epitome of luxury, Langham showcases designer rooms, a Michelin star restaurant in addition to an amazing spa.
Common Questions When Planning A Trip To Hong Kong An Macau
How many days for Hong Kong and Macau is enough?
How Kong Kong is a fairly compact city there is plenty to do and experience. The food, amazing hotels offering out of this world experience, day trip, Disneyland, the shopping, the glam.
The itinerary above is very condensed to give you an overall experience of many of the must-sees in Hong Kong and Macau.
If you had a flexible itinerary I would recommend even at a minimum a week. Four days in Hong Kong, one day in Lantau Island, a day in Macau and either 2 days in Macau with an overnight stay or a day and then another day with Disneyland day ticket. I spend just over 1o days in Hong Kong before heading to China.
Is It Possible To Do A Hong Kong To Macau Day Trip?
Yes, you can do a DIY day trip to Macau from Hong Kong by either taking the bus, ferry or helicopter. or take the many day trip tours to Macau listed here. The bus to Macau only takes about 40 minutes from Hong Kong Port. You can find different options and costs here.
How To Get From Hong Kong To Macau By Ferry? | How Long Is The Ferry From Hong Kong To Macau?
The ferry takes about 1 hour by boat from Hong Kong to Macau. The one-way fare is about 170HKD. The fare for night ferries or holidays will be slightly more expensive.
Where Is The Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal?
The Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal is near the IFC Towers in the Shun Tak Centre on Hong Kong Island. You can take the subway and get off at Sheung Wan Station. During the daytime, there is a boat every 15 minutes to Macau. Regardless of which the ports you arrive in Macau, there are free shuttle buses that can drop you to any hotel or casino on the island.
How Much Is the Ferry From Hong Kong To Macau?
The ferry from Hong Kong to Macau costs 170HKD.
Would Like To Travel By Helicopter, What Is The Hong Kong Macau Helicopter Price?
If you want to arrive in style you can take the helicopter from Hong Kong to Macau. The helicopter journey from Hong Kong to Macau only takes 15 minutes and will set you back around 4300HKD one way or about £1, 434 via Lonely Planet.
Hong Kong Macau Package Tours
If you prefer everything coordinated for you there are plenty of options for Hong Kong Macau Packages. For example GAdventures do Hong Kong and China Tours ranging from 8, 14 and 21-day China, Hong Kong Macau trip packages.
You also have Pacific Holiday who do a variety of package tours covering most of the world with plenty of options to combine Hong Kong and Macau with places like Taipei, China, for example, this 3 days, 2 nights Macau and Hong Kong itinerary.
The last option is this Wendy Wu tours who offer a variety of package tours from South East Asia, the Middle East and South America. They have this 5 day Hong Kong and Macau package tour which includes 4 nights accommodation, airport transfers, coach tour to Macau, guide and meals included too.
Heading To Asia? Also Read:
- The Perfect Itinerary For Thailand In 3 Weeks
- 7 Days In Cambodia
- Hong Kong Visual Guide
- The Perfect Guide To Phuket
- Why You Will Love Bangkok
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