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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 wonderful 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-compulsory sundown cruise
Day 5: M+ Museum, Ozone Bar, Harbour Metropolis
The place to remain in Hong Kong?
If you happen to’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 affordable place to remain – and essentially the most sought-after areas are usually pricy. Nonetheless, there are many locations within the metropolis that match any price range.
Listed here are the areas I’d advocate:
TST or Tsim Sha Tsui (greatest for views, procuring and total one of many best-connected areas)
Central (greatest for sightseeing as a consequence of connectivity; a lot of eating places are round)
Admiralty (a really fancy space, well-connected, a lot of 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 (a lot 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 not less than 1 hour to go to town centre each time, which isn’t ideally suited when you’re in Hong Kong for less than 5 days as you’ll spend an excessive amount of time within the MTR.
Motels I’d advocate:
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
Reasonably priced: Hop Inn, Test Inn Hong Kong
Overview of the hyperlinks to 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 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: 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 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 greatest to postpone any panoramic actions till it’s sunny (or, not less than, not very wet). In any other case, you may even see nothing. Actually.
Day 1:Â 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 very best, attempt to postpone this stuff to the subsequent good day and do a day 2 itinerary as an alternative.
The Avenue of Stars
If you happen to’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 night time.
Across the Avenue of Stars is a singular shopping center referred to as K11 Musea – it’s free to go to – when 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 reasonably 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 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, though the MTR is quicker and extra handy.
The Mid-levels space & Central MarketÂ
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 title idiot you, Central Market just isn’t a conventional market – it’s a really new place with a lot 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 means, all the way in which up & again to the residential elements of HK island. It’s free to take, so you may 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.
Nonetheless, if I have been to advocate 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 once the world’s most cost-effective Michelin-star restaurant, but it surely misplaced its star a few years in the past. Even so, once 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 making an attempt 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 with the intention to watch the sundown from there. The sundown is normally round 7pm in summer season and 5:30pm in winter, so ensure that to reach on the statement deck not less than 30-40 minutes earlier than the sundown.
Essentially the most touristy technique 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 experience and the statement deck on-line right here.
Generally, the queues for the tram might be lengthy, so ensure that to reach early. There are many issues to do within the Victoria Peak space, so don’t fear when 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 town adjustments lots after darkish – I personally can’t determine which panorama I choose – the one throughout the day or the one at night time, 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 should be booked upfront; nonetheless, a lot of locals (and vacationers alike) simply head to eating places at procuring malls – every shopping center could 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 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 automotive tickets – Ngong Ping 360. On a sunny day throughout the excessive season, the queue may be fairly lengthy, so that you would possibly need to purchase some skip-the-line tickets for the cable automotive right here.
The experience within the cable automotive takes round 30-40 minutes and goes by way of many stunning areas. Lantau Island could 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 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 world and the Po Lin Monastery is free, and though 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 beautiful views of the mountains close by, it’s essential climb fairly a number of stairs, but it surely’s price it.
The Po Lin Monastery can be undoubtedly price visiting – it’s one in all 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 may head to the Tai O fishing village. You’ll be able to 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 ensure that to test the schedule beforehand so you understand when to return to the bus cease.
Tai O fishing village offers 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 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 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 wherever else.
Additionally, seafood eating places are beautiful in Tai O. Additionally, as you may 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 accomplished it, however I’ve heard good issues about it!
To get again to Tung Chung, you may both take a bus again to Huge Buddha after which one other bus to the Tung Chung station or look ahead to a ferry that additionally goes each hour and brings you to Tung Chung immediately and far quicker. Make sure you manage to pay 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 climbing vacation spot, and just a few folks realize it! If you happen to’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 would do there may be hike. Certainly one of my favorite hikes in Hong Kong is the Dragon’s Again Hike – I’ve accomplished it twice, and in my view, it’s the very best hike you are able to do when you’re in Hong Kong for a restricted time.
One of the 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 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.
If you exit the minibus, there shall be a map of the hike and in addition a rest room. There gained’t be extra bathrooms all through all the period of the hike. The hike will begin fairly steep, however then it would get simpler and extra pleasing.
Having fun with the Huge Wave Bay seaside
The stroll to the Huge Wave Bay seaside is the final a part of the hike. Even when 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 undoubtedly get pleasure from simply seeing it. And if you wish to swim, it’s a really beautiful and clear seaside with small waves, and it’s enjoyable to leap them!
There are additionally some eating places and outlets close by – when you’re hungry, it is a wonderful 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
If you happen to’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 develop into extra refined. There was once simply nightclubs and fairly mediocre lounge bars – now there are additionally a lot of beautiful 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-compulsory sundown cruiseÂ
In your fourth day in Hong Kong, I had two completely different choices for you! If you happen to 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 all the things you want. It’s simple to get there by MTR, and you may simply spend all day there, particularly when you determine to remain for the fireworks. You’ll be able to 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 reasonably priced. Additionally they do seasonal specials – I had a possibility to go to Ocean Park earlier than Halloween, and it was top-of-the-line Halloween experiences I’ve ever had. You’ll be able to test the worth and availability right here.
If amusement parks aren’t your cup of tea, I’ve received another 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’ll be able to both go to 1 or 2 of those monasteries or simply go to at least one and do one other brief 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
If you happen to 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 totally 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 may 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 Street.
Sundown cruise
Lastly, when you 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 very best half in regards to the cruise is that you’ll expertise the sundown and see wonderful views. You’ll be able to 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 procuring. If you happen to 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 at present 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 have 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 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 may spend the remainder of your time earlier than flying in one in all 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
- Occasions Sq.
The closest shopping center to the M+ museum and Ozone bar is the Components 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 accomplished with procuring 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 aren’t 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 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 foremost 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, procuring malls and monasteries) are greatest 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, test for some different sights from my article right here: what to do in Hong Kong on a wet day.
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