Hong Kong | Linda Goes East

Destination: Hong Kong

Destination: Hong Kong

HONG KONG TRAVEL GUIDE

Hong Kong is among the most visited cities in Asia. What visitors love most about this beautiful coastal city is it’s mix of east and western cultures. Hong Kong was under British rule from 1841 to 1997 and was then given back to China. However, it’s remained its unique charm and culture since then.

Cantonese and English are both widely spoken across Hong Kong, making it easy to get around. Contrary to Mainland China, people in Hong Kong drive on the left side just like in the United Kingdom.

Things to See and Do in Hong Kong

See the city from Victoria Peak
Watch the light show at Victoria Harbour
Shop at a night market

Climb 260 steps to Tian Tan Buddha
Pray at Man Mo Temple
Eat delicious Dim Sum

Take a day trip to Macao
Have fun at Hong Kong Disneyland

Typical Costs When Traveling

Accommodation – Hotel rooms in Hong Kong tend to be a lot narrower compared to other countries and also quite pricey. A standard room in a 3-star hotel costs around $70 USD and more depending on the location.

Food – Cantonese Dim Sum has its origins in Hong Kong but European cuisines and non-Cantonese Chinese cuisines, as well as Japanese, Korean and Southeast Asian cuisines, are also part of Hong Kong’s local cuisine.

Transportation – The subway and bus network is very efficient in the city. Tourist passes are available and run for HK$55 per day (7 USD).

Suggested daily budget

100-120 EUR / 112-134 USD

(Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation.

Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

Money Saving Tips

Skip the Airport Express. Taking an airport bus to the city can save you a lot of money versus the expensive airport express train. The buses are even custom-made for travelers carrying luggage.
Stay in Kowloon. Kowloon is located midway between Hong Kong island and the New Territories and offers cheaper accommodation, ideal for budget travelers.

Get an Octopus card. This convenient card lets you use buses, MTR (metro), and also pay in many shops like McDonald’s. It will cost you around HK$150 with HK$100 credit.
Visit the numerous temples for free.Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Chi Lin Nunnery, Po Lin Monastery, Tin Hau temple, Wong Tai Sin temple - they're all free to visit!

What can I expect from Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is one of the best places I have ever been to – and I’ve continously returned to see more. The mix of eastern and western cultures makes it the perfect starting point for your trip around Asia. The best time to visit Hong Kong is late autumn, from October to around Christmas time when the weather is relatively mild. Be aware that there are tropical cyclones and occasional squally thunderstorms between May and November, and typhoons in September.

Despite its relatively small size, you’ll never run out of things to do in Hong Kong. The bustling city center offers all the perks of a metropolis, while the green, moutainous outskirts are ideal for a refershing getaway.

TOP TRAVEL ESSENTIALS IN HONG KONG

Victoria Peak Tram Fast Track Combo Ticket
Hong Kong Disneyland Park Ticket
Hong Kong Airport Express Train Ticket
Hong Kong Octopus Transportation Card
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car (One Way/Round Trip)
TurboJet Ferry Open Ticket (HK Island/Macau Outer Harbor Departure)

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR HONG KONG

I’m always surprised how many people travel without travel insurance. For me, it’s as essential to travel as buying a plane ticket, backpack or accommodation, and I never go without it.

Although China is relatively safe, unexpected natural disasters can always happen and I’ve witnessed people getting laptops and phones pickpocketed first hand.

Adequate insurance not only provides you with medical coverage (if you get sick or break your leg), but also covers things like your camera full of epic shots getting damaged or stolen, your flights getting cancelled, or you getting caught up in a natural disaster.

In short, it’s an insurance against potential issues that arise when you’re traveling and can save your life (or at the very least, a lifetime of debt).

BOOK | I recommend booking World Nomads travel insurance