Hong Kong What You Need to Know for the Best Time!

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10 Frequent Travelers Share Their Recommendations to Create the Ultimate Guide for Hong Kong What You Need to Know for the Best Time!

Hong Kong is a top destination for international travelers.There’s so much to see and do. If you only have a few short days, how do you make the most of it? Here, in this collaborative post, we’ve gathered recommendations for some of the best things to do, see and eat to create the Ultimate Guide for Hong Kong What you need to know for the best time! Here is all the information you need to make your Hong Kong visit extraordinary.

Hong Kong What you need to Know for the Best Time Symphony of Lights www.compassandfork.com
Hong Kong The Symphony of Lights
Hong Kong What you need to Know for the Best Time Peak Tram www.compassandfork.com
Victoria Peak Tram

How Kong What You Need to Know on Your First Visit

Three things for the first-time visitor to do:

But if you to see more of Hong Kong then read on for more suggestions of what to do, see and eat in Hong Kong. This ultimate guide has everything you need to know to have the best time in Hong Kong!

Hong Kong What you need to Know for the Best Time Victoria Peak View
View of Hong Kong From Victoria Peak

Hong Kong What You Need to Know about What to Do

Lantau Island

Lantau Island is the largest of the islands of Hong Kong. And there is a lot to do. It is a great day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Some recommendations:

 

Tian Tan Buddha | Patti from The Savvy Globetrotter

Hong Kong What you need to Know for the Best Time Big Buddha Savvy Globetrotter www.compassandfork.com
Lantau Island, The Big Buddha | Photo: The Savvy Globetrotter

Tian Tan Buddha is a top attraction in Hong Kong and well worth a visit. Also known as Big Buddha, the 34 meter tall statue is one of the largest outdoor bronze statues of a seated Buddha. Attracting both tourists and local Buddhists, the Big Buddha is especially lively on Buddha’s birthday- a public holiday. Visitors can admire the statue from afar or climb a flight of 268 steep steps for a closer view. Once at the top, beautiful panoramic views of Lantau Island and the South China Sea are your reward.

 

Tai-O Village | Dave and Deb of The Planet D

Hong Kong What you need to Know for the Best Time Tai-o The Planet D www.compassandfork.com
Tai-o Village | Photo: The Planet D

 

The Tai-O Village is a great day trip from the city that gives you a taste of old Hong Kong.This fishing village is a picturesque seaside community on the shores of Lantau Island. Colorful stilt houses are stacked together and line the river from above, safely standing above the tidal flats.

The town weaves through houses and shops heaped with fresh, dried, and live fish.You can take a tour to visit a local family to try your hand at traditional cooking and preparations in the kitchen while learning about this tight knit community. The Tai-O village clings to tradition and many things are done by hand as locals live as they have for decades.

Once you have had a snack at one of the local eateries, be sure hop on a boat and take a ride to see the resident pink dolphins that play off shore. Boats depart regularly. Once they are full, they set out in search of dolphins while giving you a view of the coast and a relaxing ride on the sea.

 

Sha Tin and the New Territories

The New Territories are the part of Hong Kong on the mainland. This land was mainly agricultural and Britain leased it from the Chinese for 99 years. This is the territory that was due to be returned to the Chinese in 1997. As part of that exchange, all of Hong Kong was transferred from the British to the Chinese.

 

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery | Matilda of The Travel Sisters

Hong Kong What you need to Know for the Best Time Ten Thousand Buddha The Travel Sisters
Ten Thousand Buddha | Photo: The Travel Sisters

 

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery may be a bit tricky to find but the quirky temple is a great spot to visit in Hong Kong- assuming you don’t mind getting a workout in the process. Located in Sha Tin, a steep concrete path of 430 steps leads visitors to a temple actually containing more than 10,000 Buddhas. The dozens of gold-painted Buddha statues along the way are worth checking out too. Not only is each one different but they are a great excuse to take a break.

 

Cooking & Eating with a Local | Jaclynn, The Occasional Traveller

If you are looking to try your hand at cooking or just have a meal with a local while in Hong Kong, there are a number of options. Using Traveling Spoon you can find a local willing to cook and share a meal with you. There are options all over Hong Kong and you can head further afield if you would like, including the New Territories. It is a great way to explore more of Hong Kong and find out what dinning at home is like compared to a restaurant experience.

Hong Kong What You Need to Know that is Uniquely Hong Kong

Looking for Something Unusual to Do in Hong Kong  | Abi from Inside the Travel Lab

Hong Kong What you need to Know for the Best Time Hong-Kong Inside the Travel Lab www.compassandfork.com
Hong-Kong | Photo: Inside the Travel Lab

 

To take advantage of some the unique things to do in Hong Kong, try sipping martinis and enjoying the white chocolate pannacotta as you watch the taxis zip between ice-lit skyscrapers far below at Cafe Gray Deluxe. Or enjoy mist, clear green paths and the sight of the South China Sea as you hike The Dragon’s Back. Alternatively, take a trip to Lantau Island at the mouth of the Pearl River where the buffalo come to sleep. Or how about a visual stroll back in time, seeing how the Cathay Pacific uniforms change in tandem with the development of air travel at the Cathay Pacific Village.

 

The Horse Races at Happy Valley Race Course

Hong Kong What you need to Know for the Best Time Happy Valley Racecourse www.compassandfork.com
Happy Valley Racecourse

 

Hong Kong’s thoroughbred industry and racing is world renowned. Right in the middle of Hong Kong’s bustling city and densely packed skyscrapers is the Happy Valley Race Course. The track was built in 1995 and holds 55,000. Every Wednesday night, there is a lively festive gathering for the races. If you’d like to try your luck, it will be a night to remember!

 

Explore the Local Markets| Mark of Compass & Fork

Hong Kong What you need to Know for the Best Time Hong Kong Flower Market www.compassandfork.com
Hong Kong Flower Market

 

There are a number of unusual markets in Hong Kong, including the jade, bird, flower and fish markets. They are all near each other and it makes a pleasant morning to go and have a look. When you are done browsing, you will have worked up an appetite and be ready to try some of the food for which Hong Kong is famous.

 

Hong Kong What You Need to Know about Eating

 

Dim Sum | Marianne at Mum on the Move

You can’t visit Hong Kong without digging into a Dim Sum feast. For a slice of nostalgia, head to Maxim’s Palace at City Hall or Lin Heung Teahouse, where dim sum is still served the traditional way – from steaming carts, piled high with bamboo baskets. For something more salubrious, book a table at Lung King Heen at the Four Seasons hotel, the world’s first Chinese restaurant to be awarded the coveted Michelin three-star rating, or two-star Tin Lung Heen at the sky-high Ritz Carlton hotel.

Hong Kong What you need to Know for the Best Time DimSum Mum on the Move www.compassandfork.com
Dim Sum | Photo: Mum on the Move

 

 

The Top 20 Hong Kong Eat List | Will at Going Awesome Places

Hong Kong is full of the sights, smells and sounds of food and while I was there I knew that it would be a huge injustice not to share all of the different restaurants and food places that I got to try while out there. My attempt with my Top 20 Hong Kong Eat List is to give a glimpse into how easy it is to find something great to eat. Make sure you plan accordingly.

Hong Kong What you need to Know for the Best Time Hong Kong Dim Sum Mum on the Move www.compassandfork.com
Hong Kong What you need to Know for the Hong Kong Dim Sum | Photo: Mum on the Move

 

 

 

Hong Kong What you need to Know for the Best Time High Tea at The Peninsula www.compassandfork.com
High Tea at The Peninsula

The Rules of Dining in Hong Kong | Adelina of Pack Me To

When dining out in Hong Kong, especially in smaller, more traditional restaurants (aka where you can get a very local experience), it is important to keep in mind a couple things to insure a comfortable dining experience. Customer service is very limited and restaurants will expect you to order quickly, eat quickly and pay quickly (cash only!). Most will not have any napkins so it is wise to bring your own along and don’t be surprised if they ask you to share a table!

Classic Afternoon Tea in The Lobby of the Peninsula Hotel| Elizabeth at Compass & Fork

Hong Kong was controlled by the British until 1999 when it was handed back to the Chinese. There is no place better to experience the mix of Chinese and British customs than at the five star Peninsula Hotel for their Classic Afternoon Tea. Served everyday between 2-6 pm in The Lobby of the hotel it is a sumptuous experience in an elegant setting.

 

Brunch in the Mid-Levels | The Culture Trip HK

The steep area near the waterfront in Kowloon is known as the Mid-Levels. With a series of escalators to whisk you up the steep hillside, this area is a hangout for expats in the know. Full of both traditional and trendy restaurants, cafes, bakeries and bars, there is something for everyone. If you are looking for a place to enjoy a leisurely brunch, you are sure to find something you’ll like for this list from the Culture Trip.

 

World Class Dining in Hong Kong

And if you are looking for something world class, check out some of the best new restaurants in Hong Kong. With an international flair and a focus on the finest ingredients, anything from this list is sure to be a meal to remember.

 

If You Go

Hong Kong What You Need to Know about Where to Stay

 

The Best Luxury Hotels in Hong Kong | Kach and Jonathan and the Two Monkeys Travel Group

Hong Kong What you need to Know for the Best Time Ultimate-List-of-the-Best-Luxury-Hotels-in-Hong-Kong Two Monkeys Travel www.compassandfork.com
The Peninsula Hotel |Photo: Two Monkey’s Travel

Need a place to stay? Hong Kong is known for its luxury hotels. With a wide range to choose from Hong Kong has some of the best hotels in the world. Service, amenities and views are all second to none. If your budget allows, this is the place to splurge for some luxury. Take your pick of any of these five-star luxury hotels and I am sure you will make your trip extraordinary!

Hong Kong What You Need to Know – Other Helpful Information

Still have questions? Our ultimate guide about Hong Kong what you need to know for the best time! wouldn’t be complete if we don’t cover a bit of the helpful information to move you around Hong Kong. Do you need to know about the Octopus Card or traveling into town from the airport? Natasha at Live Learn Venture has you covered in her helpful post 4 Tips for Hong Kong Travel.

Not sure where to stay or need help understanding the districts of Hong Kong, or the basics of travel around Hong Kong, Josh and Liz at Peanuts or Pretzels can help.

And if you have been to Hong Kong before and are looking for some other things to do The Ultimate List of Things to do in Hong Kong – Beyond the Popular Attractions by Traveling King has some great suggestions.

 

We hope you enjoyed Hong Kong What you need to know for the best time! Did we miss anything? Do you have anything to add or other helpful suggestions for Hong Kong? Or still have a question? Please leave us a comment below.

 

Hong Kong What you need to Know for the Best Time! 10 Frequent Travelers collaborate to create the ultimate guide of what to see, do , eat and stay in Hong Kong www.compassandfork.com

 

 

6 Responses

  1. Ami
    | Reply

    A nice collection of different perspectives from different travelers. Well compiled/

    • Editor
      |

      Thanks Ami, glad you enjoyed it.

  2. melody pittman
    | Reply

    I would LOVE to be heading to Hong Kong. That may be my first trip to Asia next year though. ;) The 10,000 Buddhas Monastery looks like a great place to start.

    • Editor
      |

      Melody, It is a good place for a first timer (Singapore, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur are also good for a first stop). It is expensive, but it is really easy to get around! Hope you make it!

  3. Cynthia
    | Reply

    What an interesting article and a collection of great tips! This will be very useful when we’ll be in Hong Kong this winter. Thank you for sharing!

    • Editor
      |

      Cynthia, Glad it will be helpful for your trip.

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