Hong Kong 2024

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Travel Hong Kong 2024

It has certainly been a long time since we last visited Hong Kong - it took a while for tickets to return to pre-Covid prices but it did. So we are back, this time a little wiser on where to stay and where to go. So here's a quick rundown on our itinerary in Hong Kong, especially if for those who wish to come here over a short getaway.

Attractions

For first time visitors to Hong Kong, home to one of the best airports in the world (ranked #1 in 2024 beating Singapore's  Changi), here are the must-go places:
  • Hong Kong Disneyland - 1 full day
  • Ocean Park - 1 full day
  • Ngong Ping 360 - 1 full day
  • Victoria Peak, aka the Peak - half-day
  • Avenue of Stars - half-day
  • Central Mid-levels Escalator - half-day
  • Hong Kong Palace Museum - half-day to 1 day
  • M+ Museum - half-day to 1 day
All places above are connected via Hong Kong MTR. I have included the estimated duration to travel to the attraction, doing the attraction plus returning to hotel. For those that are half-day, you many combine with another half-day attraction. Of course, you may wish to add 1-2 days for shopping at the markets around Mongkok (Langham Place, Ladies' Market, Flowers Market, etc.) or just to relax, rather than going for one place to another in quick succession. You are on vacation...not a race!

For the lucky few who are visiting Hong Kong for the 2nd time or even number 3 (more often because of the food), here are some suggestions of where to go and what to do:
  • Nan Lian Garden - half-day
  • Hong Kong Wetland Park - half-day
  • Tai O Fishing village - half day
  • Hiking the Dragon's back (check this site) - half-day to full day

Transportation

The Octopus card is used for public transportation and can be used on MTR, buses, plus dining and shopping at various places. It requires a refundable HK$50 deposit, available at most MTR stations. Of course, if you want a fancy design or a keychain, then it will cost a little more. From 12 Sep onwards, they even have the Octopus-China T-union card that can be used in 336 cities in China (nope, I have not tried this but it sounds good, esp. if you are combining Hong Kong and China in the trip). 

Do you really need the Octopus card? 

Well, not really. If you dislike the hassle of having another card, one can easily use the existing bank card from any bank. Just need to ensure that the bank card support wireless payment and you are set. The turnstile for the bank card (there is usually only one) is at the leftmost or rightmost of the gantry with the ))) logo. 

Accommodation 

Please book Royal Plaza Hotel if you can (do this 2-3 months in advance on Booking.com for free cancellation) This hotel is located at Mongkok East MTR, near to Prince Edward and Nathan Road. It is next to MOKO, a mall that houses restaurants, bakeries, jewelry shops, and (very important) a grocery for water and fruits. Room prices are quite reasonable. When I booked in July 2024, I managed to secure a room with 2 queen beds for below SGD250 (USD$194) per night, good enough for a family of 4 adults. 


Another good hotel is Cordis, located at Langham Place (Mongkok MTR) but prices are higher. Good place to go if you are willing to splurge.

Food

I have colleagues whose sole reason to visit Hong Kong is for the food, and nothing else. Yes, the food is good but if you have not been here before, here are a few recommendations. Oh yes, it is not uncommon to eat every 2-3 hours...

  • Dim sum - get this from One Dim Sum and Dim Dim Sum at (where else?) Mongkok
  • Roast goose - while a few die-hards would insist on Yat Lok or Kam's Roast, the one I would recommend is Ki'son at Mongkok

  • Cha chaan tang - equivalent to the diners such as Waffle House or Denny's, this is the Hong Kong version. Most stalls are good so just pick one nearest for noodles, scrambled egg and milk tea. There is one next to the Royal Plaza Hotel called Men Wah Bing Teng and yes, it is good. 
  • Bakeries and cafe - I cannot remember when the craze started but there are so many bakeries and places selling bubble tea and cappuccinos in Hong Kong. You can find one at every corner so we can easily get our caffeine and sugar fix. 
In addition to Hong Kong and if one has the time, you can add 2 side-trips to your itinerary. Both can be done as day-trips from Hong Kong but can be extended to a few days or more. 

Side trip #1: Shenzhen

Take the MTR via East Rail line (which starts at Admiralty) to Lok Ma Chau station.  Once you have passed Hong Kong immigration, you have to cross the bridge and go through China immigration (after filling up the arrival form). You are now at Futian Checkpoint. Once done, take the Shenzhen Metro to the Convention and Exhibition Centre (2 stops away). Use exit C to go to Wongtee Plaza where one can spend the entire day. First, go book a massage or karaoke session (may have to wait 1-2 hours for the next available slot), then go for lunch, shopping, etc. Once the massage/karaoke session is down, it is time for dinner before heading back to Hong Kong.

Of course, if you have more time, then you can visit the following:
  • Splendid China Folk village
  • Dafen Oil Painting village
  • Shenzhen Museum
  • Window of the World
  • Ping An Finance Centre

Side trip #2: Macau 

2 way of getting to Macau. One can take the ferry or by bus. 


  1. Ferry: take the MTR to Sheung Wan station. From there, one can purchase the next available ferry to Taipa (actual duration is ~55 minutes). 
  2. Shuttle bus: for those who has already tried the ferry, the latest option is via shuttle bus with the opening of the Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macau bridge. Take the MTR to Sunny Bay and then board B5 bus to the HZMB in Lantau Island. Go pass immigration/custom and then ride the bus to Macau. 
Once at Macau, take the cab...otherwise, you will spend some time waiting for the bus, which takes a while. Only exception is if you wish to visit the casinos (plenty of buses available).  A few suggested places at Macau, assuming you are just there for a day trip:
  • Macau food street: must try is egg-tarts at Lord Stowe's Bakery, pork bun at Sei Kee (this is at a shop before you enter the food street), plus shopping for Macau food souvenirs (you can have samples before buying)
  • Visiting a casino: just to experience what it is inside. A good one is Grand Lisboa hotel where you can gawk at the gold and ivory carvings, plus a few imperial treasures (I am pretty sure they are genuine). 
  • Ruins of St Paul: after taking picture, go look for a place to have your early dinner. Try Portuguese cuisine if you have not already done so.