I visited Hong Kong in the ’80s while I was in the Navy. My impression of it was that it was a huge city like New York, loaded with good Chinese food everywhere. Exactly my kind of place! At the time, Hong Kong was still in British hands. Britain’s possession of Hong Kong was a thorn in China’s east side for a century and a half. That all ended in 1997 when Britain handed Hong Kong back over to China. This was somewhat of a concern for Hong Kongers, who were reluctant to give up their ways of democracy and capitalism. (Many had fled Mainland China for Hong Kong after the Communist takeover in 1949.) To address the potential for conflict, China designated Hong Kong as a special administrative region. As a result, Hong Kong is treated as a separate country in many respects. (The same is true for Macau, which was relinquished by the Portuguese in 1999.)
I loved Hong Hong when I was there. But I didn’t have the time to do a lot of sightseeing. So I’ve been extremely eager to get back ever since. I hope to make it, but maybe you’ll make it there before I make it back!
Click here to read all my posts about Hong Kong.
How to enter Hong Kong with a US passport
Although Hong Kong is part of China, immigration is handled separately. Your passport must be valid for at least 1 month beyond your planned departure date. No visa required for normal tourist stays under 90 days. (Always have at least 6 months of remaining validity on your passport before traveling overseas.)
How to get into Hong Kong from the airport
Hong Kong has 1 airport. But there are 2 other nearby airports that might come in handy. Shenzhen’s airport has better and cheaper connections to other locations in mainland China. Macau’s airport also has cheap connections to mainland China. Here are the best ways to get into Hong Kong Island and Kowloon at a reasonable price:
Hong Kong (Chek Lap Kok) 3 options:
- Airport Express (fast!) to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
- S1 bus (cheap!) to Tung Chung, switch to MTR Tung Chung Line for Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
- Vigor Airport Shuttle buses (direct!) to hotels throughout Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
Shenzhen Bao’an 3 options:
- Subway Line 1 to Luoho; after going through immigration, switch to MTR East Rail Line for Kowloon.
- Trans-Island Chinalink coach to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island via Shenzhen Bay Immigration Control Point.
- China Coach to Kowloon via Shenzhen Bay Immigration Control Point (easy transfer to Hong Kong Island).
Macau Express Link bus/ferry to Hong Kong Island, bypassing Macau immigration.
Where to stay in Hong Kong
During my time on my Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Hilton was very popular. But it closed in 1995 and torn down. I’m guessing even it were still around, it would be out of my usual price range unless I was using Hilton points.
ibis Hong Kong North Point Here’s one I would consider. I read online that the rooms are tiny. And it’s a bit out of the way from Hong Kong’s Central district. But: Small rooms aren’t an issue for me as long as I have room to unpack my things. It’s extremely close to the subway, with just 6 stops to Central in 12 minutes. From what I read, the hotel is clean and the service is good. I might give it a try, but let me know if you have any suggestions!
Where to eat in Hong Kong
What do you need to know? It’s Hong Kong. Get some good authentic Chinese food!
When I was in Hong Kong, I heard that the treat to get was fried ice cream. I’m having trouble finding a definitive place to get fried ice cream in Hong Kong. So when you’re there, maybe your hotel can help you find out where to go to get this delicious-sounding dessert.
Here are a few places I’ve found that sound great plus one I heard about 30 years ago:
Jumbo Floating Restaurant I heard about this one when I was in the Navy. You can count on it being somewhat of a tourist trap. It has a pretty good reputation nonetheless. I’d love to check it out if/when I finally make it back to Hong Kong.
Lin Heung Tea House Dim sum in the morning. Traditional main dishes in the evening.
Tim Ho Wan Beware of long lines in this Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant.
Tsui Wah A popular chain featuring Cantonese favorites with Western influences.
Must-Sees in Hong Kong
Here’s a baker’s dozen of places you need to see in Hong Kong. I haven’t done most of these, which means I REALLY need to get back to Hong Kong!
Chi Lin Nunnery A large Buddhist temple complex in Kowloon built using traditional architectural techniques. Peaceful Nan Lian Garden is located across the street.
Ha Pak Nai A wetlands area in the New Territories known for astonishing sunset views.
Hong Kong Heritage Museum A modern museum located in the New Territories highlighting the culture of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Museum of History The fascinating history of Hong Kong, from prehistoric times through the 1997 handover. Located in Kowloon.
Lamma Island Getaway from the hustle and bustle to an island where you can only walk or ride a bike to get around. Enjoy the beaches and the seafood.
Man Mo Temple A 19th-century Taoist temple on Hong Kong Island.
Ngong Ping Take a ferry or the subway to Lantau Island and head for the hills. In the Ngong Ping highlands, you’ll find Po Lin Monastery, featuring a temple with 3 bronze Buddhas. Near the grounds of the monastery is the enormous Tian Tan Buddha, over 100-feet tall. Nearby Ngong Ping Village celebrates the local cultural heritage. The Ngong Ping Cable Car, a gondola lift, runs directly from Ngong Ping Village to Tung Chung subway station. (To avoid the lines, take the ferry to Lantau Island and then the bus to Ngong Ping. After seeing the sights, take the cable car down to Tung Chung.)
Ping Shan Heritage Trail A trail past many monuments and historic buildings in the New Territories.
Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple A Taoist shrine in Kowloon featuring a Nine Dragon Wall.
Tai O A fishing village built on stilts off Lantau Island.
Temple Street Night Market A lively market in Kowloon with just about everything for sale.
Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront/Star Ferry Take in the iconic views of Hong Kong Harbor from the tip of the Kowloon Peninsula. Then enjoy the classic Hong Kong experience–riding the Star Ferry across the harbor. Return to the promenade at night for A Symphony of Lights show, the world’s largest permanent light and sound show.
Victoria Peak The ultimate Hong Kong experience. Take the Peak Tram funicular from Central to the highest point on Hong Kong Island.
Day Trips from Hong Kong
Macau Take a one-hour ride by catamaran hydrofoil to the former Portuguese colony, now the Las Vegas of the East.
Shenzhen China’s boomtown borders Hong Kong. Just take the subway direct from Kowloon to the border.