3 Days in Hong Kong - The Highlights

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Itinerary by: Sam Frost
a month ago
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Accomodation-Hotel Culture-Landmark Culture-Monastery Culture-Monument Culture-Statue Culture-Tower Diverse-Market Diverse-Shopping Entertainment-Tour Exhibition-Mixed Music-Other Nature-Forest Nature-Mountain Nature-View point Eat & Drink-Restaurant Settlement-City Transport-Cable car Transport-Ferry port Transport-Tram
Start location: TramOramic / Tram Tour, Hong Kong - 308 Des Voeux Rd, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Duration: 3 days
If you've got 3 days or more to spend in this bustling multi-national, 1100 sq km territory, then this itinerary should give you a great overview of some of Hong Kong's highlights. As a former resident of Hong Kong, I’ve taken many friends and relatives on this itinerary - and it has never failed to delight! Photo Credits: Florian Wehde, unsplash.com
Day 1

Trams, Ferries, Markets & Fireworks

Welcome to Hong Kong! On this packed first day, we'll be starting off on an official tram tour, followed by a ferry ride to Kowloon, afternoon tea at The Peninsula Hotel, market shopping, and then watching the incredible Symphony of Lights across the harbour.
10:00 - 11:05
TramOramic / Tram Tour, Hong Kong
88 Yee Wo St, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
The tram system in Hong Kong is a great way for tourists to get a good overview of the city. There are two main options: take a public transport tram (you can travel from one side of the island to the other, if you have time), or take a sightseeing tour tram. Here, we'll be covering the TramOramic tram tour, operated by HK Tramways. There are 2 terminals from which to join this guided tram tour of Hong Kong: Western Market Terminus: 308 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay Terminus: 88 Yee Wo St, Causeway Bay (outside Regal Hongkong Hotel) This sightseeing tour takes riders through busy streets, past attractions and points of interest, and provides a great overview of the cityscape. The tour itself lasts just over an hour, and there are 3 departures a day - 10:00, 13:45 and 16:15 from the Western Market Terminus. The tram used by the tour is open top, and in the original 1920s styling. Great commentary and interesting stories from the guide all help contribute to this being one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hong Kong. Photo Credit: Kelvin Yan, unsplash.com
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Entertainment-Tour Transport-Tram
Getting there

Causeway Bay Terminus: 88 Yee Wo St, Causeway Bay (outside Regal Hongkong Hotel) for the start of the tour.

13:00 - 13:40
Star Ferry - Hong Kong to Kowloon
Central Ferry Pier No.7 (Star Ferry Pier), Central, Hong Kong
There are 9 ferries crossing between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon - and these form an essential part of the commuter transport and a great opportunity for tourists to explore. Named one of the 50 places of a lifetime to visit, by National Geographic Traveller, the Star Ferry's roots can be traced back to 1880 when Parsee cook Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala, began a steamboat crossing with his boat - the Morning Star. By 1890, due to the service's popularity, there were 4 boats that were making this crossing - and later a second deck was added to the service. In May 1898, Sir Catchick Paul Chater purchased the boats and officially formed the Star Ferry Company. In 2003, the company launched a licensed 1-hour harbour tour - starting in Tsimshatsui and travelling to Central and Wanchai - and then returning to Tsimshatsui. There are different prices for upper deck and lower deck, and increased prices at the weekend. Tourists can buy a 4-Day ticket for $27.50. For the latest prices, check the company's website, linked to on this page. Image Credits: SHUJA OFFICIAL, Unsplash.com
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Transport-Ferry port
Getting there

It's a 17 minute walk (1.3km) from the end of theTramOramic Tour - Western Market Terminus, 308 Des Voeux Rd, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong - to the Star Ferry Pier.

Travel time
0 hours 17 minutes
14:00 - 15:00
Afternoon Tea - The Peninsula, Hong Kong
Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
With The Lobby Strings playing live daily performances, an incredible view over Victoria Harbour, and an elegance and real sense of modern history, the Peninsula Classic Afternoon Tea is quintessentially iconic of Hong Kong. First opening in 1828, The Peninsula is a luxury colonial-style hotel, and was the first hotel under The Peninsula brand. Owning a fleet of distinctive Rolls Royces, the green cars have been designated their own colour name: "Peninsula Green". The hotel was built to be "the finest hotel east of Suez", and its Baroque style combined with one of the oldest fashion arcades in Hong Kong make a visit a must. Afternoon tea is served from 14:00 - 18:00 and is on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a minimum per-guest fee of 350 HKD, which is approximately 45 USD, or 40 EUR. Dress code is Smart Casual Photo Credit: By Exploringlife - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47607641, By Ajtnk - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3909753
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Accomodation-Hotel Eat & Drink-Restaurant
Getting there

It's a 6 minute / 500m walk along Salisbury Road from the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry terminal to the Peninsula Hotel.

Travel time
0 hours 6 minutes
15:30 - 18:00
Tung Choi Street / Ladies Market
Tung Choi St, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Ladies Market is located in the Mongkok district of Kowloon, Hong Kong - and is located between Sai Yeung Choi Street and Fa Yuen Street. The market is visited in almost equal numbers by tourists and locals - and offers rows of market stalls along the street. Goods on offer include clothing, fashion accessories, gadgets of various kinds, and souvenirs. Locals also head here for plants, pets supplies and pets - especially Goldfish. Don't let the name fool you though, there's many a gentleman also visiting this market. If you get hungry during your shopping expedition, you can check-out the Mongkok district surrounding the market - which is renowned for its street foods and more upmarket eateries. Most stalls will be open until at least 22:00. There are no strict opening and closing hours - although most stalls will open around midday. Photo Credit: By Wpcpey - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59284562
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Diverse-Market
Getting there

Take the Tsen Wan Line from Tsim Sha Tsui station on Salisbury Road to the Ladies Market. It takes about 14 minutes.

Travel time
0 hours 14 minutes
18:00 - 19:30
Chungking Mansions, Hong Kong
Chungking Mansion, 36-44 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Construction of Chungking Mansions was completed in 1961, and the intention was for the building to be a residential complex. Today, it is a maze and interesting combination of low-budget hotels and guest houses (with 1980 rooms in total), shops and stalls - serving the public as well as exporting wholesalers. Its unique atmosphere and meeting of varied cultures makes for an interesting venue to explore. Acting as a point of congregation for Hong Kong's ethnic minorities, Chungking Mansions features African bistros, south-east asian curry houses, sari stores, mobile phone stores, clothes outlets and shops selling parallel goods. With 17 floors and 5 different blocks, the building is located in one of Hong Kong's busiest districts. Everyone is here to make money - and the place has a real buzz about it. There are 3 shopping malls in Chungking Mansions - all of which can be accessed via Nathan Road - Cke Shopping Mall, Wood House and the main arcade. Be aware of your surroundings when visiting the building - scammers operate in the area, as well as drug dealers. Security has been stepped up in recent years, and today there are 100s of actively monitored security cameras - covering over 70% of the building (including the lifts). Until recently, local residents were wary of stepping inside. Get ready to be bombarded by touts beckoning you into their restaurant or shop - it's all part of the atmosphere. Photo Credits: By Corekimern12 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6203082
Article By: Sam Frost
Accomodation-Hotel Diverse-Market Diverse-Shopping
Getting there

It's about a 12 minute ride south on the Tsuen Wan Line from Mong Kok Station.

Travel time
0 hours 12 minutes
20:00 - 20:30
A Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong
Admiralty, Hong Kong
Launched in 2004, the "Symphony of Lights" is a spectacular synchronised light showing that uses 39 buildings across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with music from the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. The music combines traditional Chinese flutes and the bowed instrument known as the Erhu, with a modern contemporary orchestral score to produce a symphony that represents the cultural east-meets-west diversity of Hong Kong. Lasers, lighting, LED screens, and search lights illuminate in unison to create a show for tourists that showcases Victoria Harbour at night - making this a spectacle that truly should not be missed. Photo Credits: Rock Gonzales unsplash.com
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Culture-Landmark Exhibition-Mixed Music-Other Settlement-City
Notes

A great place to watch the Symphony of Lights is from the Avenue of Stars - a water front walk on the shore, and a short walk south from Chunking Mansions.

Getting there

Walk 7 minutes south from Chungking mansions - 550m.

Travel time
0 hours 7 minutes
Day 2

The Peak & Stanley Market

We'll spend the morning taking a tram ride up to Hong Kong's highest point - known as the Peak. In the afternoon, take either a taxi or public transport to the south of Hong Kong Island to visit a favourite tourist haunt - Stanley Market.
10:00 - 10:30
Peak Tram - Hong Kong
The Peak Tram, 33 Garden Rd, Central, Hong Kong
The Peak Tram is a funicular railway in Hong Kong, carrying around 17,000 passengers per day (both tourists and residents) to the Peak. At 552 metres, the Peak is Hong Kong's highest point. In days gone by the Peak offered respite to wealthy residents from the intense summer heat. It also served as the perfect signalling point for incoming ships. In 1868, Hong Kong's governor at the time (Sir Richard MacDonnell) had his summer house built on the peak - and other privileged residents soon followed. Transportation up and down the mountain for these wealthy residents was often via what was known as a "sedan chair" - carried by uniformed staff. When Alexander Findlay Smith, who had previously been employed by Scotland's Highland Railway, moved to Hong Kong, he managed to persuade the governor at the time to construct tram routes - one of them going up to the Peak. Once the tram was installed, the Peak became a popular destination for Hong Kong residents to enjoy the breath-taking views over the harbour and city. With 7 million visitors per year, the Peak Tram is now one of Hong Kong's most popular tourist attractions. At the top, you can also visit Peak Tower - a shopping and leisure complex. Photo Credits: Joen Patrick Caagbay, unsplash.com Jon Parise - originally posted to Flickr as Peak Tram, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5731638
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Nature-Forest Nature-Mountain Nature-View point Transport-Tram
10:45 - 13:00
Observation Deck at The Peak Galleria
The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Rd, The Peak, Hong Kong
At the Peak Galleria (118 Peak Road), there's a large observation deck on Level 3 - with free admission. There are telescopes available to survey the incredible view of the city and harbour. The Peak Galleria is a shopping and leisure complex that caters for tourists, and has a number of eateries. Alternatively, head next door to Sky Terrace 428 in the Peak Tower (128 Peak Road). The 428 refers to the height above sea level - and this vantage point provides an incredible spot from which to take photos of the city scape and harbour below. Photo Credit: By WiNG - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16138746
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Culture-Landmark Culture-Tower Diverse-Shopping Nature-View point
14:00 - 18:00
Stanley Market, Hong Kong
Stanley Municipal Services Building, 6 Stanley Market Rd, Stanley, Hong Kong
Found on the south side of Hong Kong Island, Stanley Market caters mainly for tourists and expatriates. Even the restaurant staff at the small Chinese restaurants here are mostly from the Philippines. More eateries and variety (Western and Chinese) can be found along the sea front - along with the main beach. An open air market, this a major tourist attraction and can be a great place to buy clothes or traditional Chinese arts & crafts. Stanley itself is an old fishing village. The main beach is sandy and the sea is enticing for a dip on a warm day. Getting here by public transport takes just under an hour from Victoria Harbour. Photo Credit: By WiNG - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11205597
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Article By: Sam Frost
Diverse-Market
Notes

After the market, why not grab dinner at one of the restaurants at the water front, before heading back to your hotel?

Getting there

There are 2 ways to get to Stanley. If your budget allows, take a taxi (about half an hour). The alternative is public transport (take the Island Line), which takes just under an hour each way.

Travel time
1 hour 0 minutes
Day 3
11:00 - 11:30
Ngong Ping Cable Car, Hong Kong
11 Tat Tung Rd, Tung Chung, Hong Kong
This 25 minute cable car ride gives a bird's eye view of Lantau Island - and takes riders from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping - perfect for seeing the Big Buddha / Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. There are 2 cabin types to choose from: a standard cabin and a crystal cabin - the crystal cabins (more expensive) having a glass bottom to give riders a startling view below. It's possible to book a return ticket with a standard cabin one way, and a crystal cabin the other. At 5.7km in length, this is the longest such cable ride on the continent of Asia. Looking down from the cabin, there are a few notable sights. Don't miss Tung Chung Bay - where locals collect clams and fish. Shun Tau wetlands has been designated an area of Special Scientific Interest and is a natural habitat for local wildlife. You'll "fly past" Hong King International Airport, and get a great view of the 50km long Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macau bridge - itself an impressive feat of engineering - and currently under construction. The North Country Park is Hong Kong's largest national country park, and covers 22 square km - look out for hikers below. You'll also get a preview of the Tian Tan Buddha, a 34 metre, 250 ton statue, and the world's 2nd largest Buddha. Photo Credits: Jeanne Rose Gomez, unsplash.com
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Article By: Sam Frost
Nature-Forest Nature-Mountain Transport-Cable car
Getting there

From Hong Kong Central, take the Tung Chung line from Hong Kong Station to Tung Chung.

Travel time
1 hour 20 minutes
13:00 - 14:30
Tian Tan Buddha / The Big Buddha, Hong Kong
Ngong Ping Rd, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Sitting on a lotus throne, the Tian Tan Buddha, sometimes known as The Big Buddha, sits 482 metres above sea level on Lantau Island. Completed in 1993, this bronze statue is 34 metres tall and weighs 250 tons. While a major tourist attraction, the Big Buddha is an important centre for Hong Kong Buddhists. The Buddha is located next to the Po Lin Monastery. There are six smaller statues around the Big Buddha - signifying the Offering of the Six Devas. The offerings represent generosity, patience, morality, meditation, zeal and wisdom. Ticket queues for the cable car to see the Buddha can be long - so be prepared for up to an hours waiting time to get to the Buddha. Getting a Cable Car Fast Pass will circumvent this waiting time. Alternatively, arrive before opening time to beat the queue. To get the the Big Buddha, prepare for a 268 step steep climb - which should not be underestimated - especially on a hot day. The climb itself is to encourage visitors to consider their faith, respect and sincerity during their visit to the Buddha. Access to the area outside the Buddha is free, but there is a fee for access to the 3 halls underneath the Buddha - the halls of the Universe, of Benevolent Merit and of Remembrance. Photos may not be taken within the halls. Avoid going in poor weather as visibility of the Buddha and the view can be hampered in low cloud conditions. Open from 08:00-18:00 daily. To get to the Buddha, take the Ngong Ping cable car, taxi or bus. Photo Credits: Meckl Antal, Unsplash.com
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Article By: Sam Frost
Culture-Monastery Culture-Monument Culture-Statue Nature-View point
Notes

Why not grab some lunch or dinner in Ngong Ping before taking the return cable car?

Getting there

It's a short walk (about 11 minutes) from the cable car stop to the Tian Tan Buddha.

Travel time
0 hours 11 minutes
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Sam Frost

British National, and former resident of Hong Kong and Bordeaux in France.
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