Travel Report Hong Kong
Hong Kong travel report: tips & highlights for your visit
Arrival at Lantau Airport
Most travelers arrive in Hong Kong via Lantau International Airport. It is one of the most modern airports in the world. There are various ways to get into the city from the airport – the fastest option is the Airport Express, which takes you to Kowloon or Hong Kong Island in just 24 minutes.
Coming from China, the most convenient option is the train. It takes just over an hour from Guangzhou to Hong Kong, for example, and is quite an experience. There are three different ticket classes, which must be reserved in advance. We recommend First or Business Class.
The station alone is more reminiscent of an airplane hangar in terms of size and dimensions. You won’t find anything like it in Europe. There are no real train tickets, everything works via the passport, the journey is quick and very pleasant. There is Wi-Fi on the train and each seat has its own power supply.
Once you arrive in Hong Kong, it is similar to an airport. You first have to leave China and then enter Hong Kong. Only then do you realize that Chinese apps such as Alipay no longer work and you have to download the Hong Kong version. In addition, the traffic changes from right to left-hand traffic and the currency changes to the Hong Kong dollar.
Where is Hong Kong?
What you should definitely think about:
National currencies: Hong Kong’s official currency is the Hong Kong dollar, which is pegged to the US dollar. The exchange rate is largely stable at HK$7.8 to US$1 over the last 30 years. Unlike in China, Alipay is also available here (albeit the Hong Kong version) but credit cards are also accepted almost everywhere. another option for payment is the Octopucard. More on this later.
Vaccinations: Coming from Germany, no vaccinations are required. However, the standard vaccinations are recommended, see Foreign Office suggestions.
Luggage: The photo equipment should definitely be taken on board, so pay attention to the cabin luggage dimensions (!) Otherwise, any type of suitcase or bag will do.
Fast & convenient in the city
Explore the city with the Octopus Card. You should get an Octopus Card directly at the airport or train station. This rechargeable card makes traveling by metro, bus, ferry and even in many stores incredibly easy. It is the ultimate means of payment for public transport and can be easily topped up in any 7Eleven store.
Be careful when choosing a hotel. It's best to book a hotel with a view on the Kowloon side
If you want to stay in luxury and with a view of the Hong Kong skyline, the St. Regis or the W Hotel, both near the Elements shopping center, are excellent options. Both hotels offer spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and first-class amenities.
JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong
The JW Marriott Hong Kong is also a first-class hotel, offers spectacular views, but unfortunately it is on the wrong side, so that you look out over Kowloon and even the view from the good rooms is heavily built up in between. We chose this hotel because it is relatively centrally located and everything is easily accessible, and the price and service are reasonably good. On our next visit, however, we would choose a hotel on the Kowloon side.
Sky100: Hong Kong from above
A perfect start to get an overview of the city: The Sky100 viewing platform offers you a breathtaking 360-degree view over Hong Kong – a real highlight, especially at sunset. The Ritz also operates the café here on the 102nd floor, where you can enjoy an excellent tea time.
Culture, shopping and enjoyment
Victoria Peak – Hong Kong’s most famous mountain
No visit to Hong Kong is complete without a trip up Victoria Peak. The historic Peak Tram takes you to the top, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the skyline. Once at the top, you will find stores, restaurants and the opportunity to walk around the peak on a 3.8 km circular route. If you’re hungry afterwards, you should go to “Rifles”, a really good restaurant at the top of the Peak
Night Market experience
After an eventful day, head to the Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon in the evening. Here you can find souvenirs, street food and experience the hustle and bustle of the city.
Relaxation: Massage after a long day
After a long day on your feet, there’s nothing better than a traditional Chinese massage. Numerous spas and massage parlors in Hong Kong offer relaxing foot and full-body massages.
Discovery tour through the city
Ride the Ting Ting – travel on the historic streetcar
A must for nostalgics: the iconic double-decker streetcar, affectionately known as the “Ding Ding” by locals, is a cheap and comfortable way to explore Hong Kong Island.
Bus travel in Hong Kong – an alternative to the subway
Double-decker buses are ideal for a relaxed ride with great panoramic views. The route along the south coast to Stanley or Repulse Bay is particularly beautiful.
Hong Kong’s beaches – peace and relaxation
Whether Repulse Bay or Shek O Beach – Hong Kong has fantastic beaches. Perfect for a little break from hectic city life. But many people don’t know this and miss out on a highlight. The 6x bus goes directly to the beaches, which takes about 20 minutes and is like a city tour.
Culinary delights: The best Chinese restaurants
Whether it’s dim sum at Tim Ho Wan or Peking duck at Spring Deer – Hong Kong is a paradise for gourmets.
Sea of lights: the Symphony of Lights
The famous Symphony of Lights is the perfect end to your trip. You have the best view of the spectacular light show from one of the Star Ferries on Victoria Harbour or you can book one of the numerous “yacht offers”, which is not really expensive and snacks and drinks are also available.
Party in Lan Kwai Fong
If you still have energy afterwards, dive into the nightlife of Lan Kwai Fong. You’ll find bars, clubs and international partygoers in this district.
Internet & Roaming in Hong Kong
The internet is less strictly controlled in Hong Kong. Facebook, WhatsApp & Instagram can be used, even in the WLAN. However, Tik Tok is blocked. A global FlexiRoam or Airalo eSIM also ensures almost unrestricted access, but no Tik Tok here either.
Fazit
Hong Kong is a fascinating metropolis that still has a British flair and is a little less modern than Mainland China, but still has its charm. 72 hours is more than enough time to explore the city. It may also be worth making a stopover on the way to Australia or Bali. In any case, our tips will make your trip an unforgettable experience!
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What photo equipment for Hong Kong?
We actually only took an iPhone 14 Pro with us for Hong Kong, which in hindsight was a mistake, especially for the night shots. You can find the photo equipment we should have taken with us in our Photo-Shop. There are also lots of extras there.