Hong Kong: the City of Skyscrapers with a long list of impressive things that will amaze just about anyone! A home to more than seven million residents, Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China known for its financial success and is a highly popular tourist destination in Asia.
Living up to its reputation as one of Asia’s hottest tourist destinations, Hong Kong offers modernity and traditionality through its plethora of attractions, culinary delights, cultural celebrations, and much more!
If you are planning to visit Hong Kong soon or if Hong Kong is one of your dream travel destinations, be sure to check out this travel guide for your trip. Here, you will find packing tips, recommended hotels, and a list of the best things to do once you are in Hong Kong!
What to Prepare for Your Hong Kong Trip
Every trip starts with preparing the essentials! When traveling to any country for the first time, we might find ourselves wondering what to prepare and bring with us. You might have the same question about your trip to Hong Kong, but there’s no need to worry because we have compiled a list of things to prepare for your Hong Kong trip!
1. Flight Ticket
Flight tickets.
The first and foremost thing to prepare for your trip to Hong Kong is the essential item that allows you to reach your destination: a flight ticket! Hong Kong is a popular travel destination, which means there are plenty of flight options widely available. Here’s a tip for those seeking affordable flights: compare prices and book as early as possible.
2. Passport and Visa
Passport and visa.
Your passport should have at least one month of extra validity beyond the duration of your intended stay in Hong Kong. Depending on their nationalities, international tourists may visit Hong Kong visa-free with varying periods of stay. However, if you plan to stay longer than the allowed period or for other purposes, an appropriate visa permit is still required. You can find more information on visa requirements and the application process here.
3. Outfits, Prescription Medicines, and Masks
Packing outfits.
Hong Kong has a monsoon-influenced subtropical climate, with the warmest period typically occurring from late May to mid-September and the coolest period from mid-December to February. Therefore, make sure to pack suitable outfits based on the dates of your trip. If you are bringing prescription medicines, remember to carry the doctor’s prescription as well, and, although COVID-19 regulations have been lifted in Hong Kong, it is still recommended to bring masks, as you may be required to wear them in some indoor spaces.
4. Cash, Credit and Debit Cards
Credit and debit cards.
Sufficient funds are required when traveling to Hong Kong. If you have cash, make sure to exchange it for Hong Kong dollars (HKD) at your preferred currency exchange. Credit and debit cards are also essential, as they are widely accepted throughout Hong Kong, and ATMs are readily available in the region.
5. Hong Kong MTR Mobile App
Hong Kong MTR Mobile App. (via Hong Kong MTR)
The easiest way to navigate the region is by utilizing Hong Kong’s MTR (Mass Transit Railway), the underground public transportation system! Tourists can conveniently check train arrivals and plan their trips by downloading the Hong Kong MTR mobile app, available on iOS and Android app stores.
Recommended Hong Kong Hotels for Your Stay
The St. Regis in Hong Kong. (via Macau Lifestyle)
It’s easy for tourists to find accommodations all over Hong Kong! There are plenty of hotels with varying prices to suit every type of traveler, from budget-friendly options to the more luxurious ones. Booking a hotel room before your arrival in Hong Kong is strongly recommended! If you haven’t secured your reservation yet, our recommendations for Hong Kong hotels might be the ticket to elevate your stay.
For Those Looking for Affordable Hotels:
A boutique hotel with four room categories, all well-designed with contemporary and colorful aesthetics!
Situated in Prince Edward, Kowloon, this hotel makes it easier for guests to reach the MTR within walking distance and navigate the city with ease.
Although small in size, the hotel is perfectly formed, which makes it fitting for long or short stays!
For Those Looking for Luxury Hotels:
The 68-room luxury hotel is a fusion of modern and traditional, standing at the gateway between Hong Kong’s historic landmarks and trending hotspots.
Guests can gaze out at the glittering Victoria Harbour while enjoying the touch of contemporary art in the hotel’s interior!
Blending creative architecture, diverse cultures, and timeless elegance, the St. Regis hotel in Wan Chai district is home to four two-MICHELIN-star restaurants!
Best Things to Do in Hong Kong
Welcome to Hong Kong! Do you have any plans for what to do yet? If not, you might want to check out our recommendations for the best things to do in Hong Kong. From places to visit in Hong Kong to traditional dishes worth trying, you’ll find what you can do in Hong Kong here!
1. Explore Hong Kong’s Attractions
A view of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak.
Hong Kong boasts a plethora of tourist attractions, so be sure to explore its best places to your heart’s content! You can start with the famous Hong Kong Disneyland, which welcomes around 5.2 million tourists every year, the iconic Victoria Peak for an exquisite view of Hong Kong, or Lantau Island if you prefer relaxation amidst sandy beaches.
2. Indulge in Hong Kong’s Culinary Delights
Dim Sum.
Renowned as one of Asia’s culinary capitals, Hong Kong offers memorable dining experiences through its variety of local dishes and world-class restaurants. If you are a fan of dim sum, you should try it here as dim sum originated in Hong Kong. Other recommended cuisines to try include roast goose, a famous Hong Kong dish prepared in the authentic Cantonese style, and egg tarts, a staple food of Hong Kong and a common delicacy for both locals and tourists.
3. Experience Hong Kong’s Amazing Festivals
Chinese New Year Festival. (via Elite Traveler)
Tourist spots and local cuisines are not the only things that attract international travelers to Hong Kong. The region’s collection of festivals is also a factor that never fails to charm tourists! There are plenty of festivals celebrated in Hong Kong throughout the year, such as the Chinese New Year Festival where you can see people dressed as dancing dragons and lions, and the Dragon Boat Festival, celebrated every year on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. If you are lucky, you can experience these unique festivals when visiting Hong Kong!
4. Shop at Hong Kong’s Markets and Malls
Temple Street Night Market. (via Hong Kong Tourism Board)
Want to stroll around or maybe buy a souvenir or two along the way? Well, you’re in the right place because Hong Kong is a paradise for shoppers of all kinds! Some of Hong Kong’s street markets you can explore include the Temple Street Night Market (great for experiencing the local vibe) and the Stanley Market (an open-air market selling clothing, unique gifts, and more). As for malls, don’t miss the Landmark Hong Kong, a complex of four buildings housing over 200 international brands!
5. Enjoy Hong Kong’s Vibrant Nightlife
Lan Kwai Fong. (via Hotels.com)
Hong Kong has always been known as a party hub, which is no wonder why its nightlife is so vibrant. You can start exploring Hong Kong’s nightlife at the popular Lan Kwai Fong. This area is home to expensive clubs and restaurants and is renowned for hosting the best parties in Asia! However, if you prefer an open-air location, visit Knutsford Terrace for lively eateries while enjoying the evening air, or head to Tung Choi Street, a favorite local hangout spot lined with Chinese-style bars!
Wrapping Up
Now you are all set for your Hong Kong trip! Enjoy the tour to the fullest and remember to respect the local culture and residents. Of course, you can always count on this go-to travel guide during your time in Hong Kong.
Traveling to Hong Kong is on the bucket list of many, and if you are planning to visit the region too, allow us to recommend a more fun and beneficial way to turn your Hong Kong trip dream into a reality: by joining RMC Asia’s Cultural Exchange Programs!
Our Cultural Exchange Programs consist of hands-on internship and management training programs focused on the hospitality industry. The programs take place in prestigious hotels and resorts across Asia, with Hong Kong being one of the program destinations.
With various hospitality positions to choose, our Cultural Exchange Programs’ participants gain more than just practical work experience in international-scale hotels or resorts; they also get to experience unique cultural exchanges and immerse in the beauty of each program destination!
Think you are up for this adventure? Join our successful participants now and embark on your own internship and management training journey in Asia!
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