Hong Kong early June
May 18th, 2016, 11:29 PM
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Hong Kong early June
Just booked a visit to HKG arriving evening of Sat 28 MAY departing Sat 4 JUN. Staying JW Marriott. Have visited once before, companion has never been before. Looking for any and all suggestions for how to spend our time. Interested in culture, history and, of course, food. Please also offer practical tips on things like getting from airport to hotel and back, getting around, potential excursions into mainland China, anything else you might suggest.
Ray, will you be around?
Ray, will you be around?
May 18th, 2016, 11:51 PM
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I am going to Taiwan on May 31st and will be busy May 29th and 30th, unfortunately. Looks like we'll not be able to hook up.
Lots of threads in the forum about what to do/eat. For transportation to/from the JWM, it's still Taxi vs Airport Express + Taxi vs Airport Express + Free Shuttle. I used to be a fan of the Cityflyer buses, but they get crowded and people bringing way too much luggage on the bus, I'd give it a pass.
Lots of threads in the forum about what to do/eat. For transportation to/from the JWM, it's still Taxi vs Airport Express + Taxi vs Airport Express + Free Shuttle. I used to be a fan of the Cityflyer buses, but they get crowded and people bringing way too much luggage on the bus, I'd give it a pass.
May 19th, 2016, 08:22 AM
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I prefer hassle-free transfers from the airport to hotel in Hong Kong, so I take a taxi.
Have you looked at a guidebook yet? That will get you oriented and give you a huge menu of options for places to visit. While I think a day trip to Macau can be fun (even if you aren't interested in the casinos), I wouldn't do a day trip into mainland China. People often go to Shenzhen to shop for poor-quality copies of western goods, but that's not my idea of a good time.
There are hundreds of threads here about Hong Kong and recommendations of places to see, things to do. Go to the top of the page and choose Hong Kong from the drop-down menu for view by country.
Have you looked at a guidebook yet? That will get you oriented and give you a huge menu of options for places to visit. While I think a day trip to Macau can be fun (even if you aren't interested in the casinos), I wouldn't do a day trip into mainland China. People often go to Shenzhen to shop for poor-quality copies of western goods, but that's not my idea of a good time.
There are hundreds of threads here about Hong Kong and recommendations of places to see, things to do. Go to the top of the page and choose Hong Kong from the drop-down menu for view by country.
May 20th, 2016, 10:27 AM
#6
Two of my favorite things to do while in HK are to take a ferry to Cheung Chau island, eat in town and hike the trails, visit the little temple and catch the boat back to the harbor. And visit the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware in Central. The latter, I know, may not be for everyone but the setting is nice whether you're interested in tea or not.
May 21st, 2016, 09:37 PM
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ray, sorry we won't be able to connect.
thanks to all for the suggestions. Have researched here and elsewhere and have a list of possibilities. Always open for more, so feel free to chime in!
thanks to all for the suggestions. Have researched here and elsewhere and have a list of possibilities. Always open for more, so feel free to chime in!
May 22nd, 2016, 01:58 PM
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A visit to the top of Kowloon Peak is well worth it on a clear day. You look down on the city from the mainland side. I don’t think there is a bus so you will have to find an accommodating cab driver. The road is very steep and winding. I don’t recommend bicycle, but there are those who do it!
May 22nd, 2016, 04:04 PM
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Seamus - I know you'll get lots of suggestions, and in fact, other than taking the Star Ferry across the harbor or going up to the Peak, there are few "must do" in HK. Just wander about the city and that can be enough already. But here are just a few of my personal feelings:
- Forget Disney for sure, and for you guys, Ocean Park as well
- Take a taxi or #15 bus or #1 minibus to the Peak, or hike, then take the Peak Tram down. The line at the lower terminus going up can be ridiculous at times. Coming down, the line is generally better. It is an interesting ride that's worth it. And once up on the Peak, get out of the main plaza ASAP. I recommend doing the Lugard Rd/Harlech Rd loop.
- Do go to Lantau. But do the itinerary I have said many many times here and elsewhere. Ferry to Mui Wo, bus to Tai O. Bus or taxi to Ngong Ping/Po Lin Monastery/Big Buddha. Cable car DOWN to Tung Chung. Go there on a weekday. DO NOT waste time and take cable car up from Tung Chung as the line can be long. Check the lines before buying tickets. Crystal Cabin (with glass floor) usually have longer lines, despite being more expensive.
- Ladies' Market in Mong Kok is definitely NOT worth your time, though walking through rest of Mong Kok (afternoon or evening) may be.
- Only do the Symphony of Lights if you're already near the harbor at 8pm. Not worth making special trip for it.
- Hop-on Hop-off buses are not worth it.
Anyways, those are just a few general things I will say to most visitors. Let me know or post here again if you have more specific questions. I am better in doing that than giving general advices.
- Forget Disney for sure, and for you guys, Ocean Park as well
- Take a taxi or #15 bus or #1 minibus to the Peak, or hike, then take the Peak Tram down. The line at the lower terminus going up can be ridiculous at times. Coming down, the line is generally better. It is an interesting ride that's worth it. And once up on the Peak, get out of the main plaza ASAP. I recommend doing the Lugard Rd/Harlech Rd loop.
- Do go to Lantau. But do the itinerary I have said many many times here and elsewhere. Ferry to Mui Wo, bus to Tai O. Bus or taxi to Ngong Ping/Po Lin Monastery/Big Buddha. Cable car DOWN to Tung Chung. Go there on a weekday. DO NOT waste time and take cable car up from Tung Chung as the line can be long. Check the lines before buying tickets. Crystal Cabin (with glass floor) usually have longer lines, despite being more expensive.
- Ladies' Market in Mong Kok is definitely NOT worth your time, though walking through rest of Mong Kok (afternoon or evening) may be.
- Only do the Symphony of Lights if you're already near the harbor at 8pm. Not worth making special trip for it.
- Hop-on Hop-off buses are not worth it.
Anyways, those are just a few general things I will say to most visitors. Let me know or post here again if you have more specific questions. I am better in doing that than giving general advices.
