bizkitgto

Hey guys,

I was planning to head to Hong Kong for 5 nights (is this too much?) in November. I've never been to Asia before. I'm fascinated with the high density of the cities, technology and architecture in Asia.I will be traveling alone in (single guy, late 20's).

Is Macau worth visiting?? I've been to Vegas a few times and love it, mostly for the atmosphere/vibe - I heard Macau is nothing like this, are there at least some cool bars where you can go party? Any good hotel recommendations? I'd like to see Macau, even for a day just to contrast the difference between Vegas. The question is - is it worth staying overnight?

Which part of HK should I stay?? Preferably I'd like to be close to or central to the local sights and attractions and near a metro stop. I like to wander around and talk to people, so like to be near other tourists (or locals who speak english) so I can chat people up at restaurants/bars and maybe have a few pints with. Is HK friendly? If not I'd prefer to be in an area where the nightlife is good. I don't mind paying a little extra for nicer hotels in prime areas. I know absolutely nothing about HK and will be picking up a Fodor's travel guide.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Biz

Kathie

You will have no difficulty filling 5 days in Hong Kong! Indeed, you could easily fill double that much time. Do peruse a guidebook and see what interests you most. You will likely want to stay either in Central or on Kowloon in TST, near the Star Ferry terminal. Hotels are quite pricey in Hong Kong, particularly rooms with views of the Harbor. Most of the locals speak English, you'll have no difficulty finding people to chat with. You'll find interesting nightlife in Hong Kong, no need to go to Macau for that.

Look here for posts by Cicerone, who lives in Hong Kong and has posted many recommendations about things to do and see, restaurants, etc.

I found Macau interesting for the historic parts. Frankly, with only 5 days in Hong Kong, I'd spend all of my time there and save Macau for my next trip.

tansmets

Hi,
I'd stay in Hong Kong island, but HK is easy to get around so either side is fine. The expats around central / Soho are friendly and you can always strike up a conversation, but this is not the same if you go to more local areas (Causeway bay or in Kowloon outside of TST). Many Hong Kong locals have good English; they can understand you but aren't that comfortable socializing in English, but the locals hanging around Central should be happy to chat with you in English. Nightlife falls into two camps; the high end club / bar scene is centered around Wyndham Street in Central, and the sleazy hooker filled clubs in Wanchai. Prostitution is legal in Hong Kong so very late at night on Lockhart Road you'll find many drunken men and plenty of entertainment. Hong Kong Island is small and taxis are cheap so where you stay isn't too much of an issue.

I, like Kathie, like Macau for the historical parts and it's food. You CAN party in Macau, but it's NOTHING like Vegas. The Chinese take gambling very seriously, so the gaming floors don't have the drunken Vegas atmosphere at all. It's all business. I prefer to spend the night in Macau since I find the one hour ferry ride draining, and I live in Hong Kong so it's a little getaway for me, but if I had to transfer all my luggage for a night I think that would deter me. If you are set on spending a night there, we can recommend a hotel based on your budget.

If you are picking up the Fodor's guide, I have their China one which I think has a condensed version of their Hong Kong guide and the restaurant recommendations are pretty poor, so do your food research beforehand.

Esme_Travels

Hi Biz --

I've stayed in Central and Kowloon -- I like them equally (and I usually have an opinion...) Between the Star Ferry and MTR (train) getting around is so easy and more intuitive than my home city.

I've never been to Macau.

Recommedations:

- Ride the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to the Big Buddha
- Visit Man Po Temple
- Ride the double-decker bus through Kowloon
- Eat lunch at Bo Innovation
- Hike Dragon's Back, walking around The Peak
- Climb up to Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (the best!)
- Try Dialogue in the Dark (sightless experience).

I regret not taking a look inside the Chungking Mansions.

More info, photos: http://bit.ly/106Ni3g

- esme

annhig

bmk - we only have 3 days.

which of those things would you not do if you just had 3 days, esme?

Esme_Travels

I would eliminate Dialogue in the Dark.

I would not miss The Peak, double-decker bus or Ten thousand Buddhas Monastery: they are unique to Hong Kong.

annhig

thanks, esme, that's most helpful.

I get on with looking them up!