8 days in Hong Kong
Nov 27th, 2005 | 07:42 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
8 days in Hong Kong
My wife Judi and I will bet travelling to HK on 12/23 and staying until the 1/2/06. We are staying at the New World Renassiance Hotel in Kowloon. We need suggestions on things to do. What is area around the hotel like. We do want to do some shopping (we would like to have some clothing made). We also need to send back some souvenirs. Is the mail expensive? We live in the Marshall Islands and are limited with luggage restrictions by Continetal Airlines. We would like to go to China. Can it be done as a day trip? We are open to many activities. Is going to Macau a good idea? Any suggestions are much appreciated. You can email me at [email protected] with any specifics or just post it here.
Nov 27th, 2005 | 08:02 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
you will love this hotel....it is in a large mall complex very close to the bay....great shops in the complex, including a large grocery store...the whole area of kowloon is one large shopping district...
star ferry is about a 7 minute walk...
you could not have a better location, imo....
mail is generally quite expensive...
throw away your clothes and bring back gifts in your luggage...take old clothes with you...
you will not lack for things to do...
wait until you see the christmas lites on the buildings....they are unbelievable...like nothing i have ever seen anywhere...
you are in for a real treat and fireworks over the harbor on new years as well...
tons of good eating all around as well..
star ferry is about a 7 minute walk...
you could not have a better location, imo....
mail is generally quite expensive...
throw away your clothes and bring back gifts in your luggage...take old clothes with you...
you will not lack for things to do...
wait until you see the christmas lites on the buildings....they are unbelievable...like nothing i have ever seen anywhere...
you are in for a real treat and fireworks over the harbor on new years as well...
tons of good eating all around as well..
Nov 28th, 2005 | 12:31 AM
#3
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,689
Likes: 0
December is a great time of year to be in Hong Kong, I live here and we are having a great "winter" it is about 73 Degrees and sunny today, we have not had any rain for almost a month, pretty typical for winter.
My most recent Continental mailing said they just raised their check-in allowance to TWO bags per person, not sure if this applies to you, but check their website to confirm or give them a call whether the new allowance applies to you.
For surface shipping rates via Hong Kong Post, go to hongkongpost.com, website, click on English on the top, then look at the menu on the left. There is a large post office near the star ferry on the Hong Kong island side, you can send packages from here, the website above should also give addresses for post offices on the Kowloon side. the Marshall Islands would have US customs allowance rules as far as I know, so even in the mailing is cheap you may get socked with US customs duties, as things you mail to yourself are not included in your exemption, that only applies to items you carry in yourself.
Definitely get out and walk around Salisbury Road on Christmas Eve, it is a real party atmosphere as everyone is out and about enjoying the night and the festivities. A very unusual holiday feeling is in the air, as it is not a religious holiday for 99% of the people, just a fun time and everyone has the next 2-3 days off and no family obligations as they do for other holidays so everyone is just having fun.
December is a great month for walking and there are many good walks on Hong Kong Island and other parts. With 8 days, you could definitely get in some good walking in out in the Sai Kung area which is very rural, but don't rule out Hong Kong Island itself which has some great walks, esp the Dragon's Back, Lugard Road (flat), Black's Link, and an easy downhill walk from the Peak to Aberdeen Harbour. Some places to look for ideas would be http://www.hkcrystal.com/hiking/index.asp and http://parks.afcd.gov.hk/newparks/eng/hiking/index. You can also take guided walks, take a look at http://www.walkhongkong.com/pages/940968/index.htm
You can take a ferry tour of the harbor, the Star Ferry runs several, take a look at http://www.starferry.com.hk/new/en/index.asp. The Hong Kong Tourist Association used to have a tour by junk every Thursday, you might find info on their website, take a look at http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/index.jsp. December is a good month for seeing the pink dolphins which are native to the waters of Hong Kong, take a look at http://www.hkdolphinwatch.com.
IMO China is not really doable for a day, the closest place you can go is into Shenzhen which is a huge city which was farmer's fields until about 15 years ago. Very little of historical interest there. Lots of people go for cheap tailoring and copy bags and watches, I have no interest in either and would not go for that reason. Guangzhou is a bit hard to do in a day trip, IMO, as even the fastest way, by ferry, takes 2 hours each way. However, there is a bit to see here of historical interest. Take a look at the info put together by Fodor's on this site, click on Destinations above, choose "Asia", then and look on the left and click on Guangzhou, there is some basic info on Guangzhou, if it looks interesting to you, you might consider a trip. However, even for a day trip, you have to go through the hassle and expense of getting a visa, which IMO may not be worth it. (For info on the visa, which you will need, go to www.china-embassy.org. You do not need a visa for Hong Kong.) Also, remember that you are already IN China when you re in Hong Kong, so if the reason you want to make the trip is to say you have been to China, well you already have been to China. . . .
Macau is definitely worth a day trip, and also for one night if you can do it; if not take an early ferry out and a late ferry after dinner. Definitely have dinner at Fernando's or Os Gatos:
Fernandos
9 Hac Sa Beach
Hac Sa, Coloane
Phone: (853)-882-531)
Os Gatos
Pousada De Sao Tiago Macau Hotel
Avenida da Republica
Phone: 853-378-111
You will get a visa on arrival at Macau, so you won't have the same hassles as going into the PRC for the day.
For tailors in Hong Kong, you will get what you pay for. The days of very cheap one day tailors are gone, despite what the guys handing out brochures at the Star Ferry will tell you. For suits, you need at least one fitting, better with two. For shirts, you need at least one fitting. For ladies dresses, you need at least 2 fittings. However, with 8 days you have time to have fittings. I can recco two tailors. The first are great for men's suits and suits and I think they are good for women's skirts and pants, the second are primarily for women's tailoring only, esp cocktail and formal dresses but they will do men I believe if you also order women's tailoring as well:
Maxwell's Clothiers Ltd.
7A Han Hing Mansion
38-40 Hankow Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
tel 852-2366-6705
fax: 852-2366-6658
website: maxwellsclothiers.com
Margaret Court Tailoress
Flat G, 8th Floor
Block A Winner Building
27-37 D'Aguilar Street
Central Hong Kong
tel: 852-2525-5596
fax: 852-2537-0898
http://www.margaret-court.com.hk/
e-mail: [email protected]
Maxwell's is located quite close to your hotel. Maxwell's has been in business for many years. Once they have your measurements you can order on-line and they will mail you finished garments. They have an astonishing array of fabrics. Margaret Court is located on Hong Kong island in the Lan Kwai Fong area. I just stared using her this year based on reccos from friends, and I have been very happy with some cocktail dresses she has made for me, about $175 each for very nice duponi silk dresses. She and Maxwells can design from scratch, from a drawing and also have patterns. I would call or e-mail ahead and make an appointment for both tailors, esp Margaret as I don't know if she can guarantee to finish a garment in 8 days.
For shopping, it depends what you are looking for. I am not into fake watches and bags, and so really can't give you reccos, although I know you will see them. For souvenirs, I would recommend Stanley Village Market (a fun day trip in itself), any of the little stalls in the Hollywood Road/Soho area and around the escalator (also fun wandering) and the following shops:
Shanghai Tang
Pedder Building,
12 Pedder Street, Central
http://www.shanghaitang.com/shanghaitang/index.jsp
China Arts and Crafts Department Store
Star House
3 Salisbury Rd
Tsimshatsui
(at the Star Ferry Pier)
Tel: 852 2735 4061
The China Arts and Crafts store is about 2 blocks from your hotel. Shanghai Tang is in a building in central which has many designer discount shops with Chanel, Prada etc as well as cashmere shawls, etc at discount (the Chanel tends to be size 2 and 4). There is also the wonderful but pricey Blanc de Chine shop in this building as well.
Run a search here for other ideas, Hong Kong is pretty popular on this board.
My most recent Continental mailing said they just raised their check-in allowance to TWO bags per person, not sure if this applies to you, but check their website to confirm or give them a call whether the new allowance applies to you.
For surface shipping rates via Hong Kong Post, go to hongkongpost.com, website, click on English on the top, then look at the menu on the left. There is a large post office near the star ferry on the Hong Kong island side, you can send packages from here, the website above should also give addresses for post offices on the Kowloon side. the Marshall Islands would have US customs allowance rules as far as I know, so even in the mailing is cheap you may get socked with US customs duties, as things you mail to yourself are not included in your exemption, that only applies to items you carry in yourself.
Definitely get out and walk around Salisbury Road on Christmas Eve, it is a real party atmosphere as everyone is out and about enjoying the night and the festivities. A very unusual holiday feeling is in the air, as it is not a religious holiday for 99% of the people, just a fun time and everyone has the next 2-3 days off and no family obligations as they do for other holidays so everyone is just having fun.
December is a great month for walking and there are many good walks on Hong Kong Island and other parts. With 8 days, you could definitely get in some good walking in out in the Sai Kung area which is very rural, but don't rule out Hong Kong Island itself which has some great walks, esp the Dragon's Back, Lugard Road (flat), Black's Link, and an easy downhill walk from the Peak to Aberdeen Harbour. Some places to look for ideas would be http://www.hkcrystal.com/hiking/index.asp and http://parks.afcd.gov.hk/newparks/eng/hiking/index. You can also take guided walks, take a look at http://www.walkhongkong.com/pages/940968/index.htm
You can take a ferry tour of the harbor, the Star Ferry runs several, take a look at http://www.starferry.com.hk/new/en/index.asp. The Hong Kong Tourist Association used to have a tour by junk every Thursday, you might find info on their website, take a look at http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/index.jsp. December is a good month for seeing the pink dolphins which are native to the waters of Hong Kong, take a look at http://www.hkdolphinwatch.com.
IMO China is not really doable for a day, the closest place you can go is into Shenzhen which is a huge city which was farmer's fields until about 15 years ago. Very little of historical interest there. Lots of people go for cheap tailoring and copy bags and watches, I have no interest in either and would not go for that reason. Guangzhou is a bit hard to do in a day trip, IMO, as even the fastest way, by ferry, takes 2 hours each way. However, there is a bit to see here of historical interest. Take a look at the info put together by Fodor's on this site, click on Destinations above, choose "Asia", then and look on the left and click on Guangzhou, there is some basic info on Guangzhou, if it looks interesting to you, you might consider a trip. However, even for a day trip, you have to go through the hassle and expense of getting a visa, which IMO may not be worth it. (For info on the visa, which you will need, go to www.china-embassy.org. You do not need a visa for Hong Kong.) Also, remember that you are already IN China when you re in Hong Kong, so if the reason you want to make the trip is to say you have been to China, well you already have been to China. . . .
Macau is definitely worth a day trip, and also for one night if you can do it; if not take an early ferry out and a late ferry after dinner. Definitely have dinner at Fernando's or Os Gatos:
Fernandos
9 Hac Sa Beach
Hac Sa, Coloane
Phone: (853)-882-531)
Os Gatos
Pousada De Sao Tiago Macau Hotel
Avenida da Republica
Phone: 853-378-111
You will get a visa on arrival at Macau, so you won't have the same hassles as going into the PRC for the day.
For tailors in Hong Kong, you will get what you pay for. The days of very cheap one day tailors are gone, despite what the guys handing out brochures at the Star Ferry will tell you. For suits, you need at least one fitting, better with two. For shirts, you need at least one fitting. For ladies dresses, you need at least 2 fittings. However, with 8 days you have time to have fittings. I can recco two tailors. The first are great for men's suits and suits and I think they are good for women's skirts and pants, the second are primarily for women's tailoring only, esp cocktail and formal dresses but they will do men I believe if you also order women's tailoring as well:
Maxwell's Clothiers Ltd.
7A Han Hing Mansion
38-40 Hankow Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
tel 852-2366-6705
fax: 852-2366-6658
website: maxwellsclothiers.com
Margaret Court Tailoress
Flat G, 8th Floor
Block A Winner Building
27-37 D'Aguilar Street
Central Hong Kong
tel: 852-2525-5596
fax: 852-2537-0898
http://www.margaret-court.com.hk/
e-mail: [email protected]
Maxwell's is located quite close to your hotel. Maxwell's has been in business for many years. Once they have your measurements you can order on-line and they will mail you finished garments. They have an astonishing array of fabrics. Margaret Court is located on Hong Kong island in the Lan Kwai Fong area. I just stared using her this year based on reccos from friends, and I have been very happy with some cocktail dresses she has made for me, about $175 each for very nice duponi silk dresses. She and Maxwells can design from scratch, from a drawing and also have patterns. I would call or e-mail ahead and make an appointment for both tailors, esp Margaret as I don't know if she can guarantee to finish a garment in 8 days.
For shopping, it depends what you are looking for. I am not into fake watches and bags, and so really can't give you reccos, although I know you will see them. For souvenirs, I would recommend Stanley Village Market (a fun day trip in itself), any of the little stalls in the Hollywood Road/Soho area and around the escalator (also fun wandering) and the following shops:
Shanghai Tang
Pedder Building,
12 Pedder Street, Central
http://www.shanghaitang.com/shanghaitang/index.jsp
China Arts and Crafts Department Store
Star House
3 Salisbury Rd
Tsimshatsui
(at the Star Ferry Pier)
Tel: 852 2735 4061
The China Arts and Crafts store is about 2 blocks from your hotel. Shanghai Tang is in a building in central which has many designer discount shops with Chanel, Prada etc as well as cashmere shawls, etc at discount (the Chanel tends to be size 2 and 4). There is also the wonderful but pricey Blanc de Chine shop in this building as well.
Run a search here for other ideas, Hong Kong is pretty popular on this board.
Nov 28th, 2005 | 07:26 PM
#4
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 23,073
Likes: 0
I believe Marshall Islands is one of the few countries in the world that recognize Taiwan (Republic of China) and not Beijing. So, there's no Chinese Embassy in Marshall Islands and if you want to go to China, you'll need to get a visa in Hong Kong - which will either cost you $$$ or take several days.
Not worth the trouble. But like cicerone says, if you really want to do a day trip, go to Guangzhou. There's direct train from Hong Kong. Many departures a day, about 2 hours each way.
Website for Hong Kong's post office is www.hongkongpost.com. Or try DHL at www.dhl.com.hk I think they have more locations than FedEx or UPS.
CO allows 2 bags of 50lb each for their international flights in coach. Between the two of you, that's 4 bags, 200lb already.
Not worth the trouble. But like cicerone says, if you really want to do a day trip, go to Guangzhou. There's direct train from Hong Kong. Many departures a day, about 2 hours each way.
Website for Hong Kong's post office is www.hongkongpost.com. Or try DHL at www.dhl.com.hk I think they have more locations than FedEx or UPS.
CO allows 2 bags of 50lb each for their international flights in coach. Between the two of you, that's 4 bags, 200lb already.
Nov 28th, 2005 | 07:54 PM
#5
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
rhkkmk & Cicerone
Thanks so much for the valuable information. I saw some information on the HKTB about a food expo at a conevntion center. Is it something worth considering? Do you folks have any favorite restaurants? How about any unique museums, that would be good to go to?
Thanks so much for the valuable information. I saw some information on the HKTB about a food expo at a conevntion center. Is it something worth considering? Do you folks have any favorite restaurants? How about any unique museums, that would be good to go to?
