FromDC Asia Trip Part 1: Hong Kong
Oct 28th, 2008, 10:49 PM
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FromDC Asia Trip Part 1: Hong Kong
Thanks to everyone on the forum who patiently answered my questions and posted their experiences. And especially Cicerone for her fantastic suggestions and pointers. We are 1 and a half weeks into our 5 week trip to Asia but this the first down time that I have had to post.
We had a series of flights with a 12 hour layover in LA, but were willing to do it because we got two business class tix using miles (long saga, after the original flights on Thai Air JFK-BKK were cancelled). We spent the time at the Getty Museum and walking on Venice Beach, then boarded our midnite flight on Asiana to Seoul, then a 3 hr layover and on to Hong Kong. Having a desk for our hotel at the airport really made things easier (Mandarin Oriental), as they escorted us to the ATM machine and then to the express bus. We arrived at the hotel exhausted but energized to be in Hong Kong, and were shown to a beautiful harbor view room on the 19th floor. However, the construction in front of the hotel may ultimately obscure the view. Raves about the hotel, the service, the breakfasts, every little detail is wonderful. As much as we loved the hotel, it is not quite the MO in BKK, IMHO, but still really great. Altho we were tired, we walked to the ferry terminal and went to Kowloon and walked around just a bit. We returned and were getting ready for dinner, when a bottle of Veuve Cliquot was delivered, compliments of the hotel. Amazing to be drinking champagne and watching the lights on Kowloon from our sitting area. Had dinner on the 25th floor at Man Wah and it was really outstanding.
Next morning we took the tram to the peak and then continued walking up the hill. What a workout! But what a reward also. We walked around the park a bit and then back down. Decided to try Pearl on the Peak for lunch and since we were the first ones at the restaurant, we got the most fabulous corner table with floor to ceiling glass on both sides with the most amazing views. Delicious lunch although we were not that hungry, having stuffed ourselves at the MO breakfast buffet. Rested a little in the afternoon, then walked around the neighborhood and tried to do some shopping. Tried because everything was pretty expensive, plus the market was crashing so I didn't fell like spending $400 US on a sweater at Shanghai Tang.Dinner at Lumiere was fine.
Next day we walked to the Man Mo temple and the area surrounding it. Spent alot of time looking for the Western Market and when we finally found it, it was a bust. Only the second floor with fabrics, really, and I was not looking for any. But the area is interesting with all kinds of small shops selling who knows what.Really enjoyed our dinner at M on the Fringe, especially the Turkish Delights they brought out with the turkish coffee. Brought back lots of childhood memories for me (the candy, not the coffee).
Wandered around some more the next morning, boought a handbag at Sam Woo, then walked around Wan Chai in the afternoon (took the MTR for the first time). Had tea at R66, the revolving restaurant at the top of the Hopewell Center. Tea was awful but who cares when you have that view! I had a craving for Peking duck that night and the concierge recommended Peking Garden. Fine with us and he requested a "special table" for us so that we could watch the show. What's the show? The chef comes out and makes noodles...it was fun to watch, everyone clapped (we were the only table of less than 6 people in the restaurant that night....definitely a place for big parties because there are so many wonderful dishes to try).
Next day we went to Lamma Island and did the walk all the way to Mo Tat Wan, with lunch at The Bay. Thank goodness for that exercise after the way we have been eating. Two ferries back to Hong Kong. Had a so so dinner at Dot Cod and slept very soundly that night.
Our last full day in Hong Kong arrived, a Sunday, and we took the bus to Stanley Village. What a drive, just like a roller coaster combined with bumper cars but gorgeous views especially of Repulse Bay. Had alot of fun wandering around the markets and a fabulous lunch at a tea house on the side street rather than the waterfront (it was pretty hot on the waterfront and we were in the mood for dim sum anyway). We wanted to see Hong Kong skyline and harbor at night from the Kowloon side so we took the ferry over, walked on the Avenue of the Stars and had a drink at the Intercontinental. Just loved it, then back to the hotel and dinner at the Mandarin Grill in the hotel which was the most expensive meal we had in Hong Kong and delicious but I didn't think it was worth the price.
After packing the next morning, we walked to Hong Kong Park to get some fresh air and exercise. Then back to the hotel, checked out and took at taxi to the airport for our Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi.
We had a series of flights with a 12 hour layover in LA, but were willing to do it because we got two business class tix using miles (long saga, after the original flights on Thai Air JFK-BKK were cancelled). We spent the time at the Getty Museum and walking on Venice Beach, then boarded our midnite flight on Asiana to Seoul, then a 3 hr layover and on to Hong Kong. Having a desk for our hotel at the airport really made things easier (Mandarin Oriental), as they escorted us to the ATM machine and then to the express bus. We arrived at the hotel exhausted but energized to be in Hong Kong, and were shown to a beautiful harbor view room on the 19th floor. However, the construction in front of the hotel may ultimately obscure the view. Raves about the hotel, the service, the breakfasts, every little detail is wonderful. As much as we loved the hotel, it is not quite the MO in BKK, IMHO, but still really great. Altho we were tired, we walked to the ferry terminal and went to Kowloon and walked around just a bit. We returned and were getting ready for dinner, when a bottle of Veuve Cliquot was delivered, compliments of the hotel. Amazing to be drinking champagne and watching the lights on Kowloon from our sitting area. Had dinner on the 25th floor at Man Wah and it was really outstanding.
Next morning we took the tram to the peak and then continued walking up the hill. What a workout! But what a reward also. We walked around the park a bit and then back down. Decided to try Pearl on the Peak for lunch and since we were the first ones at the restaurant, we got the most fabulous corner table with floor to ceiling glass on both sides with the most amazing views. Delicious lunch although we were not that hungry, having stuffed ourselves at the MO breakfast buffet. Rested a little in the afternoon, then walked around the neighborhood and tried to do some shopping. Tried because everything was pretty expensive, plus the market was crashing so I didn't fell like spending $400 US on a sweater at Shanghai Tang.Dinner at Lumiere was fine.
Next day we walked to the Man Mo temple and the area surrounding it. Spent alot of time looking for the Western Market and when we finally found it, it was a bust. Only the second floor with fabrics, really, and I was not looking for any. But the area is interesting with all kinds of small shops selling who knows what.Really enjoyed our dinner at M on the Fringe, especially the Turkish Delights they brought out with the turkish coffee. Brought back lots of childhood memories for me (the candy, not the coffee).
Wandered around some more the next morning, boought a handbag at Sam Woo, then walked around Wan Chai in the afternoon (took the MTR for the first time). Had tea at R66, the revolving restaurant at the top of the Hopewell Center. Tea was awful but who cares when you have that view! I had a craving for Peking duck that night and the concierge recommended Peking Garden. Fine with us and he requested a "special table" for us so that we could watch the show. What's the show? The chef comes out and makes noodles...it was fun to watch, everyone clapped (we were the only table of less than 6 people in the restaurant that night....definitely a place for big parties because there are so many wonderful dishes to try).
Next day we went to Lamma Island and did the walk all the way to Mo Tat Wan, with lunch at The Bay. Thank goodness for that exercise after the way we have been eating. Two ferries back to Hong Kong. Had a so so dinner at Dot Cod and slept very soundly that night.
Our last full day in Hong Kong arrived, a Sunday, and we took the bus to Stanley Village. What a drive, just like a roller coaster combined with bumper cars but gorgeous views especially of Repulse Bay. Had alot of fun wandering around the markets and a fabulous lunch at a tea house on the side street rather than the waterfront (it was pretty hot on the waterfront and we were in the mood for dim sum anyway). We wanted to see Hong Kong skyline and harbor at night from the Kowloon side so we took the ferry over, walked on the Avenue of the Stars and had a drink at the Intercontinental. Just loved it, then back to the hotel and dinner at the Mandarin Grill in the hotel which was the most expensive meal we had in Hong Kong and delicious but I didn't think it was worth the price.
After packing the next morning, we walked to Hong Kong Park to get some fresh air and exercise. Then back to the hotel, checked out and took at taxi to the airport for our Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi.
Oct 29th, 2008, 09:53 AM
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great start...last time i had breakfast at MO HRH Fergie and her daughters were checking in...we had a great view from the balcony restaurant overlooking the lobby...we stopped counting at 42 suitcases...
Oct 29th, 2008, 03:19 PM
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So far Hanoi is...different. Unfortunately, my laptop on/off switch broke last night so I am not sure I will be able to do anymore posting until I return in late November. We are trying some self fix solutions...we'll see. Can't really do long posts on my blackberry and not sure how much time I will have for internet cafes. Cheers everyone
