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-   -   Hong Kong - 3 nights/days - Itinerary Suggestions? (https://www.fodors.com/community/asia/hong-kong-3-nights-days-itinerary-suggestions-1085878/)

raz1024 Feb 7th, 2016 08:10 AM

Hong Kong - 3 nights/days - Itinerary Suggestions?
 
Myself and 2 companions, after doing a tour of China, will be flying into Hong Kong for 3 nights (first visit). Will be staying at a hotel reviewed on Trip Advisor as "an excellent location in the center of Kowloon's commercial & entertainment district, 1 minute from TTR station, close to markets/eateries, 10 minutes to Ladies Street & shopping", just to give you an idea of our location while there. This is what our days look like while there:
Day 1: arrive airport 3pm:
Day 2: we are provided with a half day tour which includes a visit to Victoria Peak and Aberdeen
Day 3:
Day 4: depart home 3pm (will need to be at airport 12 noon)
We look forward to your suggestions, what to do, what to visit while there with the above time frame.
Thanks!

Kathie Feb 7th, 2016 08:20 AM

Have you looked at a guidebook or even the destinations section here on Fodors? Knowing nothing about your interests it's hard to say what you might enjoy. I can only say that there is plenty to see and do and your task will be to decide which of the many options interest you.

I would say that there is shopping everywhere in Hong Kong. The worst place I can think of to shop is the "Ladies Market."

HappyTrvlr Feb 7th, 2016 08:25 AM

Spend time on Hong Kong Island, especially Hollywood Road and Man Mo Temple. Also, visit Lantau Island and The Big Buddha.

raz1024 Feb 7th, 2016 09:11 AM

Thanks Kathie for your comments - yes, I have read some info on fodors forums but find it all very confusing as so many places and things to do are mentioned and it seems like people are trying to pack so much in - in a short time. Not knowing the area and the logistics of getting around in a country where I don't know the language, it seems a little daunting - I do still need to buy a guide-book as we have just started to plan - we are very excited to be adding Hong Kong on as an extension to our China trip - and have heard so many wonderful things! Having not yet read much about the Ladies Market - in your opinion, this is the "worst place to shop" because...?
HappyTrvlr, I also appreciate your helpful suggestions - what kind of time-frame would you suggest for each of these areas?
Thanks!

rkkwan Feb 7th, 2016 03:55 PM

There is no must do things in HK other than riding the Star Ferry across the harbor. Other than that, some would want to spend all their time eating, some shopping, some riding the HK Tramway back and forth, while some may go to see the Big Buddha. Totally depends on your interest and nothing else.

Kathie Feb 7th, 2016 07:04 PM

While trip reports and comments on the forum can be helpful, I was referring to information under the destinations tab at the top of the page. Basically, this is condensed info from the Fodor's Guidebook. Reading guidebook info can be exceptionally helpful in figuring out what YOU want to do. As you pointed out, many posts are by people trying to cram everything in and this will not be very helpful to you in your planning. As Ray (rkkwan, above) points out different people will want to do different things.

The Ladies' Market is often promoted to tourists as a "real" Hong Kong market. It carries poor quality goods, and even after bargaining, you will likely pay way too much. It's a place where people buy fake Western goods (among other things). I encourage people to buy things they can't buy at home. Maybe have a chop made for yourself, or buy tea and Yixing tea pots, as examples. Many people in Hong Kong speak English. I think you are anticipating more difficulties than you will encounter.

Happy Traveller's suggestion of Hollywood Road is a good one. You will find "antiques" here - they will have been made old rather than actually being old, but you can find interesting things. I bought a bunch of bracelets years ago made of old Mahjong pieces which I have enjoyed wearing (and giving to friends and my sisters) for about US$5 each.

CaliforniaLady Feb 7th, 2016 07:28 PM

On the morning of day 3, I would take the ferry over to Cheung Chau Island, where you can see the tiny temple there, look in the nice shops, take a walk, and then have a fabulous seafood lunch right on the water. Cheung Chau is about a half day trip, so you will still have the afternoon free. There are two types of ferries that go over there, one is faster than the other, and they leave every fifteen minutes. It's only about a fifteen minute ride to Cheung Chau, if I remember correctly.

This little field trip should please all three of you. Both of my sons enjoyed going there, and they have completely different interests.

rkkwan Feb 7th, 2016 09:05 PM

Cheung Chau is not a bad place to visit, if one desire. Pretty much what CaliforniaLady says. Fast ferries take about 35 minutes, slow ferries an hour. Hourly departure for each type, on weekdays slow ones depart Central :15, fast ones :45.

HappyTrvlr Feb 8th, 2016 08:10 AM

Last time I was in Hong Kong we visited several real antique shops with a veteran HK visitor, also a lovely tea shop.


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