Dbacks

I've always wanted to go to Hong Kong and with the air fair from Los Angeles to Hong Kong via Cathay Airlines at only 693.00 I would love to take advantage of it. But I have to leave April 20 (returning April 28). So I do not have much time and I am not prepared. Of course I will be getting travel books etc. but I thought I'd ask a few questions first to help me make up my mind.

I have been to Europe many times so I am an experienced traveler. Do the majority of people there speak English in Hong Kong? I see most of the signage is in both languages? I see I can get from the airport into town via the metro with a transfer or two. Or would a taxi be better? (I will be traveling alone). I found a hotel - the Salisbury YMCA. Any problems with this hotel? Is there a problem getting money from the ATM machine at the airport? I usually do not get much money a head of time and get it when I arrive. Any special tips I need for my charge or ATM card?

I would also like to see small villages or get a real Chinese feeling instead of just skyscrapers. Any ideas there would help. I am a little confused about the time change. I believe they are 15 hours ahead of LA. So if I leave the evening of the 20th will I be arriving there on the 22nd? I know I don't need a Visa for Hong Kong but would I need one for any day trips I may take? I do not know how far inland Hong Kong proper is.

I have read recommendations of things to do. I am not a food or nightclub person but mostly a history and sightseeing person. Any help or suggestions would be welcome. I have to make my mind up in the next two days. Thank you ahead of time.

tarquin

I am watching this topic as I too am soon to visit HK for the first time and know very little about China.

lcuy

The Salisbury Y is a great choice. Nothing fancy, but clean and a great location.
Take your charge card for big purchases, and your ATM card to get cash. Another option is to get an Octopus Card. You buy it at a counter at the airport. .

When you leave, get to the airport a bit early so you can take the card back and get your leftover balance. There are some tricks to it, which are in this post:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...rdatm-card.cfm

As far as when you'll arrive, your ticket will usually say the date of arrival as well as the time, or at least will say something like 10:30 AM + 2 days, meaning two days from the date you left your home airport.
English is spoken most places, and signage is also in English

Kathie

If you opt to go to mainland China, you will need an expensive visa ($140 when I was last there). If you stay in Hong Kong, which includes a number of islands, all more rural than Hong Kong, not need for a visa. You can also go to Macau without a visa (but they will stamp your passport - make sure to take it with you. Macau is well-known for its casinos, but there are also fascinating historic areas, and even pretty beaches on one of the islands.

You should have no difficulty getting money from eh ATMs - as you know getting local currency before you go is expensive and bothersome.

"I would also like to see small villages or get a real Chinese feeling instead of just skyscrapers." Well, I think lots of people would say that a real Chinese feeling these days is a heavily polluted large city. And just crossing the border into mainland China won't get you to small traditional villages.

Many of the questions you have will be answered in the guidebooks. If you have some other specific questions, do ask here.

simpsonc510

I always enjoy taking the bus to Stanley Market. It's a nice scenic ride. Of course you should do The Peak as the view (whether you pay to go to the top of the bldg or not) is awesome. Some people like to hike the trails. I've never done it.

jobin

Numerous hiking trails all over the entire territory. Suggest Sai Kung fishing/tourist village with lots of good hiking in the hills above the town. Easy hike from Sai Kung over the hill to Tai Shui Hang MTR. Or grab bus #94 in SK to Wong Shek Pier and then the afternoon ferry, 2 hours and HK$18, to ferry head near Univ Station MTR. It's a nice ride, see small islands and villages, can hike around WongSP. Seafood, and dim sum, superb in Sai Kung. But avoid the weekends and public holidays unless want full blast of chinese congestion.

Peteralan

I recommend a trip out to one of the islands such as Cheung Chau, Lamma or Lantau. As you are interested in history you must visit the Museum of the History of Hong Kong ( not far from your hotel ). At rhe beginning of your stay would be beneficial.

Dbacks

One more question: Is it safe? I know Europe has it's pick pockets and seedy areas, but I grew up in Detroit and live in Los Angeles so I am accustomed to worse than that. But should I worry if I am hiking alone around Sai Kung or anyplace else? And thank you for all your help. I do believe I am going to do it.

Kathie

Hong Kong is certainly safer than Detroit or LA. Of course, you should always be aware of your surroundings and use that most precious of skills: Common sense.

jobin

IMO, only in the dark night and far from any light will you feel even slightly unsafe near Sai Kung. I see many women walking the hiking trails late in the day, around the villages and in town at night and i have never read/heard about any problems. The scariest thing might be the need to share the mountain hiking trail with an extremely docile and large bull who may happen to be sampling the herbs along the trail. Unlike with bears, quiet and peaceful in the way to go. The bulls and cows of Sai Kung are more like lambs, only larger.

And talk about the education in marine creatures on display along the waterfront restaurants, incredible. Unfortunately, all destined for the table, and usually soon.

annhig

yes, the Salisbury is a great choice and has the cheapest hotel rooms with a view of the harbour that you can get! it really is just like a "real" hotel. also the breakfasts are good - they give you a discount voucher - and reasonably priced. also easy to get to by getting the airport express train to Kowloon and then the free hotel shuttle bus to the Peninsular hotel - the Salisbury is 50 yards further on.

Thoroughly recommended.

rkkwan

The YMCA Salisbury is a real hotel. Just like the BP International is a real hotel atop the Scout Center or most other hotels owned and run by the two YMCAs, YMCA, Salvation Army, Caritas and other NGOs. These are not lodges for those in need, but are regular hotels run to make money for the organizations.