Touring Hong Kong
With so many things to see and do in bustling Hong Kong, it can be daunting to tackle it all by yourself. If you want to leave the planning to someone else, there are some excellent guided tours catering to all sorts of interests.
General Tours
Big Bus Tour. These double-decker tourist buses cover three routes—Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Stanley—with recorded commentary in ten languages. Tourists can hop on or off at any stop along the way to take in the neighborhood sights. There's also a night-time bus tour that takes visitors through the neon-lit streets of Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, and Yau Ma Tei. Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong. 2723–2108; www.bigbustours.com.
Gray Line Heritage Tour. Perfect for history buffs, the Gray Line Heritage Tour takes visitors to the sites of Hong Kong's five great clans in the New Territories. The route stops at several well-preserved monuments, including Tai Fu Tai—the home of a Man clan scholar in the late 1800s. There's also a chance to visit a historical walled village as well as a traditional ancestral hall. Before you leave, don't forget to make a wish under the Lam Tsuen Banyan Trees. Tours are scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Cheong Hing Building, 72 Nathan Rd., 5th fl., Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, n/a Hong Kong. 2368–7111; www.grayline.com.hk.
Kowloon Market Walk. With its mazelike detours and dizzying neon signs, Kowloon can be a bit chaotic for the first-time visitor but a guided Kowloon Market Walk will take you through the nooks and crannies of Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok. You'll shop at famed street markets that sell everything from fine jade to cheap clothing and brightly colored goldfish in small plastic bags. Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong. 9187–8641; www.walkhongkong.com.
Nature Walks
Tai Po Kau Nature Walk. This company hosts guided trails through the Tai Po Kau forest in the New Territories. The forest is known for its wide variety of flora and fauna and is popular for bird-watching. Guests have a chance to visit a butterfly garden during the half-day tour. Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong. 9187–8641; www.walkhongkong.com.
Offbeat Tours
Dialogue in the Dark Exhibition. A truly unique way to experience Hong Kong, the Dialogue in the Dark Ehibition is a simulated tour of the city from the perspective of the visually impaired. The walk covers five iconic scenes of the city, including a ride on the Star Ferry and a trip to the market. The whole tour is conducted in pitch-black darkness, allowing visitors to experience their surroundings through their other senses. The Household Centre, 8 King Lai Path, 2nd fl., Mei Foo, Kowloon, n/a Hong Kong. 2310–0833; www.dialogue-in-the-dark.hk. Closed Mon..
Foodie Tasting Tour. Celebrating the vibrant flavors of Hong Kong, the Foodie Tasting Tour takes visitors to six restaurants either in Central and Shueng Wan or Sham Shui Po, with a certified foodie guide who will help you decipher menus and will talk you through the traditional eating customs at each stop. All meals are included in the ticket price. Arrive hungry because you'll be feasting on everything from wonton noodles to freshly steamed dim sum. Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong. 2850–5006; www.hongkongfoodietours.com. Closed Sun..
Little Adventures in Hong Kong. Founded by a National Geographic writer and staffed by local foodies, these private tours are customized for your personal tastes and interests. Highlights include kitchen visits and insider access to some of Hong Kong's best-kept secrets. www.littleadventuresinhongkong.com.
