Hong Kong and Macau: Everything you need to know about visiting China’s Special Administrative Regions
Owned by China but ruled by foreign nations for more than a 100 years, Hong Kong and Macau are two truly remarkable cities of China that set themselves apart by blending eastern and western food, architecture, and customs to form intriguing and unique cultures of their own. Recognized as Special Administrative Regions, or SARs, Hong Kong and Macau have more autonomy than other cities of China and operate under what’s known as the “one country two systems” model. This means that each of these territories maintain separate legal, political, and judicial systems from China but are still, by-and-large, overseen by the Peoples Republic of China. This model is particularly great for tourists as visitors to Hong Kong and Macau face less entry requirements and limitations as compared to other cities within mainland China, making travel to these areas much less of a hassle and much more fun for visitors.
Known as the Las Vegas of Asia, Macau is undoubtedly the most unusual of China’s two SARs. The evident European influence stemming from years of occupation by Portugal coupled with traditional Chinese practices, all set against the backdrop of flashing lights and grand casinos makes for an entertaining, if not somewhat confusing, spectacle. Although not quite as large or chaotic as the real Las Vegas, Macau nevertheless is a vacation hotspot in Asia and is the place to be if you’re looking for a little fun and indulgence. While not as lavish, Hong Kong is still just as vibrant as Macau and is actually the larger of the two SARs of China. Considered to be the financial hub of Asia, Hong Kong is centrally located with an exceptional natural harbor and has seen much economic success over the years. Under British rule for over a century, Hong Kong is now an interesting melting pot, showcasing both traditional Chinese heritage and international glamour. From its glittering skyline and edgy nightlife to its bustling street markets and food stalls, Hong Kong is a vacation destination that you just can’t afford to miss!
So, how will you ever be able to choose which of these two fabulous cities to visit? Good news, you don’t have to choose just one! Seeing as they’re quite near to each other, it’d be a crime against tourism itself to visit one and not the other! Keep reading to see everything you need to know to about Hong Kong and Macau before you go!
Check out some of our other favorite destinations in Asia HERE!!
Getting to Hong Kong and Macau...
Traveling to Hong Kong is straightforward as there is only one international airport in the city. You can simply book a flight to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) from anywhere in the world and off you go! There are many direct routes to Hong Kong from the USA, and we decided to fly nonstop from Chicago to HKG, arriving in just over 15 hours. Hong Kong International Airport is modern with every imaginable amenity available and is surprisingly easy to navigate. Border control and customs procedures are standard and all signage are multilingual. Honestly, HKG is now in our top-five favorite airports list thanks to the amazing food court, affordable shopping, ease of navigation and overall comfort and cleanliness.
Hong Kong International Airport has free bottle fillers that provide cold and hot water! These can be found at most gates. The fillers are sometimes tucked away in out-of-the-way areas so if you’re having trouble finding a bottle filler just stop and ask a staff member. Oh, and did we mention that that the water tastes great?
Like Hong Kong, Macau also has one major airport serving the city known as the Macau International Airport (MFM). There are, of course, lots of international flights into the city however nonstop flights into Macau are difficult to find, particularly from the United States. As a matter of fact, there are no nonstop flights from the USA to Macau presently. Now, we did not fly into Macau and therefore can’t expound much on the pros or cons of the airport, but we do know one thing and that is that, even though Macau is the Las Vegas of Asia, there are no gambling rooms or slot machines at this airport! But how did we get to Macau if we didn’t fly? We took the underwater bridge of-course!
Getting to Macau from Hong Kong
Even though Macau is located only forty miles away from Hong Kong, getting there is not as easy as you might guess thanks to the city having an immigration system that is independent of and different from Hong Kong and China. Generally speaking, the process of traveling from Hong Kong to Macau is the same as traveling between different countries. Visitors must go through passport control in Hong Kong as well as customs and border control procedures in Macau. Although it may sound a little daunting getting to Macau from Hong Kong is not an impossible task and there are several ways to travel between the cities. Currently, the most common way to travel to Macau is via ferry. High speed ferries depart from the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal multiple times daily and drop off at the Macau Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal. On average, a ferry ride to Macau is an hour long and ticket costs can vary but are relatively affordable.
There are many ferry tours to Macau from Hong Kong daily. Consider taking one of these tours if you wish to simplify your travel especially as the guides assist with going through the immigration process of both cities and often also provide transportation to popular tourist sites, a value pro in Macau.
Another way to get to Hong Kong is via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. This impressive bridge is the longest sea crossing in the world and is both a marvel of modern engineering and a great way to get to Macau if you’re prone to sea sickness. In theory, the trip from Hong Kong to Macau by bridge should take around 45 minutes however there are two stops for passport control on the the bridge which adds to the travel time making it closer to 2 hrs of traveling one way at a minimum! Travelers to Macau by way of the Zhuhai Bridge can choose to travel by local buses, trans-boundary buses or by private-hire vehicle. The main bus serving the bridge is known as the HZMB Shuttle aka “Golden Bus.” These Golden Buses travel the bridge 24/7 and provide transfers between the three Boundary Crossing Facilities located at Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai. The HZMB buses do not leave the bridge meaning that they do not enter any of the cities. To get from the bridge to any of the cities, travelers must either take a taxi, another local bus, or a hotel shuttle from the Boundary Facility. While the Golden Buses are the cheapest way to cross the bridge, it is the least efficient way as visitors will still need to arrange their own transport to and from the bridge, adding to the cost and time of the journey.
Because different license plates are required at each Boundary Crossing on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, foreigners cannot simply rent a car and drive from Hong Kong to Macau. Driving the same car from Hong Kong to Macau would entail carrying both local Macau and a local Hong Kong license plates and being ready with the appropriate tools to switch the plates out every time you cross a border!
For a more seamless bus experience that does not entail finding separate transportation for the different legs of the journey, there are trans-boundary buses that operate between Hong Kong and Macau. Two of these cross-boundary buses, the One Bus and the Hong Kong-Macau Express, pick-up passengers directly within Hong Kong. For our day trip into Macau, we chose the Hong Kong-Macau Express bus service which departed from the Elements Mall in Kowloon and arrived at the Grand Lisboa Casino in Macau. Now, before you get the wrong idea, we should explain that these buses are not truly “cross-boundary” as they cannot drive directly into Macau from Hong Kong. Instead, the buses take passengers to a Border Control Facility, drop them off so that they can clear passport checks, then pick up passengers once again before resuming the journey.
Another important thing to note is that the cross-boundary buses wait only 20 minutes for passengers to clear border control so there’s an added layer of stress here as any delays can cause travelers to miss their bus! Overall, the process of taking the cross-boundary bus is relatively smooth although we felt that it would be helpful if the bus drivers gave some directions before dropping off at the Boundary Control Facilities. To get back to Hong Kong from Macau, the process is the same, just in reverse, so there’s no need to be overly worried especially since once you would’ve been through it once before!
If taking a cross boundary bus, make sure to keep any stickers provided to you when boarding the bus as these are used as identification by organizers who help passengers board the correct bus after immigration. Also, be sure to ask the number of the bay where your bus will be parked and where you should proceed to after immigration to avoid any confusion. And finally, don’t be surprised if the bus you board is different than the one you were initially on! The buses change at the border facilities as they must have the appropriate license plates for whichever city they’re traveling to.
If taking a bus or ferry all sounds like too much of a hassle when it comes to traveling between Hong Kong and Macau, then private transportation may be the best option for you. There are several private car services in Hong Kong that shuttle passengers to Macau and provide added services such assistance with clearing immigration. While hiring a private car is astronomically expensive— a private car cost $500 USD pp while a bus cost $15-30 USD pp— this is undoubtedly the most hassle free, relaxing, and desirable way to travel to Macau from Hong Kong.
Do you need visas to visit Hong Kong or Macau?
As previously mentioned, both Hong Kong and Macau are Special Administrative Regions that operate independently of each other and of China. As such, neither of these cities enforce the same travel restrictions or regulations as China and neither require a visa to visit. At this moment, visitors to Hong Kong and Macau from the United States only need a valid passport to enter and can remain in Hong Kong for up to 90 days visa-free.
What languages are spoken in Hong Kong and Macau?
As a result of prior colonization, both Hong Kong and Macau have more than one official languages. In Hong Kong, the two main languages spoken are English and Chinese. Most HongKongers are bilingual and speak English and Chinese quite well making interacting less intimidating for travelers. Navigating Hong Kong is also quite easy as all signage are written in Chinese and English.
The Macanese people, on the other hand, speak Portuguese and Chinese with Chinese being the more commonly encountered of the two languages. All signage in Macau is typically either Portuguese or Chinese and, outside of the Casinos, English is much less prevalent. Although the lack of English in Macau made navigating the city a little more difficult for us, we were able to successfully use Google Translate to interact when needed.
What currencies are used in Hong Kong and Macau?
The official currency of Hong Kong remains the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) at present, although this may change in the next few decades should Hong Kong cease to be an autonomous region. Having HKD on hand is a must in the city especially when shopping in local areas such as the Ladies’ Market. Credit cards are also widely accepted throughout Hong Kong however these are mostly accepted my more upscale businesses. The most common and convenient payment method used in Hong Kong is actually the Octopus Card, a prepaid card, that can be digitally downloaded to smartphone wallets and used by tapping to electronic readers to pay.
There are two versions of the Octopus Card, one used by locals that require a local telephone number and bank account to obtain and another that is less restricted. To use the Octopus card on your smartphone, download the “Octopus for Tourists” app and create an account. You can then link a credit card to your account or use Apple Pay to fund the Octopus Card. Once funded, the card can then be added to Apple Wallet or your digital wallet of choice and is ready for use at that point. Reloading the card is easy as you simply fund the amount you want through the Octopus for Tourists App, and it automatically transfers to your wallet. Octopus cards are accepted at restaurants, stores, public transportation and vending machines and having one on hand will really make your shopping and dining experience in Hong Kong much more hassle-free.
Balances on Octopus cards are refundable so if you have extra cash on the card after your trip is over then you can simply refund the card through the Octopus for Tourist App and your original form of payment will receive the refund. To properly use the Octopus Card and avoid errors, make sure to place your phone on the reader and wait a few seconds to allow payment to process before removing your phone. This may seem intuitive however if you’re not careful and you remove your phone too quickly then the payment will be subtracted from your card but not be sent to the merchant. This means that you may have to pay twice and may not ever be refunded for the failed payment as terminated transactions are often not recorded.
Like Hong Kong, Macau also has its own currency which is known as the Macanese Pataca (MOP). Interestingly though, having MOP on hand isn’t necessary to function in Macau as most businesses, including local buses and taxis, also accept Hong Kong Dollars. And, matter of factly speaking, the fastest and cheapest way to get Macanese Pataca is by using HKD to pay and getting your change back in MOP. Credit cards are accepted at most businesses within Macau but not at local street markets as cash remains the best method of payment in such places. Cashless payments are not currently a feasible means of payment for tourists in Macau as they’re still being developed and are not as widely accepted in the city.
Staying connected in Hong Kong and Macau
International phone plans work well in both Macau and Hong Kong. Our T-mobile service was exceptional in both cities, and we remained connected even while we were crossing the South China Sea to Macau. All hotels and some business provide free Wi-Fi in both cities however we noticed that there wasn’t any free public Wi-Fi in either Hong Kong or Macau. Staying connected in both cities is incredibly important, especially for ease of navigating and communicating, hence we suggest buying a SIM card locally if your phone service is unreliable.
How to get around Hong Kong and Macau
Hong Kong is one of the easiest cities in the world to get around in thanks to its incredible public transportation system. A robust network of trains and buses effectively connects all areas of the city, and routes are relatively easy to understand. Fares are also really affordable and cashless payments are accepted everywhere further making public transportation the more attractive option in Hong Kong. As with most public transportation though, travel times are often longer due to stops and connections along the route so if more expedient means of transportation are required then we suggest grabbing a taxi or Ride Share. Taxis are numerous in Hong Kong however they are much more expensive than public transportation and can sometimes be difficult to hail. Now, although both public transport and taxis are good options when traveling in Hong Kong, the best way to get around the city, in our opinion, is by Ride Share. Technically speaking Ride Shares are illegal in Hong Kong however Uber operates in a legal gray-area and is currently the only Ride Share available in city. For the duration of our stay in Hong Kong, we almost exclusively traveled with Uber and found it to be convenient, surprisingly cheap and very reliable. Plus, being able to set destinations and pay through the Uber app was a huge timesaver!
Consider downloading the HKTaxi app, the main taxi hailing app in Hong Kong, if you plan to travel a lot by taxi. The app allows riders to more easily call for a cab and also supports some forms of cashless payment. Also keep in mind that many taxis in Hong Kong only accept cash.
Transportation in Macau, on the other hand, is much less organized and reliable when compared with Hong Kong. Ride Shares are illegal in Macau hence the main forms of transport within the city are the public buses and taxis. The public buses, although cheap, are a little intimidating as stops are announced only in Portuguese and Chinese. If you speak either of those languages though then taking the bus is perhaps one of the best ways to travel around Macau. As you would expect, taxis in Macau are more expensive than buses and can sometimes be more difficult to hail. Most Macanese taxi drivers do not speak English therefore communication via translation app is a must to ensure that you arrive to your intended destination. Additionally, all taxi fares must be paid by cash in Macau. There are a few cashless options for citizens of Macau however these are not available to tourists.
Finally, we want to point out another, somewhat lesser-known way, to travel through Macau: the Casino Shuttle Buses. Some of the larger casinos in Macau provide shuttle buses to make traveling between their properties easier for guests. These shuttle buses travel frequently around various parts of Macau and anyone, not only guests of that hotel, can hop on board and travel for free. With a little planning, travelers can save a lot of time, hassle and money using the shuttle buses. For example, we were able to travel between Macau’s central district and the Cotai Strip several times without paying a single dollar!
Do you need a rental car in Hong Kong or Macau?
Having a rental car is not necessary in Hong Kong or Macau as both cities have accessible public transportation options. If you are keen on driving though then make sure to obtain an international driver’s permit and to familiarize yourself with the rules of driving in each city. Keep in mind that Hong Kong road signs are displayed in English and Chinese while Macau’s signs are Portuguese and Chinese. Driving in Hong Kong and Macau is done on the left-hand side of the road and GoogleMaps, Apple Maps and Waze are all reliable navigation tools that can be used to get around the cities. Although driving in these cities is doable, the sheer volume of vehicle and pedestrian traffic as well as the convoluted roadways and lack of parking are reasons enough to avoid this major hassle and vacation mood-killer if you ask us!
Remember that, even if you have a rental car, driving between and Macau and Hong Kong is a very difficult task! See HERE for details.
Best time to visit Hong Kong and Macau
Although both Macau and Hong Kong have four seasons, the change from season to season is not terribly dramatic. The most noticeable differences between seasons lay in temperature changes and amount of rainfall. For the most part, Spring and Summer in both cities are warm, humid and wet and typhoons are much more common during these seasons. Fall and Winter, on the other hand, are cooler and drier with much fewer instances of travel-disrupting weather making them the more ideal times to visit the cities. We visited Hong Kong and Macau in early November and found the weather to be near-perfect with sunny, breezy days of no more than 60-70 degrees F.
Summers can be incredibly hot in Hong Kong and Macau so consider not visiting during this season if you’re planning on outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking.
What’s the food like in Hong Kong and Macau?
To get right to it: the culinary scene in Hong Kong is, so far, the most eclectic and one of the most creative that we’ve ever encountered! Renowned for being a world class international city where just about anything can be sampled, Hong Kong does not disappoint when it comes to food. From Michelin-star Street stalls selling scrumptious handmade dumplings to rooftop bars serving up inventions like Charsiu-infused cocktails, there’s something to whet your appetite around literally every corner. Surprisingly, dining in Hong Kong is relatively affordable and, in some cases, downright cheap. For example, Hong Kong Island with its upscale restaurants serving Cantonese, international and fusion cuisine is often more expensive to dine in compared with the local BBQ and Dim Sum restaurants of Kowloon. If you ask us though, we think some of the best food in Hong Kong is found at street stalls serving up specialty dumplings, Hong Kong egg tarts, BBQ pork baos and more throughout Mong Kok! Want to know where to find some of Hong Kong’s best local treat like the rick sweet soymilk or the perfectly crispy Cantonese fried chicken? Check us out HERE!
Octopus card is accepted at the food stalls in Hong Kong and is the most efficient way to pay!
So, is the food the same in Macau as it is in Hong Kong? Well, no it’s not and this is due to the Portuguese influence that has shaped Macau’s culture. While Macau is not as inventive as Hong Kong when it comes to its cuisine and drinks, the food scene there is nevertheless varied, interesting and delectable. Mouthwatering dishes like soy sauce chicken and congee exist alongside Portuguese specialties like Bacalhau and seafood cataplana creating an incredibly unique type of fusion gastronomy. Additionally, Macau’s proximity to mainland China adds further interest to its food as elusive treats like almond cookies with pork floss and custard cakes can be found there! Oh, and speaking of pastries, we should not neglect to mention that Macau’s Portuguese version of the sought-after custard tarts (Pasties de Nata) is much better than Hong Kong’s. Don’t believe us? Go see for yourself then we can argue about it! If you’d like to know where to hunt for these specialty treats and more in Macau, check us out here!
Do not drink the tap water in Macau or Hong Kong. Hotels in Hong Kong have bottle fillers hence you only need to bring a refillable bottle with you to get water. Many hotels in Macau do not have this amenity but do offer free bottled water.
Where should you stay in Hong Kong and Macau?
Macau
When it comes to choosing accommodations in Macau, visitors hardly need to look further than the many hotel-casinos dominating the city. But as these casinos can be found everywhere in the city, what area of Macau is the best to stay in for tourists? Macau is divided into three main areas: Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane. Taipa and Coloane together form the entertainment district and is where the famed Cotai Strip can be found. Not sure what the Cotai Strip is? Well…picture a toned-down Las Vegas Boulevard where giant casinos indeed grace the skyline but where blaring music, over-bright lights and drunken revelers are nowhere to be seen.
This area of Macau is best known for its resorts and spas, luxury shopping and its nightlife and is ideal for anyone looking for a little relaxation away from the crowds. Yes, we know that going to any Las Vegas-esque place for serenity sounds crazy but what can we say? This particular area of Macau is oddly quiet, and we have yet to figure out why!
While the Taipa/Coloane area is all about fun and relaxation, the Macau Peninsula is the main commercial center, historic district and, if you ask us, the true heart of Macau. Lively streets lined with local artisanal shops, colorful Portuguese-style buildings, and attractions like the Ruins of Saint Paul’s and A-Ma Temple are just some of the interesting things to experience on the Peninsula. Honestly speaking, the Macau Peninsula is the best place to stay when in Macau.
The Cotai Strip is a 20-minute ride away from the Macau Peninsula by Taxi. Free shuttle buses from casinos like the Wynn and Venetian are a great way to travel between these two areas.
Hong Kong
Divided into three main geographical areas — Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories— the vast metropolis that is Hong Kong leaves visitors with much to consider when choosing a place to stay. Hong Kong Island is considered the most contemporary of Hong Kong’s three areas. Many of the city’s businesses are found there and, as with most commercial centers, there’s no shortage of stately hotels and fine dining restaurants. Hong Kong Island is easy to navigate and is home to high-end shopping and attractions such as Victoria Peak and Ocean Park. As you’d expect of a fast-paced business-centric area, there are hundreds of great hotels to choose from. To make it a little easier on you we suggest picking a hotel with views of Victoria Harbour such as the Renaissance Hong Kong Harbor Hotel.
Hong Kong Island is only 10-15 minutes away from Kowloon by car and is easy and cheap to get to from the Kowloon Peninsula in case you decide not to stay on the island but still want to explore the island fully.
Much more rural when compared with Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories of Hong Kong encompasses various parks, wetlands, and islands, including Lantau Island. Accommodation and transportation are harder to find in these areas, and as they’re all easily accessible from HK Island and Kowloon, we suggest that you avoid staying overnight in these areas. This being said, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention that Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is one of the main attractions of the New Territories. The resort is located on Lantau Island and is a good option for anyone wanting the Disney experience in Hong Kong. If the resort scene is not for you but you’d like some extra time on Lantau Island, then consider staying at the Four Points by Sheraton Hong Kong which is conveniently located near to the airport as well as comfortably appointed.
Many hotels on Lantau Island offer free shuttles to the airport and nearby MTR stations.
As you’ve probably gleaned by now, each area of Hong Kong has something different to offer however, that being said, there is one area that we believe outshines the others when it comes to proximity to attractions, food and shopping and that is the Kowloon Peninsula. Our favorite area of Hong Kong—and soon to be yours too we’re sure! — the Kowloon Peninsula offers visitors the most immersive experience with both international flair AND local culture right at their fingertips. Perfectly situated between HK Island and Lantau Island, Kowloon is relatively close to many of Hong Kong’s attractions and is home to famous residential districts like Mong Kok where travelers can go to shop and dine like locals. With many hotels scattered throughout the Peninsula and along Victoria Harbour, choosing just one place to stay when in Kowloon is a bit daunting. As we wanted good views and proximity to an MTR station, we spent hours agonizing between hotels like the Intercontinental Grand Stafford, New World Millennium and Shangri-La. We eventually settled on the New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel located in the Tsim Sha Tsui area of Kowloon and arrived to find this hotel to be located no more that 20 feet away from the Intercontinental Hotel! A lot of wasted angst if you ask us as literally everything is right next to everything other thing in Kowloon! Anyway, not only was the New World Millennium hotel clean, modern and comfortable, but it also had an idyllic location along the waterfront on Victoria Harbour that we absolutely loved. We booked a Harbour View room to ensure bay views which, we assure you, was well worth the additional money for the gorgeous and unobstructed views that we ended up with!
Try to be mindful of where you book your stay as some hotels’ views are obstructed by shipping cranes along the bay. Consider staying in the Tsim Sha Tsui area at the Shangrila, Intercontinental or New World Millennium hotel if you’re planning to stay in Kowloon. These hotels all have views of Victoria Harbour that are not obstructed by cranes.
Top Things to do in Hong Kong
Take the Tram to Victoria Peak
Located on Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak is the tallest peak in Hong Kong. Offering unparalleled views of Hong Kong’s majestic skyline as well as Victoria Harbour, the peak is a sought-after point of interest for tourists and locals alike. There are several ways to get to Victoria Peak; the most arduous of which is a two-hour, continuous uphill hike to the summit. The easiest ways are via car — would you believe Uber is available here!?— or by taking the Peak Tram. The Peak Tram, itself a tourist attraction, is a funicular railway that offers the most direct and quickest way to get to the summit of Victoria Peak. Tickets for the tram and other attractions at the Peak can be purchased at the lower tram terminus. The 10-minute ride to the Upper Peak Terminus offers one of the most stunning views of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour. An odd but fun feature of the tram ride is an optical illusion that results in the surrounding skyscrapers appearing to tilt as the train climbs uphill, leaving riders feeling just a tad discombobulated.
Expect lines in both directions if you choose to ride the tram. To save time, we rode the Tram up to Victoria Peak and took an Uber back down to Victoria Harbour.
Once at Victoria Peak, there are lots of fun things to do to choose from. The Peak Tower which sits atop the Peak Tram Upper Terminus, has many restaurants, souvenir shops and the famed Sky Terrace 428. Sky Terrace 428, perhaps the main tourist attraction on Victoria Peak, is a viewing platform offering panoramic views of Hong Kong. Nighttime at the platform is particularly breathtaking as visitors are treated to a sparkling skyline so vast that it appears unrivaled, in size and splendor, by any other in the world.
Other must-see attractions at Victoria Peak include the Peak Galleria, a lower observation deck also with spectacular views, and the Peak Circle walk. We do want to point out that the Peak Circle Walk is more of a hike than a walk and is 3.5 km in length. The tree-lined, paved trail ranks as easy in both intensity and in regard to navigation. True to its name, the Peak Circle Walk loops around The Peak offering yet another splendid way to enjoy Hong Kong’s gorgeous cityscape.
To avoid the lines at ticket lines once at Sky Terrace 428, simply purchase a combo Peak Tram and Sky Terrace pass at the lower Peak Tram terminus before boarding the train to the summit.
Shop like a local in Mong Kok
A well-known residential district of Hong Kong, Mong Kok is a maze of narrow streets lined with stalls offering everything from luggage, clothes, and food to souvenirs and fortune-telling. While you could spend an entire week exploring just this one area of Hong Kong, we suggest narrowing your shopping to Ladies’ Market and Fa Yuen Street. These two enormous shopping areas offer radically different things and are only a quick 10-minute walk away from each other. Shoppers at Ladies’ Market can expect to find insanely cheap clothes and souvenirs while those visiting Fa Yuen Street will find moderately priced, better-quality goods and clothing plus an impressively large food market comprised of individual stalls selling local produce and specialties. If shopping isn’t your cup of tea and you’re thinking of skipping Mong Kok, we strongly suggest rethinking this as simply walking the streets of this district qualify as an incredible cultural experience when in Hong Kong!
Discover Lantau Island
Home to Disneyland Hong Kong and a plethora of other must-see attractions, Lantau Island is a full-day adventure that should be at the top of your list when visiting Hong Kong. As transportation is currently somewhat limited on the island, taking a tour is one of the best ways to see Lantau’s highlights. With this in mind, we booked an all-day tour of Lantau Island with Memory Tour Operator that included stops to all the major points of interest on the island. Departing from Tung Chung MTR station in Lantau Island, we boarded a bus for the scenic 30-minute ride to our first stop: Tai O Fishing Village. A picturesque fishing village with houses suspended on stilts above the waters of the South China Sea, Tai O village is best known for its seafood and the playful white dolphins that are, in fact, pink in color. Aboard a small motorboat, we enjoyed a brief tour of the houses on stilts before being taken out to a dolphin viewing spot where, we kid you not, we spent just 10 minutes searching for the elusive white dolphins. We’re sure you’re absolutely floored to learn that we didn’t see a single dolphin in those 10 minutes but, before you go pitying us, we just want to say that our tour guide made sure we weren’t missing out by texting us all a photo of the dolphins that we should’ve seen while we were floating out to sea. Thoughtful right?
Local buses are available from Tung Chung station to Tai O. If you want to spend more time in Tai O either perusing or dolphin hunting, consider taking a bus and arranging a boat tour at the marina. Note that buses have an unusual timetable on the island so verify when the last bus of the day leaves Tai O and plan around that to avoid being stranded.
Leaving Tai O, our next stop was the biggest attraction of Lantau Island: Tian Tan Buddha. Located in Ngong Ping near the Po Lin Monastery, the nearly 200-foot bronze Buddha statue sits above the tree line and is magnificent in its grandeur. To get to the statue, we first made our way through Ngong Ping Piazza, taking pictures with our horoscopes for good luck. We then explored the ornate Po Lin Monastery and stopped for a quick lunch before tackling the 268 steps up to the Tian Tan Buddha. The moderately strenuous climb was worth it though, not just for the close-up views of the awe-inspiring statue, but for the breathtaking views of the South China Sea as well. The base of the Tian Tan Buddha is open to visitors and contains a museum that is free to explore. Exterior steps also allow visitors to climb higher up the Buddha for even better views.
Concluding our tour of Lantau Island, we spent some time exploring, and shopping of course, in Ngong Ping village before making our way to the cable cars that would take us back to Tung Chung station. Although the cable car ride was not included in our tour, we opted to take this tremendously more scenic route back. And it was well worth the extra money if you ask us! Our twenty-minute ride on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car afforded us views of the lush forests of Lantau, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and Hong Kong itself making for a rather jaw-dropping end to our day on Lantau Island.
As many group tours leave Ngong Ping at 3PM to head back to Tung Chung station, you may not have as much time to explore the area as you’d like if you plan to travel back by tour bus. Consider following in our footsteps and extending your time at Tian Tan Buddha by taking the cable car back to the train station.
Take a cruise on Victoria Harbour
Situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, Victoria Harbour is one attraction in Hong Kong that is available to everyone as it can be seen from most areas of the city. Thanks to the many walkways lining the banks of the harbor, taking a run or a stroll along the lovely harbor is an easy to do activity for anyone in the city. To truly explore the Harbour though, we recommend taking a boat tour. A nighttime boat tour of the Harbour to see the twinkling lights of the city plus the Symphony of Lights show is one of the most memorable ways to experience Victoria Harbour.
Unwind at one of Hong Kong’s Award-winning Bars
Outrageously inventive, Hong Kong’s bar scene is incomparable making barhopping a must when in the city! Everything from perfectly crafted classic favorites to mind-blowing new creations can be found in the city. Don’t believe us? Just check out Time Out Magazine’s list of 50 award winning bars in Hong Kong. Whether you’re in the mood for a glamorous rooftop bar or a hole-in-the-wall dive, we guarantee you’ll have no trouble finding one in Hong Kong!
Go Kayaking in the Hong Kong Global Geopark
The Hong Kong Global Geopark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Sai Kung, about 30 minutes away from the Kowloon Peninsula by car. Known for its volcanic rock formations, Sai Kung is a local’s favorite when it comes to enjoying a little escape from urbanization. The Sai Kung Peninsula features green hills, largely uninhabited islands and unique volcanic rock formations including sea caves and sea arches. With its generous coastline, it should come as no surprise that Sai Kung has some of the prettiest, golden sand beaches in Hong Kong. These beaches serve as excellent starting points for a variety of water activities including paddle boarding and kayaking.
On what we consider to be our best day in Hong Kong, we departed Sai Kung beach for a 6-hour kayaking tour of the islands just off the coast. Given that a typhoon was expected in the area by end of the afternoon, we were shocked at how calm the waters were in the area. We kayaked the gorgeous blue-green waters making stops at several inhabited and uninhibited islands for breaks and even had a delicious impromptu lunch on a small island with impressive amenities. Honestly speaking, this kayaking trip was one of the most serene that we’d ever been on making it ideal beginners. We did briefly encounter choppy waters as we skirted a few islands and as we approached the sea caves as well however it was very manageable and, sadly, no one went for a swim!
Bring a change of clothes and water shoes if you plan to do water sports in Sai Kung as there are free showers along the beach. The showers are separated by gender and remarkably clean.
Top things to do in Macau
Visit the Ruins of Saint Paul’s
A popular tourist attraction in Macau, the Ruins of St Paul’s was once one of the largest Catholic Churches in Asia. Destroyed during a typhoon in the 1800s, all that remains of the church now is its grand, carved façade. The ruins are easily reached on foot from Senado Square and are surrounded by a maze of shops, restaurants, and bakeries.
Grab lunch at Senado Square
Part of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Macau, Senado Square is a town plaza that is recognized for the attractive, pastel façade of the buildings lining its narrow streets. Senado Square is best known for its local shops and many restaurants and is a fantastic place to sample mouthwatering Portuguese fare.
Stroll through the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion
Located in Coloane Village in Macau, the Giant Panda Pavilion is exactly as it sounds: a giant pavilion that serves as the home of two playful pandas. In addition to the Pandas, the small zoo is also home to several species of birds, monkeys, and some wetland animals as well. The Panda Pavilion is accessible only by local bus or taxi, is free to enter and is approximately 15 mins away from the Cotai Strip in Macau.
Explore A-Ma Temple
Built in the 1400s, A-Ma temple is one of the oldest temples in Macau. Honoring Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess, A-MA temple is an example of splendid Chinese architecture. The temple is located in Barra Hill and consists of several pavilions dedicated to various religions including Confucianism and Buddhism. The temple is open daily and can be reached by local bus or taxi.
Try your luck at one of the giant casinos!
As we’ve mentioned before, Macao’s claim to fame is the Cotai Strip that is known for its grand casinos. Casino-hotels like the Wynn, the Venetian and the Grand Lisboa are scattered throughout Macau and visitors are encouraged to while away their days shopping the endless fashion brands, dining at high-end restaurants and, most importantly, gambling to their hearts’ content. As we’re poor excuses for gamblers ourselves, we sadly don’t have any strong recommendations when it comes to what casinos to visit in Macau, but we did find the Grand Lisboa to be fascinating in its sheer size and unique architecture so perhaps that would be as good a place as any to try your luck!
