Travelling to Hong Kong

[Kanpai]

Looks like some lovely snack food that

 

[apeksdiver]

9 days is enough to do HK, I was lucky enough to stay with a friend near happy valley so can't help with hotels.

 

[Raymond Lin]

Perfect, didn't realize so many of them speak English there, it's a bonus then!

How are prices in general compared to UK? I'm guessing similarly priced? I guess what I'm asking is how much spending money for travelling around and food/shopping would you say is needed for 9 days?

We were contemplating 2 weeks but I think it'll be too much, 9 seems to be enough to ensure we get to see most of the popular attractions at ease in no rush like you said.

Thanks for the link mate, I haven't really thought much about the food to be honest but will note those places down in my planner for sure! At the moment I've just been in the mindset of "as long as there's a McDonalds or KFC somewhere we're set" lol.

As for Macau, I heard you can get there within 2 hours on a boat from HK? So ideally catching an early boat and one of the last back on the day to make the most of the day there?

Don't PLAN to do much shopping in terms of clothing etc or electricals but having said that will probably end up buying a few things just for the sake of it if you know what I mean?

Edit: Thanks for the information about the SIM card too, very useful! You've been a great help already and having checked your photographs I wish September would come sooner!

I usually have around $3000 (£270) and its enough for food. Some meals it only cost like £5 - Cafe De Coral is really good for this, for £5 you can get Steak with a cold drink. http://www.cafedecoralfastfood.com/ They are a chain and should be as widespread as Maccy D, except that the food is fresh. It is like a cross between home Chinese cooking and take away Chinese style (although westernised…you will have to go to see for yourself) trust me, if you are hungry, on a budget, want a warm meal in a clean place and somewhere to sit but don't want to go to Maccy D, then find one of these.

I use my Halifax Clarity card for any bigger purchases, like trainers. Oh Trainers !!! They do special editions that are not on sale here. Some are more an acquired taste but it is unique nevertheless.

I do go to MAccy D and KFC but not for their normal food, I go there for their speciality.

Maccy D there sell special edition burgers, like curry burger or Wasabi burger, they also are cheaper, £2.50 can get you a meal.
KFC I go for 1 thing, the Portuguese egg tart, seriously, they are amazing ! You have to try one.
Speaking about egg tart, get one from a Chinese bakery, there are LOADS around, and in every MTR station as well, although I find the small independent ones nicer. You will know it is independent when the store is run by women not in uniform.

TRY A PINEAPPLE BUN If you can find one with filling then you have to get it !

You can get to Macau in 1 hour by boat, not 2. It's okay, go there to check out the Casino and their all you can eat buffet. Other than that I didn't think there was much to do. They sell some speciality egg rolls that is famous, kind of. We went on an early boat, I think around 10am, got there for 11 and lunch at 12. Walked around a bit and my sister went to see some water theatre thing….I didn't go as it was £50 for something i didn't want to see.

I don't but any electrical, the exchange rate is not what they were and i honestly think you can get as good prices from here online. Clothes wise, any brand store in a shopping mall charges UK prices, or close enough so not enough saving to justify it. The only time I buy something is from a store that is local to the region but funky clothing. I go there to eat and see places mostly.

I went for 11 days this year and it was plenty of time, although like I said, it's my 5th year in a row so there are places that i didn't go, which would be on your list.

 

[Shamrock]

I will be in HK for 13 nights from next week with my family. Going over to visit family (mum is from HK) and attend a wedding.

We're staying in the Nathan Hotel on Nathan Road. This will be my 4th visit so we need to think of some new things to do!

 

[Raymond Lin]

I will be in HK for 13 nights from next week with my family. Going over to visit family (mum is from HK) and attend a wedding.

We're staying in the Nathan Hotel on Nathan Road. This will be my 4th visit so we need to think of some new things to do!

If you find out something unique or new let me know, I've even contemplated going to Disneyland or even to the cinema last time lol

 

[Kanpai]

Spoiler

I usually have around $3000 (£270) and its enough for food. Some meals it only cost like £5 - Cafe De Coral is really good for this, for £5 you can get Steak with a cold drink. http://www.cafedecoralfastfood.com/ They are a chain and should be as widespread as Maccy D, except that the food is fresh. It is like a cross between home Chinese cooking and take away Chinese style (although westernised…you will have to go to see for yourself) trust me, if you are hungry, on a budget, want a warm meal in a clean place and somewhere to sit but don't want to go to Maccy D, then find one of these.

I use my Halifax Clarity card for any bigger purchases, like trainers. Oh Trainers !!! They do special editions that are not on sale here. Some are more an acquired taste but it is unique nevertheless.

I do go to MAccy D and KFC but not for their normal food, I go there for their speciality.

Maccy D there sell special edition burgers, like curry burger or Wasabi burger, they also are cheaper, £2.50 can get you a meal.
KFC I go for 1 thing, the Portuguese egg tart, seriously, they are amazing ! You have to try one.
Speaking about egg tart, get one from a Chinese bakery, there are LOADS around, and in every MTR station as well, although I find the small independent ones nicer. You will know it is independent when the store is run by women not in uniform.

TRY A PINEAPPLE BUN If you can find one with filling then you have to get it !

You can get to Macau in 1 hour by boat, not 2. It's okay, go there to check out the Casino and their all you can eat buffet. Other than that I didn't think there was much to do. They sell some speciality egg rolls that is famous, kind of. We went on an early boat, I think around 10am, got there for 11 and lunch at 12. Walked around a bit and my sister went to see some water theatre thing….I didn't go as it was £50 for something i didn't want to see.

I don't but any electrical, the exchange rate is not what they were and i honestly think you can get as good prices from here online. Clothes wise, any brand store in a shopping mall charges UK prices, or close enough so not enough saving to justify it. The only time I buy something is from a store that is local to the region but funky clothing. I go there to eat and see places mostly.

I went for 11 days this year and it was plenty of time, although like I said, it's my 5th year in a row so there are places that i didn't go, which would be on your list.

Raymond, it feels like I've got nothing to worry about all, you've covered everything I think I needed to know in just one night. Really appreciate the help and recommendations mate, thanks a lot!

It's nice to hear the food is of a reasonable price for the most part apart from the top end restaurants, but that's a given. Interesting to know about McDonald's and KFC having different specialty foods there, the curry burger sounds really nice lol. I'm making a list of everything you've told me and hopefully I can try/see it all!

As for Macau, I've heard great things about it and considering it's close we figured we might aswell go check it out. Will be sure to check out the Casino & buffet for sure!

Yeah to be honest with you, doubt I will buy any electricals, if anything perhaps some souvenirs for friends and family. The main thing I'm looking forward to is the sight seeing, and now the food too

 

[Feef]

Been a few times, will be over there again in the near future to get married Can't be much help with costs/accommodation though I'm afraid, usually either stay with a friend (above some strip clubs in wanchai) or in a Chunking Mansions shoebox for £10 a night. Might splash out a bit more for the wedding part

Have a great time anyway, should be plenty of time. Money saving tip- screw the expensive bars at the top of skyscrapers, nothing wrong with picking up 2 cans of Qingdao for hk$14 and drinking outside a 7/11. Good times.

 

[Raymond Lin]

There really is nothing to worry about.

From the airport there are buses you can take to the city....when you land, go to the 7-Eleven at the departure area and get yourself an Octopus card, then top it up there.

If you are unsure with the bus, take the MTR !!! So get the app now and you can use it when you land...which brings me to free wifi at Hong Kong airport lol So don't worry about that, you can check in on Facebook the moment you land Or use your MTR app to navigate you to your hotel.

Another food thing

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g294217-d1196158-r117022043-Hui_Lau_Shan-Hong_Kong.html

This place, its all over, get their drinks, mango based mostly but utterly devine ! specially on a hot and humid day.

As for Macau, for the return trip you need to book a seat on your way out, it is always packed and try not leave it until the last boat as your time to leave lol

Another thing, do not jaywalk, only cross when it is green for you. They are strict about this and the police do issue fines for people who jaywalk and will ask to see your ID/passport.

 

[Raymond Lin]

Been a few times, will be over there again in the near future to get married Can't be much help with costs/accommodation though I'm afraid, usually either stay with a friend (above some strip clubs in wanchai) or in a Chunking Mansions shoebox for £10 a night. Might splash out a bit more for the wedding part

Have a great time anyway, should be plenty of time. Money saving tip- screw the expensive bars at the top of skyscrapers, nothing wrong with picking up 2 cans of Qingdao for hk$14 and drinking outside a 7/11. Good times.

Bringing a culture of chavs to the far east, lovely !

For eating at high places, I think Bubba Gump shrimp is a must,

http://www.bubbagump.com/locations/hong-kong/

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g294217-d799966-Reviews-Bubba_Gump-Hong_Kong.html

It has a view from the top looking down the harbour, plus the food is good, although it will cost you around £20 a head.

 

[malachi]

Raymond, it feels like I've got nothing to worry about all, you've covered everything I think I needed to know in just one night. Really appreciate the help and recommendations mate, thanks a lot!

It's nice to hear the food is of a reasonable price for the most part apart from the top end restaurants, but that's a given. Interesting to know about McDonald's and KFC having different specialty foods there, the curry burger sounds really nice lol. I'm making a list of everything you've told me and hopefully I can try/see it all!

As for Macau, I've heard great things about it and considering it's close we figured we might aswell go check it out. Will be sure to check out the Casino & buffet for sure!

Yeah to be honest with you, doubt I will buy any electricals, if anything perhaps some souvenirs for friends and family. The main thing I'm looking forward to is the sight seeing, and now the food too

I found myself eating chicken wings in McDonald's quite often. It tastes better than KFC.

I didnt buy any electricals when I was their myself but Apple products were about £40 cheaper. Ipad Mini worked out to be about £210.

Also, you will be hassled a lot by people trying to sell you suits. I very rarely wear suits so having them approach me every few minutes got on my nerves.

 

[mithrandir]

Oh how I missed going to Hong Kong.

As Raymond said, loads of places to eat and cheap. (I will have to check out that Michelin star restaurant next time).

He has pretty much covered important points such as Octopus, use of mobile, etc.

As for Macau - I've been 2 or 3 times now. Once overnight stay and the others have been day trips.
Pretty much can do in one day for the sights and a few hours for gambling.

Last time I went they finished building the resort next to the port (Fisherman's wharf I think).

If you go then definitely check out the Venetian, it is absolutely huge and they've even got a mini canal like Venice inside (with shops).

Also loved the almond cookies there.

 

[Raymond Lin]

Been to the Venetian, it's like indoor Venice with modern shops and a food court....it's pretty i guess but in a very artificial way, including the fake night sky ceiling. It helps to fool you from the real time with round the clock gambling I bet so you think you have more time and keep going! Lol

Macau is tiny and you can do it in a day if you don't spend it in a casino, which there are plenty (don't take photos inside, it's not allowed). It was a Portuguese colony so there are lots of Portuguese influence in its architecture and food. It's worth a visit and generally a party town.

Oh, there is a cable cart ride to where the big Buddha is, which I quite enjoyed if a little touristy. Ocean park is also fun too.

You may want to get an umbrella when it rains, it doesn't rain in HK, it pours, literally, especially in September ish time. You can get a brolly almost everywhere though, including vending machines.

 

[Shamrock]

If you find out something unique or new let me know, I've even contemplated going to Disneyland or even to the cinema last time lol

I think we might be going to Disneyland as my 30 year old brother really wants to go!

Last time I went we did Ocean Park, Victoria Peak (day and night), Lantau Island, Lamma Island, Jumbo restaurant, Noah's Ark and Kam Shan country park to name a few.

 

[malachi]

Another thing to add, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Heritage Museum and a few others are free to enter on Wednesdays.

 

[robgmun]

Been to the Venetian, it's like indoor Venice with modern shops and a food court....it's pretty i guess but in a very artificial way, including the fake night sky ceiling. It helps to fool you from the real time with round the clock gambling I bet so you think you have more time and keep going! Lol

Macau is tiny and you can do it in a day if you don't spend it in a casino, which there are plenty (don't take photos inside, it's not allowed). It was a Portuguese colony so there are lots of Portuguese influence in its architecture and food. It's worth a visit and generally a party town.

Oh, there is a cable cart ride to where the big Buddha is, which I quite enjoyed if a little touristy. Ocean park is also fun too.

You may want to get an umbrella when it rains, it doesn't rain in HK, it pours, literally, especially in September ish time. You can get a brolly almost everywhere though, including vending machines.

I did all of this plus the Jumbo restaurant in 2-3 days, i feel like i've done it now and don't have the feeling i want to go back. I prefer mainland china!

 

[Jano]

I haven't been for a few years now, last time I went I stayed at Hotel Jen for the princely sum of £25 a night, think its renamed now, and probably not that cheap, but it was great. I've also stayed in various places around **** Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Lan Kwai Fong, Admiralty and Kowloon, and to be honest it's so easy to get around Hong Kong you can't go wrong. My favourite area by far however has to be **** Kok, it's just a superb experience.

As Raymond said, don't worry about the language, not only is English spoken pretty much everywhere, they drive on the same side of the road as us and all their signage is the same as ours for the most part, and in English. My only other recommendation (no idea if its mentioned elsewhere) is go to the horse racing, that is a really fun event.

 

[Kanpai]

Thank you all once again for the replies, who needs a travel guide when you've all helped so much already?

I've just spoken with another mate who might be interested in coming too, is 3 single bed room hotels common in HK or are there only specific chains of hotels that offer this?

 

[Jano]

When I stayed by Lan Kwai Fong I actually rented an apartment, can't remember exactly who through, but I believe there were options up to 4 bed. Could possibly look into that?

 

[Kanpai]

When I stayed by Lan Kwai Fong I actually rented an apartment, can't remember exactly who through, but I believe there were options up to 4 bed. Could possibly look into that?

Very interesting point mate, I'm checking https://www.airbnb.co.uk and there is one apartment which caters for 4 people, for the period we're looking to stay this is working out at like £20 per person a night. Surely I'd have thought an apartment would cost more than hotel!?

 

[Raymond Lin]

Thank you all once again for the replies, who needs a travel guide when you've all helped so much already?

I've just spoken with another mate who might be interested in coming too, is 3 single bed room hotels common in HK or are there only specific chains of hotels that offer this?

Royal Park hotel can add a sofa bed to a twin bed room for a fee. The rooms are big enough for this so its not a problem.

That or get a family room where it has a double bed and a single bed, which works out cheaper than a twin room + sofa bed, since they are not adding on that fee...funny logic as it sleeps the same number of people. Although 2 of you will be sleeping in the same bed. If you don't mind that arrangement it would be the cheapest way.