Overview
There is a lot of buzz about Hong Kong these days. It’s Chinese, but not. It’s westernized, but not. It’s a big fast paced city, but so different than any other that you would compare it to. What makes one of the most important economic hubs of Asia so complex?
Is it its varied history, its grasp on its own sovereignty, or something more existential? These questions do not come with easy answers, yet Hong Kong endures and continues to thrive.
Hong Kong is everything that you expect. It’s big, busy and loud. Unapologetically foreign and comfortingly something you recognize. It’s a hub of culture, of finance and of Asia and a place that is begging for tourists to visit.
It’s easily the most accessible part of China to the world, yet it is not a city without its secrets. Smoky back alleys, unreadable signs and hidden hideouts are tucked away behind skyscrapers, Gucci Stores and double decker buses.
You need to visit Hong Kong. If the allure of the city doesn’t draw you in, maybe its epic hiking, nature and bays will. Hong Kong’s government has dedicated 50% of all of the island’s land to ‘green space’, preserving one of the most beautiful and unique islands you will find anywhere.
Come to for the food, the city, the nature but stay for the culture, the people and the way of life. It simply sucks you in.
Pro-tip: Hong Kongers do not speak Mandarin, they speak Hong Kongese which is a regional dialect of Cantonese, the language that is spoken in southern China.
Is it Cheap?
No, but not any worse than the US or Western Europe. Compared to the rest of southeastern Asia and most of China, Hong Kong is quite expensive. We would argue that the prices in Hong Kong are on par with major cities in the US and this comes as no surprise because of Hong Kong’s economic success.
A meal will cost you anywhere from 10-15 Dollars and a beer around 6. The Hong Kong dollar is currently around 7.5-1 Dollar, so prices will seem high, and they really might be. Hostels are also not cheap, as space comes at a premium.
Victoria Harbor During Chinese New year
Diverse Streets of Hong Kong
Hong Kong at Night
Kowloon Skyscrapers
What To Do
Whether you are a culture junkie, a foodie, a big fan of markets or just an everyday explorer, Hong Kong has almost endless amounts of excellent things to do!
For starters, the geography of Hong Kong is a bit confusing if you are going in without knowing how the city is laid out. However, we are here to help. The island of Hong Kong is split by Victoria Harbour. One side of the harbour is named Hong Kong; this is the side where most of the economic industry is housed, the big skyscrapers and is a bit older as far as the city is concerned.
The other side of the harbour is called Kowloon. On the Kowloon side you will find a bit more of the “ordinary” people, the cultural sites and a larger majority of the population. We would like to note that Hong Kong is incredibly diverse with a large amount of not only Westerners living in the city but also people from India, Malaysia and other parts of southeastern Asia.
Climb The Peak
The Victoria Peak sits high above Hong Kong on the island side of the Harbour (that would be the Hong Kong side) and provides the most majestic view of the city. You can take a funicular up the hill but we recommend hiking up to get the full experience. It is incredibly steep and quite the trek, but the view is more than worth it. Plus, the funicular is expensive and has extremely long lines.
Go for a Hike
The good news about all the ‘green space’ that Hong Kong dedicated to the city means that there are excellent places to get out of the main drag and go explore a bit. Hong Kong has ridiculously beautiful hiking trails that open up to crystal clear blue water bays and vast rolling hills. While many people argue that the Dragons Back is one of the best hikes to do in Hong Kong, we recommend
Sail The Harbour
Being down by the harbour is a really cool experience but why not sail across it? You have two options as far as that goes. You can pay for a Junker Boat to take you across, which is expensive but a cool experience.
They are those quintessentially Chinese looking boats with the large sails and sleek wood body. If you want to cross the way normal Hong-Kongers cross, there is a ferry that goes across for around 40 cents. It leaves from the main harbour port and rocks its way across at a very slow pace. Take it at sunset to watch the city light up before your eyes.
Go “Market-Crazy”
Hong Kong is known for their markets and they have never ending options from you to choose from.
We recommend you go to:
Ladies Market- For clothing and other goods. The perfect place to ‘get lost’ for awhile.
Flowers Market – If you like flowers, obviously this is the place to go.
Gold Fish Market – Just because who wouldn’t want to see that. They really sell a ton of gold fish, its not a joke.
MongKok Street Food Market – The best place in the city to experience real Hong Kongese street food. The street is lined with small stalls offering sweet and savory local dishes.
Fa Yuen Street Market – This large market really showcases Hong Kong food. The first floor is a butchery but as you make your way to the top floor, you will find different stalls selling cheap and delicious Hong Kong food to the masses.
What To Eat and Drink
Street Food in Hong Kong is ruled by the Dai Pai Dongs, better known to us as small street food stands. You can find them all over the city, Traditionally offering up quick to go food given to you in a plastic bag with toothpicks to eat on the go.
The Dai Pai Dongs offer everything from the famous Stinky Tofu which has become the defacto smell of the streets of Hong Kong, to Shumai (Small steamed dumplings filled with pork or shrimp. The most traditional mix you can get is curry fish balls and ShuMai in a bag for around 2 Dollars US. Sounds weird, but incredibly good.
If you want to venture into real restaurant style Hong Kong food, a trip to the city wouldn’t be fully experienced without try Dim Sum. Dim Sum is a southern Chinese eating style that is characterized by large shared tables with small food items being brought by on carts.
They offer steamed dumplings, rice dishes, noodles, desserts and more. You typically pay per plate and it’s hard not to overdo it as the carts are always full and always bring something new and delicious to your table. Try the Bao Xi, or barbecue pork stuffed steamed buns, which you can also commonly find on the streets of Hong Kong in small steamer boxes.
Transportation
Hong Kong is a big city, so we recommend using their public transportation systems. We have to note that Hong Kong has some of the cleanest and most efficient public transportation that we have seen anywhere in the world, and that is probably because of their harsh punishment enforcement on breaking their rules which includes; no spitting, no littering and no food anywhere in the buses or trains.
We have to admit that the metro is quite expensive, with a ride costing around $2 and more expensive if you are crossing the harbour in either direction. They have great double decker buses as a result of British rule for decades, which are amazing for sightseeing around the city.
My Travel Essentials For An Asian Backpacking Trip
Below you'll find a list of my must bring backpacking items. I have gotten this list down to my essentials through trial and error over 4 years of living in a backpack. I hope you'll find these items helpful on your journey!
►Main Backpacking Backpack: https://amzn.to/3vUHdik [Amazon]
►Great Front Facing Duffle-bag : https://amzn.to/3SjK6Ra [Amazon]
►Quick Dry Towel : https://amzn.to/3uarxH8 [Amazon]
►Multi Country Charger Adapter : https://amzn.to/3Ul37p0 [Amazon]
►Refillable Water Bottle : https://amzn.to/48SnG0n [Amazon]
►Padlock : https://amzn.to/3SdyYp7 [Amazon]
►Earplugs : https://amzn.to/498xTpl [Amazon]
►Power Bank : https://amzn.to/3SyXP8e [Amazon]
Travel Photography & Video Favorites
If you're interested in creating your own video content on your trip, these are some of my favorite items I've had. They work, they're effective and besides the Sony Aa7C, they aren't going to break the bank either!
►On the Go Video | Go Pro Hero 12 : https://amzn.to/3u38oHh [Amazon]
►Photography | Sony A7C : https://amzn.to/3u1Y6ap [Amazon]
►Portable Tripod | https://amzn.to/42ojHqc [Amazon]
►Lavalier Microphone | https://amzn.to/3SbL41U [Amazon]
►Drone | https://amzn.to/47TCwSY [Amazon]
►Portable Monitor | https://amzn.to/3Hzv2dg
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