Hong Kong

By:  Jennifer Milano, written January 2016, traveled in 2002 & 1997

The first time I visited Hong Kong was weeks before the city was to be handed over from the Brits to the Chinese.  The second time was five years later.  Did I notice a difference?  No.  Hong Kong was and is a large, busy, chaotic city.  But in between the skyscrapers, shopping malls and bumper-to-bumper traffic, travelers can find tiny streets lined with traditional Chinese medicinal shops, quiet parks and peaceful temples.  Hong Kong is truly a city of contrasts.  Made up of over 200 islands, Hong Kong is more diverse than you may think, and worth exploring for at least a few days.  But my favorite part of Hong Kong?  The food!

When to Visit:  Avoid the summer months, which are hot and humid.  Typhoon season runs from May to November, but you should pack a rain jacket at all times of year.  Spring and fall are optimal times of year to visit the city, and even winters are mild in Hong Kong with average temperatures in the high 60's/low-70's.

How to Get Here:  Most travelers arrive in Hong Kong International Airport, and transfer one of several ways into the city center.  The train is the fastest way to reach the center, taking a mere 20 minutes to Kowloon and 24 minutes to Hong Kong Island.  An airport bus and taxis are also available. Hong Kong's airline, Cathay Pacific, is top notch.

Where to Stay:  There are two "city centers" in Hong Kong - Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.  Most travelers stay on Kowloon, because there are more affordable and numerous hotel choices than on the Island.  However, either location is a fine place to base yourself.  The two areas are connected by tunnels, so you can take the subway, bus or taxi between them.  But the most scenic way to travel?  The ferry.  For specific hotel recommendations, my knowledge is not current.  Years ago, I stayed at The Park Hotel in Kowloon, which was clean, modern, well-located and affordable.  For something more luxurious, the Shangri-La (one on Hong Kong Island and one in Kowloon) is amazing.  There are so many high-end hotels in Hong Kong, that your best bet is to look for a deal.  Click here for my tips on finding hotel deals.

Where to Eat:  It was nearly fifteen years ago that my husband and I ate dinner at Red Pepper in Hong Kong.  It remains one of our most memorable meals.  My husband prides himself on being able to tolerate the spiciest food on the planet, and he usually ends his meals good-naturedly chiding the server for not making his food spicy enough.  I, on the other hand, am a wimp.  I like spicy food, I just cannot tolerate it.  Red Pepper serves Szechuan cuisine, known for its flavor and its spice.  Our multi-course dinner was sensational, and really spicy.  My eyes were tearing, my nose was congested, and I must have hadmy water glass filled a dozen times.  But despite physical discomfort, I could not stop eating.  Every morsel was absolutely delicious.  For my husband?  He gives Red Pepper a 10 out of 10 on flavor.  But he claims his meal could have been spicier!  In addition to a dinner at Red Pepper, eat dim sum for breakfast wherever the locals eat.  Each morning, we would try a different dim sum restaurant, and considered it a good sign when the place was packed with locals.  We liked Luk Yu best.

What to Do:  Wander the city.  Visit Kowloon Park in the morning and watch the locals practice Thai Chi.  Take the Star Ferry across the harbor between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island for fantastic city views.  Stroll along the tiny back streets on Hong Kong Island, away from Gucci and Prada, and discover traditional Chinese shops.  On Hong Kong Island, take the tram up to Victoria Peak on a clear day for a spectacular view of the city.  Yes, it's touristy, but your first time in New York City didn't you want to go up to the top of the Empire State Building?  The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is really cool, and the Han Dynasty vault is fairly impressive.  Travel to Lantau Island and visit one of the world's largest buddhas, Tian Tan Buddha, and the Po Lin Monastery.  It's a climb up lots of stairs to reach the buddha, but it's a pretty and peaceful area and worth the effort.  On Lantau, you should also visit the traditional fishing village of Tai O.  Click here for transportation options to Lantau, the most popular being by cable car, ferry or train.  As with any popular sites anywhere in the world, book tickets ahead when possible to avoid long lines.