Planning to travel to Hong Kong? Well, you're in luck!
With the launch of its global promotional campaign "Hello Hong Kong" in February 2023, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) revealed that the city would hand out 500,000 airline tickets worth HK$2 billion (US$254 million) to promote travel to the city and boost the local economy. The plan to boost Hong Kong's travel industry is being implemented over the coming years.
Hong Kong’s three airlines, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, and HK Express, will distribute these half-million tickets in phases to incoming visitors. More info on this campaign can be accessed through Hong Kong Airport’s website here.
If you've been closely following this current thread of HK news, you probably know that these airlines have been rolling out their ticket giveaway campaigns already! If you're eager to snag a free round-trip ticket, check out Cathay Pacific's website here, HK Express's website here, and Hong Kong Airlines' website here, and stay tuned for future announcements!
But, let's say, you enter these giveaway contests and you're one of the lucky 500,000 winners, what now? Well, the MiTravel team has prepared a 5-day sample itinerary for you and your friends! What are we waiting for?
DAY 1: Exploring Kowloon & Tsim Sha Tsui
Arrive in Hong Kong and check into your accommodation. Assuming you're all set in the morning, you should have the rest of the day to go around!
At the start of the afternoon, visit the famous Wong Tai Sin Temple, a colorful and vibrant Taoist temple with intricate carvings, sculptures, and beautiful gardens. Visitors can also see a variety of traditional Chinese cultural elements, such as incense burning, fortune telling, and offerings of fruits and flowers.
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Afterwards, take the metro to Mong Kok and spend the next 2 hours exploring the bustling Mong Kok area and visit the famous Ladies Market, a popular street market for bargain shopping. Be prepared to haggle over prices and be careful of counterfeit products!
As the late afternoon approaches, walk along Nathan Road that leads into the Tsim Sha Tsui district, then take the metro to East Tsim Sha Tsui Station to visit the Avenue of Stars to see statues and handprints of famous Hong Kong film stars!
For the sunset or 'golden hour', you have 2 choices:
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1. Take the historical and iconic Star Ferry that's been operating between Hong Kong Island & Kowloon, providing a scenic and affordable way to cross Victoria Harbour. This 8-10 minute ferry ride offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline. And especially during sunset, the skyline is lit up with a golden sunshine that will leave you breathless!
2. Stay around the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront promenade for stunning sunset views of the Victoria Harbour. Then stay until 8:00pm to catch the Symphony of Lights - a spectacular light and sound show which features more than 40 buildings along the Victoria Harbour! You can also also book a dinner cruise, which offers a front-row seat to the Symphony of Lights show with a meal!
With either choice, what a way to end your first night in Hong Kong, am I right?
DAY 2: Shopping, anyone?
After quite a busy first day in Hong Kong, you deserve a late start for Day 2! Rest up, before getting in one of the most popular cafes in Hong Kong! Check out the Australian Dairy Company for wonderful scrambled eggs, Dim Sum Square for tasty dimsum or Mui Kee Congee for great Cantonese rice porridge!
Now that you're well-rested, it's time to visit the tallest hill on the island, Victoria Peak to get stellar panoramic views of the city. The peak can be reached by taking the Peak Tram, a historic funicular railway that has been in operation since 1888. If you're up for some exercise, you can also try out several hiking trails that lead to the peak, including the popular Morning Trail.
Afterwards, you may explore the lively Central district and to see iconic architectural landmarks (that were featured in the Symphony of Lights ), such as the HSBC Building and the Bank of China Tower.
Personally, I love to go shopping in Causeway Bay, one of the city's busiest shopping districts. Visit popular malls like Times Square, SOGO, or Hysan Place for an amazing shopping experience! I usually spend a few hours in Causeway Bay, just to go around the sheer amount of stores and shopping malls! It's also a great way to immerse oneself and feel one within the crowds of Hong Kong locals.
DAY 3: Lantau Island Visit
After getting a heavy dose of the Hong Kong city life, it's time to visit one of Hong Kong's many islands: Lantau Island. This is the largest island in Hong Kong and is home to several popular attractions, most of which we'll mention below.
Take the metro to Tung Chung, which is in Lantau Island, and follow the signs to the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Terminal, which is located right next to the station.
Purchase a ticket for the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, which will take you on a 25-minute ride to Ngong Ping Village, offering stunning views of Lantau Island and the South China Sea. There are two types of cable cars: standard and crystal. The crystal cable car has a glass bottom, offering a more unique view of the scenery below.
Once you've arrived at Ngong Ping Village, you should be able to visit the Tian Tan Buddha or Big Buddha, a 34-meter (112-foot) bronze statue of Buddha that sits atop a hill on Lantau Island. From the base, you should be able to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Also, not far from the Big Buddha is the beautiful Po Lin Monastery, a Buddhist temple complex located right next to Tian Tan Buddha.
If you still have spare time and energy, consider catching a bus going to Tai O Fishing Village to catch a glimpse of Hong Kong's fishing heritage and its traditional stilt houses!
DAY 4: Day Trip to Macau! 🇲🇴
Also known as the 'Las Vegas of Asia', Macau is a fascinating destination that offers a unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, exciting entertainment, and delicious cuisine! Definitely worth a day trip to this former Portuguese colony!
Start your day by taking a ferry from the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, which takes around an hour. Once you arrive in Macau, take a taxi or public transportation to the historic center of Macau, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can explore the narrow streets lined with colonial buildings, including the iconic Ruins of St. Paul's, the Senado Square, and the A-Ma Temple. You can really feel the Portuguese influence that's stayed in Macau!
And while you're in Macau, might as well try our luck at a casino or two, huh? After exploring the historic center, head to the Cotai Strip, where you'll find a plethora of luxurious hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues. Here, you can indulge in world-class entertainment, fine dining, and shopping. Some of the must-visit places on the Cotai Strip include the Venetian Macau, the City of Dreams, and the Galaxy Macau.
Finally, before you head back to Hong Kong, make a stop at the Macau Tower, where you can take in panoramic views of the city and even try bungee jumping or the Skywalk X, a thrilling walk around the outer rim of the tower.
Don't forget to try out some Macanese cuisine! Don't miss the chance to try some of the local specialties, such as Portuguese egg tarts, almond cookies, and the famous Macau-style pork chop bun.
DAY 5:
We at MiTravel absolutely love visiting theme parks. In Hong Kong, popular theme parks bustling with fun and excitement await you!
You can, of course, visit the popular Hong Kong Disneyland; immerse yourself in a magical world of Disney characters and attractions. Explore the seven themed lands, from the classic Fantasyland to the futuristic Tomorrowland, and enjoy a variety of exciting rides, shows, and parades. Don't miss the chance to meet your favorite Disney characters and snap a photo with them!
You can also choose to go to Ocean Park, a marine-themed park with over 80 attractions spread across two main areas: the Waterfront and the Summit. Take a cable car ride to enjoy stunning views of the city and the South China Sea, or get up close with marine animals like dolphins, sea lions, and sharks at the aquarium. Thrill-seekers will love the park's roller coasters and other adrenaline-pumping rides.
Afterwards, if you have some free time, go shopping and dining at the nearby Citygate Outlets - a shopping complex that boasts over 80 international brands offering discounts of up to 70% off the original retail price! With a wide range of products from fashion to sportswear, outdoor gear, electronics, and more, there's surely something for everyone!
With this 5-day itinerary to Hong Kong, you can experience vibrant local culture and create unforgettable memories in one of the most dynamic cities in the world! From the towering skyscrapers to bustling shopping districts, Hong Kong has something for everyone. So pack your bags, get ready to explore and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Hong Kong!
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