Image: Hong Kong's Lantau Island and its famous Buddha (By Mia Taylor)
Image: Hong Kong's Lantau Island and its famous Buddha (By Mia Taylor)
Hong Kong Today: July 4, 4:05 AM 83°F Overcast Clouds

Hong Kong Travel Guide 

Hong Kong can be divided into three geographical regions: Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, and the New Territories. It is hilly and mountainous except for the lowlands in the north.

Hong Kong’s woodlands are home to wild monkeys and macaques, and a great variety of birds also stop over on their winter journeys. This region of China is filled with beautiful scenery both natural and manmade. And in this travel guide to Hong Kong, you’ll learn all you need to go before you go. 

Hong Kong has one of the best public transport services in the world. We found it super easy to get around the city using the Mass Transit Railway (MTR). This metro service offers commuters 3G internet service in all stations and tunnels. 

Rideshare services like Uber, Lyft, and Didi are all available here, as well as buses and minibusses. 

If you’re going to be traveling around a lot (which we’re sure you will be), we recommend getting a Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card. This makes things super easy and convenient when getting on a bus, using the subway, or catching a ferry or tram.

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Important Things to Know

Currency

The Hong Kong Dollar is the official currency used here. 

USD is not accepted here, so be sure to exchange your currency ahead of your Hong Kong travels.

Hong Kong skyline

Hong Kong's dramatic skyline. Photo by Paul Heney. (Photo Credit: Photo by Paul Heney.)

National Languages 

Cantonese is one of the two official languages here. English is the other official language. 

Road signs are all bilingual and most establishments have English signage. 

Climate And Weather

Summer in Hong Kong is hot and humid, and wet. However, the winters are relatively mild and dry. 

Late May to mid-September is the warmest time of the year. The cooler period is from mid-December to February.

 

Latest News

When To Visit Hong Kong

Hong Kong by night.
Hong Kong by night. (photo via bennymarty / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

 

Plan your trip to Hong Kong in the fall or early winter, from late September to late December. This is the ideal time of year for outdoor sightseeing activities.

Where To Stay In Hong Kong

Hong Kong Disneyland's Castle of Magical Dreams.
PHOTO: Hong Kong Disneyland's Castle of Magical Dreams. (photo via Hong Kong Disneyland) (Photo Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland Media)

Kowloon City

Known as the ‘Little Thailand’ locally, and regarded as Hong Kong’s hippest urban area, Kowloon City has lots to keep you entertained. Stretching from the harbor to Lion Rock Country Park, this neighborhood is full of creative spaces. 

We enjoyed the art galleries, street theater performers, and family-owned restaurants in this city. But the Kowloon City Market, one of the largest in Hong Kong, was the highlight of the day. 

Several good waterfront-based hotels offer a good night’s rest after a day of sightseeing on foot.

Lantau Island

Verdant green hills and white sandy hills cradle historic sites and nature reserves in the New Territories of Hong Kong. Lantau Island is the largest and most developed of the outlying islands of the New Territories. 

The enormous bronze Buddha statue known as Tian Tan Buddha is found here, and it’s one of the main tourist attractions. But you can also stay at a Disneyland-themed Hotel. With room names like the Cinderella Suite and iconic Disney themes at every turn, it’s a Disney fan’s dream!

Hong Kong Island

Hong kong island has many hotels, ranging from quirky boutique hotels to luxury 5-star establishments. 

Locally known only as The Peak, Victoria Peak is situated on the western half of Hong Kong Island. At over 1800ft, it's the highest point on the island. You’ll enjoy a fabulous view of Hong Kong from here.

And with a variety of street markets selling souvenirs, local crafts, and delicious street food, you’ll want to stay out until late soaking up the local culture. 

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