Total Days: 3 Days | Accommodations: Hotel on Hong Kong Island | Transportation: Walking, subway, taxis are inexpensive | Traveled With: 2 Girlfriends | Type of Trip: Focus on Sightseeing | Highlights: Views, Buddhist temples, Food
DAY 1
At a glimpse: Views and food rewards on Hong Kong Island
Travel Agenda: Take a taxi to Unar Coffee Company and stroll around the recently redeveloped area of Tai Hang. Get lunch around the corner at Bond. Stop by the Lin Fa Kung Temple one block away before taking the stairs behind the temple towards Braemar Hill Peak. From there, take a taxi 30-minutes to Victoria Peak. Walk around Peak Road for other views and to get a glimpse of the world’s most expensive and exclusive homes. Since you didn’t hike up, walk down the hill to find your way back to the hotel. After that, you deserve dinner at Tim Ho Wan, the world’s cheapest Michelin-star restaurant (located in a mall!) specializing in Dim Sum, where you can eat your heart out for just a few dollars.
Tip: When you arrive at Victoria Peak, don’t pay for a view at the Sky Terrace. If it’s a clear day, you can see the view from the Galleria or Lion’s Pavillion.
DAY 2
At a glimpse: Temples and a show
Travel Agenda: Take the subway to Diamond Hill Station and head to the Tai Sin Temple. Wander the shrine and temple and then get fortunes off to the side. Walk 25 minutes to Chi Lin Nunnery which is a Buddhist nunnery with statues and gardens. Head back to Hong Kong Island and refuel at Asian fusion restaurant, Ho Lee Fook with dessert a 3-minute walk away at Oddies Foodies, featuring authentic bubble waffles and ice cream. Walk to the Star Ferry Pier and take the ferry across Victoria Harbor. Walk the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. Get a snack and drink at Sky Lounge, just in time for the Symphony of Lights, the world’s largest permanent light and sound show that takes place nightly at 8:00PM for 10 minutes.
DAY 3
At a glimpse: Serene Hong Kong day with hike and tea time
Travel Agenda: Find breakfast at a local café that offers toast and milk tea. Taxi to Dragon’s Back trail head and head up the path for a 1.5-hour hike along the ridge ending at Shek O. Head back to the hotel to shower and prepare for the rest of the day. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the Langham, or a less customary experience at Tea WG at the IFC Mall. Next, subway to Mong Kok Markets to experience the endless stalls of ladies fashion, the Flower Market and the most unique, Goldfish Market. Take a 15-minute taxi back to the island for customizable cocktails at the speakeasy J Boroski.
Tip: J Boroski is invitation only, so hopefully at this point during the trip you’ve made friends and mentioned this place!
From Hong Kong, we traveled to Bangkok and Krabi in Thailand. Click here for that itinerary!
