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Oh wow! There’s a lot of money here! I spent 3 days in Hong Kong, and after backpacking Southeast Asia, the first thing that really struck me, is how rich Hong Kong is! 3 days in Hong Kong and I feel like I’m living on another planet than the one I was living on for several months before getting there, in Southeast Asia. As I was doing my research about Hong Kong, I found out that one of out seven citizen is actually a millionaire! That’s a lot of millionaires in such a small place! Anyway, it makes a change from all the developing countries I visited just before, during several months. So I decided to spend 3 days in Hong Kong. Let’s see how it is…
Description of Hong Kong
Hong Kong reminded me a bit of Singapore. Both places are rich and you can clearly see they have money. Moreover there are malls everywhere, we’re really in a consumer society! And the locals, they always have their eyes glued on their smartphones, that’s crazy!!! When they’re walking, in the subway, at the restaurant… They’re always doing something with their smartphones! And I can tell since I saw it, they’re all using Wechat (it’s like Whatsapp, but a bit better!).
Still, I felt like Hong Kong was more “authentic” than Singapore, in that the Asian culture is more visible here! The signs are not in English only, but also in Cantonese (by the way, everything is very clear!). The Asian art and culture is also a lot more present. But otherwise, and I repeat myself, Hong Kong is rich and you can feel it when you get there (I think the contrast was bigger for me, since I was coming from Southeast Asia). There are many beautiful cars in the street, always a lot of people outside with the latest smartphones in their hands, etc…
Taking the subway? They have TV in the subway broadcasting the news! Wanna have a drink? You’ll pay as much as in Western countries! Traveling on a budget? Forget about Hong Kong! Anyway, people here really respect all the rules and they show their civicism. The locals patiently wait on line to take the bus (I’ve seen this before in NYC…). I crossed the street while the light was red for pedestrians. Every single person glared at me!
In Asia, the locals go eating alone at the restaurant way more often than us Westerners. And the restaurants’ owners don’t hesitate to seat you with people you don’t know when you’re alone! I was at a table for two and they seated another solo guy in front of me, although many tables were empty… I think it’s just more convenient for them. Another time, I was seated next to a solo guy even though many other seats were free… We don’t do that in Europe.
Things to do in Hong Kong
Victoria’s Peak
The unmissable in Hong Kong, the place where everybody goes, the most populat spot, is Victoria’s Peak. That’s the highest point in Hong Kong, rising 550 meters (1805 ft.) above sea level and from there, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of Hong Kong, Victoria Harbor and Kowloon. Theoretically, the view is breathtaking. In my case, it was foggy when I was there, it ruined the beautiful view I was expecting… How to get to Victoria’s Peak? You have two options. You can either take Peak’s Tram (it’s 52 Hong Kong dollars the two-way trip -5.90€-). It takes about 10 minutes to go to the top. But you’re gonna wait for a long time to get in the tram…
I preferred to go all the way up by foot, it’s a good way to stay active. Be prepared, the slope is fucking steep! Once you get to the top, admire the view! It’s a very touristy place, there will be a lot of people there! On the spot, there are numerous souvenir shops but also two malls (once again!) with nice terraces offering a panoramic view of Hong Kong. The entrance to one of the terraces is not free ($43, almost 5 euros). The other terrace is free. There’s also a path called “Circle Walk”, a 2.8 kilometers (1.7 mile) circular path. If possible, go to Victoria’s Peak for the sunset and admire the view nighttime! A bit higher than Victoria’s Peak, you’ll find Victoria’s Peak garden. Few people make it there. Wanna know more? Read this article about Victoria Peak!
Hong Kong Heritage Museum
Head to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum! It’s free to get in, local art is exhibited there. I actually didn’t go to admire the Chinese art, but for the awesome exhibition dedicated to Bruce Lee (he’s from Hong Kong, in case you didn’t know!). We learn a lot about his life, his childhood, his teenage years, how he fell in love with martial arts, his legendary movies, the impact he had, his influence, his premature death, etc… This is very interesting, really, I strongly suggest to go there, even if you’re not a fan! Unfortunately, it’s forbidden to take pictures…
Big Buddha
Don’t miss Tian Tan Buddha, also called Big Buddha! It’s located on Lantau Island, in Ngong Ping Village, and he’s dominating the island, all the way up! Once again, the big Buddha is very popular, so you won’t be on your own (lots of groups there!). The big Buddha is 34 meters (111 ft.) high and is seated towards mainland China. Be prepared, you’ll have to climb 268 stairs before getting to Big Buddha!
Po Lin monastery
Next to the big Buddha, you’ll find Po Lin monastery, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries of Hong Kong. Take some time to visit Ngong Ping Village, it’s nice to have a walk there. Wanna see the big Buddha? You have all the info at the end of the article.
Ten Thousand Buddhas monastery
If you have some time, go visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas monastery! It’s a Buddhist temple located in the north of Hong Kong, completed in 1957. Actually you won’t find 10000, but 13000 Buddhas on the spot! Unlike “classic” monasteries, this monastery doesn’t have any monks living on site.
Dragon’s Back
If you wanna stay active, go hiking! I wanted to do the MacLehose Trail but I didn’t have enough time… So I did another hike, way more famous and popular, the Dragon’s Back! I went there on a Sunday, it was packed! People all over the place! The slopes are gentle and honestly hiking there is not hard. You can also admire the surroundings when you’re up there.
Temple street night market
All right we’re in a rich place but don’t forget we’re still in Asia Which means there’s a night market. In Temple Street Night Market, you’ll find everything you’re looking for : gadgets, toys, clothes, and of course food stalls if you wanna eat there! On a side note, I passed by a shop selling porn DVDs, it was packed inside!
Hippodrome Valley
Wednesday is a special day in Hong Kong. I just stayed four days in Hong Kong and unfortunately, I wasn’t there on a Wednesday. On Wednesday evenings, go to the Hippodrome Valley to watch the horse races! To be completely honest with you guys, I’m not into horse races at all but everybody says you have to go, cause the atmosphere is so cool, relaxed, social, etc… Wednesday also means ladies night! Free alcohol for the ladies in Wan Chai, one of the city’s more notorious districts! Ladies, think about it if you’re in Hong Kong on a Wednesday!
Other things to do in Hong Kong
There are many other things to do in Hong Kong : take the Star Ferry (it’s a 5-minutes ride on a ferry), have a walk in the Nan Lian gardens, have another walk on Bowen Road (a nice pedestrianized road), have a drink on a rooftop, there are plenty of them in Hong Kong, however it’s expensive (I went to the one in IFC Mall) taste some dim sum (fully cooked, ready to serve dishes, it’s Hong Kong’s signature dish…).
Activities in Hong Kong
You can go on a night cruise and admire Hong Kong by night. Click here for more info. You can also go on a cruise daytime, and discover Hong Kong on a boat. Click here for more info.
Hong Kong is not really a backpacker city. However, I liked my stay there. It’s a good mix between Western and Eastern culture, old and new, and I found the locals friendly. Three days are enough, but four days in Hong Kong, it’s perfect!
How to get to Hong Kong
You’ll have to get there by plane. Click here to check the latest flight prices.
How to get around in Hong Kong
The easiest way is to use the subway. To do so, go to any subway station and get an Octopus card. When you buy it, the minimum top-up amount is $100 (about 11 euros) + a $50 deposit (about 5.50 euros). After that you’ll be free to use it as you want. You’ll spend a lot less using this card than buying single subway tickets. Moreover, with the Octopus card, it’s possible to pay at McDonald’s, Starbucks… You can pay with your card to take the Star Ferry, and also the Peak’s Tram! I’m telling you guys, don’t hesitate to take the Octopus card!
How to get to Big Buddha
You first need to go to Tung Chung subway station, then take a cable car to go there. The two-way ticket for the cable car costs $210 (24 euros). One thing you need to know : I went there almost right after the opening time, but still, I waited for one hour to get in the cable car. When I left, seeing the long line, it was at least a two-hours wait. FYI, you can buy a skip-the-line ticket to take the cable car. Click here for more info.
Otherwise you can take the bus 23. When you arrive, instead of taking the escalator, keep going straight. I suggest you to take the bus to go up, and the cable car to come back down. You’re gonna save a lot of time!
Where to stay in Hong Kong
If you’re traveling on a budget, you can stay at the Rainbow Lodge HK, a nice hostel. Click here to book your stay. If you’re looking for a mid-range hotel, there’s The House. Click here to book your stay. If you’re into luxury hotels, I suggest you to stay at the Lanson Place Hotel. Click here to book your stay. Otherwise click here to check what are the hotels available in Hong Kong.
Finally, if you prefer to stay in an apartment, click here to check the apartments available on Airbnb.
Hong Kong travel tips
- Traveling soon? Check out my travel resources page! This list of travel accessories can also be useful!
- Wanna go to Hong Kong? Check the visa policy here. Most Western countries can stay up to 90 days in Hong Kong visa-free. However, if you wanna go to mainland China after Hong Kong, you need to apply for a Chinese visa beforehand.
- Don’t go to Hong Kong without a travel insurance! Here’s why buy travel insurance!
- Want a tailor-made trip to Hong Kong? Get a free quote here!
- Always use a VPN when traveling. I use ExpressVPN and I love it! Here’s why use a VPN when traveling!
- Going to Beijing after Hong Kong? Here are several information about Beijing airport! And here are the best things to do in Beijing!
Nice topic, very informative.
Thanks
Hong Kong is a place on my bucket list ! I had no idea they had so many millionaires! What a fun fact.
Yeah Hong Kong is a rich place!
I love HONG Kong and it’s amazing people ^_^ I’ll be there in 2 weeks, can’t wait for it
Cool!