I arrive in Hong Kong at 8:30pm and leave the next morning at 8:50am. I want to see the city, but I don't know what to do since it is at night. Should I just sleep at the airport or the airport
I arrive in Hong Kong at 8:30pm and leave the next morning at 8:50am. I want to see the city, but I don't know what to do since it is at night. Should I just sleep at the airport or the airport hotel?
There's a very useful website: "sleepinginairports". check it out.
HK Airport is quite safe, but you need to still be alert. If you are going to worry about your luggage, then I suggest checking in your luggage at "Left Luggage":
"There is manned left luggage counter in the Meeters and Greeters Hall of Terminal 1 on level 5. The desk is open from 5:30A.M. to 1:30A.M. Prices start at HK$40 for 3 hours, HK$55 for 3-24 hours, 24-48 hours HK$130 and HK$80 for every 24 hours after that." from about.com's article on Hong Kong
Sleep on your flight over. Then when you get to Hong Kong there are plenty of night activities. You could check out the night markets, specifically The Ladies Market in Kowloon. Because of your arrival time, you will miss the light show but it would be worth it to head down to the waterfront from the Kowloon side and take in the view across the harbor to the island. The buildings will still be lit up like you see in the pictures. Then grab the Star Ferry across and head to the Lan Kwai Fong area. This is the night club area. It is never a slow night and the clubs are open LATE. I have no idea how late but I found myself out until 3/4 in the morning and there was still action to be found. I have to at least mention Wan Chai. That are may not be the best area to experience in the wee hours but it will at least be awake.
I had a long HK layover last year. I bought a one-time United Club Pass and spent the bulk of my time there. I had free food, drink, access to showers and free wi-fi in a relatively quiet place. On prior trips I have tried to go into the city, but after a couple of hours ended up walking around like a zombie from lack of sleep. I am consistently unable to sleep for more than 1-2 hours in economy, where I usually fly. If you are able to sleep for most of your arrival flight, by all means leave the airport, as it is quite easy to get into the tourist areas from the airport.
There is an independent lounge at the airport with showers and sleeping room - pricing starts with a 4 hour block. Check the links for airport lounge. You can reserve space via the internet. The lounge is inside security. Your bags should be checked through to your destination, just light carry-on. There are English language maps of Hong Kong available just before immigration. Bus 21 (for 33HK) will take you to Jorden Road in Kowloon. The Temple Street night market is only a few minutes walk to your right. When finished, take the subway to TST and then the Star ferry across to Centeral and continue to explore. Check the timing of transportation returning to the airport - bus or the airport train. Back at the airport, there is a lounge office just before you enter security.
