Hello and thanks in advance for any advice you can give me. I have a full-day layover in Hong Kong. (Arrive 0740a and leave 705p) I'll have luggage. Is it possible to leave the airport and
Hello and thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.
I have a full-day layover in Hong Kong. (Arrive 0740a and leave 705p) I'll have luggage. Is it possible to leave the airport and do any touring around for the day? Is there someplace I can store my luggage for the day? And if so, what would you suggest I do for one day?
Between the time you can leave the airport and arrive in the city and when you need to leave to be back you might have 4-5 hours to see what you'd like to see. I'd recommend the airport bus which drops you in the vicinity of the Peninsula Hotel and spend your time just walking around that area. Then take the Star Ferry across the harbor to Central on HK Island and walk around that neighborhood. Both of these neighbothoods have lots of shopping, a museum or 2 and places to eat and will easily consume the time you have. I also suggest you get a small city guidebook with a good map and see what might interest you in these areas, Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon and Central on the island.
You will have plenty of time to see Hong Kong. Don't waste time on the bus, as soon as you arrive, store your luggage at the airport (yes there is one), and head for the Airport Express train. Round trip ticket (returning on the same day) costs HK$100. In 24 minutes you'll be at the Hong Kong station, which is in Central, the CBD of Hong Kong. Why not have a dim sum brunch and see how Hong Kongers eat? There are many good and old dim sum restaurnts in Central. Just look it up on this site or any other guide book online. After the meal, head to the Peak Tram. The station is an easy taxi ride from Central (taxi cost around US$3). Take the tram to the Peak, where you will ge a unrivaled postcard view of Hong Kong. You can even do a very easy hike around the peak in about one hour.
If you're more into shopping, there are great shopping malls in Central (IFC, just above the Airport Express station), Admiralty (Pacific Place), Harbour City (in Kowloon), and Elements (above the Kowloon Station on the Airport Express line). All and all Hong Kong is a fun and safe place. Public transportation is great, trains runs every 3 to 4 minutes. Taxi is cheap and plentiful. Food is great. And airport is close by. Have fun!
PS. Another great way to see Hong Kong island is to take the tram (locals call it Ding Ding for the bell ringing). This is the street car and not the peak tram. HK$2 and you get over an hour on a double-decker that stops at every street corner and takes you from one end of the island to the other. An ancient system that still runs well today. Definitely check it out. You need the exact change for the ride though.
You will not know how much time you will have untill you leave the airport. As you also will have to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your departing flight, it may not be worth going into Hong Kong after all.Plus you have to pick up your luggage. If there is enough time, I would second Y photo's advice. You should go on the Star Ferry. Right there at the Kowloon departure is a Hong Kong tourism office,so you can get even more information. Before getting to HK,study a map, so you have an idea about streets and places to see. Also you may check out Lantau Island,where the airport is north off.There is the world's largest outdoor Buddha. It is really something spectacular and you can "climb" all the way to the top, via staircases, Do not know about transportation to get there, but it should be easier than when I was there last.Check it out before going on your trip. Whatever you are able to do, enjoy it.
Many thanks for all of your tips. I'll most certainly get a city guide and map and check things out prior to leaving. I think I will see how much time i have once there and then see how it goes, but I am printing all of your suggestions and taking them with me! Thanks again for the tips.
