I travelled to Hong Kong in the summer of 2018, I was fortunate enough that my cousin, Zara (who you will see in this blog) was working and living out there. I saw, ate and did some amazing things! Although we are still going through a global pandemic and travelling to Hong Kong is probably off the cards for now, it is a bucket list destination that if you ever get the chance to go, I would thoroughly recommend it. If you love holiday planning like me and looking forward to the future possibilities, ever expanding your travel bucket list, here are my top seven things you have to put in your itinerary for a trip to Hong Kong.
- Hike on Dragons Back trail
As a novice hiker, I would say this hike is medium difficulty but it is so rewarding. There are various routes you can go with varying distances and difficulties, I recall it taking us about 2 – 3 hours to hike and reach the beautiful beach at the end. You want to take loads of pictures because the views along the way are amazing.
On the descent down to the beach the views are just as beautiful and once you get there the sea is the respite you need after a long hike. Top tip – take loads of water and snacks.
2. Go to Disneyland
Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE Disney. Hong Kong Disneyland was such a fun day and there are so many things to do in the parks from rides, to live shows, to character meets, or just walking around and taking in the music and scenery. My personal favourite ride is, ‘It’s a small world’, in my opinion it is unrivalled. Disneyland promises an amazing day out for children and adults alike.
3. Stay in a Disney Hotel
The experience of staying on property at Disney is really special. I stayed at the Explorers Lodge, a new Disney hotel which sits at the end of two other luxury Disney hotels by the sea. Everything from the smell of the lobby to the beautiful rooms, amazing restaurants, bakeries and the pool will have you smiling from ear to ear throughout your stay. I mean, where else can you listen to High School Musical tunes by the pool in your comfortable cabana? I know it is not for everyone, but I had the most amazing stay at the Explorers Lodge. I would really recommend taking walks along the walkway by the sea, it is so peaceful. I would also recommend visiting the other hotels which are just a 5 minute walk away. In particular, the beautiful Hong Kong Disneyland hotel and have lunch there at Crystal Lotus; this restaurant is beautiful. You dine in complete bliss with jazz music playing in the background, not to mention the food was amazing.
4. Visit the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island
This place is beautiful. It is really amazing to see the craftsmanship of the Buddha itself (it is huge). To get there you need to take the MTR (the Hong Kong train system), a bus and then the best bit, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. On the way up on the cable car, it has a clear floor so you really do get 360 views, it is a wonderful experience. Around the Buddha itself is Po Lin Monastery which is also beautiful, you are able to walk around their gardens and temple. If you want to take in even more culturally rich experiences, you can also take a bus to the nearby fishing village, they have markets and shops and some local restaurants, I definitely think it is worth going.
5. Visit Victoria Peak
This is an absolute must, the views are incredible. I would recommend going at sunset and at night so you can see Hong Kong all lit up. Up there you just soak it all in. With a mix of city and mountainous views depending on where you go, it is really special.
6. Experience the markets
Temple Street Night Market and Ladies Market are a top spot for tourists. I found Ladies Market in particular really interesting. If haggling and getting a bargain is your thing, head down to the markets, you will be surprised what goods you come back with.
7.Go Boujie shopping in Tsim Sha Tsui
There are so many shopping malls in Hong Kong, they are literally everywhere. One of my favourites was Harbour City Mall, not least because there was a Cheesecake Factory there. On holiday, I do love a nice walk around at the boujie shops and pretend I can afford items contained therein. It actually inspires me and is a form of escapism. If nothing else, it is just lovely to walk around, see what you can see and just maybe, pick up a new purchase.
Have you ever been to Hong Kong before? Where would you recommend going? And if you haven’t been to Hong Kong before, is it now on your bucket list? Comment below.
Love Dominique
