Hong Kong

Why Visit Hong Kong?

Looking from the outside, Hong Kong may seem like a densely populated city, but there is so much more to this city than you would think. I should know, I made the mistake of not visiting Hong Kong earlier with the same notion.

For one, the technological and architectural marvel of the city is in a league of its own. Secondly, Hong Kong has been a harbor city throughout most of its life, and with a combination of its oriental cultural foundation and British influence, Hong Kong is one of the countries that can blend the East and the West into its own identity. Lastly, and surprisingly, the hiking this city offers will surprise even the best of us adventurers.

When To Visit Hong Kong?

November to January is preferable, as the temperature is mild and dry, which is perfect for hiking and exploring the city's extremely dense streets. Summer, on the other hand, is very hot and humid, making exploration tiresome and hiking difficult.

How to Get to Hong Kong?

By Plane: The fastest way to get to Hong Kong is to fly into the country directly via Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), one of the most popular travel hubs in Asia. You should have no trouble flying here via airlines like Cathay Pacific and AirAsia, which have excellent coverage all over the world.

You can find cheap flights to Hong Kong from Trip.com, Skyscanner, or Expedia.

By Ferry: If you are in Macau, you can also take a high-speed ferry from Macau Outer Harbor to Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal. It costs around 200 HKD and takes a little under an hour. You can book the ticket in advance here.

By Bus: If you can spare some time and would like to save a bit of money, you can also travel from Macau to Hong Kong by bus from several spots in the city. The bus will take about 3 hours in total as you will have to go through 2 immigrations, and it should cost about 150 HKD. You can also book the ticket in advance here.

By High Speed Train: If you are in China, you can also take a high-speed train from any of the major cities in the South like Shenzhen and Guangzhou. It costs around 30 USD and takes a little over an hour. You can book the ticket in advance here. You will clear immigrations for both China and Hong Kong when you get off at West Kowloon Station.

How to Get Around Hong Kong?

By Metro: Hong Kong has excellent metro coverage, and you can get just about anywhere with it. It’s extremely accessible and convenient, with payment just a quick tap of your credit card. A single journey usually costs around 6 HKD per person.

By Bus: Buses are also a great option if you prefer a direct ride without transfers. I took one from Fortress Hill to Kowloon in a single trip, which was super convenient. You can even pay with a credit card, which is awesome. Most routes cost around 2.6 HKD, while the Airport Express buses range from approximately 35 to 50 HKD.

By Tram: If you’re staying on Hong Kong Island, you can also use the vintage trams to get around. They’re slow and a bit clunky, but perfect for photos, especially at night when the streets and skyscrapers are lit up. A single ride costs about 3.30 HKD. While some trams accept tap-to-pay, the older ones might not, so it’s best to have the exact cash on hand for the ride.

By Uber: If you’re looking for a more comfortable ride, you can also opt for Uber to get around Hong Kong. It’s more expensive, but not as much as you might think. I took a taxi up and down Victoria Peak, and it ended up being cheaper for two people than taking the tram. Plus, we didn’t have to queue for the tram. Win-win!

How Much Money Do I Need For Hong Kong?

Here, we can calculate approximately how much money you will be spending here on average per day as follows:

Which tourist SIM card is best for Hong Kong?

Wifi is widely available in Hong Kong, so a SIM card may not be needed for such a short trip. However, CSL seems to have the most coverage if you are interested in buying one, with easy online top-ups or vouchers available from convenience stores. They also offer a good 3-day, 2GB data package for HK$38. For more information, visit this page.

For the most convenient option, I highly recommend getting an e-SIM from Klook or Trip.com if your phone supports it. They’re affordable, easy to set up, and activate automatically the moment you arrive, so you won’t have to sort anything out at the airport.

If not, Wi-Fi is readily available throughout Hong Kong, or if you prefer a physical SIM card, you can go with CSL, which seems to offer the best coverage. You should be able to find their SIM cards at phone shops or at the airport.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Hong Kong?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Hong Kong:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Hong Kong in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.