[tsk1979]

Hey globetrotters,
I leave bay area this sunday for home sweet home(Noida) and on the way there is a 17hour stop over at Hong Kong.
Earlier I was thinking of taking a guided tour or something, but would like more independence. So can you suggest some central place where I can easily get by in Public transport and do some shopping(mostly for wife, no electronics as got everything in US).
Also some place to hang out and kill some 4-5 hours? (I will reach at around 7am and will have to get back to the airport by 6pm.

[low_bass_makker]

One thing for sure Hong Knog is one of the world expensive cities to live in so before buying anything do the calculation....any ways have a nice trip back home...

[tsk1979]

But I heard their street markets rival Palika Bazaar if you are a good bargainer?

[low_bass_makker]

ha here is the catch they are the fake stuff so beware before purchasing any thing expensive......

[tsk1979]

fake clothes are not a problem I am not really a stickler for brands you see

[ballkey]

I suggest Tsim sha Tsui(TST). Lots of malls, showrooms etc. Take a ferry ride to HK and a tram ride up the Peak. Come back and hangout in TST. Gawk at the Peninsular and the pretty advertisements on the HK buildings. Wait for an evening shot of HK skyline, then back to airport.

If you had more than a day , I'd suggest going to Macau or Lantau.

[Wheeliej]

Hi, Ballkey is right; Peak also has some malls and great eating places - if you can, go in the evening. You can also try Oceanworld there - wonderful sights and rides - u can spend a whole day there (will cost abt HKD 550 though). Remember to carry change for the bus and train rides though; Bus doesnt give change at all and Trains dont take note sizes >20$. Lantau island is a great ride (but maybe a bit boring since there is only the huge metal buddha there and a monastery). Try and reach the Hollywood Causeway (sorry - may be missing the name) at TST and take a boat ride @ sunset to HK central - is really great. Chinatown (Kowloon side) if you want to pick up some cheap fakes. There is a good Indian/nepali restaurant there - Kanchan behind 7-11 off the main road. u will be walking a lot, so wear comfortable shoes.

[SAHIR.KITTUR]

Hi Mates,
Here is what I am looking for,
5 adults & 2 kids ( 8 & 5 )
Hong kong trip ( Do not want to club any other places )
Day 1. Arrive & Rest. Maybe a evening harbour activity.
Day 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 . Around Hong kong.
Day 6 & 7 in Disneyland hotel.
Day 8 Bye bye HK with some good memories. ( Not Shopping )

Kindly advise on some good accomodation in hong kong , prefer near the harbour.
Can I hire a self driven rent a car ( read that as a van ).

Thank you Mates.

[Deep_Shri]

Hi Shahir:

Depending on your sightseeing plan you should choose the island where to stay. Kowloon is relatively less expensive.

I noticed that you did not mention a ferry ride to Macau in your plan. A day trip to Macau is not a bad idea. For about $250 per person a fast ferry to Macau makes for an interesting ride. Visa is on arrival and the moment you emerge you will be accosted by taxi drivers. They will quote anywhere between $1000 to $1500 but will usually take you around for $800 for a full day sightseeing. Macau Tower I think kids will like. I lost the number of the guy who normally takes me around.

In HongKong considering the numerous toll booths, its advisable to take taxis. The taxi I normally use is of Wong Wing Fai and his number is +85269690118. He will possibly arrange another taxi for you. For one day sight seeing, he will charge about $1000. (All $ are HK dollars which is about Rs.6).

Have a nice trip.

Cheers!!!

[DoNotHorn]

I had been to HK last year to show my son Disney land as his 5th birthday gift. I stayed in BP international hotel. Quite good and near to all kind of shops.

I feel you will get bored staying so long in HK(unless ur going to Macau and shopping trip to china).

We stayed 4 days only and covered what we wanted(No Macau and China also we did not see the Giant Buddha).
First day - HK downtown and boat ride.
Second day - Oceanworld
Third day - Disneyland
Fourth day - wrap up, peak, evening flight back to Bangalore, Shopping every day at night.

Oceanworld and Disneyland if great for kids and one day each is more than enough, Disney land is nto as big as in USA or Paris.

Go to Mongkok area are buya a xbox if u don;t have, its atleat 6000 cheaper than india with a additional game(worth 3000) so u same3 almost 9000, You will really enjoy xbox back home.

The metro network is quite good and no need to use taxis everywhere.
Go to oceanworld and disneyland on a weekday to avoid rush.

Regards,

[navan49]

Shahirji,
There are lots of places in Hong kong to see and enjoy. You can see many places for a week.
One day can be spent on Macau. You can enjoy the lighting beauty of Hong kong from Kowloon side at 7.30 or 7.40pm. If possible make a short Star cruise trip. Take a tram trip to the peak.See the time square. Enjoy the IFC Mall. Enjoy the MRT(Metro rail Trips). Have a couple of ferry rides between Kowloon and HkUsing pier 6 or 7. The Ocean Park needs one full day don't miss the Ocean dreams show of Dolphins and Sea Lions.If you like visit the Hong kong central library. Tung Chu station and all the factory outlets there . Visit the Buddha point from Tung Chu station by bus or by rope way if you are lucky you will get the rope way. During my visit it was suspended.Don't miss the vegetarian chinese meals of that monastery. I am starting my Hong kong visit in a day or two with pictures in either places to see in Malaysia Singapore thread or here in this thread.

[Vik0728]

Hey Bhpians,

Me and my better half are planning a 5/6 days holiday at Hong Kong which we both are very excited about. I have tried pretty much all the Travel Bazaars and Travel Helpers but all seemed either too pricey or too bland.
So we have decided to do this on our own.

Travel Date - 7/8 November '12
People - 2
Days - 5/6days
Places - Hong Kong & Macau

So all "Travel Logue" experts, here's what I would be really looking forward for :

1. Which Airlines should be opt for if we need to Get the Most Economical Airfare ?

2. Which Hotel/Hotels would provide us the Most economical stay in Hong Kong ?

3. How should we commute in Hong Kong since we will be on our Own and neither of us have been to Hong Kong before ?

4. How do we get to Macau from Hong Kong ?

5. We have planned a visit to Disney Land, Madam Tussads, Ocean Park & Langau Island Tour. Are we missing out on any here ?

Would really appreciate your assistance & advise on this guys at the earliest as we are looking at finalyzing the trip in the next few days.

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by Vik0728

Hey Bhpians,

Me and my better half are planning a 5/6 days holiday at Hong Kong which we both are very excited about. I have tried pretty much all the Travel Bazaars and Travel Helpers but all seemed either too pricey or too bland.
So we have decided to do this on our own.

Travel Date - 7/8 November '12
People - 2
Days - 5/6days
Places - Hong Kong & Macau

So all "Travel Logue" experts, here's what I would be really looking forward for :

1. Which Airlines should be opt for if we need to Get the Most Economical Airfare ?

2. Which Hotel/Hotels would provide us the Most economical stay in Hong Kong ?

3. How should we commute in Hong Kong since we will be on our Own and neither of us have been to Hong Kong before ?

4. How do we get to Macau from Hong Kong ?

5. We have planned a visit to Disney Land, Madam Tussads, Ocean Park & Langau Island Tour. Are we missing out on any here ?

Would really appreciate your assistance & advise on this guys at the earliest as we are looking at finalyzing the trip in the next few days.

Excellent. Wish you a happy holiday.
I am attempting to answer some of your queries.
1. Try cathay pacific, dragon air , air china or a combination thereof. Also consider Jet Airways because they are offering reasonable fares.
2. For economical hotels, Kowloon Central is usually nice. Try booking.com and book your hotels. They only take a credit card guarantee and you only get charged when you actually stay.
3. The public transport in Hongkong is marvellous. Pick up a tourist map at the airport or at your hotel and it is very easy all round. Best is, because of its Colonial heritage, you will find a lot of English speaking people around.
4.Macau is accessed from the Star Ferry Terminal by a 45 minute ferry ride. Well worth a visit. There is a lovely Grand Prix museum there as well as the great casino developments. Do go up to the St. Paul Cathedral's ruins because it is truly beautiful. In Macau, you may want to rent a cab for a fixed period of time of say 4 hours or so and get taken around in comfort. I dont know what the charges are now but I paid some 150 or so HKD some years ago for this service amd it was well worth it, with a good cab and an English speaking driver. Dont miss the views of the Governor's residence!
5. Looks like you have your itinerary planned! All the best! Make sure you pop up to Victoria Peak to see the sweeping views...

[paras211]

the public transport is super , i used my iphone didnt even need a map. What bus to take what train to use its all there, but not sure with the ios6.
I didnt find the wax museum any fun,but the view from the topof that building is beautiful there's a big buddha temple and a huge statue there serene place that is . The light show on the waterfront is nice.

[Sha09mel]

Originally Posted by Vik0728

Hey Bhpians,

Me and my better half are planning a 5/6 days holiday at Hong Kong which we both are very excited about. I have tried pretty much all the Travel Bazaars and Travel Helpers but all seemed either too pricey or too bland.
So we have decided to do this on our own.

Travel Date - 7/8 November '12
People - 2
Days - 5/6days
Places - Hong Kong & Macau

So all "Travel Logue" experts, here's what I would be really looking forward for :

1. Which Airlines should be opt for if we need to Get the Most Economical Airfare ?

2. Which Hotel/Hotels would provide us the Most economical stay in Hong Kong ?

3. How should we commute in Hong Kong since we will be on our Own and neither of us have been to Hong Kong before ?

4. How do we get to Macau from Hong Kong ?

5. We have planned a visit to Disney Land, Madam Tussads, Ocean Park & Langau Island Tour. Are we missing out on any here ?

Would really appreciate your assistance & advise on this guys at the earliest as we are looking at finalyzing the trip in the next few days.

Being a regular traveller to HK, hope to help with your queries.

1) Cathy and Jet are good but expensive, Having travelled via Air India this September was impressed with the service and punctuality. I suggest compare prices before taking a decision.

2) For hotels I suggest Kowloon area as the hotels are cheap and lot of options.
a) Park hotel Hong Kong: Excellent rooms and bf with free wifi.
b) Stanford Hillview Hotel: Good rooms but the bf was bad with free wifi.

Do not stay near Chungking mansion very dicy area.

3) Octopus hong kong card is the best way to travel in Hong kong. Buy a card for HKD 500 and both of you can travel in ease. Available once you come out to the arrival hall ask for directions to the Octopus booth. Google to get more information on the card.
You have an option to travel by bus or airport express train depending where your hotel is located. Octopus card works on all transportation in HK expect for cabs. Avoid taking the cab from airport as it's very expensive.

4) I believe the ferry to Macau departs from hung hom ferry pier which is close to kowloon. Never been to Macau so not much info.

5) Do not miss the night market at Mong kok street great bargins. LKP street for great retaurants and bars. After 8pm visit the avenue of stars, its a great display of lights on buildings located at wan chai.

Hope this helps, let me know if you require any further assistance.