A week in Hong Kong
A week in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a high-energy metropolis located on the southern coast of China. Known as the "Fragrant Harbour," it is a world-class financial hub where towering skyscrapers meet lush, mountainous terrain. Since 1997, it has been part of China under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle. Hong Kong maintains a Common Law system (inherited from the UK) and its own currency, the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). The city is a fusion of British colonial history and deep-rooted Cantonese traditions.
I was here for a week and here is a quick tour of my vacation here.
Days
Day 1: Arrival in Hong Kong and Peak Tram
Arrival in Hong Kong and Peak Tram visit
I arrived in Hong Kong in the morning. My hotel was located in Tsim Sha Tsui, about 35 km from the airport. There are two main ways to reach this area: the first is to hop on the Airport Express to Hong Kong Station and then catch an MTR train to Tsim Sha Tsui Station. The second way is to catch a direct bus. While the train is the faster option, the bus is cheaper and more comfortable since there is no need to switch between multiple trains. After an hour's drive, I reached my hotel and checked in. Since I had been on an overnight flight, I dozed off as soon as I arrived. I woke up later in the evening and headed toward the Peak Tram. The MTR (the local metro) is the best way to travel within the city, so I took it to Admiralty Station and walked to the tram terminus. The Peak Tram is usually crowded, even on weekdays and especially during holiday seasons, so it is better to pre-book tickets. I used Klook to secure mine in advance. The tram is a small funicular that climbs the hill at a steep incline; the ride up the mountain is pure bliss and a unique experience. I also purchased a ticket to the Sky Terrace 428, a viewpoint 428m above sea level. The views there are scintillating—you can see the entire city skyline, the skyscrapers, and Victoria Harbour. I sipped coffee while enjoying the vista before heading back down. I jumped back on the MTR and was soon back at Tsim Sha Tsui. I had a quick dinner and dashed to Avenue of stars to enjoy the beautifully lit buildings along the harbour. I then moved back to my hotel for a good night's sleep
Visit
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Hong Kong International Airport
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Peak Tram Lower Terminus
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Sky Terrace 428
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Peak Tram
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Avenue Of Stars
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Eat
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Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Restaurant (Tsim Sha Tsui)
Stay
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Best Western Plus Hotel Kowloon
Transit
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MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station
Photos
Day 2: Visit to Ngong Ping Village
Ngong Ping 360 and Tian Tan Buddha
Day 2 started with a visit to Ngong Ping Village. Since I had pre-booked this trip, a vehicle was arranged for my pick-up. Ngong Ping is located on the same island as the airport, so the journey took about an hour. I soon reached the cable car station and began my ascent. It is worth noting that there can be huge crowds trying to board the cable cars. The ascent was smooth and offered great views of the Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, which is an engineering marvel. It took about 15–20 minutes to reach the top of the hill. Ngong Ping Village is also the starting point for tours to the Tai O fishing village. Although I didn't opt for that tour—which includes dolphin watching and a look at traditional village life—it gave me plenty of time to roam around Ngong Ping. My first stop was the famous Tian Tan Buddha. This majestic, 34-meter-tall bronze statue symbolizes the harmonious relationship between humanity and nature. I climbed the 268 steps to reach the base, where I was rewarded with sweeping views of the lush mountains and the nearby Po Lin Monastery. The tiring climb was quickly forgotten once I saw the clouds hovering over the peaks. After exploring the views, I headed back down to visit the monastery. There are many restaurants in the area, including options for Indian and vegetarian food, so finding lunch was easy. Afterward, I explored a bit more before taking the cable car back down. The MTR station is located just opposite the cable car terminus, so I caught a train and stopped at the Harbour city mall. This is one of the biggest malls in Hong Kong. Although, I did not shop here, I strolled around getting a glimpse of all the luxury brands. I dashed out soon and was back at my hotel to end my day.
Visit
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Tian Tan Buddha
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Ngong Ping Village
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Ngong Ping 360
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Harbour City
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Eat
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Ebeneezer's Kebabs & Pizzeria (Ngong Ping) | Halal Certified
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Dolce Wonderland
Stay
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Best Western Plus Hotel Kowloon
Transit
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Tung Chung Station
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Tsim Sha Tsui
Photos
Day 3: Ocean Park and Sneaker Street
Ocean Park and Sneaker Street
Today was dedicated to visiting Ocean Park. Since I had pre-booked my tickets, a vehicle was arranged for my pick-up. The park opens at 10:00 AM, and I arrived five minutes early. We were soon let into the park, which is a unique mix of a zoo, an aquarium, and an amusement park. The highlight of the park is the pandas (note that a separate ticket is required to visit them). There are two enclosures: one for adult pandas and another for the cubs. I started with the younger pandas; they were incredibly cute as they munched on bamboo shoots. Afterward, I visited the meerkats and the bird park. To enjoy the thrill rides, you have to ascend the mountain. There are two ways to get there: the cable car, which takes 15 minutes and offers amazing views, and the Ocean Express (a funicular), which takes about 5 minutes. Because the cable car queue was quite long, I took the funicular up. Once at the top, there are multiple rides and animal shows. I particularly enjoyed the dolphin show, even though I couldn't understand the Cantonese commentary. The shark, penguin, and seal enclosures were all well-maintained, but the highlight for me was seeing a walrus for the first time. Among the rides, I especially liked The Rapids (a water-based ride), the Arctic Blast coaster, and the Ocean Park Tower, which provides a 360-degree view of the park and the coastline. After finishing the rides, I took the cable car back down to enjoy the mesmerizing views. Before leaving, I visited the adult pandas, who were also busy eating bamboo. A quick tip for travelers: there are limited restaurant options inside and very few vegetarian choices, so it is best to carry dry snacks and drinks for hydration. Although there is a fireworks display late in the evening, I decided to head back early. Since I had some extra time, I made one last stop at Sneaker Street and the Ladies Market in Mong Kok. Sneaker Street is lined with shops selling brands like Adidas, Nike, and Asics at rates much cheaper than in India. I couldn't resist making a purchase! I also took a quick stroll through the parallel Ladies Market to shop for souvenirs and toys. After a full day of shopping and sightseeing, I headed back to my hotel for another good night's rest
Visit
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Ocean Park
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Sneakers Street
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Ladies' Market
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Eat
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Saravanaa Bhavan Hong Kong
Stay
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Best Western Plus Hotel Kowloon
Transit
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Ocean Park
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Admiralty Station
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MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station
Photos
Day 4: Macao day trip and Symphony of Lights
Macao day trip
Another day, and another day trip beckoned—this time to a different territory. Macao, located across the South China Sea, was ready to welcome me. Often called the 'Las Vegas of Asia,' Macao is a unique blend of Portuguese colonial history and high-stakes modern glamour. There are two ways to reach Macao from Hong Kong: by road via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge or by ferry. I chose the ferry. I reached the Hong Kong Ferry Terminal via the MTR, having pre-booked my entire trip in advance. After completing the departure immigration process, I boarded the ferry for the one-hour journey. It was one of the most comfortable ferry rides I have ever experienced. Upon reaching Macao, I went through arrival immigration; since it wasn't crowded, the process took less than five minutes. My guide was waiting for me, and the tour began immediately. Macao was a Portuguese colony, and Portuguese remains an official language. Our first stop was the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ruins of St. Paul’s. Originally constructed in the 17th century, the church was destroyed by fire, leaving only its majestic facade. Due to the Chinese New Year holidays, there was a massive crowd. Afterward, I had a buffet lunch which, luckily, included several vegetarian options like noodles, pizza, and soup. Next, I was taken to the Macau Tower, the tallest building in the city and a popular spot for bungee jumping. We then moved on to the A-Ma Temple, dedicated to the Taoist sea goddess. Believed to be the birthplace of Macao, it is another UNESCO World Heritage site. After a quick stroll, we headed to the most interesting part of the city: the Cotai Strip. The Cotai Strip is a piece of reclaimed land between the islands of Taipa and Coloane. It is home to some of the world’s largest casino resorts, such as The Venetian Macao and The Londoner Macao. This is the only place in China where gambling is legal, and the area is incredibly grand. In fact, you can see replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and the St. Mark's Campanile all on the same street! True to its reputation as the 'Las Vegas of the East,' the casinos are everywhere. I visited the one inside The Venetian (where photography is strictly prohibited). The sheer scale of wealth and the money being spent there is hard to describe. I also discovered teamLab SuperNature, an immersive art space that was truly remarkable. The Venetian itself is themed after Venice, complete with a gondola ride on the third floor—an experience words can hardly do justice. Free shuttles connect the various resorts, the airport, and the ferry terminals. As the sun began to set, I hopped onto one of these shuttles to the terminal for my return journey. Once back in Hong Kong and through immigration, I took the MTR to Central Station. I wanted to catch the Star Ferry (which costs only about $5 HKD) to Tsim Sha Tsui. The ferry offered stunning views of the brightly lit Victoria Harbour and the skyline. I arrived on the other side just in time for the Symphony of Lights, a beautiful 10-minute light and music show. As soon as it ended, I headed back to my hotel after a tiring but colorful day
Visit
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Macao
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Ruins of Saint Paul's
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Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center
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Venetian Macao Casino
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The Parisian Macao
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Eiffel Tower
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The Londoner Macao
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teamLab SuperNature Macao
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Sands Macao
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Macau Fisherman's Wharf
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Symphony of lights
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Eat
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Metropark Hotel Macau
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Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant
Stay
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Best Western Plus Hotel Kowloon
Transit
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Star Ferry Pier
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Star Ferry Pier
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Taipa Ferry Terminal
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Hong Kong - Macau Ferry Terminal
Photos
Day 5: Disneyland HongKong
Disneyland HongKong
Truly the most colorful and penultimate day of my trip was my visit to Disneyland. Although I have been to Disneyland Paris before, this experience was quite different. A visit to the park always brings back my childhood memories. Early that morning, I took the MTR to reach the resort. The park usually opens at 10:00 AM, but I highly recommend purchasing an Early Access ticket, which allows you to enter at 9:00 AM. I did exactly that, enabling me to enter much earlier and avoid the initial rush. Given the holiday season, I realized I had made a great choice, as the crowds increased significantly as the day progressed. My first ride was Frozen Ever After, which was the same attraction where the largest crowds gathered later on. I loved it! As time passed, the wait time for this ride soared to 80 minutes. Other rides I thoroughly enjoyed were Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!, Hyperspace Mountain, Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars (a must-try), Mystic Manor, and the Jungle River Cruise. A helpful tip: some rides have a 'Single Rider' line for faster entry; I used this to save a considerable amount of time. Thanks to the early access and single-rider lines, I managed to finish most of the rides by late afternoon. While there is a fireworks display at 9:00 PM, I was already quite tired, so I decided to depart early. It is worth noting that there aren't many great restaurant options inside, and coffee shops like Starbucks are quite expensive. I recommend bringing dry snacks and juices to stay hydrated. I absolutely loved my visit to Disneyland. Soon, I was back at my hotel, happily reminiscing about the day
Visit
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Hong Kong Disneyland
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Eat
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Starbucks (Hong Kong Disneyland)
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Saravanaa Bhavan Hong Kong
Stay
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Best Western Plus Hotel Kowloon
Transit
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East Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit P3
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Sunny Bay Station
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Disneyland Resort Station
Photos
Day 6: Departure from Hong Kong
Departure from Hong Kong
Sadly, the trip had to come to an end. Since my flight was in the evening, I made a quick dash to the famous Monster Building. This is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic architectural landmarks, renowned for its extreme density and 'urban jungle' aesthetic. It isn't actually a single building, but a complex of five interconnected blocks in Quarry Bay. Locals nicknamed it the 'Monster Building' because of its sheer scale and the overwhelming, almost suffocating feeling one gets when standing in the courtyard looking up. It gained international fame after being featured as a battlefield in Transformers: Age of Extinction. After taking some quick photos, I headed back to my hotel, checked out, and made my way to the airport for departure. Hong Kong will always have a special place in my heart. The beautifully lit buildings along the harbor, the towering skyscrapers, the iconic double-decker buses, the efficient MTR, and the magic of Disneyland—along with the helpful people I met—will always remain in my memory. I will definitely visit Hong Kong again, especially to experience the Peak Tram and Disneyland once more. Goodbye for now, until the next trip! Please refer to my notes for more travel tips
Visit
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Yick Cheong Building
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Hong Kong International Airport
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Eat
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Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant
Photos
Notes
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1. Use this link to get discount while booking activities on Klook - https://klook.tpx.li/dYMW8NXO
2. Hong Kong does not need a visa for Indians. But a PAR - Pre-arrival registration is required. With this, Indians can stay in Hong Kong for 14 days. Please make sure to enter the passport and name details correctly so that the PAR and entry is not rejected.
3. No additional visa or PAR is needed for Macau.
4. Purchase Octopus card for transport. The same card can be used on buses, MTR, cable car and even restaurants. The card can be recharged at any convenience store like 7eleven. The Octopus card can be purchased beforehand from Klook and can be collected at airport.
5. Pre-booking tickets in advance helps for two reasons. One there is a pick up arranged so there is no need to worry about public transport. Two there is a separate line for group bookings and the entry is faster in these bookings.
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6. Most places have wifi. But it is recommended to buy a sim/esim for Hong Kong. Please note for Macau, a separate sim is needed because the same operator does not work in both places.
7. Hotel rooms are small. And they don't provide water. Although tap water is safe, it is better to purchase in convenience stores at a cheaper rate.
8. Camera and its accessories are cheaper. Please visit Mong Kok for shopping cameras.
9. Indian restaurants are present. Most of them are around the Tsim Sha Tsui area.
10. Please carry umbrella as weather can change suddenly.
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