Six of the best things to do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a region of vast contrast, with ancient and modern comfortably cohabiting. You’ll discover the extraordinary art of imperial China and the showtime spectacular at Disneyworld, the stilt houses of Lantau Island and the gleaming high rise towers of Hong Kong Island.

Hit the shops

Shopping in the lively street markets or high-end stores is one of the most popular things to do in Hong Kong. If you like to explore then the Ladies’ Market, with over a hundred stalls of fashion and accessories on Tung Choi Street in Kowloon, is for you.
At the other end of the spectrum the IFC luxury shopping mall, with over 200 shops in Central Hong Kong, has Cartier, Bang and Olufsen and other high-end names on offer.

Never leave the resort

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort on Lantau Island, with all its magic, has everything you need for a great family holiday. In true Disney style there are numerous things to keep the kids occupied. There’s the Jungle River Cruise, Tarzan’s Treehouse and the Fantasy Gardens. With hotels and restaurants on site you need never leave the resort.

Take a breath

Catch the ferry from Central Pier and make the short journey to Lamma Island. Step out on the Lamma trail, which begins at Sok Kwu Wan, with its delightful cluster of seafood restaurants. On route visit the Tin Hau Temple, named after the Goddess of the Sea and take in the views of Aberdeen Bay. Cross Hung Shing Yeh Beach, or stop for a swim before completing the trail at Yung Shue Wan with its narrow lanes and selection of shops, pubs and restaurants.

Head for heights

Take a tour on Lantau Island. With pick up points across Kowloon, the tour takes you first to see the magnificent ‘Big Buddha’ – a staggering 34 metres high – and Po Lin Monastery, dubbed the ‘Buddhist World in the South.’ Stroll in the beautiful gardens and enjoy a vegetarian meal in the restaurant. Move on to the Ngong Ping cable car and enjoy your glide over the most beautiful terrain. The tour concludes with a boat journey to the Tai O fishing village with its houses built on stilts.

A feast for all your senses

Kowloon’s main thoroughfare is Nathan Road. The packed street is filled with cooking aromas, haggling vendors, flashing neon lights and a mass of people moving between shops and stalls. It’s an authentic experience that’ll be the highlight of your trip.
Nathan Road and surrounding areas have some prime examples of Hong Kong’s renowned nightlife. The unusual Vibes open air lounge, for example, is tucked away in a fifth-floor courtyard of the Mira Hotel and has open fires, running waterways and secluded cabanas. Here you can eat, enjoy a drink and dance the night away.

Take to the water

A visit to Hong Kong is never complete without visiting the historic Victoria Harbour, situated between the hills of Kowloon and the distinctive high-rise landscape of Hong Kong Island. There are a variety of harbour tours to take your pick from. In the evening, the wonderful Symphony of Lights offers a multimedia extravaganza.
If you enjoy all the sights and sounds of the harbour, take the funicular railway to Victoria Peak, an attraction in its own right, and look down on the bay. I thought it was the best view in all of Hong Kong.