Holidays in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, it’s as much about how you see the sights as the sights themselves. Take the 120-year old funicular tram to Victoria Peak for panoramic city skyline views that will blow your mind – the 360 degree viewing terrace is the highest in Hong Kong.

Hop on the Star Ferry or a traditional junk boat from Victoria Harbour to admire the skyscrapers from the water, or head to the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront for the best views of the famous ‘Symphony of Lights’ show; if you weren’t already in love with Hong Kong, you’ll fall head over heels as you see the city dazzle in front of you.

There’s no end to the culture you can immerse yourself in as you wander around this incredible city. Get the full Asian market experience, in all its chaotic glory, at Temple Street Night Market (the liveliest night market in Hong Kong), or, by delicious contrast, track down Stanley Village Market. It may be quaint looking, but don’t let that fool you: this place is huge, and offers everything from fashion items to ornaments and souvenirs, so it’s a massive hit with locals, expats and tourists alike as a result.

If it’s temples you’re after, be sure to explore the vibrant Wong Tai Sin Temple, dedicated to the Great Immortal Wong, and the 19th century Man Mo Temple, which pays tribute to the God of Literature, Man, and the God of War, Mo. It’s also worth visiting the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, if only for the incredible glass-bottomed Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride. The lush, rolling hills and turquoise sea beneath you as you ride are truly unbelievable.

Does exploring ‘Hong Kong’s Ghetto’ pique your interest? While it’s not on everyone’s Hong Kong holiday to do list, Chungking Mansions is a fascinating amalgamation of food stalls, guesthouses, shops and more, and definitely worth a visit if you want to see another side to the city.

Hong Kong is also home to the world’s longest escalator system, Central Mid Level Escalators, and while that may not sound like something you need to tick off, we highly recommend you ‘ride’ it. Not only is it helpful transportation, it’s also pretty fun and a nice, sometimes much needed, opportunity to rest during a long day of exploring the (very hilly) city! Quick tip: the escalator doesn’t ride down before 10am, and trust us when we say that you do not want to take all of those stairs. Time it right.

Luxury isn’t all about everything included, but our Hong Kong all-inclusive deals are pretty luxurious. Float in the incredible infinity pool overlooking Victoria Harbour at the Intercontinental Hotel, or relax in the Day Spa, which offers hydrotherapy, steam baths and signature Thalasso Baths.

For an extra injection of luxury, why not go Platinum with our oh-so-special The Peninsula Hong Kong? With every detail thought about – Tiffany tea plates, fleets of Rolls Royces and helicopter tours to cooking classes for the kids – this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime hotels. You’re going to love it.

If luxury to you means more than just your hotel, it’s worth stopping by the Elements shopping mall in Kowloon. With designer labels such as Fendi, Hermes and Mulberry available, you can thank us later.

You could stay in Hong Kong for years and still feel like you want to try more of the food, nevermind just on holiday, so make sure you get to sample the following culinary highlights:

• Of course, Hong Kong holidays would not be complete without going on a bit of a dim sum tour of the city. Experience the most authentic dim sum in the 1960s-style Lin Heung Tea House in Central. It’s one of the oldest tea houses in the city, and you won’t find an Old Hong Kong dining experience quite like it.
• Enjoy fine dining at Gaddi’s, the signature restaurant at The Peninsula Hotel and the original French haute cuisine establishment. If you like to enjoy several courses by chandelier light, this place is for you.
• For authentic Cantonese cooking, Michelin-starred Spring Moon in Tsim Sha Tsui is your best bet, and the area is also fantastic for good old noodle restaurants.

It’s worth checking what events and festivals might be on during holidays to Hong Kong, as Chinese festivals are hard to beat. Our picks?

• January/February: Chinese New Year, of course, is the most important event on the calendar, and Hong Kong does New Year in style. Think colourful street parades, festivals galore and a whole city lit up by lanterns. There’s truly no more beautiful a time to visit the city than during Chinese New Year, which falls around the start of each year.
• June-August: The Chinese Opera Festival showcases Ancient China through the arts, and involves local Cantonese opera, part of UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. If you can catch a show, do.