Hong Kong

Hong Kong is well known as the gateway to China and South-East Asia, a place where western culture blends seamlessly with the eastern tradition of the Orient with influences from Nepal to New York City. As a highly developed city, Hong Kong boasts magnificent architecture in towering skyscrapers and a state-of-the-art transport system, making it easy to get around and explore the vast urban tangle.

Made up of a number of contrasting districts (Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and the 234 Outlying Islands), Hong Kong is a perfect destination with something in store for all kinds of travellers. For the outdoorsy types, rent a bike and have a cycle on the bike paths of the New Territories around Tolo Harbour, or have a hike on Lantau Island before relaxing on the beautiful Cheung Sha beach. For a unique quasi-religious experience at dawn, kick start your mornings with a daily dose of Tai Chi in the tranquillity of a city park on Hong Kong Island.

Be sure to head up Victoria Peak by having a scenic ride up the Peak Tram to witness a spectacular view of the cityscape and harbours. As the most popular tourist attraction in Hong Kong, Victoria Peak is a must for any visitor. While your up there, dine at the traditional Peak Lookout Restaurant for a high-altitude meal.

You’ll find some great buys in the famous mile-long Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon. A must for any tourist, it’s a perfect place to haggle for some cheap faux-fabulous clothes and jewellery at the crowded bric-a-brac stalls. The place comes to life at dusk with colourful street entertainers, buskers, and delicious food stalls which make the Market well worth a visit. For some more upmarket buys, head to the glittering marble shopping malls of Central Hong Kong Island or Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, before soaking up a spectacular view of the bright lights on a harbour cruise at night. Then, hang out with the latest trendsetters in Lan Kwai Fong, one of Hong Kong’s most hip and happening areas, with bars and restaurants for all tastes and budgets.

For the travelling family, why not take the kids to the 126-hectare Hong Kong Disneyland (and release your inner child too!). Maybe spend a day at the Ocean Park and Middle Kingdom theme park which boast what is regarded as the largest aquarium in the world.