Hong Kong

[Shapsgrl]

Have you been? Any shopping tips? Sightseeing tips?

I arrived in Hong Kong a week ago on business last week. My work will keep me very busy for the next week but the third week that I am here I will have some free time to shop, etc. I have some expereinced male travel companions, but would love some advice from women as well.

Thanks :)

[caramello]

DH and I went last summer. We loved it! I have been before and while the shopping was good, it was not great as I remember. For example, digital cameras were about the same price as back home. We got two pairs of glasses, lens included, for about $120.00. We brought the prescription with us to Hong Kong. Tailored suits are another thing Hong Kong is famous for. There is a night market, a bird market, and antique market, and three streets dedicated to ladies clothes, shoes, and electronics. Food is great and they have plenty of McDonalds in case you miss home. The subway is clean and very easy to use. There is a light on the map inside the subway which tells you which stop you are approaching which I found helpful.

Its a pretty easy place to navigate on your own. People there are generally helpful and speak English. You can always ask the concierge of any hotel for help.

We took a half day guided tour and spent the rest of the days exploring on our own! Didn't take a side trip to Macau, but have heard mixed reviews. We wanted to go mainly to try the Portugese food.

The one thing to remember is that they drive on the opposite side of the road than we do! We almost had a couple of near misses with the buses! They even have it written on the street which way the pedestrians should look first!

HTH! Let me know if you have any more questions!

[caramello]

One more thing - bargaining is key at the market places! Just walk away if its not at the price you want ... most likely they will call you back or chances are you will find it at the next stall. We even bargained for our glasses! Not sure if they bargain in the larger stores.

[longislandlolita]

I loved hanging out in Pacific Place -- they have amazing shops and also some great-priced Hong Kong brands there. Love the food court in the basement. I also like hanging out in Lan Kwai Fong -- not sure if Tokio Joe's is still there, but that's a great sushi place. Will you have time to go to the Peak or take the Star Ferry? I recommend both highly!

[berry]

Bumping this up for more info on Hong Kong.

My friend is going for 10 days at the end of August. She has a friend living there right now, so she is set for a place to stay.

To supplement her research, she's looking for info on best places to visit, and best shopping.

[Shapsgrl]

I've only stayed in Tsimshatsui as I have to be close to my office but there is some really fantastic shopping there.

Granville Road is loaded with shops with all kinds of unique clothing & shoes. Every time I come back with clothes from HK I am the envy of all of my friends.

The only real 'touristy' thing that I have done in HK so far is the light show on the harbor. I believe it is nightly around 8:00 but I would recommend having your sister double-check - I missed it by 30 min my last trip.

Tell your sister to have fun! HK is an amazing place to visit :)

[berry]

Shapsgrl Thanks so much. I'll pass the info on to her!

[sdianems]

It's been a long time since I've been to HK, but I remember a great tram ride up the hills and on the top is the most amazing views of the harbor and all of HK and Kowloon! Definately worth it!

I took a bus ride across the island (opposite where the ferry let's off from Kowloon) and had a great time shopping on that side of the island (I made off with tons of embroidered linens and kites).

I stayed in the YMCA in Kowloon; the hotel is super safe and clean, right on the harbor with killer views of the skyline and right next to one of the most expensive hotels in the area (for the life of me I can't remember the name of it right now).

Wonderful place! She should have a great time of it!

[TracieB]

My hubby and I are planning a 4-day trip to Hong Kong in December. We're trying to figure out the logistics now, but have a question for you all.

We are debating whether to stay all four days in a hotel at HK Disney, since I want a "real" Christmas experience and think it would probably be the closest to the real thing. However, I don't know if four days would be too long to spend solely in Disney. Do you think it would be better for us to get a hotel in the city and just taxi it into Disney a day or two? If so, what do you recommend?

Thanks!

[Shapsgrl]

you know, I haven't been to HK disney, but I would recommend staying in the city anyway. HK is a really amazing place and disney well... you can get it anywhere. HK was formerly a British colony so they definitely celebrate Christmas, and New Year's. They put up lights all over the city and leave them up through Chinese New Year in late Jan.

I can email my HK office if you would like to find out exactly what goes on on Christmas if you would like.

eta: only four days? Are you going other places in Asia as well?

[TracieB]

Shapsgrl - Thanks for your help. I'd love to find out what goes on over there during that season if you can ask your office over there. We live in Guam, so it's not far away and is relatively easy to get to from here. Four days because we have to go back to work!! Thanks again!

[Shapsgrl]

Hi Tracie - here is the answer from one of the guys in our HK office.

"Christmas is a big season in Hong Kong too while lots of people will hang out on the street near the pier in Tsimshatsui, or Lan Kwai Fong in Central area, or Time Square in Causeway because there will be Christmas Countdown event in Christmas Eve. There are also lots of beautiful light decoration on the buildings along the coastline of the Victoria Habour for your guys to enjoy a wonderful night view. Pubs and bars will be filled with people to celebrate this big season.

It's also good to be in Disneyland too. Just depends on your friends favour that he/she would like to stay in crown in town, or to be staying for a sweet time in Disneyland........"

Hope that helps!!

[TracieB]

Perfect! Now I'm really excited. It sounds like the perfect place for us. I think we'll probably stay out in the main part of Hong Kong.. it sounds a bit more like "us." Thanks again for your help. Do you mind if I have more questions in the future?

[Shapsgrl]

Of course I don't mind! I am by no means an expert - While I am going back for my third time this year in Sept/Oct, I have not really done any tourist stuff - but if there is anything that I can help you with, or I can ask my office for you I am happy to do so :)

Enjoy!!

[TracieB]

Shapsgrl - I have another question! We are planning on going from Dec. 22 to the 26th. How soon in advance do you think we should book our hotel? Do you think they book up fast due to the holiday? Would your co-workers know? My husband and I are taking a trip back to the States in September and were wanting to wait to book the trip until we get back (Oct. 1). Do you think that would be too late?