Hong Kong and Macau - some Hong Kong basic questions

I am thinking about visiting Hong Kong on a longer trip possibly around November/December, and am curious about some basic facts:

- what would the weather be like around that time?
- how much time would be needed to visit the major sights that are easily accessible by public transportation (and what are they...)?
- how much should I budget per day for accomodation, transportation, food etc. I am usually a frugal traveller who is happy with basic (e.g. around 3* US level accomodations).

Thanks.

I am thinking about visiting Hong Kong on a longer trip possibly around November/December, and am curious about some basic facts:

- what would the weather be like around that time?Could be anywhere from pleasant and mild to chilly and wet.

- how much time would be needed to visit the major sights that are easily accessible by public transportation (and what are they...)?Hong Kong cabs are cheap and plentiful. The Metro is very easy to use for larger hops, e.g. cross-straight though the Star Ferry is a "must do" for getting from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island.

As to what the major sights are, perhaps the best place for you to start is with a guide book or, at least, an internet search.

- how much should I budget per day for accomodation, transportation, food etc. I am usually a frugal traveller who is happy with basic (e.g. around 3* US level accomodations).Hong Kong is an extremely expensive city. I'm not a frugal traveler, so I have no idea what is available at the lower end of the hotel range. Food ranges from pretty inexpensive to the most expensive in the world, depending on where you eat and what you want to eat. Again, a good starting place is a guidebook or a Google search. These kinds of, "tell me everything about a place I want to go," threads are not likely to encourage a lot of helpful responses.

Merlin,

Foods are quite cheap and nice at those old shophouses along roadside.
I would rather advise u to skip restaurant if your budget is tight.
I went to yung kee restaurant to try their goose drumstick and felt nothing special. The meal alone cost HK1,122. Shock us! We just ordered half chicken, half duck, 8-10pcs roast pig and tofu dish only.

As for mtr, u can buy tourist card and travel unlimited for 24hrs! Inside got discount coupon for attraction too!:D

Hong Kong can be cheap or expensive. For the last couple of years, I've stayed there 4-5 times per year. The hotel I stay at, a decent 4*, has gone up about 20% for bookings made this year. Luckily I'm top elite at the hotel, so get a lot of extras which reduce food costs to $0, if I don't want to eat out.

If you go a bit further in the New Territories, the prices come down.

One other tip that you might want to keep in mind, is that many hotel loyalty programs have specials. Say, stay 2 times, and get 1 free night. I find cheap nights in the US, and earn expensive nights in HKG. Works out to as low as $80 per HKG night depending on the promo. Plus you get stay points, and elite benefits once you get above base membership.

If you go to mainland China, then you'll find a lot more options. I've stayed at $30 a night places, that are nicer than $150 a night HKG properties. The views may not be quite so good, though. ;)

US citizens need a visa, so make sure you figure out the entire costs before jumping in.

On average, I spend $150 a day for 4* hotel with club access, taxi and the occasional meal out. Some great dim sum places out there.

I actually prefer HKG to SIN, as prices in SIN have shot up so much.

I am thinking about visiting Hong Kong on a longer trip possibly around November/December, and am curious about some basic facts:

- what would the weather be like around that time?
- how much time would be needed to visit the major sights that are easily accessible by public transportation (and what are they...)?
- how much should I budget per day for accomodation, transportation, food etc. I am usually a frugal traveller who is happy with basic (e.g. around 3* US level accomodations).

Thanks.

I just got back from a Hong Kong trip on Tuesday, as always, a wonderful trip. No visa is required for Hong Kong, but if you wish to visit China, you will need a visa.

The weather in November or December is absolutely perfect, the perfect time of the year to visit Hong Kong. You are looking at temperatures in the high sixties, which sounds cold, but in reality those are Hong Kong's sunniest and driest months. Also, Nov. and Dec. are some of the only months during which HKG is not disgustingly humid!

3 days in Hong Kong is enough to see all the major attractions, and to get a decent feel for some of the neighborhoods, but the longer the better I say!

Some of the more popular Hong Kong attractions that I liked include:

1: Victoria Peak, you must go once during the day and once at night.

2. Ngong Ping 360 cable car and Po Lin Monastery (although monastery is a little too commercialized IMO.) For a fun extra adventure and a brief impromptu tour of Lantau, take the bus up and the cable car down, or vice versa.

3. Take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour. Best way to see it, and cheapest too, at about 30 cents.

4. Temple Street night market.

You can spend an entire day just exploring an area by getting off at a random MTR (subway) station and checking it out.

Money: As with most any city, Hong Kong can either be extremely cheap or expensive, depending on your lifestyle and how much shopping you do.

I found it extremely cheap. Transportation is amazingly cheap and easy to use, and food is generally very cheap if you eat at local restaurants. Buy an Octopus card at the airport for 300 HKD (40 bucks), which includes 2 round trip train tickets to the airport, and unlimited MTR and bus travel for 3 days. When your 3 days run out, just add money to your Octupus card and pay per ride, which is still very cheap. (1-3 bucks). MTR goes most anywhere very quickly, and the bus goes anywhere it doesn't.

Should you need a taxi, they are also very cheap.

For food and transportation, if you are somewhat smart, 30 bucks/day is enough.


Lodging is pretty expensive unless you have low standards. Minimum 80 bucks a night for a 3* joint, but you can take the route I did and pay 20/night for a tiny but clean room in a guesthouse. Visit hostelworld.com for booking this type of lodging.

Are you going solo or with a partner? This may make a difference in where I'd recommend you stay.

If you have any more questions, I'd be happy to answer them!

Have fun!

Any good recommendations for hotels in Hong Kong around 1000-1200HKD per night?

Good location preferred.

As for mtr, u can buy tourist card and travel unlimited for 24hrs! Inside got discount coupon for attraction too!:D

Unless one's to going to Tung Chung (for the Big Buddha) or Disney, plus other places during those 24 hours, the tourist card won't be saving you money. Just get a regular Octopus card.

Hong Kong can be cheap or expensive. For the last couple of years, I've stayed there 4-5 times per year. The hotel I stay at, a decent 4*, has gone up about 20% for bookings made this year. Luckily I'm top elite at the hotel, so get a lot of extras which reduce food costs to $0, if I don't want to eat out.

On average, I spend $150 a day for 4* hotel with club access, taxi and the occasional meal out. Some great dim sum places out there.

I actually prefer HKG to SIN, as prices in SIN have shot up so much.

Prices at both are going up, and depends on exact date, it may be hard to get a 4* in HK for $150/night. Closer to $180-200 most of these days.

Any good recommendations for hotels in Hong Kong around 1000-1200HKD per night?

Good location preferred.

Date, as specific as possible needed. And good location for work, or just touring? Is it your first time in HK? How much time do you tend to spend in your room and is a view important?

Unless one's to going to Tung Chung (for the Big Buddha) or Disney, plus other places during those 24 hours, the tourist card won't be saving you money. Just get a regular Octopus card.


There is a special promotion right now in conjunction with the purchase of either an Airport Express Travel Pass or Tourist Day Pass:

http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/whatsnew/valuepack2011.html

If one is able to use (at least some of) the offers in the package, it may be worthwhile to get the AETP or TDP.

Yes its my first time there! I'll be going to Hong Kong in July for 5 days. Good location would mean close to the shopping districts.

View would not be that important but of course i wouldn't want a view of a cemetery or rubbish dump.

I wont be spending much time in the hotel i guess as i will be visiting the attractions but a value for money 4* hotel would be good!

The weather in November or December is absolutely perfect, the perfect time of the year to visit Hong Kong. You are looking at temperatures in the high sixties, which sounds cold, but in reality those are Hong Kong's sunniest and driest months. Also, Nov. and Dec. are some of the only months during which HKG is not disgustingly humid!

The last time I was in HK during November we took the Ngong Ping 360 cable car up to the giant Buddha. Even with a sweater on I was freezing. I distinctly remember shivering the whole way up. Elsewhere, though, the weather is usually nice at that time of year.

One thing I always recommend is taking the tram (http://www.hktramways.com/en/service/index.html) from one end of HK island to the other. Do it during the day and again at night. In my opinion there is no better (or cheaper) way to see a good part of Hong Kong. Try to snag a seat at the front of the upper deck. The trams are usually packed full on Sundays when the domestic helpers get their day off, so I suggest doing this during the week.

Regarding hotels, some friends of ours were happy with the JJ Hotel (http://www.jjhotel.com.hk/) in Wan Chai. The last time we stayed at a hotel in HK we chose Hotel Jen in the Kennedy Town area. It's now a Traders Hotel (http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/hongkong/traders). Here is one thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hong-kong/932519-hotel-jen.html) about the hotel.

There is a special promotion right now in conjunction with the purchase of either an Airport Express Travel Pass or Tourist Day Pass:

http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/whatsnew/valuepack2011.html

If one is able to use (at least some of) the offers in the package, it may be worthwhile to get the AETP or TDP.

You are right! I'm using those offer on the coupon that why got TDP :)
They have discount for Disneyland theme park, big Buddha, peak tram...etc
If use visa to pay, will have additional discount more!

We had a big group and Big Buddha having promo, buy 3 tickets get 1 free. So we choose to take crystal cabin. Please note the cable journey took almost 35-45min to reach there. Try to go in morning to give yourself enough time to roam around.
Try the silken tofu at the first store that u see! It is hidden at the back alley of the shops. Their tofu is Very nice!!!
We also had tried one tofu shop near the temple, not so nice. But their jelly cakes are nice.

Hong Kong can be cheap or expensive. For the last couple of years, I've stayed there 4-5 times per year. The hotel I stay at, a decent 4*, has gone up about 20% for bookings made this year. Luckily I'm top elite at the hotel, so get a lot of extras which reduce food costs to $0, if I don't want to eat out.

US citizens need a visa, so make sure you figure out the entire costs before jumping in.

On average, I spend $150 a day for 4* hotel with club access, taxi and the occasional meal out. Some great dim sum places out there.

I actually prefer HKG to SIN, as prices in SIN have shot up so much.

Which hotel do you stay at in HK? As well we are Canadians I dont think we need a visa for HK? We will be thre Jul 8-11, I heard it is as humid and sticky like Singapore.

No visa needed for Canadians.

To get a good idea of price, I always check out asiatravel.com, if I'm not going to stay at a SPG hotel.

And, yes, July is hot and humid. I personally think it's a little better than SIN but not by much.

Unless one's to going to Tung Chung (for the Big Buddha) or Disney, plus other places during those 24 hours, the tourist card won't be saving you money. Just get a regular Octopus card.

I'm trying to figure out whether getting Airport Express Travel Passes (2 Airport Express Ride) for $300 for a family of 4 or getting 4-person group tickets ($250 x 2) and regular Octopus cards (2 adults & 2 children)? I'll be in Hong Kong for 4 days in July and I'm not quite sure how much I'll be paying for MTR rides doing tourist things.

They don't have Airport Express travel passes for children, so that's definitely a horrible deal to buy those for your kids.

For 2 adults and 2 kids for just the roundtrip on the Airport Express, if you buy a "Group of 4", it will cost you HK$500 ($250 each way).

Or if you buy a "Group of 2" tickets for the adults, that'll cost HK$320 ($160 each way), and the kids can buy two roundtrip tickets (good for one month) for HK$180 ($90 per child). So, still the same HK$500. But more complicated.

Those are fares to HK Island. A bit cheaper to Kowloon.

They don't have Airport Express travel passes for children, so that's definitely a horrible deal to buy those for your kids.

For 2 adults and 2 kids for just the roundtrip on the Airport Express, if you buy a "Group of 4", it will cost you HK$500 ($250 each way).

Or if you buy a "Group of 2" tickets for the adults, that'll cost HK$320 ($160 each way), and the kids can buy two roundtrip tickets (good for one month) for HK$180 ($90 per child). So, still the same HK$500. But more complicated.

Those are fares to HK Island. A bit cheaper to Kowloon.

For a group of 4, I would suggest just taking a taxi as it's approximately the same price as taking the Airport Express and more convenient.

A taxi to Mongkok/TST is about $250 and to Central about $300.

For a group of 4, I would suggest just taking a taxi as it's approximately the same price as taking the Airport Express and more convenient.

A taxi to Mongkok/TST is about $250 and to Central about $300.

That is an excellent point.

Which hotel do you stay at in HK?I use agoda.com - great consolidator with a better selection than the ones mentioned above (that I used before I found agoda) - always has good deals.

I am thinking about visiting Hong Kong on a longer trip possibly around November/December,

- what would the weather be likeUsed to go in yearly mid-Nov - gorgeous. Walking around at night in shorts and a t-shirt.

The last time I was in HK during November we took the Ngong Ping 360 cable car up to the giant Buddha. Even with a sweater on I was freezing. I distinctly remember shivering the whole way up.
You do understand the altitude difference?

For a group of 4, I would suggest just taking a taxi as it's approximately the same price as taking the Airport Express and more convenient.

A taxi to Mongkok/TST is about $250 and to Central about $300.But the train is much faster and more comfortable.

For a group of 4, I would suggest just taking a taxi as it's approximately the same price as taking the Airport Express and more convenient.

A taxi to Mongkok/TST is about $250 and to Central about $300.

I'll be staying Conrad Hong Kong and Airport Express requires a transfer. If the fare is similar the taxi option may be more convenient.

But the train is much faster and more comfortable.

Is it faster and more comfortable? Unless your destination is at Hong Kong Station in Central, it may be faster.

I'll assume that it is not and that there is a hotel or other destination that you will have to transfer to. Therefore, after getting off the Airport Express, you will have to bring your luggage onto the free shuttle bus to the hotel, possible have to wait for the bus if you just missed it, and also depending on where the hotel is on the bus route, it will take additional time.

I'll be staying Conrad Hong Kong and Airport Express requires a transfer. If the fare is similar the taxi option may be more convenient.

As someone else has also established, a round trip for 4 people is $500, or $250 each way on the Airport Express.

Since the Conrad is in Admiralty, lets round up the fare for the taxi to $350 because there is a charge of $5 for each piece of luggage. That is a difference of HK$100 or about $13US each way. This is for door to door service, taking you directly to the front door of the Conrad. You don't have to mess around with moving your luggage from the Airport express to bus, waiting to transfer to the bus, and being shuttled around to other hotels before getting to your hotel on the bus route.

IMHO, an additional $13US is well worth it to take a taxi for a family of 4 with children.

As someone else has also established, a round trip for 4 people is $500, or $250 each way on the Airport Express.

Since the Conrad is in Admiralty, lets round up the fare for the taxi to $350 because there is a charge of $5 for each piece of luggage. That is a difference of HK$100 or about $13US each way. This is for door to door service, taking you directly to the front door of the Conrad. You don't have to mess around with moving your luggage from the Airport express to bus, waiting to transfer to the bus, and being shuttled around to other hotels before getting to your hotel on the bus route.

IMHO, an additional $13US is well worth it to take a taxi for a family of 4 with children.

A bit more info for Airport Express (Hong Kong Station) to Conrad Hong Kong.

There is a free shuttle connecting Hong Kong Station to near by hotels. Conrad Hong Kong is 2nd stop IIRC, took me about 20 min including wait for shuttle to get there after get off the Airport Express. Do need to take your luggages to the shuttle bus though the bus driver will help and also the hotel staffs will help unload when arrived at the hotel.

I took a taxi from Conrad Hong Kong to Airport Express Hong Kong Station. Taxi fare was 28 HKD, about 10 min.

You do understand the altitude difference?

Yes, of course, but it was chilly on HK island that day as well.

If you feel like bargaining right after you get into HK, bargain for 10% off for the taxi, or waive the luggage fee.
There are "gangs" of taxi drivers that do 20% off trips, but it's a pain to go to their pick up location.

Bottom line, go for the taxi since you have 4 people and I don't think you want to lug your luggages that much right after a flight.

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If you feel like bargaining right after you get into HK, bargain for 10% off for the taxi, or waive the luggage fee.
There are "gangs" of taxi drivers that do 20% off trips, but it's a pain to go to their pick up location.

Bottom line, go for the taxi since you have 4 people and I don't think you want to lug your luggages that much right after a flight.

Please, if you just off the flight and go to the official taxi stand, don't embarrass yourself to bargain a discount as they typically wait for 3 hours and will show you a black face for that.

It is illegal for taxi to offer discount but passenger can request (while the driver of course can ignore).

When is the new taxi rate coming into effect anyway? Anyone remembers?

On topics of Hong Kong taxi, how big are they? Can 2 adults and 2 children with 4-5 luggages (carry on sizes) fit in one taxi?

Thanks,

2 adults and 2 kids should be fine. Also there shouldn't be problem with the amount of luggage you have either. We tried with 2x 26 inches suitcases and 2 carry ons without problem (I recall that there was even a bucket there already).

When is the new taxi rate coming into effect anyway? Anyone remembers?

I believe July 10, 2011 is when the new flagfall rate will come into effect.

On topics of Hong Kong taxi, how big are they? Can 2 adults and 2 children with 4-5 luggages (carry on sizes) fit in one taxi?

Thanks,

Yes, 2 adults and 2 children will fit in a taxi. I would think that 4-5 carry on luggage would fit in the trunk.

Here are a couple of links to info about taxis in HK:
http://www.hongkongextras.com/taxis.html
http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/t...port/taxi.html

A recommendation for a good 3* hotel is the JJ Hotel in Wan Chai.

The rooms are quite large, immaculately clean, ok sized bathrooms (not small) with a good shower, plenty of clean towels, great storage space and a safe in the room. Air con works well and large king beds (separated for two twins).

There are no amenities such as pool, and the hotel is located on floors 9-12 of a larger building.

I have stayed in many properties around the same price range (HKD700 a night) and this is by far the best... I now only stay elsewhere if I don't book far enough in advance and it's full (which is almost always).

It is easy to get to with airport express followed by taxi. And ding ding (the tram) is a one minute walk away to get into Central.

Only downside is that the bathroom has glass walls. There is a blind which can be lowered, but there are still cracks at the side... so if you were travelling with someone you were not quite on those terms with it might not be so comfortable :)

A recommendation for a good 3* hotel is the JJ Hotel in Wan Chai...I have stayed in many properties around the same price range (HKD700 a night) and this is by far the best...

It is easy to get to with airport express followed by taxi. And ding ding (the tram) is a one minute walk away to get into Central.


Thanks for the suggestion, I have booked my air travel and will have 2 nights and one day in HongKong, arriving fairly late (22:30) after a LONG trip. So ideally I would like to find a place that is fast to get to (i.e. near airport express), has a continental breakfast included, and also is near departures of tourist tours (as this is what I would like to do on my day). Ideally below HKD700/night. I may be asking for too much, but hope you have some suggestions.

Thanks for the suggestion, I have booked my air travel and will have 2 nights and one day in HongKong, arriving fairly late (22:30) after a LONG trip. So ideally I would like to find a place that is fast to get to (i.e. near airport express), has a continental breakfast included, and also is near departures of tourist tours (as this is what I would like to do on my day). Ideally below HKD700/night. I may be asking for too much, but hope you have some suggestions.

What specific dates?

And if you're thinking about a group tour, please reconsider. Hong Kong is best explored on your own, not with a tour. And breakfast should be way on the list of things to consider when finding a hotel in Hong Kong.

What specific dates?

The days before x-mas eve ...

Thanks for the suggestion, I have booked my air travel and will have 2 nights and one day in HongKong, arriving fairly late (22:30) after a LONG trip. So ideally I would like to find a place that is fast to get to (i.e. near airport express), has a continental breakfast included, and also is near departures of tourist tours (as this is what I would like to do on my day). Ideally below HKD700/night. I may be asking for too much, but hope you have some suggestions.

pretty easy to get to JJ - airport express train to Central, then taxi from the arrival platform to the hotel - about 10 minutes and 30HKD.

I believe tours may leave from the Charterhouse Hotel which is about 50 metres up the road from the JJ.

JJ doesn't have a continental breakfast included, but I think you can now order for about USD6.

I have stayed in lots of hotels for the 700 range - the JJ is by far the best in terms of room size and quality. Plus a good location, and ding ding just 1 minute walk away. Only downside is no pool.