duo

Hi,

Been looking to book my vacaction for October but cannot decide where to go. Had initially decided up Japan, visited there a couple of years ago (Stayed at Conrad) and it was just THE best holiday ever. Loved everything about it, Hotel was exceptional, ANA flight the best (free upgrade) and the people were so politie. Stayed 8 days and it was the most relaxing holiday I've ever had as such had always planned to go back.

Was in the process of booking my trip to go back (Hilton Tokyo this time as Conrad price was high) but then a friend mentioned Hong Kong to me. And the more I thought about it, and the more I looked into it the more it appealed. Since I was going to be spending so much on a holiday, why not go somewhere new? The trip was going to be more expensive, iro £700 more for hotel/flight between two but I thought it'd be a new adventure.

However, in the back of my mind I still would like to go back to Japan.

I was wondering if anyone has been to both places? If so how do they compare? I just cannot make my mind up. It does seem daft to spend so much to go back to a place you have already been when there is so much to explore.

Thanks ^

RichardInSF

Lots of folks, including me, have been to both.

You can have a fun holiday at either. Bear in mind, however, that Hong Kong is a smallish place, although you can also spend a night or two in Macao. Other than that, as a US citizen, you need a China visa to go anywhere (with very limited exceptions, but few westerners go to places like Hainan island from HK). Chinese visas cost $150+ and take effort to get.

I personally am not sure there is 8 days in Hong Kong and Macao, but if you have 8 days in Japan, there are lots of places to go to other than Tokyo.

If staying on Hilton points is important, you could, for example, fly into KIX and stay at the Hilton in Osaka and commute (it's inexpensive and about 30 minutes) by train to Kyoto and Nara. Or you could go for the Hilton resort in Odawara, south of Tokyo.

ijgordon

I say go somewhere new! Hong Kong is fantastic. I think you could fill out 8 days if you include Macau, the New Territories and even a guided day trip into Shenzhen/Guangzhou. I did that a few years ago - IIRC it's easy to get a package tour visa to go in for the day - the tour company in HK handles it.

Or you could do say 4-5 days in HK and then hop over to Singapore or Bangkok or even Phuket for 2-3 days.

tentseller

8 days in HK even with visit to Macao might be long. Taipei can be a interesting side trip.

hoyateach

As a general rule, all else being equal, I would visit the city that's new to you. I lived in Tokyo during my high school years and return often - my family just returned from a trip there last week - so my bias is to say "Japan!" but, in your shoes, I would try Hong Kong.

duo

Thanks Richard.^

That was my concern - whilst out initial base was going to be Tokyo, we'd planned to travel to Osaka, Kyoto, etc as there was plenty we missed on our last trip. In addition we have actually budgeted 11 days, which makes Hong Kong even smaller.

May I ask which you enjoyed more?

ijgordon

I had just edited my post to add in some side trips - this is a decent choice too (I did it once) though frankly I think SIN/BKK might be more interesting. (IMHO)

duo

Now that is an idea

Or even HK and Japan?

Thanks to all for your replies ^

UnitedFlyGuy

Definitely not enough to do on 8 days for Hong Kong. Japan would be my vote. Went there recently, for the first time, and loved it. Fantastic place. Much more to do.

tentseller

They are all interesting. With 11 days in SE Asian the choices open up. Beside TPE, SIN and BKK can also be considered. TPE was suggested due to shorter flight from HK.

MSPeconomist

I'm happy to spend a week or so in HK, although it helps to get outside of the city at times and perhaps divide the stay among two hotels. You can also go to Macao for a couple days.

Ocn Vw 1K

For more discussion, please follow as the thread moves to the Destinations->Asia forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.

duo

Really don't know why I didn't think of popping to other places; it's a brilliant idea

Singapore really appeals - it's on my list of places I have always wanted to visit.

Thanks again to all - so glad I posted this thread now.

^

duo

Can get a flight from HKG to NRT for £212

4hrs 20 on Delta

OR

HKG to SIN for £304

3hrs 55 on United

Now to decided which one.

peachfront

Really not much contest to my mind. I too vote Japan. Note how many of the posts about Hong Kong actually tell you to go somewhere else...