Hong Kong for a woman alone?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,542
Hong Kong for a woman alone?
I have the opportunity to go to HKG 1/11 - 1/16 with my husband. However, he'll be at business meetings and dinners, so I'm pretty much on my own, day and night. But it's a free flight and hotel, so I'd like to go...
Is it safe for a woman to be there alone? Would I be able to find a tour or group to see the local sights, and maybe get over into China for the day? Is the shopping really that great?
Any help would be appreciated.
Is it safe for a woman to be there alone? Would I be able to find a tour or group to see the local sights, and maybe get over into China for the day? Is the shopping really that great?
Any help would be appreciated.
#2
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: From and of Boston.
Posts: 4,973
Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world. If you'd be comfortable on your own in Chicago or San Francisco or Paris, you'll be fine in Hong Kong. You might want to avoid walking on Nathan Road in Kowloon between the Sheraton and Kowloon Park -- it's not dangerous, but there are some pushy touts trying to sell watches and suits who make some people feel uncomfortable.
I'd recommend any of the hotels in Pacific Place (the Island Shangri-La, the Conrad, or the Marriott), because you would have direct access to an upscale shopping mall and to the subway system.
If you feel adventurous, you could indeed go to Shenzhen China for the day. Travel time is about 30-40 minutes each way, and it takes another half-hour or so to go through the immigration/customs dance. The shopping there can be fantastic. You would need to get a visa before you go, and I'd strongly recommend buying the Shop in Shenzhen book by Ellen McNally.
I'd recommend any of the hotels in Pacific Place (the Island Shangri-La, the Conrad, or the Marriott), because you would have direct access to an upscale shopping mall and to the subway system.
If you feel adventurous, you could indeed go to Shenzhen China for the day. Travel time is about 30-40 minutes each way, and it takes another half-hour or so to go through the immigration/customs dance. The shopping there can be fantastic. You would need to get a visa before you go, and I'd strongly recommend buying the Shop in Shenzhen book by Ellen McNally.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 13,145
Originally Posted by climbermom
Is it safe for a woman to be there alone? Would I be able to find a tour or group to see the local sights, and maybe get over into China for the day? Is the shopping really that great.
I must warn you that if you cross the border into Shenzhen, the environment is not as comfortable & safe as HK. Pickpockets, theft, and violence are much worse and I would not recommend you go there ALONE. Try joining some Mainland tours from local travel agencies in HK....there are plenty of them.
#4
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 26,543
I have travelled to HKG alone and enjoyed it (first of all, my spouse was not tapping his foot, impatiently, as I was shopping). I enjoyed eating dim sum in one of those large dim sum restaurants. Enjoyed bringing a favorite silk blouse to be copied. I have to say that I did not venture too far my hotel at night, but contrary to another poster's opinion, I felt quite safe on Nathan Road as it was so busy. Yes, the guys yelling "do you want a copy watch" can be a bit annoying but I just focused my eyes straight ahead & kept walking. Hong Kong is a wonderful city and a great walking city, as well. Enjoy and just take whatever precautions you would take in San Francisco or other bustling U.S. city.
#5
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,589
HKG has some of the best shopping in the world, with lots of brand names having stores selling genuine articles cheaply. For example Esprit has a clearance outlet that sells at 10-20% of the US price; sure it is overstock items, but Esprit quality and label and surprisingly good selection (changes daily). Dr. Maartens sells shoes --made in England -- for 25% of the US price; again maybe overstocks but they looked identical to current styles. While counterfeit items are prevalent in Hong Kong (and sometimes of astonishingly good quality, I've seen fake Coach that was better made than real Coach), it is also possible to shop for genuine items at a good price. But not cameras or most electronic items, those are not bargains there (except maybe for antique ones). Similarly for liquor (there is nothing worse than counterfeit cognac).
#6
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Singapore
Posts: 53
Touring Hong Kong's Border Cities in Mainland China
#7
formerly gemini573
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: LAX, HKG, and BKK
Programs: CX Emerald, WOH Globalist, Marriott Platinum, AA Lifetime Platinum, Virtuoso, Prive, STEPS, STARS
Posts: 2,233
Originally Posted by climbermom
I have the opportunity to go to HKG 1/11 - 1/16 with my husband. However, he'll be at business meetings and dinners, so I'm pretty much on my own, day and night. But it's a free flight and hotel, so I'd like to go...
Is it safe for a woman to be there alone? Would I be able to find a tour or group to see the local sights, and maybe get over into China for the day? Is the shopping really that great?
Any help would be appreciated.
Is it safe for a woman to be there alone? Would I be able to find a tour or group to see the local sights, and maybe get over into China for the day? Is the shopping really that great?
Any help would be appreciated.
You like to shop for jewelry? There is a saying in HKG that you'll find more jewlery stores in HKG than dim sum restaurants. On a recent trip, I bought a watch (well known Swiss watch), and it was 30% less than what I would of paid for the same watch in the States.
Mong Kok, you'll find open air shops and definitely more of a HKG flavor. It's a very safe city. Must take the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Wanchi/Central. It's cost HKD 2.35!! What a bargain. Just practice common sense. Hope you enjoy!!!
Last edited by 77W_12A; Dec 31, 2004 at 10:19 am
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: None any more
Posts: 11,017
Originally Posted by gemini573
Must take the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Wanchi/Central. It's cost HKD 2.35!! What a bargain.
#9
Join Date: May 2000
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1K 2.7MM, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Spire
Posts: 3,317
I have visited HKG alone twice now with absolutely no issues. It is very safe with police visible. I have found the local men to be respectful of women and have felt very comfortable walking about.