Why go to Hong Kong?
Looking from the outside, Hong Kong may seem like a densely populated city, but there is so much more to this city than you would think. I should know—I made the mistake of not visiting Hong Kong earlier with the same notion.
For one, the technological and architectural marvel of the city is in a league of its own. Secondly, Hong Kong has been a harbor city throughout most of its life, and with a combination of its oriental cultural foundation and British influence, Hong Kong is one of the countries that can blend the East and the West into its own identity. Lastly, and surprisingly, the hiking this city offers will surprise even the best of us adventurers.
When To Visit Hong Kong?
Winter (Nov - Jan) is preferable, as the temperature is mild and dry, which is perfect for hiking and exploring the city's extremely dense streets. Summer, on the other hand, is very hot and humid, making exploration tiresome and hiking difficult.
How to Get to Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a big hub for traveling in East Asia, so you will have plenty of options to fly into Hong Kong from where you are. I would recommend browsing through Skyscanner or Expedia before comparing prices so you can get the cheapest flight possible.
How To Get Around Hong Kong?
The city is connected via MTR (Mass Transit Railway), which offers a fast but non-scenic way to explore the city. Trams are the most scenic way to see the city but can sometimes be slow and bumpy. Buses are also widely connected and can offer the best of both worlds.
Whichever you choose, get an Octopus card, a debit-style card that you can top up and use with almost all modes of transportation (except taxis) and convenience stores like 7-Eleven. You can get the card from the MTR kiosk at the airport when you arrive.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Hong Kong?
Wifi is widely available in Hong Kong, so a SIM card may not be needed for such a short trip. However, CSL seems to have the most coverage if you are interested in buying one, with easy online top-ups or vouchers available from convenience stores. They also offer a good 3-day, 2GB data package for HK$38. For more information, visit this page.
Tips: To stay connected with your loved ones at home, make sure to have a VPN service like NordVPN installed before traveling. This will enable you to bypass any local internet censorship you may encounter while in Hong Kong.
Daily Budget
Traveling here can be quite expensive and isn't necessarily budget-friendly, though there are still options to manage costs. You can expect to spend around $50 - $70 USD per day per person, including food, accommodation, and transportation.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
What to Pack for Hong Kong?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Hong Kong:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Hong Kong in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.