Hong Kong Vacations

Hong Kong is defined by its unique Western culture influences adopted during British rule, fused with the dominant impact of Eastern China. There also continues to be a large expat population living and working in Hong Kong, leading to a greater influence from foreigners.

Hongkongers celebrate diverse festivals, including the Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival. These events broadly attended and encompass parades, dragon dances, and fireworks. Plan your trip according to these festivals so that you can experience another wonderful side of Hong Kong culture. Hongkongers respect their customs and etiquette. When visiting Hong Kong, one thing you must remember is not to be rude, even if you are infuriated at the moment, as it is not respected.

What is the visiting etiquette in Hong Kong?

When visiting someone's home, send a quick text to notify the guest about your impending arrival. Hongkongers appreciate the heads up. Do bring a small gift upon arrival, wrapped in gold or red foil, and present it with two hands. Just do not bring any red or white flowers, or an odd number of anything! Hongkongers are heavily influenced by British culture, and have adopted the Western handshake when greeting someone. Handshakes are typically lighter, but should be accompanied by a nod and direct eye contact. If you are in a small group, typically the host will introduce you to others in attendance. You’ll likely be introduced with someone's family name, followed by their first names. If they also tell you an adopted English name, it is appropriate for you to call them by that.

What is Hong Kong best known for?

After more than a century under British colonial rule, Hong Kong was handed back to China as a Special Administration Area in 1997. This history led to a unique blend of Eastern and Western culture, still prevalent in the architecture, where precolonial Chinese and old colonial buildings are in juxtaposition to the modern high-rise skyscrapers. Now one of the most recognizable skylines in the world, viewing Hong Kong from the Victoria Peak vantage point is breathtaking. Whether day or night, traveling up the Tram for the panoramic views is an excursion worth the time.  

Whether seeking out large malls or browsing the markets in different neighbourhoods, Hong Kong is famous for shopping. In Yau Ma Tei, the Temple Street Night Market draws travellers looking to browse or find souvenirs, whereas more clothing and accessories can be found at Ladies Market on Mongkok Street. Venture south to visit Stanley Market and wander the maze of alleyways featuring stalls with food, art, and clothing. Deals can be sought at the Apliu Street Flea Market, which draws shoppers looking for electronics such as photography equipment or power tools. If you are up for it, it's acceptable to try your hand bargaining at the markets too.

What are some Hong Kong traditions?

Stroll through one of many public green spaces on a trip to Hong Kong, and you might encounter locals practicing Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art meditative exercise. It uses slow, graceful movements that are designed to connect the mind, body and soul. It is suitable for any age, but commonly elderly people do it to maintain balance, cardiovascular health, and allegedly extend longevity. Join in on the tradition, there are lots of publicly available classes if you want to try your hand at Tai Chi!

The ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui, observing the relationship between buildings, houses, and workplaces to landscape, geography, and direction, continues to be tradition in Hong Kong. In Feng Shui, the Chinese characters meaning wind and water, buildings in Hong Kong have been built in harmony with nature in effort to bring good fortune. There is belief that good Feng Shui affects well-being and wards off bad luck, hence why Feng Shui masters are consulted during construction processes. Check out the HSBC building, placed with a fully clear view of Victoria Harbour and an open floor atrium where positive qi can travel. To ward off evil spirits that supposedly travel in straight lines, the escalators are built at an angle.

What are Hong Kong people like socially?

The demeanour of Hongkongers is generally more reserved and modest. Overall a softer tone of voice is used when in public, along with quieter laughter. Hongkongers may speak to one another in close proximity, but unsolicited social touching is not welcome.

Small chat is uncommon, and you may notice shopkeepers not engage when you are browsing, nor making a purchase. Common courtesy behaviors are evident in Hong Kong, such as respectful queuing and no blocking of walkways. There is significant reverence placed on elders in Hong Kong culture. It is respectful to give up your seat on transit for an elder. Refrain from pointing with an index finger if asking for directions. Always use an open hand.

Hongkongers socially recognize the concept of face, or miànzi, which is a cultural understanding of honour, dignity, and respect. Giving someone compliments and showing them respect is the act of giving face, while doing something disrespectful would cause someone to lose face. This is a good notion to remember in meeting, interacting and building friendships with Hongkongers.

What language is spoken in Hong Kong?

The official languages of Kong Kong are English and Chinese, with the dialect of Cantonese being most common. Travellers are often surprised to find almost 50% of locals speak some English, which is primarily a result of Hong Kong’s British colonial history. Street signage is also indicated in both Chinese and English. Learn a few basic words like nei hou (Hello) and doh jeh (Thank You), which will help you to connect with the locals.

If planning a trip to Hong Kong, your vacation really need not be restricted to a specific time of year. You can truly visit all year round, with some variation of weather to be expected. Hong Kong is a favoured international destination and tends to see the most popular hotels book up in advance, especially during national holidays such as Chinese New Year.

When is the ideal time to visit Hong Kong?

From October to November is ideal to visit Hong Kong, when there is pleasant weather with low humidity, great for outdoor activities. You can explore historical sites, skyscrapers, and other sightseeing places without heat and humidity. Do note when Mid Autumn Festival, also known as Mood Festival, takes place, as it is typically held in mid September or early October and is a popular time for locals to travel. Spring also has pleasant weather, though a bit more rain is common. This period is also ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and enjoying sightseeing places.

When is Hong Kong's peak tourist season?

Festivals and celebrations tend to draw locals travelling, and drive accommodation rates up significantly. It is the peak travel season with increased crowds, especially during the Mid Autumn Festival, National Day and Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year typically falls in January or February and sees a fun, festive atmosphere, but high prices and crowds.

Which is the most affordable time to visit Hong Kong?

There are fewer crowds and more affordable accommodation to be found during July and August. Do keep in mind the summer months in Hong Kong are remarkably humid and hot. Occasionally, there are chances of heavy rainfall due to typhoon season. You can still enjoy outdoor activities, especially beach activities, water sports, and exploring Hong Kong islands.

The winter months of November to December in Hong Kong sees fewer crowds, and accommodation rates also dip. The weather is mild but can get cooler especially in the evenings, so pack warm waterproof layers accordingly.

How long should I plan to visit Hong Kong?

If you have the chance to go on a Hong Kong vacation, it is ideal to spend 3 days with time to sightsee, visit a couple of museums, browse market streets and take a ride on the Star Ferry. Should you have a longer time to spend, consider doing a 5 day trip to Hong Kong, allowing you to explore a bit longer, even consider taking the ferry to Macau or the island of Lantau for a day trip.

How much is a trip to Hong Kong?

Travellers to Hong Kong may find it more expensive than other major Asian cities, however, pricing can vary depending on the time of year, style of trip, duration, and level of accommodation. Typically, for a one-week vacation to Hong Kong, an individual traveller should budget at least $3,000, not including international airfare. 

How to plan a trip to Hong Kong?

The best way to explore Hong Kong is on a tailor-made vacation that caters to your individual interests. Want to eat like a local with dim sum piled high in a bamboo steamer, or cruise along Victoria Harbour on a traditional junk boat? Everyone has their own style of travel. Discover tailor-made travel in Hong Kong with the help of a Goway Destination Specialist.

What is required to visit Hong Kong?

All visitors from Canada and the United States require a passport, with no advance visa arrangements required to visit Hong Kong for up to 90 days. Hong Kong is a part of China, however, it is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) with its own immigration control which you will be processed through upon arrival. 

What are the best places to visit in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated islands in the world, but it will impress travellers with its endless skyscrapers, and highly efficient transit system. Explore historical neighbourhoods on foot, and wander through the many street markets and food stalls. Hong Kong’s stunning skyline is set against lush forest peaks and wraps both sides of Victoria Bay. The view is best from atop and even more striking at night, so take the tram up to the highest point on Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak. Sail across Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry while the evening Symphony of Lights show illuminates the sky. Venture to Lantau Island and ascend 286 steps to see the giant Tian Tan Buddha, made out of 200 bronze pieces. Consider a one-hour high-speed ferry ride across to the island of Macau, known as the “Vegas of Asia”, featuring casinos and luxury hotels. 

How to get around Hong Kong?

Using the Mass Transit Rail (MTR) system in Hong Kong is efficient, extensive, and easy for travellers. You can use a preloaded locally available Octopus card to easily pay for public transportation while in Hong Kong. There are also ferries easily accessible for those wishing to visit nearby islands, such as Macau. 

What to bring on a trip to Hong Kong?

Travelling to Hong Kong from September to November will provide the most favourable weather and temperatures. Days should be warm and sunny, but bring a jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. Spring and summer are often hot, with more rain and even typhoons. Packing lightweight clothing that wicks moisture, plus a rain parka is important. 

Is Hong Kong LGBTQ+ friendly?

Considering its location in Asia, LGBTQ+ travellers will likely find Hong Kong to be reasonably tolerant if conducting themselves respectfully in public. There are no laws restricting the discussion or advocacy of LGBTQ+ topics in Hong Kong, though there is little supporting legislation, such as marriage equality or legal recognition of transgender individuals.

What currency does Hong Kong use?

The official currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). On average $1 USD is worth 7.80 HKD, but exchange rates are always fluctuating, so check the latest rates before travelling. Pre-filled transit cards, known as Octopus, are also widely accepted as a form of payment. Otherwise, credit cards and cash are acceptable for purchases. 

Do I need to tip in Hong Kong?

In general, tipping for meals and services in Hong Kong is not mandatory, but it is customary. A modest 5-10% tip, or rounding up a bill, is welcome. When dining it is common to see a service charge added to bills, however, this charge does not go toward staff. 

No trip is complete without tasting the local delicacies and drinks. The food of Hong Kong is diverse and is influenced by many cultures, including European, Indian, Chinese, and Japanese. Hong Kong is now known for its remarkable fusion food, influenced by its colonial history and multiculturalism. However, the most popular foods come from their own Cantonese cuisine. Traditionally, Cantonese food is boiled, steamed, or fried using meat ingredients such as chicken, beef or pork. Dining out and immersing yourself in the local cuisine is one of the most popular and unforgettable experiences while visiting Hong Kong.

What is Hong Kong's traditional cuisine?

Dim Sum, which translates to "touch of the heart," is a staple of Cantonese cuisine, and refers to small precisely prepared savoury and sweet items. Items ordered are intended for sharing, typically containing three to four pieces served in a bamboo steamer basket. Essential dim sum items include sui mai, a dumpling cupped with a mix of shrimp and pork and har gao, translucent steamed dumplings with prawn filling. Also be sure to try the various types of steamed buns, such as char diu bao, which are filled with sticky and sweet barbeque pork.

A classic traditional Cantonese dish often eaten at lunch is siu mei, which features roasted meat, typically served over rice and vegetables. The local favorite iteration is siu ngo, a roasted goose version, where five-spice and wine thoroughly season the meat before being cooked at a high temperature until the reddish skin gets a good crackle. It’s then served with a tangy and sweet plum sauce.

You’ll be hard pressed to pass by a Hong Kong bakery without being drawn to the buttery rich aromas drifting on to the streets. Baked goods are a staple in Hong Kong, but it's best to find them early in the day, as they often are sold out by lunch. Try a bor lor bao, also known as a pineapple bun for its shape, as no pineapple is used in the making. It is a fluffy and soft roll featuring a crunchy caramelized top, typically cut in half served with butter in between.

What is the dining etiquette in Hong Kong?

If you are headed out to enjoy dim sum, you’ll typically be seated at a large round table, featuring a rotating lazy susan in the middle to easily share with others. Do remember to use the basin of tea provided to clean your cup, bowl and utensils. Ordering is commonly done with a form in which you pencil in the number of dishes you wish to order, then hold in the air until a member of the serving staff grabs it. Locals in Hong Kong will often tap the table when tea or food is served in a restaurant. This is a demonstration of their appreciation for the server. Always pour someone else's tea before pouring yourself some.

The host will start eating first, and all diners at the table will follow after. Communal dishes should be served using the appropriate utensils. Do not grab items with your personal chopsticks. Place the food in the bowl in front of you. If there is also a plate, use it only to discard bones or bits of food you won’t be eating. After a few bites, take a break, and place your chopsticks on the provided chopstick rest, not on or in the bowl. Noises such as burping or slurping might be heard at a dining table, which can be viewed as complimentary, but no pressure to follow along. If you’ve run out of tea, simply leave the teapot lid ajar or flip it upside down as a signal for serving staff to refill it. Once finished eating, leave a bit of food in the bowl to indicate you do not want another helping.

What is the drinking etiquette in Hong Kong?

Alcohol is widely available at corner stores all day, and in restaurants. Some neighbourhoods such as Knutsford Terrace or Lan Kwai Fong feature a plethora of local bars and karaokes where drinking is commonplace, but over intoxication is frowned upon. Hong Kong also has a growing craft beer scene. The local breweries offer different varieties of craft beers, commonly available for casual meals. In addition to this, Hong Kong has a vibrant cocktail culture. There are many speakeasy lounges and rooftop bars atop skyscrapers and hotels offering Hong Kong inspired cocktails.

Tea is culturally important in Hong Kong, historically inherited as an afternoon pleasure during its colonial past. Hong Kong style Milk Tea is also popular, which is a black tea made with condensed milk, served hot or iced. Another popular tea drink is Bubble Tea, which is available in different flavours, made from tapioca balls, black tea, and evaporated milk.

Does Hong Kong cater to dietary restrictions?

Awareness of food allergies and dietary restrictions in Hong Kong is overall limited. Mainstays of Cantonese cuisine include various meats, while common allergens such as sesame, peanut, and nuts are used prolifically. Sauces are especially prone to feature allergens, such as wheat, that can be missed when inquiring about ingredients. There are many international cuisine restaurants in Hong Kong which may more commonly accommodate dietary restrictions, plan to do some research beforehand. If venturing out for the day, it would be wise to buy pre-packed items that include ingredient lists as mandated by the Hong Kong government. Do plan to travel with a translated information card indicating what your dietary restrictions are.

What do meals typically cost in Hong Kong?

There is so much variety in the style of cuisine available in Hong Kong, which greatly contributes to meal pricing. If you are up for exploring, Hong Kong restaurant prices in travellers centric spots tend to be more expensive than local neighbourhood favourites. When eating dim sum, pricing varies greatly, but expect to pay $10-15 per dish at a no frills spot, whereas higher end locations will range $13-18 per dish. Inexpensive lunch plate options can be found ranging from $5-8 per person, and food stall options for $2-4 per item. High end fine dining is widely available and costs between $100-140 per person, whereas mid range restaurant or buffet can be found for between $30-40 per person.