Hong Kong vacationsSkyscrapers might steal the spotlight, but over 70% of Hong Kong is countryside. Come for the city – and leave knowing just how much more the region holds.When people think of Hong Kong, it’s usually the skyline they picture first – that vertiginous sweep of towers across Victoria Harbor, flashing neon and mirrored glass. And it’s true: this is one of the world’s most vertical cities, with over 9,000 high-rises and more than half the population living above the 14th floor.Though officially part of China, Hong Kong has its own currency, legal system and border controls – a legacy of British colonial rule that gives it a distinct identity. Red double-decker busses, M&S food halls and left-hand traffic lend UK travelers a curious sense of home in a subtropical setting.But the real surprise isn’t how high Hong Kong climbs – it’s how wild it gets. More than 70% of the territory is countryside: forested peaks, sea caves, trails and beaches. Ride an outdoor escalator to dim sum, take a tram to a colonial lookout, then paddle into the waves by afternoon. Cantonese opera still rings out from temple courtyards, and dragon boats race across the harbor. This isn’t a stopover – it’s a destination in its own right.Read morePlan my trip Overview Trip ideas Experiences Places to visit Best time to visit Trip ideas Hong Kong Fully customisable Classic Hong KongDim sum, neon signs and stunning skyline views: indulge in the classic experiences that have made Hong Kong an icon. Hong Kong Fully customisable Active Hong KongSee a different side of Hong Kong as you step away from the city to bike and hike. Hong Kong Fully customisable Hong Kong HeritageDelve beneath Hong Kong’s shiny surface to explore the rich Chinese and colonial heritage that shaped it. Hong Kong Fully customisable Wider Hong KongStep away from the big city to explore Hong Kong’s rural fringes, tropical islands, and its fascinating neighbor Macau. Hong Kong Fully customisable Hong Kong for FamiliesOverflowing with markets, theme parks and novel forms of transport, Hong Kong could have been designed for family vacations. ExperiencesOur favourite Hong Kong experiences lead you beyond the towers and into the territory many don’t see – but should.That might mean exploring the floating junk‑boat community of Aberdeen, cycling along clan villages and wetlands in the New Territories, kayaking into hidden sea caves in Sai Kung, or island‑hopping to spot Bronze Age rock carvings on remote shores.Of course, we don’t skip the obvious. You’ll ride the funicular tram up Victoria Peak, slip between cars on a double‑deck tram, browse Kowloon’s kaleidoscopic markets, ascend the world’s longest outdoor escalator in search of street‑food treats – and after dark, head down to Temple Street and watch the Symphony of Lights across two skylines. These are Hong Kong’s signatures. But with the right guide, they become more deeply detailed and storied than just ‘sights’.Read more Hong Kong Lantau Island full day tourAfter ultra-urban Hong Kong, beachy, forested Lantau Island is a whole different kettle of fish (or shrimp paste, if you prefer). Hong Kong Hong Kong nightlifeHong Kong’s irrepressible energy doesn’t slow when the sun goes down – it just gets brighter, buzzier and infinitely more fun. Hong Kong Hong Kong heritage tourHong Kong may be best-known for its skyscrapers, but remnants of the old city still cling on between the glass and steel – and we know where to find them. Hong Kong East meets West Hong Kong - walking & food tourFrom eggette waffles to stinky tofu and from curry fish balls to charcoal-cooked chestnuts, Hong Kong’s street-food scene is stonking. Hong Kong Day trip to MacauJust 60km across the Pearl River Delta, the Portuguese enclave of Macau makes a fascinating counterpoint to Hong Kong. Hong Kong Hiking the dragon's back trailSnaking along the mountainous ridge of Hong Kong Island, the Dragon’s Back Trail was once named the best urban hike in Asia by Time Magazine – and it’s not hard to see why. Hong Kong to me is almost cinematic. On a recent visit, I got caught in the rain near the harbor, watching purple and green neon streak across the water. For a moment, it really did feel like I’d stepped into a Wong Kar-wai film.If I had one recommendation, it’s this: get a guide and go for dim sum. The best places are loud, fast, and a bit brash – but the food is out of this world.Your guide will help you flag down the right trolley for char siu pork, show you how to sip your soup (and where dunking dumplings is appropriate) and explain what’s in that dish that looks like a rice roll but isn’t. You might find some familiar Chinese takeaway favorites like spring rolls, but it won’t be like anything you’ve tasted before. And don’t skip the tea. Dim sum is a brunch time tradition.” Top destinations in Hong KongFor such a small place – once just a collection of fishing villages before the 19th century – Hong Kong is remarkably layered. Most visitors begin with its two best-known halves: Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, staring each other down across Victoria Harbour.Kowloon is Hong Kong at full volume: flower markets and flashing neon, noodle shops packed shoulder-to-shoulder, locals bickering, bantering, bargaining. It’s gritty, loud and unmistakably Chinese. Across the water, Hong Kong Island is sleek and cosmopolitan – all trams and towers, rooftop speakeasies and escalators climbing to Victoria Peak. The contrast is striking, but not absolute. These days, the lines between old and new, local and global, blur more with every passing year.But that’s still not the full picture. Hong Kong comprises more than 250 islands, and much of its landmass lies beyond the urban sprawl. Just 30 minutes from Central by ferry or bus, you can be kayaking sea caves off Lamma, cycling walled villages in the New Territories, or wandering among stilt houses in Tai O. Then there’s Lantau – home to the Tian Tan Buddha, one of the largest seated outdoor Buddhas in the world, perched high above misty hills. But beyond the cable cars and monasteries, Lantau offers forested trails, undeveloped beaches and fishing villages that feel worlds away from the glass and steel of Central. The city may grab your attention – but it’s out in the wilds where Hong Kong starts to linger in your memory.Read more Hong Kong Hong Kong IslandPicture that iconic skyline: bristling with skyscrapers; backed by green mountains; the waters of Victoria Harbor glittering just below. You’re picturing Hong Kong Island. Hong Kong Lantau IslandWith its hodgepodge of Buddhist heritage, fishing villages, high-rise shopping centers and theme parks, Hong Kong’s largest island is a patchwork of a place — but one that’s worth exploring. Hong Kong Outlying IslandsBeyond the New Territories and the Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong is a province of islands — 261 of them to be precise — riddled with pirate caves, fishing villages, 3,000-year-old rock carvings and unexpected histories. Hong Kong New TerritoriesFringing the edge of Kowloon and radiating northwards into mainland China, the New Territories are a place for long bike rides through country parks, kayaking along craggy coastlines, and visiting clan villages dating back to the Qing and Ming dynasties. Hong Kong KowloonIf you’re looking for nostalgic Hong Kong — the gritty, neon-lit street-food markets of post-war photograhs, or perhaps the saturated cityscapes of 1990s Hong Kong as envisioned by Wong Kar-wai — Kowloon is where you’ll find it (or remnants of it, at least). Hong Kong travel guide When to travel Hong Kong is a year-round destination, but the most comfortable conditions are usually from October to April, when temperatures are milder and humidity is lower. Spring and autumn are ideal for outdoor activities, while summer brings festivals – along with high heat, humidity and occasional typhoons. If you’re planning to travel during Chinese New Year, it’s worth booking well in advance.See more about each month here. Food Hong Kong’s food scene blends local tradition with global influences. You’ll find classic Cantonese dishes like char siu pork, wonton noodles and cheung fun, alongside a wide range of regional Chinese and Southeast Asian flavors. For a taste of local dining culture, visit a cha chaan teng — a no-frills Hong Kong–style cafe known for dishes like macaroni soup and milk tea. Or pull up a plastic stool at an open-air dai pai dong street stall serving wok-fried noodles and congee and other comfort food. If you're navigating a dim sum restaurant for the first time, having a guide can make the experience easier – especially when it comes to ordering from the fast-moving trolleys. Hong Kong’s skyscrapers Hong Kong has more skyscrapers than any other city on earth – over 9,000 high-rise buildings across its islands and peninsula. But it’s not just about height. These towers rise next to tram tracks, Buddhist temples and colonial facades. You can ride a double-decker tram through the financial district, take the Peak Tram funicular to the summit of Victoria Peak, or trace the length of the Mid-Levels Escalator – the longest outdoor covered escalator in the world. Nature walks Despite its density, over 70% of Hong Kong’s land is green space. There are 24 country parks, a UNESCO Global Geopark, and hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails. The Dragon’s Back ridge walk offers views across Shek O and Big Wave Bay, while the New Territories are home to historic walled villages, rural cycle paths and bird-rich wetlands. Ferries and subways connect the city to outlying islands like Lantau, where forest trails lead to hidden monasteries and quiet beaches. Beyond the city Beyond the high-rises and harborside, Hong Kong offers a patchwork of neighborhoods and islands with their own character. You could travel by sampan around the floating homes of Aberdeen, take a day trip to Macau to explore Portuguese-influenced streets, or visit Tai O, a fishing village of stilt houses on Lantau. And when night falls, the Symphony of Lights – a laser and LED show across Victoria Harbor – brings the skyline to life. FAQs Sometimes you need a specialist. Whether your question is about visas, domestic flight combinations or how vegan-friendly Hong Kong is, we're here to help you. Is Hong Kong safe to travel to? Yes. Hong Kong is generally considered very safe for travelers. Violent crime is rare, and public transport is clean, reliable and widely used by locals. As with any major city, you should take standard precautions, avoiding protest and looking after your belongings, particularly in crowded markets and transport hubs. If you’re traveling with us, you’ll also have 24/7 support while you’re on the ground – just in case. How do I get around in Hong Kong? Hong Kong is compact and extremely well connected. The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is the fastest way to get around the city and covers almost all major areas. There are also ferries, busses, trams, and the iconic red taxis – all inexpensive and easy to use. For routes where public transport doesn’t go, we’ll arrange private transfers. Ferries connect the outlying islands, and the Star Ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island is a short but scenic classic. What currency do I need? The local currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). You can exchange money easily at the airport, in hotels and at currency counters across the city. ATMs are widespread, and cards are accepted in most restaurants, hotels and shops. It’s a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for street food, market purchases and small local eateries. Do I need a visa to visit Hong Kong? It depends on your nationality. UK, EU, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders can usually enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days – sometimes longer. Entry conditions can change, so we always recommend checking the latest information with your government’s travel advice before you go. If you’re combining Hong Kong with mainland China or Macau, different visa rules may apply. Do I need any vaccinations? There are no compulsory vaccinations for entry to Hong Kong. However, we always recommend checking with your GP or a specialist travel clinic before you travel. Depending on your travel history, they may suggest routine boosters or optional precautions. Tap water in Hong Kong is treated and safe to drink, although many travelers opt for bottled or filtered water out of preference. Why book with InsideAsia? Travel’s friendliest expertsWe promise we’ll care about your trip as much as you do. A dedicated travel consultant will listen, guide and create a trip that could only be yours. Specialists make it effortlessFrom seamless logistics to unexpected discoveries, our deep destination specialism means travel that feels effortless and richer than you could plan for alone. Rockstar service as standardWe guarantee that you'll have our support every step of the way. We never pass the buck or fail to take responsibility. We’ll be there whenever you need us. Our Info-Packs are legendaryTransfers, tickets and check‑ins verified so your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, we create your totally tailored trip bible, so every detail is in your hand, at all times. Speak with a Hong Kong specialistFriendly, dedicated people who care as much about your trip as you doGet a brochureMake an inquiry
Travel’s friendliest expertsWe promise we’ll care about your trip as much as you do. A dedicated travel consultant will listen, guide and create a trip that could only be yours.
Specialists make it effortlessFrom seamless logistics to unexpected discoveries, our deep destination specialism means travel that feels effortless and richer than you could plan for alone.
Rockstar service as standardWe guarantee that you'll have our support every step of the way. We never pass the buck or fail to take responsibility. We’ll be there whenever you need us.
Our Info-Packs are legendaryTransfers, tickets and check‑ins verified so your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, we create your totally tailored trip bible, so every detail is in your hand, at all times.