Summary of Hong Kong’s Travel Highlights
Someone recently asked us, “What is your favourite city in the world?” Paris used to be our answer, but as we’ve explored more cities, our reply has evolved. Today, we always say, Hong Kong. Hong Kong is Asia’s world city, characterized by energy, culture, and stunning beauty.
Hong Kong – Asia’s Travel Hub
Hong Kong Vacation
Hong Kong serves as an incredible introduction to Asian culture. Upon our first trip to Asia in 2000, we experienced profound culture shock upon arriving in Bangkok. The sights, smells, and sounds of the city were overwhelmingly captivating.
While we eventually fell in love with Thailand, it took some time to relax. However, Hong Kong, with its massive and busy environment, is also easy to comprehend. This modern metropolis offers familiar amenities, enabling a quick vacation adjustment, even when its exotic nature might be intimidating at first.
With English being commonly spoken throughout the Hong Kong tourism and service industry, navigating the city becomes effortless. For newcomers to Asia, Hong Kong stands out as a prime first destination. For seasoned travelers, it remains a top city for connectivity while exploring the continent, confirming its reputation as a major transportation and business hub in Asia.
Cathay Pacific Flies to 60+ Asian Destinations from Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s enviable central location makes it an ideal base for trips within Asia. Notably, Cathay Pacific Airways offers over 40 direct flights to various destinations in Asia, along with more than 22 cities in Mainland China.
Whether you’re traveling for a few weeks or several months, Hong Kong serves as a perfect location to establish a home base. Dave and I have extensively traveled throughout Asia, and we appreciate having a familiar city to relax in between countries.
This comfort becomes even more apparent when managing long-term travel; once you become familiar with a city, landing there induces a sense of relief that feels like returning home.
Previously, Bangkok was our travel hub while exploring South East Asia. However, now we prefer traveling all over Asia, which is why Hong Kong fits our needs perfectly. Its central location allows for prompt and affordable flights to bustling cities like Seoul, Tokyo, and Shanghai.
Being Asia’s premier hub means you can fly directly to prominent cities, as well as lesser-known destinations like Chiang Mai, Thailand, Cebu, Philippines, or Xian, China.
Navigating Hong Kong
Hong Kong is easy to navigate.
Purchase an inexpensive metro pass for efficient travel throughout the city. We utilized the metro extensively in Hong Kong and found it convenient to acquire the pass at machines in any subway station, including the airport upon arrival.
The journey from Kowloon to the central business district on Hong Kong Island can be done via subway or car, yet we favor the Star Ferry for its affordability and stunning city views.
For a luxurious stay, we highly recommend the comfortable Mira Hong Kong Hotel located in Tsim Sha Tsui, known for its excellent service and prime location.
If you venture outside the downtown core, taxis are affordable in Hong Kong, allowing you to explore tourist attractions such as the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery in Pai Tau Village or enjoy a hiking day in Sai Kung.
Despite being Asia’s most exciting urban center, day trips beyond the city are essential. We cherished taking the Ngong Ping cable car to see the Tian Tan Big Buddha, visit the Po Lin Monastery, and explore the Tai O fishing village with its traditional stilt houses and pink dolphins.
Mini Vacation in Hong Kong
You can easily experience numerous highlights of Hong Kong in a short span, such as observing the skyline from the Sky100 atop the International Commerce Centre in West Kowloon, or taking the Peak Tram for breathtaking views from the Peak located on Hong Kong Island.
Noodle Soup on the Flight and in the City
During our flight to Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific offered noodle soup as a delightful snack. Waking up from a long nap and enjoying a comforting bowl heightened my anticipation to explore Hong Kong’s noodle shops.
One of the best ways to discover a city’s culinary delights is by participating in a food tour. We recommend exploring Sham Shui Po with Hong Kong Foodie Tours, where you’ll experience local markets and traditional food stalls, sampling authentic noodle soup along the way.
Days can easily slip by while wandering the vibrant streets of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, filled with impressive skyscrapers, shopping opportunities, and exquisite dining experiences in SOHO.
In Kowloon, we enjoyed our stroll through Mong Kok, the city’s most popular walking street, renowned for its Ladies Market that invites haggling for bargains in clothing and souvenirs.
For antique enthusiasts, Hollywood Road stands as Hong Kong’s oldest street, famous for its antique shops offering genuine merchandise. Additionally, Cat Alley showcases a plethora of souvenir shops and knick-knacks along a 200-meter stretch. Finally, do not miss the Man Mo Temple, Hong Kong’s most revered temple known for its massive coils of incense. After a few days here, you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with Hong Kong, ready for more Asian adventures ahead.
Direct Destinations from Hong Kong
As mentioned earlier, Cathay Pacific connects travelers to over 60 destinations across Asia and mainland China. The latest leg of our journey from Hong Kong brought us directly to Chiang Mai, Thailand. With its expansive airport, Hong Kong can feel overwhelming; thus, we often retreat to the airport lounges, enjoying moments of peace.
Cathay Pacific provides several lounges within Hong Kong airport, conveniently located near departure gates, creating a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling environment.
Fly Direct to Chiang Mai from Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific
Our flight to Chiang Mai was a brief three-hour journey on Cathay Pacific’s sister airline, Dragon Air. Upon arrival at Chiang Mai airport, we swiftly caught a taxi to our hotel, the Ratilanna Riverside Resort and Spa, for around 160 Thai baht (approximately $4.50). This luxurious riverside accommodation features an infinity pool, a full-service spa, and beautifully appointed rooms infused with a traditional Thai atmosphere.
Choosing Chiang Mai was serendipitous, as we aimed to attend the famous Lantern Festival. However, many compelling reasons exist to visit this captivating city, which boasts hundreds of stunning temples and pagodas, with monks gracefully walking through the streets clad in vibrant robes.
Chiang Mai’s dining scene is remarkable, highlighting northern Thai cuisine, and its night market ranks among the largest and most popular in Thailand.
Chiang Mai is a convenient base for booking treks to the hills or visiting elephant sanctuaries, as well as planning tours to Myanmar’s border and the Golden Triangle.
When in Chiang Mai, consider visiting a sanctuary instead of riding elephants—here’s why.
This city is also among the easiest to explore in Asia, thanks to Thailand’s excellent tourism infrastructure. Just like in Hong Kong, English is widely spoken in the service industry, with affordable transportation options like Songthaews and Tuk Tuks making intercity travel easy and inexpensive.
Moreover, we appreciated that our flights from Chiang Mai with Cathay Pacific allowed us to avoid lengthy layovers in Bangkok, common when flying to smaller hubs.
Thanks to the extensive offerings from Cathay Pacific, we can enjoy direct flights without unnecessary airport transfers. Travel is about both the journey and the destination, allowing us to relax and savor the experience.
Cathay Pacific operates 10 direct flights weekly from Toronto to Hong Kong and 14 flights weekly between Vancouver and Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s convenience as a hub facilitates access to over 40 destinations in Asia and more than 22 cities in Mainland China.
While our flights from Hong Kong to Chiang Mai were made possible by Cathay Pacific, all thoughts and opinions remain our own. Direct flights to Chiang Mai from Hong Kong can be explored through Cathay Pacific Airways.
