Hong kong

[The Bishop]

I am lucky enough to be going to Hong Kong on business at the end of the week.

Any advice/recommendations on what to do there?

[pauly8888]

More info needed. How long are you going for? Who with? Where are you staying? ...

[Mickyfin]

Cool, thats one plan on my list of places to visit before I die.

[ermie571]

Grew up out there....changed a bit...but 2 good things to do

1. star ferry - across the harbour to Kowloon.
2. Peak Tram (if its still running its one fantastic ride, and if a good day, the view from the Peak is great!)


Em
xx

[Hacksawbob]

Haven't been there since 1990 probably changed a bit since I was there! Views/food/night life basically! best time of year weather wise as it wont be swealtering. But the usual tourist stuff I guess Catch the peak tram from Central to the peak tower take one of the walks while your up there http://www.thepeak.com.hk/en/1_3.asp

Star ferry doesn't run any more I heard, but try and get out on a boat through the harbour at night, its pretty spectacular. Outlying islands Chung Chau and Lamma aren't too far and used to be a bit of a time warp and plenty of green (probably not any more though!) If you are working with a big company they might have a company 'junk' that they can book out. Don't bother with the floating restaurants, awful overpriced food and service is terrible. Try an get some 'Dim sum' dumplings in baskets better if you can go with someone Chinese who knows there way about. Street side cafes can be interesting again, better if you have an interpreter so you dont get ripped off get something you might like.

Wan Chai used to be an eye opener, red light district full of lagered up teenagers and squaddies. An old school friend of mine still plays at a tiny bar called 'The Wanch' which has some interesting bands on from time to time. http://www.thewanch.hk/ The 'Go Down' was/is a bit of an expats hang out, 'Lan Kwai Fong' is not far from central and has quite a few trendy bars where I still remember pints of San Miguel at $20 each (long gone are those days!)

Last time I went there wasn't any of the cheap knocked off rolex watches any more so don't expect any of that. You still might get a tailord suit made in a day but I dare say it will cost you a fair bit these days! http://samstailor.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ermie on here was there and went to the same school as me so she might be along in a bit!

[Hacksawbob]

Ah she beat me to it!

[MattyG]

Go to the Peking Garden Restaurant for Peking Duck -YUMMY!!!!!!!
its on Kowloon side near the star ferry, good prices great food - all the chinese eat there
they also do a noodle prep show while your eating which sounds gay but is great
make sure you book though as its very popular with the locals

ride the star ferry for great views
8pm every night theres a light and sound show on the front of the island - go to kowloon side for the best view
Stanley Market
Temple Street Market
tram up to Victoria Peak (a taxi ride is also recommended if its busy as you get to see the other side of the island)
Ride a tram on HK island
shopping escalators on the island.
try and avoid eating the fish!
Lai kwai fung for night out partying!
check out the ridicuolously expensive and massive top brand shops on the Canton Road
Happy valley racecourse for a night at the races
head to mong kok for old style chinese shopping and eating

loads of temples and buddahs etc withing an hours ride

get a day visa and take the train up to shenzhen for 'kind of proper' bit of china (and a china stampo on your passport)

dont drink the water and ALWAYS check your bill

have fun! its a craaaaaaazzzzyyyyyy place but everyone is very friendly and helpful and they love the british!

[StuM]

Grew up there too - from 1978 to 1987. Have been back half a dozen times since - latest in 2010.

Fabulous place that has changed physically over the years, but still has the same awesome feel to it.

Book an upstairs window seat one evening at Cafe Deco - I defy you to find a better view from a dinner table

http://www.cafedecogroup.com/outlet.php?oid=6

Temple Street Market

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_Street,_Hong_Kong

Buy an Octopus card for getting around - MTR is brilliant and puts UK public transport to shame.

Stanley is a great place to visit on the South of HK Island - get a double decker from Central and sit at the front on the top deck with your heart in your mouth.

Tuen Mun - where I lived - has a more authentic HK feel to it and easily accessible on train these days.

Star Ferry cheap and fabulous views.

Ferry to an outlying island such as Cheung Chau is worth it for a step back in time.

Giant buddha at the Po Lin Monastery is great. MTR from Central to Tung Chung (sp?) and then cable car up.

Damn I need to get back there!

Ermie/hsb - what school?

Stu

[Hacksawbob]

Thread creep warning! Hi Stu, Me and Erm were at Island School 'bout you? KG V? I'd guess being the 'other side' still a hike from Tuen Mun that was almost rural back then! I want it to stay as a memory It wont be as good as I remember it if I went back.

[StuM]

Yep - great guess, it was indeed KGV. Not so tough as my Dad worked for China Light & Power and then ran a coach up for us! I remember playing football against Island School.

I know what you mean re. returning, I felt the same to an extent, but was lucky to visit my folks on Uni holidays and it felt great to be back. Just need to convince my employers to send me there and I'd go like a shot.

My apologies also for the thread creep..

[The Bishop]

Thanks for help, very insightful.

[ermie571]

Went back in 1991 for a visit and to get it out of my system....was there same time as you Stu, 1977 to 1987!

amazing....

Em
xx

[Oldiebut goodie]

My mother was there last week - food and drink has got horrendously expensive - worse than Australia (£48 for a bottle of gin in the duty free!, beers £8 etc.) It was over £100 for one meal at a reasonable restaurant, small glass of wine £7. We think it is bad here now. Apparently it is because the mega rich Chinese have moved in and this has pushed the prices up.

[MattyG]

Correct oldie!!!
Prices have gone through the roof since i started going out there (im over there on business a lot) and the hk dollar has got stronger which doesnt help!!
Used to be able to get loads of cheap things out there , think my first iPod with the brand new super duper colour screen only cost me £80 there, £250 at home at the time.
There are plenty of places to eat and drink on a budget though, just need to head out of the main hustle and bustle.

[The Bishop]

Well I am here. Just upgraded my pokey room to one overlooking the racecourse.

It looks great. can't wait for daylight to get out there again.