Proudly proclaiming to be 'Asia's world city', Hong Kong is a unique territory where east meets west. Formerly a subject of British colonial sovereignty, Hong Kong is a 'Special Administrative Region' of China. Pockets of traditional culture and architecture punctuate a society heavily influenced by its former colonial rule, with different regions providing a surprising diversity of landscapes to explore.
Hong Kong Island is modern and wealthy, backed by Victoria Peak watching over the city. Site of the original British settlement, the island has developed rapidly to form the iconic skyline of the present day. Tourists flock here to experience endless shopping, exotic cuisines and a truly cosmopolitan culture. In contrast, the former fishing and farming community of Kowloon is gritty, chaotic and densely populated. It may not have the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island, but it certainly offers the best vantage point, particularly from
the modern high-rise bars of Tsim Sha Tsui.
The New Territories form a curious mix of farms, villages and towns. This region is all about experiencing life in rural Hong Kong. Sai Kung Peninsula in particular moves at a slower pace and is the gateway to the best countryside in Hong Kong.
Most of the 234 Outlying Islands, such as Lantau, are renowned for their beaches, with both locals and tourists frequenting the islands to relax away from the big city crowds. Formerly the domain of pirates, Cheung Chan now hosts windsurfers and sunbathers while Lamma is king for beaches, seafood and hiking.
Key Facts
Language:
The official languages in Hong Kong are English and Cantonese. The other main language is Mandarin.
Passport/Visa:
All foreign visitors to Hong Kong must be in possession of onward or return tickets (except when in transit to mainland China or Macao), the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country. Note that admission and/or transit will be refused to any national holding a passport issued by Kiribati, and endorsed "N-Kiribati" or "Investor". NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Currency:
The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), which is divided into 100 cents. Major banks are open from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12.30pm on Saturday. Banks and money changers charge commission, as do hotels that provide exchange services. All major credit cards are accepted and ATMs are widely distributed.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. The UK-style three-pin plugs are standard.
Travel to Hong Kong
Overview
It's easy to forget that Hong Kong is more than just bright lights and skyscrapers, with each region having its own unique character and attractions. Visitors arriving on Hong Kong Island can admire the city from the deck of Star Ferry or take a tram up to the summit of Victoria Peak for glorious panoramas.
There is also the Man Mo Temple, the oldest temple in Hong Kong; the traditional outdoor street markets of Wan Chai; or the horse racing at Happy Valley. To the south, Stanley Beach hosts Dragon Boat racing every year during the Tuen Ng festival. Across the bay to the north lies Kowloon, diverse and atmospheric, while Shanghai Street offers a fascinating insight into local life.
Shopping is king in the popular night market of Temple Street and the vast retail destination of Harbour City. Guinness World Records recognise 'A Symphony of Lights' as the biggest permanent sound and light show in the world. Kowloon
also hosts the Avenue of Stars, celebrating icons of Asian cinema.
Sai Kung Peninsula in the New Territories provides a welcome change of pace. Serving as the gateway to some spectacular countryside, rural life carries on here as it always has. The Ping Shan Heritage Trail tracks past old face-brick homes and forts, and abandoned towns from the region's agricultural age. Tourists enjoy trips to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, home to nearly 13,000 Buddha statues.
Of the Outlying Islands, Lantau is the most popular, not least due to the presence of Disneyland. The Lantau Trail is ideal for adventurers, as is Po Lin Monastery which is home to one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world.
Climate in Hong Kong
The climate of Hong Kong is subtropical, with hot humid summers and cool dry winters. Monsoon winds blow in from the north between September and March, and from the south between April and August. The winter months of January and February are generally wet and cold, while in the height of summer it is hot and humidity is very high.
From June to September (the peak summer months) temperatures average 86°F (30ºC) with 95 percent humidity. Some rain and humidity can be expected throughout the year. Even during the height of summer, it's worth bringing some warm clothing to combat the fierce air conditioning in shops and offices.
The best time travel to Hong Kong is in the mild autumn months of October and November. But it's generally considered a year-round destination, particularly as some of Hong Kong's main attractions such as shopping facilities are indoors. As the Hong Kong streets are known to get dirty, especially when wet,
it is advisable to wear dark shoes when exploring the city and always to have an umbrella handy.
Health Notes when travelling to Hong Kong
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Hong Kong. Hong Kong's health facilities are first class but expect to pay cash. High quality medical care is widely available but comprehensive travel insurance is recommended to cover expenses.
Safety Notes when travelling to Hong Kong
Hong Kong is considered a safe destination but caution should always be exercised when travelling. Pickpockets are likely to target unsuspecting tourists so leave valuables locked up in hotel safes when possible. All street protests and political gatherings should be avoided. The typhoon season is usually between April and October, and the accompanying heavy rains may cause flooding and landslides.
Customs in Hong Kong
Littering and spitting are illegal in Hong Kong and will incur spot fines. In Hong Kong, the concept of 'face' is very important; avoid causing someone to lose face by publicly insulting them or contradicting them in front of others as this is considered very impolite. The Chinese have great respect for hierarchical relationships.
Duty Free in Hong Kong
Travellers to Hong Kong over the age of 18 years do not have to pay duty on the following: 1.1 litres of spirits with 12 percent or more alcohol content; and 100 cigarettes, 100 cigars and 500g of tobacco.
Doing Business in Hong Kong
Despite its close proximity to China, Hong Kong's business culture is worlds apart and more akin to the West. But one regional aspect is the concept of 'saving face', an awareness of positive appearances and perceptions of other people or companies. Bad news should never be presented in front of others and keeping one's cool is vital. Open displays of emotion such as anger and irritation are frowned upon, as is causing embarrassment to another person.
Business culture in Hong Kong is quite conservative. Dress styles are formal and deference to senior members of companies is vital, with business suits usually in dark colours. Avoid wearing bright ties, or blue or white coloured clothes as these colours are associated with mourning. When greeting business associates, either shake hands or, if no handshake is offered, bowing is appropriate.
Respect for personal space is important and physical contact should be avoided. Gifts are
given during introductions but never opened in front of the giver. Watches as gifts are inappropriate as they are associated with death. The business languages in Hong Kong are both Mandarin and English. Tone should always be even and measured, and cultural sensitivity and etiquette are vital.
When tea is served at a business meeting, never sip from your cup until your host has taken their first. Business in Hong Kong is conducted efficiently and punctuality is vital. If you are late, effusive and repeated apologies are in order, regardless of whether you caused the delay. It is customary to exchange business cards (printed in English on one side and Cantonese on the other) at the start of a meeting. Business cards should be given and received using both hands, with the Cantonese side facing the recipient. It's common to greet the more senior person first.
Business entertainment is usually in the form of a lunch or dinner organised by the
hosting partner, and food is also normally ordered and paid for by the host. Finally, the phrase 'have you eaten,' is a subtle form of greeting which generally means 'are you wel?'. Business hours run from 9am to 5pm during the week and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
Communication in Hong Kong
The international access code for Hong Kong is +852. Some of the more popular mobile service providers are CMHK, CSL, Smartone and Birdie. Free WiFi access is available at most coffee shops, shopping malls, restaurants and hotels.
Tipping in Hong Kong
A 10 percent service charge is usually added to restaurant bills in Hong Kong, but waiters will still expect some loose change in addition to this. If no service charge is included, a 10 percent tip is expected. Taxi fares are rounded up to the nearest dollar, usually automatically by the driver.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign visitors to Hong Kong must be in possession of onward or return tickets (except when in transit to mainland China or Macao), the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country. Note that admission and/or transit will be refused to any national holding a passport issued by Kiribati, and endorsed "N-Kiribati" or "Investor". NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. Expired British passports endorsed British Dependent Territories Citizen or British National (Overseas) issued in Hong Kong are accepted, provided they are accompanied by a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card. For British passport holders endorsed British Citizen, no visa is required for stays of up to 180 days. For British passport holders endorsed British Subject, British Overseas Territories Citizen, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Citizen or British Protected Person, no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC Business Travel Card, provided that the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Hong Kong, for a maximum stay of up to 60 days.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC Business Travel Card, provided that the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Hong Kong, for a maximum stay of 60 days.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (two months, if in possession of a Hong Kong Travel Pass).
Tourist Offices
Hong Kong Tourist Office: +852 2508 1234 or http://www.discoverhongkong.com
Hong Kong Embassies
In the United States:
Chinese Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 495 2266.
In Canada:
Chinese Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 3434.
In the United Kingdom:
Chinese Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7299 4049.
In Australia:
Chinese Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 4780.
In Ireland:
Chinese Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 269 1707.
In New Zealand:
Chinese Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 4749631.
In South Africa:
Chinese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 431 6500.
Foreign Embassies in Hong Kong
American Embassy
United States Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2523 9011.
Canadian Embassy
Canadian Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2810 4700.
British Embassy
British Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2901 3000.
Australian Embassy
Australian Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2827 8881.
Irish Embassy
Honorary Irish Consulate, Hong Kong: +852 2527 4897.
New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2525 5044.
South African Embassy
South African Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2577 3279.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Hong Kong SAR (China)
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Hong Kong, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Hong Kong. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Hong Kong, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Hong Kong. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Hong Kong, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Food and water standards in Hong Kong are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home.
Although Hong Kong is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Hong Kong include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity in the heat of the day.
If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Hong Kong’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Make sure there are seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Hong Kong, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Be aware of current health issues in Hong Kong. Learn how to protect yourself.
Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions
UpdatedLunar New YearDecember 06, 2017The Year of the Dog begins on February 16, 2018, and many people will travel to Asia to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Destinations include Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), which is divided into 100 cents. Major banks are open from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12.30pm on Saturday. Banks and money changers charge commission, as do hotels that provide exchange services. All major credit cards are accepted and ATMs are widely distributed.
Exchange rate for 1 HKD - Hong Kong Dollar
0.00BMD Bermudan Dollar
0.12EUR Euro
0.13USD U.S. Dollar
0.10GBP U.K. Pound Sterling
19.58JPY Japanese Yen
0.17CAD Canadian Dollar
0.12CHF Swiss Franc
0.19AUD Australian Dollar
5.04UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
56.81KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
11,912.24LBP Lebanese Pound
0.62LYD Libyan Dinar
0.88BOB Bolivian Boliviano
0.00NPR Nepalese Rupee
0.00OMR Omani Rial
0.00QAR Qatari Rial
0.17SGD Singapore Dollar
1.39SEK Swedish Krona
0.00TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00VEF Venezuelan Bolivar
7.44DOP Dominican Peso
0.00HRK Croatian Kuna
2.17MXN Mexican Peso
78.14XOF West African CFA Franc
0.00PGK Papua New Guinean kina
0.00BSD Bahamian Dollar
0.00FJD Fiji Dollar
0.00HNL Honduran Lempira
17.13DZD Algerian Dinar
0.00MMK Myanma Kyat
0.00BWP Botswana Pula
0.48PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol
120.11CLP Chilean Peso
49.51AMD Armenia Dram
2.98CZK Czech Koruna
2.26MDL Moldova Lei
17.90ISK Icelandic Krona
1,610.36UZS Uzbekistan Sum
0.48ILS Israeli New Sheqel
0.09JOD Jordanian Dinar
0.00KWD Kuwaiti Dinar
4.88UYU Uruguayan Peso
0.00MUR Mauritian Rupee
0.00NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba
1.39NOK Norwegian Krone
0.52PLN Polish Zloty
0.48SAR Saudi Riyal
0.00LKR Sri Lanka Rupee
4.71THB Thai Baht
0.47AED U.A.E Dirham
0.65BRL Brazilian Real
0.59RON Romanian New Leu
78.14XAF Central African CFA Franc
3,251.56VND Vietnamese Dong
112.42ARS Argentine Peso
0.00XCD East Caribbean Dollar
0.00GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal
1.29MAD Moroccan Dirham
0.00BHD Bahrain Dinar
0.13PAB Panamanian Balboa
0.22AZN Azerbaijan Manat
501.70COP Colombian Peso
11.32KGS Kyrgyzstan Som
46.33HUF Hungarian Forint
1.39TJS Tajikistan Ruble
2,057.20IDR Indonesian Rupiah
6.14EGP Egyptian Pound
173.91KRW South Korean Won
954.33PYG Paraguayan Guaraní
0.61MYR Malaysian Ringgit
65.06CRC Costa Rican Colón
0.21NZD New Zealand Dollar
35.56PKR Pakistani Rupee
11.70RUB Russian Rouble
2.37ZAR South African Rand
0.40TND Tunisian Dinar
0.00BBD Barbadian Dollar
0.23BGN Bulgarian Lev
4.14TRY Turkish Lira
7.33PHP Philippine Peso
4.14TWD New Taiwan Dollar
149.08NGN Nigerian Naira
0.00XPF CFP Franc
0.00GHS Ghanaian Cedi
0.00JMD Jamaican Dollar
0.00ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder
0.00BND Brunei Dollar
13.94RSD Serbian Dinar
0.93CNY Chinese Yuan
0.89DKK Danish Krone
0.45TMT New Turkmenistan Manat
10.68INR Indian Rupee
Exchange Rate for U.S. Dollar to Hong Kong Dollar
1 USD = 7.81 HKD
Exchange Rate for Euro to Hong Kong Dollar
1 EUR = 8.40 HKD
Exchange Rate for Canadian Dollar to Hong Kong Dollar
1 CAD = 5.72 HKD
Exchange Rate for U.K. Pound Sterling to Hong Kong Dollar
1 GBP = 9.81 HKD
Exchange Rate for Australian Dollar to Hong Kong Dollar
1 AUD = 5.15 HKD
Exchange Rate for New Zealand Dollar to Hong Kong Dollar
1 NZD = 4.68 HKD
Exchange Rate for South African Rand to Hong Kong Dollar
1 ZAR = 0.42 HKD
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Hong Kong International Airport http://www.hongkongairport.com
Location: Hong Kong City The airport is situated 21 miles (34km) northwest of Hong Kong Island and 14 miles (23km) from Kowloon.
Time: GMT +8.
Contacts: Tel: +852 2181 8888.
Transfer between terminals: There are people movers to transport passengers between terminals.
Getting to the city: The Airport Express Line is a dedicated airport railway providing a fast and reliable service to downtown Hong Kong. Trains depart every 12 minutes or less around the clock, and the journey takes around 25 minutes. Scheduled hotel shuttle buses leave the airport regularly taking passengers to major hotels plus key transport interchanges, and there are a number of public bus (Airbus) routes from the airport.
Car rental: Public transport in Hong Kong is excellent so car rental is not advised.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the taxi pick-up area in front of the arrivals hall. Red taxis drive to central Hong Kong, green taxis service the New Territories, and blue taxis drive to Lantau Island.
Facilities: Airport facilities include banks, ATMs, currency exchange offices, a post office, beauty salon, a children's play area, showers, restaurants, shops (including duty-free), disabled facilities, cinemas, a golf course, conference and business services and tourist information desks.
Parking: The airport has both undercover and open-air car parks. Long-term parking is located at Car Park 2. Hourly rates range between HK$20 and HK$24, and daily rates are between HK$160 and HK$196.
Overview of the Attractions in Hong Kong
It's easy to forget that Hong Kong is more than just bright lights and skyscrapers, with each region having its own unique character and attractions. Visitors arriving on Hong Kong Island can admire the city from the deck of Star Ferry or take a tram up to the summit of Victoria Peak for glorious panoramas.
There is also the Man Mo Temple, the oldest temple in Hong Kong; the traditional outdoor street markets of Wan Chai; or the horse racing at Happy Valley. To the south, Stanley Beach hosts Dragon Boat racing every year during the Tuen Ng festival. Across the bay to the north lies Kowloon, diverse and atmospheric, while Shanghai Street offers a fascinating insight into local life.
Shopping is king in the popular night market of Temple Street and the vast retail destination of Harbour City. Guinness World Records recognise 'A Symphony of Lights' as the biggest permanent sound and light show in the world. Kowloon
also hosts the Avenue of Stars, celebrating icons of Asian cinema.
Sai Kung Peninsula in the New Territories provides a welcome change of pace. Serving as the gateway to some spectacular countryside, rural life carries on here as it always has. The Ping Shan Heritage Trail tracks past old face-brick homes and forts, and abandoned towns from the region's agricultural age. Tourists enjoy trips to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, home to nearly 13,000 Buddha statues.
Of the Outlying Islands, Lantau is the most popular, not least due to the presence of Disneyland. The Lantau Trail is ideal for adventurers, as is Po Lin Monastery which is home to one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world.
Victoria Peak Hong Kong City
Opening time: The Peak Tram runs every day, including Sundays and public holidays, between 7am and midnight. The tram departs every 10-15 minutes.
Admission: HKD 52 (adults), HKD 23 (children); other concessions available
Victoria Peak is Hong Kong's number one tourist attraction and its popularity is unwavering. The funicular railway has steadily made its way up the mountain since 1888 and the route is extremely steep and rather thrilling. More energetic and athletic travellers can scale the real peak extending 140m (459ft) above the tram terminus. The summit's iconic Peak Tower houses numerous restaurants and shops, while Sky Terrace 428 offers Hong Kong's best skyline panorama. A lot of people choose to go up Victoria Peak at night when the city lights are at their most magical.
Getting there: Take the Peak Tram from Garden Road or bus 15C. There is also a shuttle bus (daily 9am to 7pm) that departs from Star Ferry Terminal.
Website: http://www.thepeak.com.hk
Hong Kong Disneyland Hong Kong City
Opening time: Daily 10.30am to 8pm. Opening times may vary month to month so check the website to confirm times.
Admission: HKD 639 (adult), HKD 375 (child); other concessions available
Hong Kong Disneyland offers magical adventures in seven themed settings: Adventureland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, Toy Story Land, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Main Street USA. Kids will love exploring Tarzan's Treehouse, braving scary RC Racer and riding the classic Hyperspace Mountain, as well as spending time with their favourite characters like Mickey Mouse, R2D2 and Winnie the Pooh. In addition to the numerous rides and various events and attractions, shops sell Disney souvenirs and restaurants offer a variety of food throughout the park.
Getting there: Tung Chung Line of the MTR
Website: http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com
Western Market Hong Kong City
Opening time: Shops are open daily 10am to 7pm; restaurants 11am to 11pm
Admission: Free
This indoor market is held in a four-storey red brick colonial building constructed in 1906, now occupying an entire block at the western end of Central Hong Kong. It houses a variety of shops and stalls selling a range of products from jade curios and cloissan jewellery to its celebrated mountains of silks and fabrics. From the site one can hop onto Hong Kong's ancient double-decker tram headed for Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Happy Valley.
Getting there: Take the MTR to Sheung Wan, exit B or C; bus or tram along Des Voeux Road to Sheung Wan.
Address: 323 De Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wang
Hong Kong Police Museum Hong Kong City
Opening time: Wednesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm; Tuesday 2pm to 5pm. Closed Mondays and public holidays.
Admission: Free
The Hong Kong Police Museum showcases a display tracing the development and history of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force since 1844. The main exhibit encompasses a significant number of artefacts from uniforms and firearms to historical archives and photographs. Other exhibits look at the major factions which have influenced the status quo such as the triad societies and narcotics trade, including a unique look at how heroin is produced. The museum also provides insight into the dedication of the officers who have served within this elite force. There is a pleasant park next door to the museum ideally suited for shade and refreshments.
Getting there: Take NWFB Bus No. 15 (from Exchange Square to the Peak). Get off at the stop between Stubbs Road and Peak Road.
Address: 27 Coombe Road, The Peak, Hong Kong
Telephone: 2849 7019
Statue Square Hong Kong City
Admission: Free
Statue Square is an amalgamation of Hong Kong's contemporary architecture, spectacularly manifest in the designs of the HSBC Building and the Bank of China Tower. The former has no central core, a feat of structural engineering blended with the ultimate in aesthetic principles while the latter is much-debated because of the asymmetrically-designed pinnacle. The square also contains the Cenotaph, a memorial to those who lost their lives in the two world wars. It's a popular place for locals to meet, share meals and socialise around its fountain and seating areas. Over Winterfest, there are usually Christmas displays, trees and lights put up in the square.
Hong Kong Museum of History Hong Kong City
Opening time: Mondays and Wednesday to Friday 10am to 6pm. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 10am to 7pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
Admission: Free (special exhibitions may charge)
The Hong Kong Museum of History showcases Hong Kong's archaeological, cultural and natural history, exhibiting artefacts, photographs and traditional costumes spanning some 6,000 years. Glorious displays tell the story of Chinese life in replica houses, streets and stores. The main museum has five interesting branches in Hong Kong: the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence at Shau Kei Wan, the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum at Sham Shui Po , Law Uk Folk Museum at Chai Wan, Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery inside the Quarry Bay Park and Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum at Mid-levels in Central.
Getting there: MTR Tsim Sha Tsiu, then walk via Granville Road; maxicab no 1 from Kowloon Star Ferry in Tsim Sha Tsiu to Science Museum Road
Address: 100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kawloon (next to the Hong Kong Science Museum)
Website: hk.history.museum
Wong Tai Sin Temple Hong Kong City
Opening time: Daily 7am to 5.30pm, gardens closed on Mondays.
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
This grand Taoist temple is dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, a legendary hermit who reputedly had healing powers and could foretell the future. A number of fortune tellers ply their trade here, offering palm and face reading. The ornate temple's red pillars, gold ceilings and decorative latticework are in the traditional Chinese style, and it's usually full of floral offerings and visitors burning incense or praying. The temple also has a lovely adjacent park called the Good Wish Gardens, a peaceful green spot with waterfalls tumbling over rocks.
Getting there: MTR to Wong Tai Sin, exit B
Address: 2 Chuck Yuen Village, Kowloon
Ocean Park Hong Kong City
Opening time: Daily 10am to 6.30pm
Admission: HKD 385 (adult), HKD 193 (child)
Ocean Park is Hong Kong's most popular theme park, regularly ranked as one of the best in the world. A spectacular aquarium, one of the largest on the planet, is complemented by a funfair containing multiple roller coasters, a space wheel, a swinging ship and more. The variety of rides is impressive, ranging from big thrill rides to mild fun, and lots for children and adults alike. Areas in the park include Marine World, Polar Adventure, Adventure Land, Thrill Mountain and the Rainforest. The cable car rides which transport you from one side of the park to the other are splendid in their own right, as are the many restaurants, shops and cafes.
Getting there: Take City Bus route 629 from either Amiralty MTR Station or Central Pier No.7.
Address: Ocean Park Road, Aberdeen
Website: http://www.oceanpark.com.hk
Aberdeen Hong Kong City
Some 200 years ago, Hong Kong's Aberdeen was a haven for pirates. Located on the southern shore of Hong Kong Island, it's now home to the Tanka boat people who offer visitors a chance to experience the traditional lifestyle, sample fresh seafood at the Jumbo Floating Restaurant or embark on sampan tours. Aberdeen is a lively marina crammed with junks, sampans and water taxis (kai do), along with cruisers and yachts.
Address: South District, Hong Kong Island
Lantau Hong Kong City
Lantau is the largest of the 235 outlying islands in Hong Kong. It's best known for its walking trails and beaches, providing a pleasant respite from crowds and shopping. The main arrival point to the island by ferry is at Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay). The finest beaches are located along the west coast, most notably Cheung Sha. Western Lantau is also the location of the Po Lin Monastery, where one of the world's largest outdoor Buddha statues stands. Wooden houses perch on stilts in the quaint fishing village of Tai O, while much of Lantau's north shore is predominantly a farming region. The main attraction is the historical Tung Chung Fort, built to suppress the opium trade and defend the coast from pirates. Six old Qing Dynasty cannons dating back to 1832 stand on the ramparts. In Discovery Bay, upmarket housing complexes, yacht clubs and golf courses provide the ultimate designer lifestyle.
Macau Hong Kong City
The cultural influence of both traditional Chinese and Portuguese has produced the unique region of Macau. Baroque churches and colonial mansions rise from cobbled pavements interspersed with plazas and cafes, while St Paul's Cathedral perched on its hilltop dates back to the early 17th century. The vantage point from the Fortaleza de Monte is excellent, and it's worth exploring the museum and meteorological observatory. The classic Chinese temple of A-Ma rests at the base of Penha Hill, built as a tribute to a poor fishing girl who saved the Queen of Heaven from a storm. It serves as a pilgrimage for Macau's fishing community. Another temple dedicated to the power of female intervention is the Kun Iam Temple, built in honour of the Goddess of Mercy.
Big Buddha Hong Kong City
The Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) is one of the tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddhas in the world. Found near Po Lin Monastery, it's a popular tourist destination and a major centre of Buddhism in Hong Kong. The 112-foot (34m) high statue sits on a lotus throne atop a three-platform altar, surrounded by eight smaller gods. Inside, visitors access the Hall of the Universe, the Hall of Benevolent Merit and the Hall of Remembrance. They can also climb the 268 steps to reach the platform where the impressive figure is seated and admire the views. Some prefer to either hike down through the hills after taking the cable car, while others get there on the ferry and buses before taking the cable car back down into the city.
Address: Ngong Ping plateau
Ngong Ping 360 Hong Kong City
Opening time: Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm, Weekends and Public Holidays 9am to 6.30pm
Admission: Check official website
The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car is a spectacular four-mile (6km) ropeway affording panoramic views over the bay, the Tian Tan Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery on its 25-minute journey to the Ngong Ping Village. The Ngong Ping Village features attractions such as 'Walking with Buddha', the 'Monkey's Tale Theatre' and the 'Ngong Ping Teahouse', as well as an assortment of shopping and dining options. The cable car is an incredible experience and there are a variety of packages to choose from, with the more expensive Crystal Cabin enjoying a transparent floor. Note that queues for this attraction can get very long.
Address: Lantau Island
Website: http://www.np360.com.hk
Hong Kong Science Museum Hong Kong City
Opening time: Monday to Wednesday, Friday 10am to 7pm; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 10am—9pm. Closed Thursdays.
Admission: HKD 20 (adults), HKD 10 (concessions). Free on Wednesdays.
This museum has four floors covering a range of science and technology-related subjects, such as light, sound, motion, magnetism, electricity, robotics, virtual reality and more. This museum is extremely popular because of its hands-on approach, allowing children and adults alike to learn through involvement. The most prominent exhibit is a 72-foot (22m) tall twin tower energy machine, which can trigger spectacular audiovisual effects demonstrating various forms of energy. The Science Museum is a great option for entertaining and educating the young and the old, especially when the weather is bad and there are a few hours to spare. For smaller children, there are fun play areas and a toddler's tumble area.
Address: 2 Science Museum Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
Telephone: 2732 3232
Website: hk.science.museum
Avenue of Stars Hong Kong City
The Avenue of Stars is the local version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrating famous icons of Hong Kong cinema. Situated along the seaside promenade, it's a great place to view the Symphony of Lights, a music and laser show staged every night at 8pm. Names such as Jackie Chan and Jet Li are obvious standouts, while there's even a statue of Bruce Lee. It's worth doing the walk at night too, even without intentions to see the Symphony of Lights show. But the real reason for making the effort to visit the Avenue are the spectacular views of Victoria Harbour.
Website: http://www.avenueofstars.com.hk
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery Hong Kong City
Admission: Free
One of the most dramatic sacred sites in Hong Kong, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is perched at the top of a hill in the town of Sha Tin. Visitors must climb more than 400 stairs to reach the temple and the famous nine-storey pagoda. The monastery actually contains nearly 13,000 Buddha statues within its walls alone, and many more stand along the pathways and stairs. The statues come in a great variety of shapes and sizes, and the temple complex is breathtakingly colourful with beautiful views. Unlike many famous temples in Hong Kong, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery has retained its tranquil atmosphere and spiritual atmosphere.
Getting there: Take the East Rail line to Sha Tin.
Address: 220 Pai Tau Village, Sha Tin
Hong Kong Wetland Park Hong Kong City
Opening time: Open daily 10am to 5pm; Closed on Tuesdays
Admission: HKD 30 (adult), HKD 15 (child); other concessions available
Showcasing incredible biodiversity, the Hong Kong Wetland Park's main objectives are conservation and education. The park consists of the Wetland Interactive World and the Wetland Reserve, home to an array of fascinating fauna such as fearsome crocodiles, a range of butterflies and many birds observed from the three bird hides. The Wetland Interactive World has themed galleries, exhibitions and a theatre, along with interactive games and sound booths where kids can compose wetland symphonies using the nature's soundtrack. This attraction is consistently popular with tourists and makes for a really lovely break from Hong Kong's indoor, urban attractions, delighting people of all ages interested in nature and animals.
Address: Tin Shui Wai, New Territories
Website: http://www.wetlandpark.gov.hk/en
Hong Kong Museum of Art Hong Kong City
Opening time: Art Museum: Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am—7pm, closed Thursdays.
Admission: Art Museum: HKD 10, concessions available; free admission on Wednesdays and free admission to Tea Museum
The Hong Kong Museum of Art's five permanent galleries have large collections of ceramics, cloisonné, bronzes, lacquerware, bamboo carvings, jade and textiles, as well as beautiful scrolls and examples of calligraphy. Conveniently located on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, it's great to visit for a quick taste of Chinese art history as it's possible to see most of the collections in about an hour. Another branch of the museum is the Museum of Tea Ware, located in a grand old house in Hong Kong Park. The Greek Revival architecture is typical of the colonial buildings of over 160 years ago, housing more than 600 examples of traditional tea ware, ranging from earthenware to delicate porcelain dating back to the 7th century.
Address: Art Museum: 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Tea Museum: 10 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong.
Telephone: (852) 2721 0116
Website: hk.art.museum
Stanley Hong Kong City
The small fishing village of Stanley is a popular day trip for tourists looking to escape the city. It's home to a number of attractions and diversions, such as several scenic temples and museums. The famous Stanley Market is a winding maze of stalls selling souvenirs like t-shirts, keychains and cheap goods, while bars and restaurants along the waterfront pair great food with great views. Stanley is also popular for its beaches. Stanley Main Beach is a pleasant sandy beach but can get crowded on weekends. It's good for windsurfing and hosting dragon boat races each summer. St Stephens Beach, on the western side of the peninsula, is more secluded but just as popular.
Public Holidays in Hong Kong
2023
2024
Dragon Boat Festival
Sat. June 22
Mon. June 10
Easter Saturday
Mon. April 8
Sat. March 30
New Year's Day
Mon. January 1
Mon. January 1
Chinese New Year
Mon. January 22 to Thu. January 25
Sat. February 10 to Tue. February 13
Good Friday
Sun. April 7
Fri. March 29
Easter Monday
Wed. April 10
Mon. April 1
Labour Day
Wed. May 1
Wed. May 1
Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
Mon. July 1
Mon. July 1
Ching Ming Festival
Fri. April 5
Fri. April 5
Birthday of the Buddha
Tue. March 26
Wed. May 15 to Fri. March 15
National Day
Tue. October 1
Tue. October 1
Christmas Day
Wed. December 25
Wed. December 25
Boxing Day
Thu. December 26
Thu. December 26
Chung Yeung Festival
Wed. October 23
Fri. October 11
Day after Mid-Autumn Festival
Mon. September 30
Wed. September 18
Port of Call - Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour Photo credit: Matthew Laird Acred and Carl Manfred Luig
The culturally diverse and constantly bustling port of Hong Kong is a popular stop for cruise passengers and is one of the world's busiest harbours. Renowned for its incredible skyline, the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong is a sensory overload and a great place for travellers to experience a truly east-meets-west city.
The surrounding outlying islands are definitely worth a visit and feature attractions such as one of the world's longest suspension bridges, the Tsing Ma, fantastic beaches, casinos, the world's largest outdoor sculpture of the seated Buddha, The Ocean Park and Middle Kingdom, Statue Square and The Hong Kong Museum of History.
Cruise ships dock at Hong Kong's Ocean Terminal, in Victoria Harbour, which is located on the Kowloon Peninsula and is within walking distance of countless shops, restaurants, attractions, markets and hotels.
Shopping in Victoria Harbour
A shopper's paradise, Hong Kong is a great place for a spending spree. The Temple Street Night Market is famed for its diverse and eclectic array of merchandise and is a great place to find a bargain. The Stanley Market is also worth a visit where hundreds of tiny indoor and outdoor stalls tout goods from all over Mainland China. Popular buys include porcelain goods, jade jewellery and traditional silk robes. Shopping opportunities abound in the port too, with the Ocean Center and Harbour City shopping complexes, while the Tsim Sha Tsui area in Kowloon is also a wonderful place to shop.
Dining in Victoria Harbour
Kitchen at the W Hotel - stylish and modern restaurant with an eclectic international menu
Tim Ho Wan - good dim sum at reasonable prices
Tin Lung Heen - authentic Cantonese fine dining
Things to do in Victoria Harbour
Be a kid again at Hong Kong Disneyland
Visit the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas
Take the cable car up to Victoria Peak
Discover secluded beaches and monasteries on Lantau Island
Celebrity Cruises will go big with a new cruise in 2026 – or grand, rather. The cruise line will offer its first Grand Voyage from Canada to Southeast Asia over more than three months. The sailing will visit 55 destinations in 15 countries over 110 nights, marking the line’s longest cruise without
Which are the best Hyatt hotels in the world? The first Hyatt hotel opened near the Los Angeles International Airport in 1954, and by 1968, Hyatt Corporation had expanded into Hyatt International with Hong Kong Hyatt Hotel marking the group's very first established outside the
A traveler was recently arrested for attempting to smuggle over 100 live snakes in his trousers through customs at Futian Port, a checkpoint between mainland China and Hong Kong, the agency said on Tuesday. The man was trying to pass through Shenzhen Huanggang Customs in
Four Seasons, a global leader in luxury hospitality, in collaboration with the Hong Kong leading developer Sun Hung Kai Properties, announces the grand opening of Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou. This new Hotel is a testament to the strong partnership between
In Hong Kong, a city famed for its cultural richness, history and heritage, you're never far from a museum that tempts – whatever your passion, from visual arts to the more unusual. There's an interactive ocean centre and museums on space, railways and medical sciences
Resorts World Cruises is launching a new six-day itinerary to Okinawa prefecture in Japan onboard Resorts World One, departing every fortnight from Hong Kong from 1 October 2023. The ship will set sail on every alternate Sunday and call at Naha, the capital of Okinawa
Among its many accolades, Hong Kong's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific is known for having some of the best premium economy seats in the sky. But is it actually worth springing for that upgrade, or even giving up your airline miles for? Over the past five years, I’ve gained a
Hong Kong's government has announced plans to give away 500,000 free airline tickets as part of efforts to revive its tourism industry and attract visitors back to the city. The "Hello Hong Kong" initiative was unveiled on Thursday but has been in the works for over two years. Tickets will be
Hong Kong is once again easing pandemic-era travel rules, making it easier to visit as a tourist. Starting Wednesday, the city will eliminate its “amber code” rule, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which previously banned international tourists from entering places like restaurants
The fate of Dream Cruises’ former megaship Global Dream has finally been decided. At 208,000 gross tons, the ship is one of the biggest ever designed, but unfortunately Dream Cruises went out of business along with its parent company, Genting Hong Kong. Rumors first
Hong Kong is widely considered one of the most challenging cities in the world to operate a restaurant -- a roiling cauldron of changing tastes, cleaver-sharp competition and unsavory economics. Right at the heart of its culinary world, with connections to at
A fraction of a second after William Sargent's torch light catches the unmistakable glint of snake skin he roars into action, sliding on a protective glove and launching himself into the dense green jungle of northern Hong Kong. The 46-year-old re-emerges on the paved trail
Market vendor Mr. Chan gestures around what used to be one of Hong Kong's busiest streets.
"There are no tourists now, whatsoever," he says. Mr. Chan sells silver earrings, necklaces and scarves on Tung Choi Street in Kowloon, which is famous for its robust night market. The past
Hong Kong will eliminate its mandatory 3-day hotel quarantine and ease testing rules next week, ending one of the last strict pandemic-era travel quarantine measures left in the world. Starting Sept. 26, overseas travelers arriving at Hong Kong International Airport will no longer
The Hong Kong government has announced the ending of formal quarantine for international travelers after more than two and a half years of stringent pandemic controls. Under new rules that will take effect from September 26, incoming travelers will be required to undergo three
The U.S. State Department has urged Americans to reconsider travel to Hong Kong and mainland China due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws and Covid-19-related restrictions” and “ including the risk of parents and children being separated.”
Crystal is suspending operations for its ocean and expedition ships through April 29, 2022, with river cruises suspended through the end of May 2022. Is this the end of Crystal? We don't think so
Hong Kong authorities prevented a Royal Caribbean (RCL.N) cruise ship from departing the city's terminal late on Thursday as a crew member was suspected to have COVID-19 after routine testing, the government and the cruise operator said
Air Canada is banned from flying passengers into Hong Kong for two weeks. The sudden move is due to the fact that Hong Kong authorities had detected a case coming in from an October 13th flight from Vancouver
Hong Kong ramped up its hotel quarantine period to at least two weeks for vaccinated residents returning from most countries, ending a short-lived flirtation with looser travel rules and setting off a stampede for flights and hotel rooms
With hopes that their season in hell could be approaching an end, airline stocks are on a tear. Shares in Singapore Airlines Ltd. jumped the most in 21 years Tuesday while those in Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. were up the most since 2008 after Singapore and Hong Kong announced the opening of a travel bubble starting Nov. 22.
The U.S. on Tuesday issued a sweeping new advisory warning against travel to mainland China and Hong Kong, citing the risk of “arbitrary detention” and “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.”
When it comes to desirable post-pandemic travel destinations, Hong Kong would be an obvious choice thanks to its capable handling of Covid-19 outbreaks, which has so far limited infections to just 1,300 cases in the city of 7.5 million. But now, some travelers may be worried about visiting for a totally different reason.
United Airlines said on Monday it was further expanding its international schedule in September by bringing back service between Chicago and Hong Kong and Los Angeles and Sydney, and adding new nonstop flights between Chicago and Tel Aviv.
Following Beijing’s newly proposed national security law, the Guardian dramatically announced that this would be “the end of Hong Kong.” It might seem like an overreaction, but reality shows that Hong Kong has been sinking into chaos since March of 2019
In an effort to prevent further spread of coronavirus, Hong Kong International Airport is testing a new machine that would effectively sanitize passengers head to toe. The CLeanTech machine acts as a full-body disinfectant, killing bacteria on people’s bodies and clothing. The
What do a sexy Hong Kong icon, a bankrupted entrepreneur and a failed military defense campaign have in common? They all contributed to the rise of bubble tea, the insanely popular Taiwanese drink that's taken the world by storm in recent years. Invented in the 1980s, bubble tea (also called "black pearl tea" or "boba tea") is a beloved Taiwan classic. Though there are dozens of different variations, at its
As China gradually lifts its containment measures, Atlantis Sanya on the country's popular Hainan Island re-opened for business on March 28 with an occupancy rate of 70%. The majority of those guests were from outside Hainan, mainly Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Guangzhou and Chengdu. The early indications look promising to Jim Qian, executive chairman and CEO of Hong Kong-listed
Lantau is Hong Kong's largest island, home to three of its busiest spots -- Hong Kong Disneyland, the Tian Tan Buddha and Chep Lak Kok Airport. But on the island's western tip, on a spit of land that curls into the South China Sea, is a fishing village called Tai O that feels like it has been frozen in time. There are still old-fashioned wooden houses built on
On Asia's 50 best restaurants list, updated annually, most of the top spots are usually awarded to upscale restaurants in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. And this year was no exception. On March 24, the Oscars of fine dining in Asia saw swanky Singaporean restaurant Odette clinch first place for the second year running. But edging its way toward the top 10 is New Delhi
Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, airlines are changing their fee waiver and cancellation policies for trips to China, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan and South Korea.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new advisories on Wednesday for travelers going to Hong Kong and Japan in the wake of the deadly coronavirus spreading across the world. The advisories are notably only a "level 1," a "watch," meaning travelers should exercise "usual precautions," unlike the "level 3" issued for China Jan. 27, which warns to "avoid nonessential travel." China's
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidelines on Wednesday for American travelers to Hong Kong after the city reported its second death from the new coronavirus. Travelers to Hong Kong should avoid contact with sick people, the CDC said, and regularly wash their hands. It is the CDC’s lowest-level travel warning, but it is the first coronavirus-related travel notice issued by the U.S.
Seventy more people (the highest single-day total) tested positive for coronavirus onboard Diamond Princess on February 16, which brings the total number to 355 infected passengers. The ship is under a two-week quarantine in Yokohama, but the U.S., Australia, Canada, Italy and Hong Kong embassies have announced passengers are to be repatriated back to their respective countries. The 2,670-passenger ship, which
Cambodia came to the rescue of passengers aboard Holland America's MS Westerdam on Wednesday, granting the ship permission to disembark at Sihanoukville on Thursday. "All approvals have been received and we are extremely grateful to the Cambodian authorities for their support," the line said in a release provided by public relations director Erik Elvejord to USA TODAY. Their ship departed Hong Kong
Holland America Line has confirmed that its cruise ship Westerdam, which does not have any confirmed cases of coronavirus onboard, is sailing to Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand, where the current sailing, which departed Hong Kong on February 1, will end February 13. The line's statement reads: "Guests will be disembarking in Laem Chabang and transfer to Bangkok for their forward travel home. This new
The U.K. and Russia each reported their first cases of the dangerous coronavirus, and other countries moved to limit air traffic with China as the number of people infected there approached 10,000. Pakistan, a strategic ally of China, said Friday it would ban all commercial air travel to and from mainland China, a day after Italy suspended flights to China, including the territory of Hong Kong. Russia, too, said it would
While multiple airlines have temporarily suspended all flights to China due to the coronavirus outbreak, those that are still flying to the country are adopting a series of measures to prevent the spread of the deadly disease. Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific announced it will no longer offer hot towels, pillows, blankets and magazines to passengers on Cathay Pacific and subsidiary Cathay Dragon flights to and
Is it better to endure pain by quickly ripping off a Band-Aid or gradually peeling it away? While civil unrest in Hong Kong is subsiding, Cathay Pacific continues to forecast weak travel demand, making for a long and gradual burn. This contrasts to the rapid decline, but also
It's hardly surprising that the world's largest and most populous continent has an astonishing variety of places to eat. From a celebrated American chef cooking creatively in southern China, to world-class sushi in Hong Kong or new wave Filipino dishes in Manila, you're truly spoiled for choice. So whether you're a local or a visitor, here are 20 new restaurants bound to whet your
It may seem like an uncomfortable time for Americans to travel overseas. The standoff between the United States and Iran, the political unrest from Hong Kong to South America, and the raging wildfires in Australia, are just a few of the flashpoints. The stress level dialed up even more this week, as Iran attacked U.S. military bases in Iraq, and a Ukraine International Boeing 737 crashed
Hong Kong has been beset by political unrest and protests in 2019, but that hasn't stopped it from being named the most visited destination in the world this year. According to UK-based market research company Euromonitor International Top 100 City Destinations 2019 report, the Asian metropolis will clock up 26 million international tourist visits before the year is out. It's a glimmer of good news for
Protests have been roiling Hong Kong for the past five months, but a significant escalation this week has seen public transportation shutdowns, violent protests across the territory and, as of Wednesday, foreign universities recalling their students out of fears for their safety. Thousands of arrests have been made, hundreds have been injured, and countless petrol bombs have been thrown since the start
Images of riot police lobbing tear-gas canisters into angry crowds played on the news. Activists were blasted with water cannons and carted away. Thousands of protesters filled the streets, demanding greater autonomy from China. A proposed bill, since withdrawn, that would have allowed extradition of criminal suspects to mainland China ignited the dessert. What started as peaceful marches
Plaza Premium Group is changing airplane travel by making the most-dreaded aspect of the journey – passing time at uncomfortable, cold, smelly airports – pleasant, tasty and relaxing all in one go, much like ‘home’, which is something group chief executive officer, Song Hoi See, says he focuses on. Born to, and raised in a big family inculcated a strong sense of family values in him, See tells
Tricia Primrose has spent the past four years working as global chief communications and public affairs officer of Marriott, the largest hotel company in the world. Unsurprisingly, her role has taken her pretty much everywhere—from Bali and Hong Kong to just about every state in the U.S.—but it was a slew of work trips to Alabama early on in her career, while working for a U.S. Senator, that perhaps shifted her
Hong Kongers have been protesting for more than four months and demonstrations are becoming more violent and disruptive. The city's leaders have maintained Hong Kong is still open for business, but is it still safe to visit? The situation has changed significantly since June 9, when protest organizers estimated more than a million people took part in a peaceful march to oppose a bill that would
It was Friday, sunny, and at the end of summer -- all the perfect components for a day at Disneyland. The theme park should have been packed. Instead, a recent visit to Hong Kong's very own "Magic Kingdom" saw empty lines and sparsely populated streets, a far cry from its usual crammed crowds. Lines for the rides, which usually take upward of
Hong Kong saw a significant drop in air passenger numbers last month as political unrest in the Asian financial hub continues unabated. Hong Kong International Airport handled 6 million passengers in August, down 12.4% from the previous year, according to figures released by the Airport Authority on Sunday. The decline was mainly due to a
The protests in Hong Kong, now in their 15th week, continue to impact the city’s tourism industry and in particular visitors from mainland China, who are usually its biggest group of tourists. The number of Chinese group tours to the city fell 90% compared to a year ago in the first ten days of September, according to data compiled by the Travel
Thousands of protesters blocked roads and public transport links to Hong Kong airport on Sunday in a bid to draw world attention to their fight for democracy for the Chinese-ruled city which is facing its biggest political crisis in decades. Planes were taking off and landing, with delays, but trains were suspended and approach roads to the airport impassable as protesters erected
The Canadian Consulate in Hong Kong said Friday it has suspended official travel for local staff, following the detention of a U.K. Consulate employee during a trip to mainland China. A spokesperson for the Canadian mission confirmed the new measure in an email to TIME, but did not elaborate on its reasons or the scope of travel restrictions. “At present, locally-engaged staff will not undertake
Months of protests in Hong Kong have made traveling to the city a potentially dicey proposition for visitors. Since June, repeated demonstrations have filled its streets, including marches estimated at a million or more people and a sit-in that shut down the airport. They were initially triggered by an extradition bill and later expanded to include demands for more democracy and the
Over the past 10 weeks, shocking images have emerged from Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests: tear gas has been fired outside shops, protesters and police have clashed in dramatic face-offs, and thousands of demonstrators occupied the city's airport. While millions have come
Don’t want to go to Hong Kong right now because of ongoing protests? Some airlines are allowing travelers to change or cancel their flights without paying penalty fees. American Airlines, British Airways and Cathay Pacific posted online alerts after authorities on Monday
As Hong Kong airport is shut down by order of the authorities, the Foreign Office is warning prospective visitors to the city that protests involving significant violence “are likely to continue”. These are the key questions for travellers in Hong Kong at present, or
Hundreds of protesters in Hong Kong waved banners and passed out anti-government leaflets to passengers arriving at the city's airport, as they sought to bring international attention to their campaign for greater freedom in the Chinese territory. "Dear travelers,"
The United States raises its travel warning for Hong Kong, urging travelers to exercise increased caution in the Chinese territory due to what it termed civil unrest after months of sometimes violent street protests. More protests are planned in several districts across the city
Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific has revealed it is recording passenger activity on its aircraft via inflight entertainment systems and video cameras, re-opening an uncomfortable debate over surveillance on airplanes. The carrier, frequently named
The city of Hong Kong, home to 7.4 million people, has been in the spotlight for weeks because of teeming protests. Experts say the urban hub is still safe for tourists, and the U.S. State Department places it in its lowest risk category, but there are questions and things to be mindful of for those passing through. Minor disruptions are possible, and visitors should stay aware of unfolding
Marriott International, with 7,000 properties around the world, just reached that number with the opening of the St. Regis Hong Kong. The stunning, 27-story luxury hotel in Wan Chai, steps from the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, is an example of the company’s strategy to focus on its luxury brands. Marriott is the family name of the
Passengers aboard a United Airlines flight out of New Jersey found themselves stranded at a Canadian military base for more than 15 hours. United Flight 179 left New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday afternoon, destined for Hong Kong International Airport. But a medical emergency diverted the flight to Goose Bay airport in Newfoundland, Canada
One of the most vibrant cities in the world and blessed with amazing food, interesting sites and incredible shopping, Hong Kong is currently experiencing a popularity resurgence as a leisure destination in its own right as well as a business hotspot and key stopover hub for travel throughout the Pacific Rim. It’s a great time for the city, and the Kerry Shangri-La
Three over-enthusiastic K-pop fans delayed a flight from Hong Kong to Seoul by mobbing the objects of their affection and then demanding to be allowed to get off the aircraft.
The dazzling mosaic-bar of Bar Trigona at the Four Seasons Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, the Italian-chic, cinema-themed Paper Moon Giardino restaurant in Milan, the beach resort chic of the Rosewood Sanya in China. They're all the work of a Hong Kong duo, interior designer
The data breach at Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Dragon Airlines, which exposed the sensitive personal and financial details of up to 9.4 million customers, is certainly not the first and probably won’t be the last such event in commercial aviation. The likelihood of further hacks raises alarms
China on Tuesday opened the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge linking Hong Kong to the mainland, a feat of engineering carrying immense economic and political significance. Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over a ceremony in the city of Zhuhai to open the 55-kilometre (34-mile)-long bridge linking it to the semi-autonomous
Richard Branson comes to San Francisco, Rosewood raises the luxury stakes in Hong Kong, Nobu makes its long-awaited debut in Cabo San Lucas and the Shinola empire continues its brand extension in Detroit. These are among the more intriguing hotel openings scheduled for the end of 2018 and the first half of 2019.
If one had to single out which of Hong Kong's 100-plus mountains best represents the city, the choice would be simple -- Lion Rock. This 495-meter-tall monolith, named for its resemblance to a crouching lion, is sandwiched between Kowloon and the New Territories
For those planning their first trip to the Asia-Pacific region, major destinations usually top the list, such as Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore or Hong Kong. These power-hitters promise international flights and easy infrastructure, making them logical entryways for travelers trekking around the world. In many cases, it's not until the second, third or fourth visits that people have time to explore a country's tertiary cities
Creaky wooden floors, teak antiques, afternoon tea, marble staircases. There's just something magical about a hotel with some history. From Yangon to Hong Kong, many of Asia's most beautiful heritage hotels emerged during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Once a small fishing and farming village, Hong Kong is now among the world’s busiest ports and most important centres of trade. The city, an autonomous territory of China, has been both a part of Imperial China and the British Empire – giving it the East-meets-West vibe that locals love. “Hong Kong is a busy metropolis still steeped in Chinese tradition,” said seven-year
Asia boasts of major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Tokyo that draw travelers to the heart of their countries. However, much can be said about the tucked-away landmarks, villages, and towns that behold various treasures. Invest yourself in the beauty of mud volcanoes in Borneo, the diversity of artisan villages in China, and the little-known, temple-studded island in Hong Kong.
For decades, the Southeast Asia hotel game was ruled by three luxury brands: Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula, and, of course, Aman. But new brand on the block, Rosewood, whose first hotel in the region opened last November in Phuket, and made our Hot List of best new hotels for the phenomenal singing bowl massages alone) are swiftly gaining ground. The Hong Kong
You can usually expect a fine dining experience when you’re traveling business class, but one airline is taking premium class meals to a new level. Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific is bringing a five-star restaurant experience to its dining service on Boeing 777 flights to Chicago in July, to further expand to 34 destinations by June 2019.
Traditional industry, bargain electronics, hipster wares and some of the city’s best bites make Sham Shui Po an essential Hong Kong stop-off. Sham Shui Po has long been a working-class district of Hong Kong. This humble area hides an intriguing press of markets, shops, stalls, eateries – and, inevitably, a touch of hipster resurgence.
In Hong Kong, there’s always a luxe way to get around. You could go all-out by chartering a superyacht, or hopping on a helicopter tour of the harbour. But some of the best rides in town are true bargains that show off the city’s hidden corners and famous sights. Grab an Octopus card – that’s the local version of London’s Oyster card – and embark on a series of unforgettable public transport journeys across Hong Kong.
On March 25, 2018, flight HX060 touched down at San Francisco International Airport at 10:23 local time. Following a celebration event at the boarding gate hosted by Hong Kong Airlines, flight HX061 departed from San Francisco at noon, and arrived in Hong Kong ahead of schedule on early Monday evening. To mark this special occasion, Mark Farrell, Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco, proclaimed March 25, 2018 as the “Hong Kong Airlines Day in San Francisco”.
Hong Kong Airlines has collaborated with local celebrity chef Gabriel Choy to offer a range of Western dishes with an Asian twist to its Business Class passengers on all flights departing Hong Kong
We've rounded up 22 of the most anticipated newcomers of 2018.
These beauties provide new ways to experience a few of our favorite destinations, from a remote beach resort in Okinawa to glamping in Cambodia, a heritage project in Hong Kong and a relaxing wellness getaway in jam-packed Jakarta
After a beast of a renovation, The Fleming boutique hotel re-emerged in Wan Chai late last year with a new look, inspired by the green-and-white cross-harbor ferries.
The design features contemporary maritime accents, such as porthole-like mirrors, industrial lamps and navy-striped rugs
The crew of Cathay Pacific CX893, which was traveling to Hong Kong from San Francisco, reportedly saw the missile from their plane as it was passing over Japan and alerted the country's air traffic control
The new service will expand the airlines presence in North America, following the launch of its services to Vancouver on June 30, 2017, and the upcoming launch from Los Angeles on December 18, 2017
Windstar Cruises announces Chef Andy Ricker as the new guest chef aboard the January 20, 2018 Icons of Southeast Asia sailing. The James Beard Foundation Culinary Collection cruise is a 14-day journey from Hong Kong to Bangkok, making Ricker – a celebrated Thai cuisine chef – a perfect choice to guide guests on a feast for the senses
Hong Kong Airlines and WestJet announced that they have entered into a codeshare agreement, which sees Hong Kong Airlines placing its HX marketing code on WestJet operated flight
Sir David Tang, a "larger-than-life Hong Kong-born entrepreneur, style guru and bon viveur", has died at the age of 63. Here, from an article written in 2016, he told Telegraph Travel his tips for travelling with style and grace
The highest point on Hong Kong Island at 1,811 feet tall, this historic mountain provides 360-degree views of the city's impenetrable skyline. But "The Peak" has much more to offer than just Instagrammable scenes. From gorgeous hiking trails to heritage restaurants, here's how to make the most of this famous summit on your next trip to Hong Kong
Hong Kong Airlines is set to make its North American debut with the launch of its non-stop daily service between Vancouver, Canada (YVR) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) on June 30, 2017
An Air China plane yesterday narrowly missed flying into a mountain in Hong Kong after the pilot allegedly made a wrong turn, according to Chinese media. It's reported that the pilot had failed to understand the instructions from an air traffic controller and veered towards the mountain minutes after the takeoff
For years, passengers on planes have had to grapple not only with tight overhead compartments, but also with shoving their carry-ons below the seats in front of them: sacrificing precious foot space. Now, a group of students from the University of Hong Kong have come up with a clever solution that would free up some leg room without having passengers give up their carry-ons
Central Holidays today announced the appointment of travel industry sales specialist Margie Bell to the position of national sales manager for the leading travel provider. Bell joins Central Holidays with 40 years of experience in the travel industry, including strategic sales roles as well as hands-on agency management with well-known travel companies including the IsramWorld Portfolio of Brands and the Hong Kong Tourism Board
ext time you check out of a hotel, spare a thought for the barely touched bar of soap left behind in your room. Around the world, five million hotel soaps make their way to landfills every single day. But Clean the World aims turn those discarded slabs into a life-changing commodity. With recycling centers in the United States and Hong Kong, the not-for-profit corporation has partnered with 5,000 hotels internationally to recycle soap from nearly one million hotel rooms daily, distributing them instead to families, schools and organizations in need
An insider's guide to the top hotels in Hong Kong with a pool, including the best for harbour vistas, spacious spas, rooftop pools, Michelin-starred restaurants, romantic bars and outdoor whirlpool tubs, with views overlooking Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, The Peak and Hong Kong Harbour
Melbourne has scored another international aviation victory, with Virgin Australia announcing its first flights to Hong Kong will be out of the Victorian capital. From July 5, the five return services
You’ve landed in Hong Kong for a long-planned bucket-list trip – or finally made it to London for the start of that British odyssey. You drop your bags, freshen up and head directly for … the tailor
At Elephant Grounds, a hip café with herringbone wood floors in a little corner of Hong Kong known as the Star Street Precinct, I sat on a bar-side stool and enjoyed a latte while listening to a compelling symphony
The George V, Carlyle, Cipriani, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Sandy Lane... the fabulous properties that have not made our final cut reads like someone else's hot hotel list
Halloween is massive in Hong Kong. Shopping malls and theme parks embrace the holiday with decorations and events, and street markets stock an array of spooky masks, colourful wigs, and every costume you can imagine
From abandoned theatres to underground mines, adrenaline junkies HK Urbex are on a mission to immortalize Hong Kong’s forgotten structures – before they’re lost forever
The oppressively hot days of summer will soon be coming to an end and the high-rise metropolis of Hong Kong will once again be a joy to behold. Throw in new flights, a wave of new bars and restaurants and some of the most iconic sights and experiences in the Far East and you've got a city break of epic proportions
This is exactly what I imagine hiking in Scotland or Wales to be like. Every so often, a piece of a craggy mountain breaks through the fog, so thick it feels like I'm walking through cotton balls. On a high point, a hole opens and my friend Jeremy and I glimpse the roiling ocean a couple thousand feet below. The view is spectacularly moody and lasts less than three minutes. The air is so saturated with moisture that dew collects on Jeremy's eyelashes. Thigh-high grasses are bent sideways by the wind
Doha may be under the radar of many Australian travellers but the Qatar capital is poised to become the next Dubai or even Hong Kong or Singapore — a place to regroup and shop while on a long-haul flight to Europe. Qatar is a peninsula jutting into the Persian Gulf bordered by Saudi Arabia, with Iran across the Gulf and sharing water borders with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates
Densely packed and vibrant, with far fewer expats than Hong Kong Island, the district of Mong Kok in Kowloon is renowned for its shopping and eating, not to mention its iconic neon signs. The Langham Place hotel has been a part of the neighbourhood since 2005, and the chain chose this location to transform into its first, well-being-focused Cordis hotel. The new brand encourages guests to get out and explore the nearby streets, while also offering them an oasis from the crowds
Dream Cruises, the newest addition to the Genting Hong Kong stable and claimed to be the first-ever Asian luxury cruise line, is now available for sale in Australia and New Zealand
Citing customer interest, Crystal Cruises is upping the number of new river ships that it's building to sail on Europe's rivers. The luxury line signed an order for a total of eight ships Tuesday, all to be built through the Lloyd Werft Group, a collection of four shipyards in northern Germany that are owned by Crystal's parent company, Genting Hong Kong
Forget the air rage of walking through first class for a second, and consider how this traveler must feel: On an Emirates flight from Dubai to Hong Kong, a passenger claims that two watches and foreign currency were taken from his carry-on luggage, valuing $260,000, reports the BBC. The 39-year-old man, reportedly a Turkish watch merchant who had been sitting in economy, says he had placed his luggage in the overhead bin. A spokesperson for Emirates told the BBC that the airline "is working closely with the police department and providing information to assist with their investigation."
If you like active travel in exotic destinations, check out five new trips from G Adventures: Bhutan Trekking: the Druk Path; Cycle China: Hong Kong to Beijing; Japan Hike, Bike
As impressive as Hong Kong’s skyline is, the city never seems to stop building. Case in point: the rapid expansion of the rail system. The MTR’s Island Line was extended to the neighborhood of Kennedy Town at the end of 2014, sparking a development boom on the once-quiet western side of the city. Several other projects are also on the way, including an express link to the mainland border
Pull the curtains aside at dawn and watch the city wake up energised. The Park Lane sits opposite Victoria Park where on a weekday morning you'll find locals practise tai chi with friends or choreographed dance waving swords, while the sprightly are seen on the park's jogging tracks and outdoor gym equipment
A guide to the world's best hotel pools, featuring the top spots for rooftop pools and infinity pools, in locations including Hong Kong, Maldives, St Lucia, Santorini, London, Caribbean, Barcelona and Dubai
The formalities of hotel dining usually run on the same well-trodden lines – what you might call the César Ritz lines. You walk to the entrance and a well-mannered, agreeably dressed member of staff swoops in and leads you, usually with the solemnity of a cardinal, to your table; which is usually covered in a thick, off-white cloth and all the other glinting appurtenances of fine dining
The Paris experience starts in the heart of Asia. The Peninsula Hong Kong, overlooking the Kowloon waterfront with unmistakable imperial hauteur, has geared up for the opening of its Parisian sibling
