Hong Kong Stop over
The hotel I would suggest is the wonderful Mandarin Oriental. With advance bookings deals are more likely for great pricing and possible free upgrades. I would recommend a harbour view room. The rooms are large enough for a family with one large double bed and a very comfortable sofa bed for a teenager, with a picture window floor to ceiling of Hong Kong harbour. The bathrooms can only be described as oversized with a separate shower and large bath. Breakfast is buffet style and catered for every style of food from oriental to western.
I would recommend that any stay in Hong Kong starts with a Big Red Bus Tour, one that is valid for 48 hours is a good purchase. This bus tour allows you to get on and off anywhere you want to give you time to fully explore this exciting city. You can also purchase a night-time tour taking in all the sights experiencing the amazing night show of neon lights that is Hong Kong – highly recommended.
If your time is short in Hong Kong, then please consider a tour that only takes a couple of hours, but this tour should include a ride to ‘The Peak’. This is an iconic landmark with a viewing terrace overlooking the whole of Hong Kong. The peak can be accessed by tram which is an unforgettable experience. It is the world’s oldest and most famous funicular railway and rises to 396 metres.
A must is experiencing the markets with the most amazing street food, markets selling fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers, there is a market for almost everything in Hong Kong. If designer labels are your thing then Hong Kong is the place for you but take plenty of spending money!
The Star Ferry travels between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, this journey offers spectacular views of the towering skyscrapers and the jungle clad hills of Hong Kong Island. Make sure that you have your cameras ready. This journey can also be enjoyed at night.
A visit to Stanley on the southern coat of the island is part of the Big Red Bus tour. It is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is famous for its market, offering reasonably priced clothes as well as tourist tat. It looks a little ramshackle but don’t let that put you off. We did not have enough time but hope to return one day to explore the things that we missed.