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Hong Kong holidays – explore The Vertical City in style
Hong Kong has a reputation for being an expensive place to visit. However, if you know what to do, you can plan a cheap trip to this bustling Asian city. Chinese New Year and summer holidays are when Hong Kong holiday packages are most in demand, so avoid these times. Stick to autumn or early spring for budget-friendly accommodation and the cheapest flights to Hong Kong.
Getting to Hong Kong from the UK
Coming from the UK, most people will take a direct flight to Hong Kong. However, if you are seeking a cheaper option for this part of Asia, then consider flying to nearby Macau instead. This way, you could explore both cities and, depending on seat availability, potentially find a cheaper flight with this route.
The Macau to Hong Kong ferry takes just over an hour and costs around HKD 200-300 (£20-£30). There are also some connecting flights from Beijing, but you may need a visa for this route if you want to leave the airport. Don't forget that there are great-value cruises that can take you to Hong Kong, something worth considering if you have more time on your hands.
When is the best time to visit Hong Kong?
You can find cheaper holidays to Hong Kong in January for spring and autumn. A couple of weeks after Chinese New Year is a good time to book ahead for a trip later in the year. If you don’t find a great deal, then come back and check again in a week or so since the market can be very dynamic. Late November is also a great time to book for Christmas.
Where should you stay in Hong Kong?
From the upmarket establishments in the Central District to the harbour-fronted hotels of Kowloon, there are many tempting places to stay in Hong Kong. You can sometimes grab discounted rates in Hong Kong, depending on how booked the accommodation happens to be.
Throughout the year, Hong Kong offers great prices for rooms in Mong Kok and Jordan, both lively places known for excellent street food. They may not always offer the same upmarket hotels as other parts of Hong Kong, but they’re always inviting. Whether you're a lone traveller or are holidaying with family, either destination would be a great place to find a cheaper hotel in Hong Kong.
What is there to see and do in Hong Kong?
A city that truly never sleeps, Hong Kong is packed with entertainment. Perhaps the ideal choice for those travelling with children, Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the most popular destinations to head for. It can be found at Penny's Bay, Lantau Island, a place that was successfully reclaimed from the South China Sea. Solo travellers should seek out Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden at Diamond Hill. These are great places to get away from the bustle and noise of downtown Hong Kong.
If you want something romantic to do, a Victoria Harbour light show cruise from a private tour or junk cruising boat is hard to beat. Few Hong Kong holiday packages would be complete without a visit to the world’s longest outdoor escalator system in the Central District, either.
How long do flights to Hong Kong take, and what do you need?
Direct flights to Hong Kong from the UK take between 11 and 13 hours, depending on the specific flight path taken. Your passport will need to be valid for a month after you intend to return home. On arrival at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), you will need to pass through border control, which takes around 15 minutes to clear. After that, visitors can proceed to baggage reclaim.
UK citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Hong Kong for up to six months. Travellers from the UK who are not UK citizens can visit the official government website to find out what visa requirements may apply.
Can you fly from airports other than London to Hong Kong?
Yes, you can fly from UK airports outside of the capital to Hong Kong. Other than London to Hong Kong from Heathrow and Gatwick, Manchester Airport provides direct flights to Hong Kong.
In Scotland, Glasgow and Edinburgh offer services to Heathrow that connect with Hong Kong services. You can also book flights to Hong Kong from Birmingham International Airport, which involves a stopover at Doha International (DOH) en route. You can find out more about cheap flights to Hong Kong here.
FAQs about Hong Kong holidays
Q: Is Hong Kong a country?
A: No, Hong Kong is officially a region of China. It is not a country in its own right, despite its unique traditions and history.
Q: Is eating in Hong Kong expensive?
A: There are expensive restaurants and bars, but there's an abundance of food in the city that won't stretch your budget.
Q: Do you need vaccinations for a Hong Kong holiday?
A: The usual vaccinations are advisable but not essential. It's always best to consult with your doctor before travelling to Hong Kong.
Q: Do you need to keep your passport on you in Hong Kong?
A: Yes, you should keep it on your person during your stay in the city. A passport is the only valid form of ID accepted by Hong Kong police.
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