My Hong Kong Adventure: A Whirlwind 6-Day Trip!
Just got back from an amazing trip to Hong Kong with my friends, and I wanted to jot down some feelings and experiences while they're still fresh. Partly to keep the memories alive, and partly in the hopes it might help anyone else planning a trip there! We spent 6 days and 5 nights exploring, completely self-planned. And honestly… it was a mix of excitement, getting lost, and some seriously tired feet… but unbelievably fun and memorable.
Pre-Trip Prep
- Visa: DIY!
- Money: Exchanged Vietnamese Dong for HKD beforehand and brought credit cards.
- Octopus Card: Borrowed from a friend!
- Tickets: Pre-booked Disneyland, Ngong Ping cable car, and The Peak Tram tickets via Klook - super convenient.
- Adapter: A 3-prong, square-pin adapter.
Day 1: Arrival & Temple Street Disappointment
Landed at the airport around 5:25 PM. We hopped on the Airport Express to Kowloon Station, then grabbed a taxi to the Regal Kowloon Hotel.
That evening, we walked over to Temple Street Night Market for dinner, lured by the rave reviews. But honestly, the food was salty, strong-smelling, and a bit hard to stomach, and the prices weren't exactly cheap.
Day 2: Disneyland Magic
Started the day with breakfast at Dimsum Here. Delicious food, especially the chicken feet!
Spent the entire day at Hong Kong Disneyland, from opening to the spectacular fireworks show. Pro-tip: wear comfortable shoes because you'll be doing a lot of walking. Bring an umbrella as it can be very sunny. Also, pack an empty water bottle to refill for free since food and drinks inside are pricey.
By evening, we were totally drained, so we grabbed instant noodles from 7-Eleven and had them at the hotel. Surprisingly good!
Day 3: The Peak & Repulse Bay
In the morning, we headed to The Peak Tram. We arrived early, so thankfully, the line wasn't too long. A heads-up: sit on the right side of the tram going up for the best panoramic views!
For lunch, we enjoyed dim sum at Lin Heung Lau, a restaurant with an authentic Hong Kong vibe where you select your dishes directly from the cart. Delicious!
In the afternoon, we took a bus to Repulse Bay. The beach was clean and relatively uncrowded. Although it was a bit cloudy and we couldn't catch the sunset as hoped, the beach vibe was still incredibly relaxing.
Day 4: City Stroll & Shopping Spree
We spent the morning visiting the Yick Fat Building, the High Court with its classic architecture, and stopping by Lan Fong Yuen for a taste of traditional Hong Kong milk tea.
In the evening, we went to the Avenue of Stars to watch the Symphony of Lights show. The only downside was a rather strong, unpleasant odor in the area, which slightly affected the experience. If you're sensitive to smells, consider bringing a mask or standing a bit further away.
Day 5: Ngong Ping Serenity
Morning cable car ride up to Ngong Ping, exploring the Big Buddha and the charming village. Tip: definitely opt for the Crystal+ Cabin with the transparent glass floor and sides. The panoramic views of the sea, mountains, airport, and the sea bridge are breathtaking!
In the evening, we strolled around Tsim Sha Tsui, enjoying dinner and some shopping.
Day 6: Farewell Hong Kong
Woke up early for one last walk and photo op at the Avenue of Stars.
Checked out of the hotel at 12 PM, left our luggage at the hotel, and went for a final lunch.
At 2 PM, we took a taxi to Kowloon Station, then the Airport Express to the airport. Arrived with plenty of time to relax and pick up a few souvenirs.
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