My Hong Kong Adventure
Visa Application
I started preparing my visa application about a month and a half before my trip on April 7th. Here's the timeline:
- February 14th: Submitted application
- February 17th: Received acknowledgement letter
- March 4th: Provided additional travel proof
- March 6th: Visa issued
Plan ahead! The application process can take a while, especially during peak seasons or holidays. Aim to apply at least 4-6 weeks in advance.
Getting Around Hong Kong
I mainly used the MTR to navigate the city. When exploring Hong Kong Island, I also enjoyed taking the Ding Ding tram.
Ding Ding Tram
Board at the back, pay at the front when you get off. It's a flat fare of 3 HKD (at least, that's what it was during my visit). The tram is slow and relaxing. Perfect for sightseeing! I took it from Kennedy Town to Wan Chai.
MTR & Other Transport Tips
- Google Maps was my go-to for directions. The bus schedules weren't always accurate, so I didn't take the bus often.
- Pay attention to the MTR exit signs and look for elevators if you have luggage. The MTR system is pretty straightforward.
- For taxis, look for designated taxi stands. I didn't personally take a taxi, but I saw people successfully hailing them at these stands.
- I used an Octopus card borrowed from friends. You can top it up with cash in 50 or 100 HKD denominations at machines, Circle K, or 7-Eleven stores.
Accommodation
Mong Kok: Epoch Hotel (Tung Choi Street)
Great central location! The hotel was relatively new, spacious, clean, and well-maintained. It cost around 3,100,000 VND per night. There was a bus stop right outside and tons of late-night eateries nearby.
Yau Ma Tei: M1 Hotel
I booked one night here last minute. The hotel was older and smaller, costing around 2,100,000 VND per night.
Both hotels were conveniently located near MTR stations, in central and safe areas.
Airport Transfers
Arrival
I flew with VNA and arrived in Hong Kong around 1:30 PM (HK time). After immigration and baggage claim, I topped up my Octopus card and took the Airport Express MTR to my hotel. Follow the signs for the Airport Express. You don't tap your card when you board the train from the airport; you tap when you exit the station. Taking the MTR was easier than lugging my suitcase onto the A21 bus (although that bus goes straight to my hotel).
Departure
My VNA flight departed at 2:30 PM. I took the MTR again. The fare from Hong Kong Island to the airport was about 100 HKD. A scenic ride! I arrived at the airport around 10:30 AM. While waiting, I bought Kee Wah Bakery treats as souvenirs (delicious and not too sweet). I also browsed the Disneyland shop outside security, but the selection was limited. After checking my luggage and going through security around 11:30 AM, I visited the larger Disneyland shop inside.
The airport is huge with many gates. Pay close attention to your gate number and allow plenty of time to get there. You'll need to take a train to reach your departure gate.
Food
I kept it simple. I just checked Google Maps reviews and went with what looked good. Eat what you love!
It's a good idea to have cash on hand.
Things to Do
I visited the usual tourist attractions and enjoyed the scenery. Here are two experiences I particularly loved:
Disneyland Hong Kong
- Buy tickets on the Disneyland Hong Kong app/website or Klook.
- Download the Disneyland Hong Kong app to check wait times and park maps.
- Visit on a weekday. I went on a Tuesday, and it wasn't too crowded (although the entrance line took about 40 minutes because I arrived at 11:00 AM).
- Eat a good breakfast (I had dim sum).
- Bring an umbrella, hat, snacks, and a refillable water bottle (there are water refill stations throughout the park).
- I took photos and browsed the merchandise first. Then, I started riding attractions around 1:30 PM. I rode about 10 rides before dinner at 6:45 PM. I did indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day.
- I used mobile order & pick up at a restaurant in Tomorrowland. I highly recommend it! I ordered and picked up my food in about 5 minutes. Dinner was finished around 7:30 PM.
- The fireworks show started at 8:00 PM. I found a spot around 7:45 PM. Anywhere (except behind a pole) is a great view!
- The Disneyland staff were so friendly and waved goodbye as I left.
The Peak Tram
- Buy tickets on Klook to skip the ticket line.
- The tram ride is enjoyable, even if you're tired.
- There's a shopping mall at the top with shops, activities, and a % Arabica coffee shop with amazing city views.
- I bought a combo ticket for the round trip tram and the Sky Terrace to enjoy 360-degree views of Hong Kong. I visited The Peak in the afternoon.
- Follow the signs to find the queue for the return tram.
- I took the Ding Ding tram to The Peak, but I decided to walk to the nearest MTR station on the way back because the bus was taking too long.
I had a fantastic time in Hong Kong. Despite the sun, the weather was pleasant, and I enjoyed walking around and taking in the city views. I hope you have a wonderful trip to Hong Kong and experience many amazing things!
