Talking about Hong Kong without mentioning the double-decker buses is like you haven't been there at all. The feeling of sitting on the upper deck, looking down at the bustling crowd, cars weaving through narrow alleys or brushing close to neon signs... it's both "cinematic" and quintessentially Hong Kong in the wildest way.
💳 Taking the bus is super easy now, no need to worry about loose change
Before, taking the bus often meant worrying about having exact change because drivers wouldn't give change, but now forget about that. I find the new payment methods most convenient:
Octopus Card (Bát Đạt Thông): This is still the "king". Just tap lightly when boarding and you're done, extremely quick and simple.
Visa/Mastercard Cards: Now on Citybus or NWFB buses (those familiar yellow-red ones), they all have contactless card readers. Just take out your usual credit card and tap on the new machine next to the Octopus machine and go.
Apple Pay/Google Pay/Samsung Pay: If you're too lazy to get your wallet, just bring out your phone or smartwatch and "beep" once and done. I think it's extremely modern.
QR Code (Alipay/WeChat Pay): If you're used to these apps, just scan the code and go, no need to load money into an Octopus card anymore.
Note that if you plan to travel little by BUS or MRT, tapping with VISA Contactless is the most convenient because you don't incur fees for buying or ordering a card at the airport or beforehand, but note that the fare is charged full route so it will usually be quite high if you travel by Bus/MRT a lot compared to using an Octopus card! Also remember conversion fees because each card is different, sometimes a 5000 dong trip fare but many cards charge a full 10000 dong per tap.
🌃 A truly "lit" evening in Lan Kwai Fong
After riding the bus and sightseeing enough, stop in the Central area and walk into Lan Kwai Fong.
Personal feeling: Go to this area late at night (around after 9-10pm) to fully experience its vibe. Music, laughter, beer smells all mixed together. You two just pick a bar with high tables right by the sidewalk, order two cocktails and sit watching the crowd pass by.
Small tip: If you want to save a bit to spend on shopping, go during Happy Hour (usually before 8-9pm). Drinks are much cheaper but the atmosphere is still very fun. Some bars even allow standing on the street to drink, feels so free.
⚠️ Small note from my experience:
When using Visa card or phone to pay for bus, sometimes the machine won't accept cards that require PIN entry. So best to always have a contactless Visa/Mastercard ready or preload money into Apple Pay to be safe.
Sitting on the upper deck for views is super beautiful but if you're prone to motion sickness, choose the front seats, don't sit at the back because when the bus turns it can feel a bit "dizzy".
Hong Kong in my eyes is both old-fashioned and modern, and riding the bus is the slowest way for you to feel both extremes. If you're planning to go and still unsure about transportation or food, just message me, I'll guide you enthusiastically!
