HONG KONG - TripAdvisor

HONG KONG SPRING & SUMMER GUIDE 2012

The best places to eat, sleep and play in Hong Kong this spring and summer

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INTRODUCTION

TripAdvisor, the most trusted source for where to eat, sleep and play in thousands of destinations around the world, has collected the best insider tips from its 50 million monthly visitors to produce a unique series of travel guides. In addition to the best hotels, restaurants and attractions for every type of traveler, you'll get great advice about what to pack, how to get around and where to find the best views. Be sure to check out the guides at .

You'll find reviews for more than 555,000 hotels, 200,000 vacation rentals, 175,000 attractions and 780,000 restaurants on . Learn from other travelers what to expect before you make your plans.

PACKING TIPS

1. Haggle like a local: "Bring small bills for the markets, bargain from 1/3of the price they quote you and walk away if they won't budge; they will usually lower the price when you walk away."-- TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong

2. "Hong Kong markets are a must. Leave extra space in the suitcase, so you can fit your bargain purchases in!"-- TripAdvisor Member, Derby, England

3. "A tripod is a must. I carry a cheap and light tripod everywhere in my backpack for a trip. I set it up for scenic shots, so my wife and I can be in the picture together. I also use it for night shots."--TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong

Inside

HONG KONG

Hong Kong's appeal as a modern metropolis amid an ancient culture thrives. Sometimes bustling, sometimes serene, this great city is divided into four distinct areas: Hong Kong Island, the busy, pulsating heart and financial and commercial center; Kowloon Peninsula, home to many of the upscale hotels; New Territories, where you'll find traditional rural life; and the 200outlying islands, of which Lantau is the largest.

The British took control of Hong Kong in 1841, after the First Opium War against the Chinese; in 1898, they also gained a 99year lease on the New Territories. When the lease ran out in 1997, the entire province was handed back to China. Today, British influence is still strong. As a result, most of the local population knows English (if not fluently, they know what you're saying). Learn a few phrases and especially know the numbers so you can bargain in the markets!

Hong Kong's sub-tropical climate promises pleasant, temperate weather for half of the year. January and February tend to be cool and cloudy; between May and August, expect hot, humid weather with occasional showers. Cyclone season (July through September) can bring higher winds, thunderstorms and occasional flooding.

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Top VIEWS

HONG KONG'S BEST VIEWS

"The Lobby Lounge is among the best in the world for view, service, facilities and live music."--TripAdvisor Member, Dallas, Texas

Lobby Lounge, Intercontinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 0852 2721 1211

"An excellent way to get from Kowloon to Hong Kong across the harbor, Star Ferry is quick, cheap and efficient and a real taste of old Hong Kong. You can sit on the top and enjoy the fantastic view. Especially stunning at night when all the skyscrapers are lit up."-- TripAdvisor Member, Nottingham, U.K.

Star Ferry, Star Ferry Pier, Edinburgh Place, 085223677065

PLAY Where to

Victoria Peak (Tai Ping Shan) is "billed as the number one tourist attraction in Hong Kong, and rightly so. The Peak Tram is a fun and easy way to get to the top of Victoria Peak, but it is the views from the peak that are the star of the show. We went up during the day, which being nice and clear, afforded great views over the harbor and across to Kowloon."-- TripAdvisor Member, Scotland

Victoria Peak, 1Lugard Road, 085228497654

TOP 10 Attractions

1. Dialogue in the Dark Hong Kong, 8 King Lai Path, Meifoo, Kowloon, 0852 2891 0438

2. Nan Lian Garden, 60 Fengde Road, Zhuanshishan, 0852 3658 9424

3. Hong Kong Museum of History, 100 Chatham Road S, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, 0852 2724 9042

4. Chi Lin Nunnery, Chi Lin Road, Diamond Hill, 0852 2354 1735

5. Victoria Harbour 6. Star Ferry, Star Ferry Pier, Edinburgh Place, 0852 2367 7065 7. Hong Kong Skyline, along Victoria Harbour 8. Happy Valley Racecourse, Sports Road, Happy Valley, 0852 2895 1523 9. Lantau Island 10. Hong Kong Park, 19 Cotton Tree Dr., Central, 0852 2521 5041

FAMILIES

"Hong Kong Disneyland is indeed very small, but absolutely gorgeous. The park is so clean! My wife and I visited and had a truly magical day. The fireworks at the end of the day are the best we have seen at any Disney."--TripAdvisor Member, Colchester, England

Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, 0852 1830 830

ROMANCE

A trip on the Star Ferry is "one of the most romantic journeys you can make. Traveling from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island with the mass of neon lights in the background is the perfect place to propose."--TripAdvisor Member, Cheltenham, U.K.

Star Ferry, Star Ferry Pier, Edinburgh Place, 085223677065

Ocean Park is a theme park with rides and a butterfly house. "My kids enjoyed the rides. The cable car view alone is worth the trip."--TripAdvisor Member Ocean Park, Ocean Park Road, Aberdeen, 0852 3923 2323

"The cable car view alone is worth the trip."

"Fifty2 Lounge is a seductive lounge bar with awesome ambiance and a good drinks selection. The best thing was the balcony area which allows you to go out for a breather without leaving the bar."-- TripAdvisor Member, United Kingdom Fifty2 Lounge, 3/F, 52 Wellington St., 0852 2110 4483

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"The Hong Kong Zoo & Botanical Garden is a great way to relax from the busy shopping and sight seeing. A range of sights from plants to pythons will cover everyone's interest. And did I mention that admission is free?"--TripAdvisor Member, London, U.K. Hong Kong Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Albany Road, 852 2530 0154

For a few moments of peace away from the crowds, take a stroll to the conservatory and the aviary at Hong Kong Park, "a quiet oasis."--TripAdvisor Member, Solihull, U.K. Hong Kong Park, 19Cotton Tree Drive, Central, 085225215041

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PLAY Where to

BUDGET

For inexpensive clothes shopping, visit Stanley Market, open daily. "The market itself is a maze of small shops and stalls with a huge array of things--some of which you never knew you'd need (or want!). My only word of advice would be to barter and, if you think you're not getting a good deal, just walk away. You'll be amazed how many stall owners will come after you to make a sale."-- TripAdvisor Member, London, England

Stanley Market, Stanley Beach

"We've been living here for 5 years and we still make frequent trips into the Mongkok area. Yes, it's packed with people but the sights and smells are exactly what Hong Kong is all about. We recommend taking an evening stroll through the Ladies Market near Argyle Street."--TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong

Mongkok, Kowloon

ADVENTURE

For less than a few dollars, you can take the tram on Victoria Peak for a stunning view of Hong Kong. It's a "fun and easy way to get to the top, but it is the views that are the star of the show. The vista is breathtaking."-- TripAdvisor Member, Scotland

Victoria Peak Tram, Lugard Road, 085228497654

TripAdvisor members have posted more than 10 million traveler photos on the site. The good, the bad and the very candid. It's almost like being there!

For the more energetic, there's the 43-mile Lantau hiking trail, for which you need a map and a plan. You can do it in stages, but "allow at least five hours for the walk; bear in mind Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong and it is very mountainous. It is not easy."--TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong

Lantau Trail, Lantau Island, 085229848191

The Dolphin Encounter Program at Ocean Park "was really good fun! Basically you get to go behind the scenes to meet, feed and touch the dolphins. I really enjoyed this!"--TripAdvisor Member, Aberdeen, U.K.

Dolphin Encounter Program at Ocean Park, Ocean Park Road, Aberdeen, 085239232323

The YMCA offers "lots of amenities, including two indoor pools, squash courts, a climbing wall and exercise room."-- TripAdvisor Member, Cambridge, England

YMCA, 41Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 085222687000

"...and the big Buddha, well

it was impressive I must say."

EDUCATIONAL/HISTORICAL

The Museum of History "takes you for a walk through time. There are various movie rooms, displays, recreations and photos of old Hong Kong. You'll learn so much about the rich culture and history of this vibrant city."--TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong Hong Kong Museum of History, 100 Chatham Road S., Kowloon, 085227249042

RELAXATION

Experience Hong Kong without the benefit of sight during Dialogue in the Dark. "I went for the novelty, but was struck by the experience. It opened my mind to a different world."--TripAdvisor Member, Mumbai, India

Dialogue in the Dark, Lot 215, The Household Center, 8 King Lai Path, Kowloon, 852 2891 0438

The Po Lin Monastery features the largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha in the world. "A fair way to spend half a day. We took the ferry out from Hong Kong island, and had a very enjoyable walk back down through the woods to Tung Chung. The monastery itself was interesting and the big Buddha, well it was impressive I must say."--TripAdvisor Member, Scotland

Po Lin Monastery, Lantau Island, 085229855669

All bets aside, "the night was the winner" at the Happy Valley Racecourse. "There was `pomp' surrounding the occasion where the horses are led out by riders in a red uniform. The winner is then led to show off in front of the crowd. A fantastic evening's entertainment."--TripAdvisor Member, Manchester, U.K.

Repulse Bay is probably Hong Kong's most popular spot for a day at the beach. The clean water and gentle waves make it perfect for a relaxing swim. "The walk along waterfront in Repulse Bay is recommended. You can sense the beauty of the countryside, it's so green and lovely."--TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong

With a collection of more than 14,000 objects, including paintings, calligraphy and antique treasures, the Hong Kong Museum of Art "is down by the waterfront and a great place to spend a few hours on a rainy day. Go on a Wednesday, and it's free to get in, too!"--TripAdvisor Member, Livingston, Scotland

Happy Valley Racecourse, Sports Road, Happy Valley, 085228951523

Repulse Bay, South coast

Hong Kong Museum of Art, Cultural Centre Complex, 10 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 0852 2721 0116

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TOUR What's the How to Get Around

Smart Card--The TripAdvisor Local Expert for Hong Kong suggests getting an Octopus Smart Card. It allows you to use public transport without worrying about purchasing tickets--and it's cheaper.

Slow boat--An Oxford TripAdvisor Member suggests using the old ferries instead of the faster catamarans: "There is no better or cheaper way to see the skyline than from the balcony of the ferries."

Brilliant views--A TripAdvisor Member from Hampshire suggests traveling on the top deck of buses for brilliant views.

WHERE to eat

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FAMILIES

"As an American living in Hong Kong, Blue Smoke Bar-B-Que is just the touch of home that I need. The manager and chef are both from the South; the hospitality and cuisine testify to that."--TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong

Blue Smoke Bar-B-Que, 3/F Grand Progress Building, 15 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 0852 2816 9018

Let the kids choose their own dishes. Make it easy and simple at Nomads in Knutsford Terrace, where "at a noodle bar you choose the noodles, all the add ons and sauce, and they make it for you."--TripAdvisor Member, San Francisco, Calif.

Nomads, 55Kimberly Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 085227220733

The Enchanted Garden Restaurant "will have something good for all the family. Lots and lots of different types of food and all clearly labelled, which is good if you want to try the local dishes."--TripAdvisor Member, Bristol, U.K.

Enchanted Garden Restaurant, Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, 0852 1830 830

ROMANCE

"The moment we exited the lift, the five-star service began."

"Gaddi's is one of the best French restaurants in Asia and a must if you're looking for gourmet, Michelin-starred cuisine. The dining room is very luxurious and palatial, and the service is among the best I've ever experienced."--TripAdvisor Member, Los Angeles, Calif.

Gaddi's, Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 0852 2315 3171

Amigo gave me "a magical night I'll never forget. If you want a wife, ask her here!"-- TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong Amigo, 79A Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, 0852 2577 2202

"...one of the best French restaurants in Asia"

"From the moment we exited the lift at Aqua, the five-star service began. We were seated in a room with breathtaking views of the skyline. We ate from the Tokyo kitchen and had a divine selection of sushi, sashimi and some perfectly executed tempura prawns."--TripAdvisor Member, London, England

Aqua Roma, Aqua Tokyo & Aqua Spirit, 29/F & 30/F, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 0852 3427 2288

BUDGET

"The dim sum at Tim Ho Wan is the best I've ever tasted, delicious and superb and for a total bill of just $18. Eating here, queue and all, is also a really, really authentic Hong Kong experience."--TripAdvisor Member, London, U.K.

"There was a line-up outside of Ebeneezer's Kebabs for a good reason! It had spectacular salads, curries and kebabs, some of the best we've ever had and super cheap!"--TripAdvisor Member, Seoul, South Korea

"I always want to go the Australia Dairy Company. Economic but with very nice light foods--the best toast, fried eggs and milk tea in the city. You will also be delighted by the efficiency of the waiters."-- TripAdvisor Member

Tim Ho Wan, 2-8 Kwong Wah St., Mong Kok, 0852 2332 2896

Ebeneezer's Kebabs, 52 Lochhart Road, 0852 3622 3622

Australia Dairy Company, 7 Parkes St., Kowloon, 0852 2730 1356

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WHERE to eat

HEALTH-CONSCIOUS

"I highly recommend the Thai tofu sandwich at Life--it's easily one of the top five sandwiches I've ever eaten. All sandwiches are served with sweet potato garlic fries and a small mixed salad. A great value, and the cafe also supports local organic farmers."-- TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong

Life Cafe, 10 Shelley St., 0852 2810 9777

HIDDEN GEMS

Kenjo is the "best sushi restaurant in Hong Kong. It truly has the freshest fish. Go for lunch when they have much cheaper options (sets run from HK$90 to 200). Sit at the traditional sushi counter and enjoy watching your meal being made."-- TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong

Kenjo, 30 Minden Ave., 0852 2369 8307

"Ah Sin Vegetarian was clean, cozy and popular among locals. The meals were delicious and flavorsome. Although they seemed to contain fish or meat, they were made all from vegetables. It was amazing to find out what looked like a shrimp was actually not!"--TripAdvisor Member, Kanagawa, Japan

Ah Sin Vegetarian, M/F 71 Chatham Road, South Oriental Centre, 0852 2366 0067

"In my opinion, the hidden gem at Peninsula is Chesa, the Swiss restaurant. I have been there many times and it's consistently good."--TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong

Chesa, Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 0852 2315 3169

"Cute Fei Vegetarian has to be the best restaurant in Hong Kong! The food was beautifully, freshly cooked to the highest of standards and was authentic!"--TripAdvisor Member, London, U.K.

Cute Fei Vegetarian, 32-34 Haiphong Road, 0852 2827 2928

"Delicious and flavorsome!"

"If you're a first time HK visitor, take a morning ride to the Peak on the tram, enjoy the early morning view and book a late lunch at Cafe TOO. Relax with sushi, Chinese, Indian and Western" food items at this favorite buffet.--TripAdvisor Member, New York, N.Y.

Cafe TOO, Island Shangri-La Hotel, Supreme Court Road, 0852 2877 3838

SPECIAL EVENTS

Every evening at 8:00, Victoria Harbour is illuminated by A Symphony of Lights. Hong Kong's permanent light and sound show combines music and a narrative broadcast with lights and lasers from 33 participating buildings. (Nightly) A Symphony of Lights, Victoria Harbour, 0852 2810 2555,

Experience the unique quality of Chinese culture during the Chinese Opera Festival. All of the performances take place in local theatres and each features the style of a different region of China. (June 15 - August 5) Chinese Opera Festival, Various venues, 0852 2268 7325

Cheer on fierce competitors rowing ornately decorated boats at the Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng Festival). (June 23) Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng Festival), Various venues, 0852 2508 1234

With over 500 booths, the 14th Annual Ani-Com & Games Fair features the latest in video games, comics, animation and more. (July 27 - 31) 14th Annual Ani-Com & Games Fair, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr., Wanchai, 852 2344 0415

At the Seven Sisters Festival, processions of dancers and observers place burning incense sticks, flowers and fruit offerings at Lover's Rock in honor of the legendary weaver maid who married a cow herder from across the Milky Way. (August 6)

Seven Sisters Festival, Lovers' Rock, Bowen Road, Wan Chai, 0852 2508 1234

Honor the patron saint of policemen and gangsters with dancing, live music, parading and delicious food at the Kwan Tai Festival. (August 11)

Kwan Tai Festival, Man Mo Temple, Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, 0852 2508 1234

Sample delicious entrees, witness cooking demonstrations and learn some useful tips from experts in the industry at the Hong Kong Food Expo. (August 16 - 20)

Hong Kong Food Expo, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr., Wanchai, 0852 1830 668,

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STAY Where to

FAMILIES

"My children did not stop smiling" at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. "Cinderella and Princess Aurora were in the check-in area letting children meet them-- my three-year-old's eyes nearly popped out of her head, and she was grinning like the Cheshire Cat."--TripAdvisor Member, Doha, Qatar

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Lantau Island, 0852 3510 6000

"We stayed at W Hong Kong for five days and enjoyed every day! The room was very modern and high tech. The bathrooms were very trendy and included a television at the end of the tub. This was a favorite for our kids."--TripAdvisor Member, Dallas, Texas

W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, 852 3717 2222

ROMANCE

"Arriving at the Peninsula is a true pleasure. The rooms are luxuriously decorated with all the latest technology. It is definitely the place to be and to be seen."--TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong

Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 0852 2920 2888

BUDGET

"It's really difficult to get a bargain hotel in Hong Kong and even more difficult for a price to match a hotel's value. But the Hello Inn really is an outstanding exception. We were made to feel very welcome."-- TripAdvisor Member, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Hello Inn, A7 6/F, Mirador Mansion 58 Nathon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 0852 3995 4171

The Island Shangri-La Hotel also comes highly recommended for couples. "The service was excellent. We felt like visiting dignitaries!"-- TripAdvisor Member, London, England

Island Shangri-La Hotel, 2 Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, 0852 2877 3838

"We felt like visiting dignitaries!"

"Though Yiufai Guesthouse is not big, it is equipped with the basic facilities that I need. Its location is very convenient--at the heart of the city. Most important of all, the service is surprisingly friendly. I never expected such excellent service at such a low cost!"-- TripAdvisor Member, Shenzhen, China

Yiufai Guesthouse, Flat E, 6/FL., Golden Crown Court, 66-70 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 0852 2722 5349

LUXURY

For "world class performance," try the InterContinental Hong Kong. "Service is outstanding, from the porter that awaits you at the airport right down to the butler that brings you a fresh cup of Chinese tea shortly after your arrival. Overall, a fantastic experience, score 10 out of 10!"-- TripAdvisor Member, Netherlands

InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 085227211211

Four Seasons Hong Kong ranks "six stars plus a whole lot more. It's clear that the trainers, management team and staff have a serious commitment to guests. The service is of the highest I have ever experienced at any hotel in the world."--TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia

Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance St., Central, 0852 3196 8888

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Novotel Citygate "has a very interesting design, where innovation meets comfort. Floor to ceiling windows with beautiful panoramic views, large and comfortable bed, plenty of nice touches. Overall, a perfectly relaxing experience in an incredible city."-- TripAdvisor Member, Paris, France

Novotel Citygate, 51Man Tung Road, Tung Chung, 085236028888

Have questions about Hong Kong? Get insider advice from local experts in our forums. The majority of questions are answered within 24 hours.

"Lanson Place is a perfect boutique hotel without being pretentious. We loved that the hotel room felt like a mini apartment and, for those steamy afternoons when you just want to stay in and chill out, try the lounge, complete with library."-- TripAdvisor Member, Manila, Philippines

Lanson Place Hotel, 133 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, 852 3477 6888

"I recommend the Caritas Bianchi Lodge to budget travelers, as it has good facilities and an excellent staff. The rooms were pleasantly done, and the inclusion of breakfast was handy."--TripAdvisor Member

Caritas Bianchi Lodge, No. 4 Cliff Road, Yaumati, Kowloon, 0852 2388 1111

"We were greeted by some freshly made Chinese tea."

"The main thing that sets the Conrad apart from the others is the service. The staff could not do enough for you. Within 15minutes of our arrival we were greeted by some freshly made Chinese tea. The rooms were made up a number of times a day, and small gifts made us feel even more welcome."--TripAdvisor Member, United Kingdom

Conrad Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, 085225213838

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STAY Where to

HIDDEN GEMS

At the Langham Place Hotel, rooms have every possible amenity, as well as "wonderful views over the city. The rooftop pool and the wellness area are top-notch. The relaxed atmosphere of the staff also makes younger guests feel comfortable."-- TripAdvisor Member, Berlin, Germany

Langham Place Hotel, 555Shanghai St., Kowloon, 085235523388

At The Upper House, "beautiful tactile finishes and colours combine to create a relaxed haven, high in the sky above the frantic pace of Hong Kong."--TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, 0852 2918 1838

"...a relaxed haven..."

The YMCA has "the best location in Hong Kong. We had great views of the Harbor. Request a room on the 13th floor or higher, so that your view is not obstructed. We watched the light show each night from our room--fabulous."--TripAdvisor Member, Victoria, British Columbia

YMCA, 41 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 0852 2268 7000

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