Most visitors who travel to Hong Kong end up spending the majority of their time on Hong Kong Island, the most popular destination in the former British colony. However, spending all of your time in this busy district would definitely be a mistake. Hong Kong is a diverse and surprisingly large destination, and it is made up of several different islands. Public transportation is very affordable and convenient, making it easy to set off on day trips in the area. Whether you are seeking complete tranquility in a scenic area or you want to experience the excitement of gambling in Macau, read on to learn about the best day trips in and around Hong Kong.
Macau
If you love gambling, shows and the excitement of casinos, then you won’t want to miss a trip to Macau. Getting there is easy, and there is no visa necessary upon arrival. However, you will need to have your passport with you at the border crossing. A high-speed ferry gets you to Macau in roughly an hour, or you can go the luxurious way and hire a helicopter for the journey. Upon arrival, you can choose to stay in one of dozens of upscale resorts, many of them with attached casinos. Macau is a gambling heaven, and it brings in more revenue yearly than even Las Vegas. There is plenty more to do on the island than just gamble, however. You could visit the many museums devoted to the history of this former Portuguese colony, dine on some incredible Portuguese fare or even catch a Cirque du Soleil performance.
Big Buddha
Although Lantau Island is actually the largest island in all of Hong Kong, few people ever get to spend much time there. One of the most exciting trips you can take in Hong Kong is to the Big Buddha, located close to the town of Tung Chung. You can ride the MTR to Tung Chung and then take a cable car to the Big Buddha Statue. If you have the time, hiking around the giant statue is a great way to see a different side of Hong Kong.
Junk Trip to Tai Long Wan
Junks, or traditional Chinese boats, have always had a significant role in this harbour city. Today, visitors can enjoy a private junk trip to one of the more deserted beaches in Hong Kong. Tai Long Wan is one beach that is a complete change from the bustle of the financial district. Enjoy beautiful sandy beaches, no crowds and incredible views from the junk as you sail through the sea. You can have these trips catered, or you can just bring along a cooler and a picnic for once you arrive at the beach.
Shenzhen
One of the most exciting trips to take from Hong Kong is to Shenzhen. Although this city in China may lack the glamour and prestige of Hong Kong, it is one of the top destinations in the world for affordable shopping. In fact, many Hong Kong locals make the trip once or twice a year in order to pick up items for staggeringly low prices. Keep in mind that you will need a visa in order to cross the border, but getting there couldn’t be easier. Just hop on the MTR, or subway, from anywhere in Hong Kong and enjoy a one-hour ride straight to the complex of giant shopping malls in Shenzhen. This is an especially good place to visit if you want to buy souvenirs, handmade curtains or even customized and tailored dresses or suits.
Any of these trips can be completed in a day and is a great way to explore Hong Kong and the surrounding areas while on holiday.
Bio – this article was written by Ross who writes at Netflights.com
and currently loves and works in Hong Kong
island