To be honest, last week, when I was planning my next holiday, Hong Kong didn’t even come to my mind. I just thought of it as just another busy city with tall buildings and crowded markets.
But, when I searched more, I realised Hong Kong had so much to offer. And, when I finally visited, it completely surprised me in the best way.
From easy transport that makes moving around simple, to theme parks that are budget-friendly, Hong Kong has everything a family trip could need.
Note: Those who don’t know, Hong Kong is located on the southern coast of China. Hong Kong is not a country, it’s a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China.
Keep reading, as in this article, I’ll walk you through Hong Kong and give you 6 strong reasons why your next travel destination must be this place.
Reasons Why You Must Travel Hong Kong
Below are the reasons why you should travel Hong Kong:
1. Smooth Transportation
The first thing that I liked most about Hong Kong was how easy it was to travel around. And, that’s what any tourist would want in any country, right?
When I landed at the airport, I picked up my Octopus Card (or a prepaid travel card), and that was all I needed. It’s a lifesaver. Your Octopus Card allows you to use the metro, buses, and even pay in small shops in just a few taps.
Note: You can buy your Octopus Card online before your trip and pick it up at the airport for 50 HKD. And, if you lose it, you can get a new one and reload it at any 7/11 store.
Everywhere I went, there was English signage, so I never felt lost. Google Maps worked great for finding routes and my spots. Where I stayed, there were plenty of food options.
When you ride the ferry across Victoria Harbour, take double-decker buses, and sit on glass-roof trams, it makes your daily travel feel extra special.
In short, the smooth transportation of Hong Kong saved me both time and money.
Suggested Reads: 10 Best Places To Go For Shopping in Kuala Lumpur
2. Disneyland Magic Without Burning a Hole in Your Pocket
At first, I was a bit nervous before visiting Hong Kong Disneyland. I thought it would be out of my budget and overcrowded. But it surprised me. The ticket price was not too much.
I went on a weekday and enjoyed all the rides without waiting in long lines. From Disney parades to exciting roller coasters, the whole day was full of fun.
The highlight of Disneyland for me was a small counter that served proper Indian thali (dishes).
A Little Trip: Don’t forget to carry a few light snacks for the kids.
3. Ocean Park: Must Visit
In Hong Kong, Disneyland gets most of the attention. However, Ocean Park became my personal favorite. It has an aquarium, a zoo, and a theme park all in one place.
I started by visiting the panda enclosure and then saw the huge aquariums filled with sea creatures. If you love to make a splash, there’s also a theme park.
It’s a place where both adults and kids have fun equally. By the end of the day, I was tired but super happy. So, if you’re visiting Hong Kong, add this place to your itinerary.
4. Food That Feels Like Home
Food is always on people’s minds when planning a trip. You can’t help but wonder what the food will be like your destination. It is something that make or break any trip.
In Hong Kong, I was pleasantly surprised by how many food options I enjoyed.
- Breakfast at Bolton Cafe: Every morning, I enjoyed their set meal with a tomato-cheese sandwich, iced milk tea, and the famous pineapple bun, which alone is worth waking up for.
- Vegetarian Delights at Veggie Kingdom: This place served vegetarian dim sums with mock meat that tasted so authentic yet comforting for an Indian palate.
- Comfort Like Home at Papa Gomes 1: After climbing the long mid-level escalators, I was rewarded with a proper thali of naan, curries, samosas, and rice that tasted like home.
- Indulgence at Chilli Fagara: This Michelin-starred spot stole the show with dumplings dipped in chilli oil. Mixing that oil with fried noodles was easily one of the best meals I had on the trip.
- Awesome Desserts: I can’t forget desserts. The egg tarts were everywhere, but it was the Nutella-stuffed doughnuts at Bakehouse that became my ultimate guilty pleasure. Pairing them with a hot coffee after a long day of walking was pure bliss.
For me, food in Hong Kong wasn’t just about eating. It made my travel much easier since everyone could always find something they liked.
5. Entry and Flights Made Easy
Before the trip, I was a bit worried about the paperwork. But Hong Kong made it really simple. With an Indian passport, I just had to apply online for a Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR). It was free, quick, and got it done on time.
Special Advice: Use trusted platforms like MakeMyTrip, Atlys, or StampThePassport and apply at least three months in advance. This way, even if your PAR gets rejected, you’ll still have enough time to get a proper visa.
Flights were easy to manage too. I found direct options from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, and by being flexible with dates, the fares were quite affordable.
Many travelers also add Macau to their trip since it’s just a short ferry or bridge ride away and doesn’t need a visa.
There, you often find families who went directly from the airport to Macau for two days and then come back to Hong Kong for the rest of their holiday.
It’s a smart way to plan your trip, though.
6. Shopping That Delights Every Generation
Hong Kong is literally a paradise for anyone who loves to shop.
I was in Harbor City, which is full of toy shops, electronics, and fun stationery stores where you can get puzzles, Lego sets, and school items at a good price. Trust me, once you start shopping, you’ll end up buying more than you planned because the deals are just too good.
For branded shopping, you can visit Citygate Outlets. From Nike and Adidas to other luxury brands, you’ll find many with discounted rates.
Affordable Tour Packages:
In Summary
If I have to summarise my whole trip to Hong Kong, I can say: It gave me everything I looked for in my travel destination. From smooth transportation to affordability, whether we’re talking about visiting theme parks or doing some shopping, everything was outstanding.
Literally, Hong Kong is the kind of place where I didn’t have to worry about logistics. Throughout the 3 days and 2 nights, I just enjoyed the moments with my family.
So, if you’re planning your next vacation, especially with your family, you must visit this place. It’s better than you think, easier to visit, and more enjoyable than you’d have expected.
