Your Guide to Hong Kong
No one knows travel quite like Delta people, which is why we've curated a guide to help you discover the best that Hong Kong has to offer. Unsure of where to stay? Want to know the best way to get around the city? Just go ahead and book that flight - we'll help take care of the planning.
GETTING AROUND THE CITY
From the airport to your hotel
There are several ways to get from the Hong Kong International Airport, which is located on Lantau Island, to your destination. The quickest? The Airport Express: a subway line that will take you to popular stations like Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station, where you can then connect to get to final stop, if needed. Buy tickets at the counter or vending machines at the airport. For a cheaper alternative, you can also catch a bus from the airport. Follow airport signage to the bus terminal and pay with cash or an Octopus Card to ride. You can use the maps feature on your phone to find which bus will get you where you need to go.
Take the subway
The subway trains (known as the MTR) are going to be your best bet for getting around the city. For the easiest way to pay, purchase an Octopus Card at the airport, any subway station or convenience stores. You can also download the card to your phone’s wallet. With the card, you can also take the bus or the ferry and even use it for vending machines or at convenience stores.
Grab a taxi
In Hong Kong, taxis are an easy and affordable way to get around the city. If the light on top of the taxi is lit up, it’s available. Let the driver open the automatic door – don't try to open it yourself!
Tip: If taxis aren’t stopping for you, check the gutter for painted yellow lines. If it has a double solid yellow lines, it’s illegal to stop for pick up or drop off.
SIDE QUEST
Take the one-hour fast ferry to Macau, a former Portuguese colony. The mixture of Portuguese culture and architecture with Chinese heritage makes it a special place to visit. It’s also home to the Vegas of Asia, where you’ll find many casinos. While in Macau, don’t forget to try the delicious Portuguese egg tarts!
Tip: If visiting this area, be sure to bring your passport as you will need to go through customs both ways. Don’t worry – the process is easy, fast, and visitor visas are not required for U.S. citizens.
RECOMMENDED BY DELTA PEOPLE
For this guide, we turned to Delta First Officer Victor Ngai, who flew our inaugural LAX-HKG flight, to share some of his favorite things to do in Hong Kong.
If you’re craving something more outdoorsy, head to the HK UNESCO Global Geopark. Famous for the breathtaking giant hexagonal volcanic rock columns on sea cliffs, its best seen from a tour boat or kayaking tour.
If you’re into a nightlife scene, the entertainment district is heavily concentrated around Central, specifically around a street called Lan Kwai Fong. This area is well known for its many restaurants and bars that stay open late.
For one of the best views of the city’s skyline, head to the Tsim Shan Tsui promenade. At 8pm every night, there is a light show from the buildings across Victoria Harbour.
For the best birds eye view of Hong Kong and Kowloon, take the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak.
Standing at 112 feet tall, this Buddha statue sits on top of a mountain on Lantau Island. Take the cable car up to the monastery and climb the steps to the base of the Buddha. If you feel like splurging, grab the crystal cabin cable car with a glass floor.
In the West Kowloon Cultural District, you’ll find the M+ Museum and Hong Kong Palace Museum. Spend some time at both and then explore the cafes and eateries nearby.
Head to the Kowloon side to experience some of the bustling night markets. Some of our favorites: Ladies Market, Temple Street Market and Fa Yuen Street
A TASTE OF HONG KONG
Our favorite quick bites, big meals and everything in between from across the city
If roast goose isn’t your taste, opt for char siu. This sweet and savory barbecued pork is usually found served with rice for a hearty dinner, as part of your dim sum spread or as the filling in a soft bun.
With lightly sweetened egg custard inside a flaky pastry, egg tarts are perfect as a post-meal dessert or grab one from a bakery as a treat to fuel your Hong Kong explorations.
In Hong Kong, you’ll find roast goose in several different places – from fine dining establishments to casual eateries. This siu mei features crispy skin and is served with a plum sauce and rice to complete the meal.
Despite its name, bolo bao (also popularly known as pineapple bun), doesn’t contain pineapple. Instead, this Chinese bakery favorite is made of a soft, sweet dough with a sugary crusted top. It’s usually served with butter but can also be filled with things like custard and barbecued pork.
You can’t consider your trip to Hong Kong complete without a full meal of dim sum. Roll up for brunch and order several bite-sized dishes to share. With so many options to choose from – siu mai, pork buns, chicken feet, sponge cake and more – there will easily be something for everyone to enjoy.
A Cantonese staple, this hot soup is served with thin wonton noodles and wonton dumplings filled with mostly shrimp, with some occasionally containing pork as well.
Your Hong Kong Adventure Awaits
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