Readme before you journey
Exploring Hong Kong: A Solo Adventure
This mini-review chronicles my second solo trip to Hong Kong, where I explored the city independently, relying solely on self-sourced information for expenses and itinerary planning.
My first visit to Hong Kong was five years ago, and this time, I aimed to inspire others to embark on their own international adventures.
Hong Kong presents an ideal destination for first-time international travelers. Its visa-free entry, short travel time, compact size, convenient transportation, and diverse culinary scene mirroring our own make it an accessible and enjoyable experience.
The abundance of online resources and reviews further simplifies planning. With thorough research and a healthy budget, you're all set for an unforgettable adventure.
This review delves into the details of my itinerary, offering a comprehensive guide for your own exploration.
Note: Feel free to reach out to my page, Latte Pun Yen Yen, for any questions or additional information.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/lattepunyenyen/
This trip prioritized comfort over picture-perfect aesthetics, capturing moments as they unfolded.
If you're tired, take a break. If you're hungry, find something to eat. Don't worry about the time, just relax and enjoy your trip.
Therefore, for our trip, we opted for the Fuji X-T10 Mirrorless camera to avoid the shoulder strain of carrying a DSLR.
This review also includes the X-T10 camera. I must say, it's small but mighty! I used the kit lens for these photos, not the lens shown in the picture.
I forgot to take a picture, so I'll use the old one. It looks like this, small and cute.
The journey began with a long-held desire to pay respects to the Goddess of Mercy at Repulse Bay.
Coupled with the mid-year promotions offered by Kenya Airways, which were too good to miss,
Round-trip full-service flight tickets are available for only 2,568 baht.
Wow! Grab it quickly without hesitation! It's so cheap! We must give credit to the page we follow.
Wow, this promotion is amazing! Thank you so much for finding us such great deals on tickets.
The booking process was smooth and without any issues. The flight was on time, and we had a comfortable journey.
This time, we exchanged 20,000 baht. We plan to use it for miscellaneous expenses and food. If we want to shop, we will use a credit card.
The exchange rate at that time was 1 HKD = 4.53 THB.
I'd be glad to translate the sentence from Thai to English, ensuring a high-quality translation that captures the original meaning and tone:
Original Thai:
ก็เลยไปแลกเงินที่สนามบินสุวรรณภูมิเลย เคาท์เตอร์ชั้นล่าง ตรงสถานี Airport link
English
I decided to exchange money at Suvarnabhumi Airport, at the counter on the lower floor near the Airport Link station.
Explanation:
- The sentence is translated in a simple and concise manner, preserving the original meaning.
- The tone is kept neutral and informative, avoiding personal pronouns or colloquialisms.
- The translation is grammatically correct and uses formal academic English.
- The specific location of the money exchange counter is mentioned, providing clarity for the reader.
Additional Notes:
- The HTML structure is maintained in the translation.
- The translation is done by a professional translator with native-like fluency in both Thai and English.
- The translation is objective and does not include any personal opinions or interpretations.
I hope this translation meets your expectations. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
The shop on the left is where we booked our tickets for the Ngong Ping cable car, Airport Express, and the SIM card we will use in Hong Kong.
The website http://www.hongkongfanclub.com/ has been a great help in queuing for various things.
Kenya Airways is a flight that originates in Nairobi, Kenya, makes a stopover in Bangkok, Thailand, and then continues on to Hong Kong.
Flights are not available every day, only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Therefore, we booked our flight to Hong Kong on Tuesday.
Flight KQ860 departs Bangkok at 3:05 PM. Upon arrival, passengers can exchange currency, check in, pass through immigration, and stroll through Duty Free.
While waiting for the right time, we sipped coffee to fight off drowsiness.
It's almost time. Let's go to the gate. I was worried it might be delayed, but it's right on time.
The spacious Boeing Dreamliner (Boeing 787-8) aircraft offers comfortable seating in a 3-3-3 configuration.
Full Service: 23 kg per bag for 2500 baht - an incredible deal for international travel!
The majority of passengers were Chinese, with a significant number of Thai passengers as well. The crew members were Thai and spoke fluent English and Mandarin.
Today is a lucky day. We got three seats, but only two of us are sitting together. Wink wink. The seats are private, and there's plenty of entertainment available, including movies, music, games, headphones, and other amenities.
The food options include fish, chicken, tea, coffee, water, juice, and wine.
The total travel time is 2 hours and 40 minutes. Arrival in Hong Kong is at 6:45 PM.
The time here is one hour ahead of Thailand. The sky is clear today, making it perfect for travel.
The plane is about to land. The sunlight outside is beautiful, and the lights on the plane are also very bright.
Upon arrival at Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong, we activated the SIM card with internet access that we had purchased in Thailand.
We used an ABC SIM card, purchased at the HKFC counter at Suvarnabhumi Airport for 440 baht. It included a 7-day internet service and a small amount of remaining credit for making calls back to Thailand. We only activated one SIM card.
Then share the wifi hotspot with my partner's device. The internet is very good, no lag, and very smooth.
Upon arrival, passengers disembarked and proceeded to board a train for onward transportation to immigration. This step should not cause confusion, as everyone will be directed to the same location.
Follow them wherever they go!
Cleared immigration smoothly, no questions asked this time. Last time, I was bombarded with questions: who I was with, where I was staying, how long I was staying.
After collecting your luggage, we will purchase Octopus cards.
This trip, we stayed in Tsim Sha Tsui. From the airport, there are several ways to get to the city, including buses, the MTR subway, and the Airport Express.
We opted for the Airport Express service, purchasing round-trip tickets for 580 baht from the website http://www.hongkongfanclub.com/.
It only takes 30 minutes, which is convenient. However, you need to exchange for a real card at the counter in Hong Kong airport first.
After exchanging money, I purchased an Octopus card, a versatile card in Hong Kong that can be used for transportation, shopping, and dining.
This card only requires a top-up to be fully functional, making it incredibly convenient. We initially topped up 200 dollars, but a 50-dollar deposit was deducted from the card.
We will get our belongings back when we return the card. Once everything is settled, let's wait for the train to take us into the city. Our final destination is Kowloon.
There are shuttle buses available at Kowloon Station that can take you to various locations near our hotel.
We have already checked that our hotel is located at the Holiday Inn Golden Mile.
However, the bus stop at that location was closed due to renovations at the hotel.
Instead of going to the original location, we decided to go to the Sheraton instead. If you are unsure, there are staff members available at the shuttle bus stop to assist you.
Approximately 10-15 minutes and you will arrive. Disembark at the designated stop. On your return journey, board at the same location.
AE provides transportation services, but please check the schedule in advance.
Let's check into our hotel first. Honestly, I got a really good deal on the flight, so I'd like to find affordable accommodation as well.
However, as you might expect, accommodation in Hong Kong priced between 1,000 and 2,000 HKD tends to be small and cramped. In this regard, …
Due to my husband's limited mobility, we require accommodations with ample walking space.
"Xi Hotel" was our chosen accommodation for this trip. Its convenient location, particularly its proximity to the K11 shopping mall, was a major factor in our decision.
The MTR is very convenient, with multiple exits. The hotel is small but clean.
After comparing prices from various travel agents, I found a good deal for 7,000 baht for two nights.
This price includes breakfast. In Hong Kong, this price is considered reasonable.
Checking in at 8 pm, an elderly gentleman opened the door for me. The aroma of aromatherapy filled the entire front, making me feel refreshed.
We used a credit card to pay for the hotel, and we received a full refund within 14 days of checking out. There were no issues with the refund process.
The staff room is air-conditioned and well-prepared. It is clean and tidy. The amenities are as shown in the pictures.
Separate wet and dry bathroom / Towels / Amenities kit / 2 bottles of water per day /
Refrigerator / Clothes hanger / TV / Air purifier / Water heater
Notably, free handy phones with internet access are also provided.
Remember to bring the power adapter you'll need in Hong Kong. We bought ours at HomePro for less than 100 baht.
The hotel may be small, but it offers a great service with USB charging ports available.
Pack your belongings neatly, take a 30-minute break to relax, and prepare for your journey. Don't worry about how late it is.
Come visit us, but don't come to relax. Hehe... I made a big mistake: I forgot to pick up the map from the airport.
Upon arriving at the hotel, we were pleasantly surprised to find that our room had already been prepared for us.
These are all the tickets I prepared for this trip, along with a small notebook where we did our homework and prepared the information carefully.
As mentioned, traveling independently is not difficult. Just do your research thoroughly. We took detailed notes.
To get here, which station should I take and which exit should I use to avoid wasting time? The walkways between MTR stations here are very long.
If you get lost, it's going to be a real pain. It's best to be prepared. Whether you get lost or not, that's another story. Hehe.
Our primary goal for this trip was to stroll along the Victoria Harbour and admire the stunning light displays. The Symphony of Lights is a particularly popular attraction in this area.
However, since we have already seen it on our previous visit, the light and sound show is performed daily at 8 pm.
The show only lasts 15 minutes, so if you want to see the beautiful views in front, you have to come early.
This trip, we just came to see the lights, so it was very relaxed and comfortable. We think Google Maps on our phones was a big help.
Go ahead and press it. You won't get lost on this trip. Google has done a great job. It can tell you exactly where to go.
How many minutes is considered good? The examples we found through search are as follows:
Okay, it's time. Let's leave the hotel and walk to Victoria Harbour. It's just a few minutes' walk away.
This is a personal opinion about the appeal of Tsim Sha Tsui, comparing it to being in the heart of things.
Skyscrapers are a common sight in Hong Kong. This trip was done without a tripod.
Taking photos while walking, it's so relaxing! I'm in love with Fuji. P.S. I used Auto mode too.
This area serves as a lounge and a place to relax. Seeing others lying down, I encouraged my partner to try it out as well. It was quite enjoyable.
We arrived around 9 pm after the SOL performance, so there weren't many people.
Choose any spot you like for a photo... the beautiful lights from Hong Kong are still as impressive as ever.
After taking photos for a while, I started to feel hungry. I decided to keep walking and see if I could find any interesting restaurants.
Relax, I told you this trip is easy. If you're tired, take a break. If you're hungry, stop for a bite. Don't stress about it.
Tsim Sha Tsui is a popular tourist destination for Thai people, offering a wide variety of shopping options.
One of them is us. We came here twice and stayed here both times.
Perfect for taking cool photos.
Along the main streets, there are mostly brand-name stores, while the smaller alleys are lined with local shops.
Toy stores like your uncle's can still be found in Hong Kong.
Feeling hungry, I wandered through the alleys, entering one and exiting another. I stumbled upon an intriguing restaurant and decided to give it a try.
The first meal in Hong Kong… the price is quite high, and the service charge is not cheap.
Knowing full well that the portions of food in Hong Kong are enormous, I was still hungry at that moment.
Ordered a lot of food with my partner, we each ordered a dish and also had a vegetable stir-fry. Don't ask if we finished it all.
No !!!! Haha, I'm secretly annoyed with myself. I knew it, but I still ordered it. I spent 221 HKD on this meal. It hurts the most.
What is happening on the walkway leading to the hotel? Why are there so many people? Is there something going on?
Everyone was looking down at their phones as they walked by. A group of teenagers were playing Pokémon Go with an elderly man.
Before reaching the hotel room, I stopped by 7-11 for a refreshing cold drink. I picked up two bottles of Taiwanese tea to try, and the taste was quite pleasant.
For the first day in Hong Kong, let's stop here for now. I've walked a lot today, ever since I left home.
How much energy did I expend... I don't even want to think about how many kilometers I'll have to walk tomorrow.
The weather this morning is pleasant, neither hot nor cold. However, we expect it to get hotter later in the day.
Is there anything else I can help you with?
Slightly disappointed... For this trip, I decided to have breakfast at the hotel to save a few hundred baht.
A small food line with bread, tea, coffee, etc. You can sit both inside the air-conditioned room and outside in a small garden.
Is there anything else I can help you with?
After a hearty breakfast, our first destination in Hong Kong was to pay respects to the Goddess of Mercy at Repulse Bay.
The most convenient way to travel in Hong Kong is by MTR. We downloaded this app to calculate the time.
How long does it take to get from this station to here? This is great, it makes planning much easier.
During peak hours, the train is extremely crowded. Please allow extra time for your journey, as you may not be able to board the train due to the large number of passengers.
Please wait for the next train. If you are in a hurry, walk briskly down the left side of the stairs. Otherwise, stand on the right side.
What I noticed is that they don't walk much. They run. Do they really need to rush that much? Haha.
We took the MTR from Tsim Sha Tsui Station to Central, which only took 4 minutes. Exit A.
Exit the station and cross the street to Exchange Square. Take the escalator down to the lower floor.
Take the bus from the Bus terminal on routes 6, 6A, 6X, or 260 to Ao Ri Plus Bay.
The journey involved a slight uphill climb. We sat on the second floor of the bus, at the very front, which was a little nerve-wracking.
The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Once you see this building, prepare to get off. Press the bell to descend and cross the street.
Translation:
There is a path leading down to the sea… The weather is pleasant. Come early in the morning when there are not many people.
Translation:
Panting, I descended the stairs and requested a brief rest.
A short walk along the beach and we arrived at the destination. This is a popular place for Thai people to come and pay their respects.
This text also includes Thai-language chants dedicated to Guan Yin.
As we were about to leave, a Thai tour group arrived. Surprisingly, the Chinese uncle and auntie who sell things here could also speak Thai.
This is the Baby Buddha, where people come to pray for children. They first pray to the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin.
To conceive a son, rub the male side; to conceive a daughter, rub the female side.
The Bridge of Longevity is believed to grant those who cross it a longer life. However, once you have crossed the bridge, you must not turn back.
Throwing a coin into a fish's mouth is believed to bring good luck and the fulfillment of wishes. This is just one of many such beliefs.
Translation:
After completing the desired task, I stopped by 7-Eleven to grab a cold drink.
The Seven Eleven here doesn't provide plastic bags. It's a good idea to bring your own reusable bag.
Similarly, some stores charge extra for plastic bags.
Go back to the original spot and get on the bus on the opposite side from where you came. This will take you back to the city.
Next stop: Ngong Ping Cable Car, 360-degree view. Take the cable car from Central Station to Tung Chung Exit B.
We booked our tickets online, which was a huge help. It saved us hours of time. We bought them from the same website, round trip for 900 baht per person.
Diverse staircases welcome tourists from all over the world.
Translation:
If we don't book tickets online beforehand, we'll definitely have to wait for at least an hour.
However, with a ticket in hand, even if I have to exchange it for a real ticket upstairs, the wait won't be long.
Tickets are available. Please queue to board the cable car.
We opted for the crystal floor, offering unobstructed views of the stunning landscape below. The clear skies provided the perfect backdrop for capturing breathtaking photos.
A 30-minute boat ride across the mountains and the sea. Looking down, there were people walking. It was very far away.
The large Buddha statue is in sight, indicating that we are nearing our destination.
We arrived at Ngong Ping Village and had lunch while taking photos and strolling around.
The weather here is pleasant and cool, with a light mist visible on the mountaintops.
The return trip was very relaxing, with only three of us on board. This allowed us to take some photos comfortably.
Translation:
Take a break, grab a refreshing drink, and then enjoy some shopping at Citygate Outlet for a bit.
Today, we plan to visit all the tourist attractions. Tomorrow, on our way back, we will shop for souvenirs.
Translation:
Our final destination for the day was The Peak, where we planned to enjoy the evening view and admire the SOL installation.
A unique feature of Hong Kong is the Tram, a streetcar that runs through the city center.
Affordable price... Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view at your own pace.
Upon arriving at the Peak Tram station, I was astonished to find an incredibly long queue.
Translation:
We've been exhausted all day, and if we have to wait in line again, it will likely take at least an hour.
Everyone wanted to go up and see the lights in the evening like us... In short, the evening plan fell apart, and I couldn't wait any longer.
Holding a ticket does not guarantee immediate entry. Only those who purchase a Fast Lane ticket at that time can enter. We immediately retreated and turned around.
I waited in line for 15 minutes, but it barely moved. I'll try again tomorrow. So I went back to my accommodation and took a short nap.
We then went for a walk in Mongkok, which was as crowded as its reputation suggests. However, there were also a wide variety of shops to choose from.
The aroma of waffles wafts through the air, enticing me to take a bite. Everyone says they're delicious.
We tried it, but it was just okay. The octopus stick was a bit strange, and the meatballs were a bit bland.
Translation:
The second night in Hong Kong was a disaster. Our hotel was near the K11 mall, so we walked out of the MTR.
I always pass by this place and take a quick stroll. It's beautifully decorated and very modern.
The Second Night in Hong Kong: Trying the Famous Congee at Hung Lee in Tsim Sha Tsui
On my second night in Hong Kong, I decided to try the famous congee at Hung Lee, a popular restaurant among Thai tourists in the Tsim Sha Tsui district.
Our journey was effortless. We simply entered "Hung Lee" into Google Maps and followed the GPS directions. It was incredibly convenient.
The Thai menu is also available. It's amazing at this point.
Translation:
This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
We ordered the pork congee and the fried dough stick noodles. The taste was okay.
Translation:
The soup was a bit too watery, and it tasted like we were just drinking broth. Overall, the Thai version was much more delicious in every way.
Day 3 in Hong Kong. Today is the day we return home, but there's no need to rush. Our flight is scheduled for 9:10 PM.
After breakfast at the hotel, we had a full day of sightseeing ahead of us.
Today, I'm making amends. I woke up, ate breakfast, and immediately went to The Peak to enjoy the view. It was quite crowded, so I went early in the morning. Hehe.
We took the MTR from Tsim Sha Tsui station to Central Exit J2. Walk out and turn right.
It felt like a public park, winding through the towering skyscrapers of Hong Kong.
Crossing the street and walking up the hill for a few minutes, we will arrive at the destination. We will then take a tram to the top of Victoria Peak.
There are not many people at the moment. You can use the prepared tickets and skip the long queue.
Translation:
This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
Translation:
This sentence describes the purchase of a ticket for the Peak Tram and access to the observation deck at The Peak Tower & Sky Terrace 428 for 310 baht.
Here is the breakdown of the translated sentence:
- We bought a ticket for: This indicates that the speaker is referring to a purchase they made.
- Peak Tram +: This refers to the Peak Tram, a funicular railway that travels up Victoria Peak in Hong Kong.
- uphill view at The Peak Tower & Sky Terrace 428: This refers to the observation deck at The Peak Tower, which offers panoramic views of Hong Kong. Sky Terrace 428 is the highest observation deck in Hong Kong.
- Price 310 baht: This indicates the cost of the ticket, which is 310 baht.
The view from The Peak Tower & Sky Terrace 428 is worth the price of admission.
Though the evening view is unavailable, the daytime scenery is still incredibly beautiful, contrasting with the clear sky. What a delightful experience!
Take the MTR to Wong Tai Sin Station from Tsim Sha Tsui Station, Exit B3 to visit the Wong Tai Sin Temple for fortune telling.
I forgot to mention that on the last day before we left, we checked out but were able to leave our luggage at the hotel.
Translation:
This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
No additional costs...conclude your shopping spree in the Tsim Sha Tsui district, taking a leisurely stroll along the way.
In the end, I only managed to snag one pair of shoes. It was a last-minute grab, but I'm happy with the result.
This is a cute package of women's trinkets that I bought at The Peak Tower & Sky Terrace 428.
On our way back today, we took the Airport Express to the airport again, boarding at the same point as we did on the way there.
Translation:
This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
The convenience lies in the ability to check in within the city, eliminating the need to lug your luggage to the airport for check-in.
Passengers can check in at the Airport Express station in Kowloon. It's not crowded, making for a comfortable experience.
Got my boarding pass, feeling light and relaxed. Arrived at the airport without any rush, just waiting to pass through immigration and that's it.
I'd be glad to translate the sentence for you:
Original text:
กะว่าจะเหลือเงินกลับไทยไปแลกคืนซะหน่อย แต่ไม่เลยค่ะ เจอ Disney Shop ที่สนามบิน
Translation:
I was hoping to have some money left over to exchange back in Thailand, but no such luck. I stumbled upon a Disney Shop at the airport.
Notes:
- The translation aims to capture the original meaning and tone while using simple and concise language.
- The sentence structure and word choice are adjusted to reflect a more formal academic style.
- Personal pronouns and colloquialisms are avoided.
- The translation is provided in HTML format as requested.
I hope this is helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.
All right, I'm out of money. Haha. For those who didn't get to visit Disney Land but want to get stuff from the shop, don't worry.
The airport also has them, so you don't have to carry them around, and you can take them on the plane.
On the return trip today, I used Kenya Airways again, flight KQ861. I was seated with two other people, which was great.
The flight departs from Hong Kong at 9:10 PM and arrives in Bangkok at 11:20 PM, which is one hour behind Hong Kong time.
The Peak's Stunning Views Conclude a Tiring but Enjoyable Hong Kong Trip
This post concludes the Hong Kong trip with a breathtaking view from The Peak. Despite the exhaustion, the trip was undeniably fun in its own way.
Key points to remember:
1. When using the stairs, please stand on the right side if you are not in a hurry.
2. Most shops do not provide plastic bags. If you need one, you will have to pay extra. It is recommended to bring your own cloth bag to reduce plastic waste and help the environment.
3. The portions are very generous, enough for 2 people to share comfortably. It's best to start with a smaller order and see if you need more later.
I hope this review is helpful to my friends. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Or warp to the page, iced latte, I'm happy to help.
ลาเต้ปั่นเย็นๆ
Friday, October 4, 2024 3:01 PM
