Hong Kong Holidays

Given its diverse nature, there’s plenty to keep you occupied on a Hong Kong holiday. Shopaholics in particular will find themselves spoiled for choice here. Sprawling malls and bustling street markets dominate the city, selling everything from designer clothes and high-end accessories to local crafts and discounted electronics.

And when it comes to big-name attractions, Hong Kong’s not short on those either. First up there’s Victoria Harbour, which separates Hong Kong Island from the Kowloon Peninsula. The third largest bay in the world, it’s best enjoyed aboard the historic Star Ferry. If you head down to the water at night, you’ll catch the dazzling Symphony of Lights – a multimedia extravaganza which illuminates the city’s iconic skyline.

Of course one thing that has to feature on your Hong Kong holiday itinerary is Victoria Peak – the cloud-piercing hill on the western half of Hong Kong Island. Ride the gravity-defying Peak Tram 296 metres to the top for sweeping views of the harbour, towering skyscrapers and the surrounding countryside.

Also known as Y Island or Pok Liu Chau, free-spirited Lamma’s home to Hong Kong’s hipsters and creative types. So if you fancy switching things up one day and enjoying a change of pace, it’s worth catching the ferry across from Hong Kong Island.

There are two main settlements on Lamma Island – Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. The former’s crammed with family-run cafes and indie boutiques, while the latter’s a frozen-in-time fishing village with loads of great open-air seafood restaurants. Between the two you’ll find heaps of scenic hiking trails and beautiful beaches complete with golden sand and crystal clear water.

Other attractions on the island include the Kamikaze Caves, built by occupying Japanese forces during World War II, and Tin Hau Temple. Guarded by a pair of fairly comical-looking lions, it’s dedicated to the goddess of the sea.

Lovely Lantau is the largest of Hong Kong’s many islands – and while it’s nowhere near as developed as Hong Kong Island, it’s still got loads to offer. A few kilometres east of the Californian-inspired suburb of Discovery Bay lies the city’s biggest theme park – Hong Kong Disneyland. Home to Minnie, Mickey and plenty of adrenaline-inducing rides, it’s an absolute must if you’re on a Hong Kong holiday with kids.

Much of the rest of Lantau’s far more rural. Packed with mountains, beaches and centuries-old fishing villages, there’s lots of scope for hiking, tanning and general exploration. And over on the west of the island you’ll find the famous Big Buddha – or Tian Tan Buddha – statue. Accessed via the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, it sits atop a giant lotus throne next to the Po Lin Monastery.

A key thing to consider when planning your holiday to Hong Kong is what the weather’s likely to be doing at different times of the year. For the uninitiated, the summer months can be particular tough. From June to September, daytime temperatures tend to be in the high twenties or low thirties, while humidity is frequently well above 80 percent. What’s more, summer and early autumn happen to coincide with peak typhoon season. 

By October, though, the risk of typhoons is reduced and both temperatures and humidity levels drop. However, it’s still warm enough to hit the beach, and remains so until the end of November. Early winter can also be a great time for a Hong Kong holiday. December’s the driest month of the year and its mild, sunny days are great for outdoor pursuits – plus, this is a city that really goes all-out for Christmas. Come January, though, things turn pretty chilly and you’ll have to wait until March before temperatures creep back up into the high teens.

Visa: No visa required for visits lasting less than six months
Language: Cantonese, Mandarin and English
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HK$)
Time difference: GMT + 8 hours
Flight duration from London: Just under 12 hours