Holidays in Hong Kong

The view of Hong Kong Island’s cloud-baiting skyscrapers from the waters of Victoria Harbour is the archetypal image of the enclave. A harbour view room is great for spying its space-age splendour but for a trip back in time, jump onboard a Chinese junk boat, its burnt orange sails a symbol of the traditional values that can still be found here. An evening cruise with a sundowner is the ideal way to soak up the neon-lit scene. It’s timed so you can witness the Symphony of Lights, a nightly light show where a kaleidoscopic array of lights and lasers project off many of the buildings for a mesmerising performance.

Hong Kong Island is so frenetic it can sometimes be hard to know where to start. But a local guide can help you get under the skin of this modern metropolis, taking you around its must-see sights and adding colour through their stories. Take the tram up Victoria Peak for panoramic views of the city and harbour, stroll past temples, pick up traditional Chinese trinkets at Stanley Market and head to Aberdeen Fishing Village to witness an ancient way of life that stands tall next to the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong’s heart.

Hong Kong is the king of Cantonese cuisine and you’d be missing a trick if you didn’t sample a selection of its fine foods while on holiday there. Taste your way through districts like the business hub of Central or the more traditional Sheung Wan neighbourhood, where you can pick up dishes like wonton noodles from tiny family-run joints or barbecued pork rice from streetside stalls. Locals will tell you their version of dim sum (steamed dumplings usually accompanied by tea) is the best in the world. There’s only one way to find out…

Rising out of the lush jungle on Lantau Island, the giant bronze Tian Tan Buddha looks an otherworldly sight. Standing over 100ft tall, it’s no wonder it’s more commonly known as ‘Big Buddha’. Climbing the 268 steps to stand right beneath it is well worth it just to appreciate its size, while the Po Lin Monastery opposite is one of Hong Kong’s most sacred Buddhist sites. And getting to the Buddha is a thrill in itself, with a ride on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car the perfect birds-eye view of Lantau’s wild landscape.

It goes without saying – for a city that’s awake every minute of the day, its nightlife certainly doesn’t disappoint. Aqua restaurant in Kowloon is dinner with a view exemplified, serving up excellent Italian and Japanese food over the glittering harbour, while Hutong gives a more authentic Chinese dining experience. For an after-dinner cocktail, we’d recommend the sophisticated Duddell’s for a quiet drink or Dragon-I for those who fancy partying until the early hours. Make sure you have time for a trip up one of the city’s many rooftop bars, so you can toast the epic views of Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbour.

Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio and Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccinations are currently recommended. For any current travel health advice, please consult your GP at least four to six weeks prior to travel.

The time difference is GMT +8 hours.

The flight time from London to Hong Kong is around 12 hours.

The currency is the Hong Kong dollar.

British passport holders don’t need a visa to visit Hong Kong.