u Facts about Hong Kong | About Hong Kong | Tourist Attractions in Hong Kong | Hotels in Kowloon Hong Kong

Travel Information and
Facts about Hong Kong

"Travel Information about attractions,
shopping and hotels in Kowloon Hong Kong"

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"Facts about Hong Kong" was last updated on Sep 09, 2011
Hong Kong was last visited in Dec 2008

In this article you'll find:



Hong Kong is not the usual travel destination for budget backpackers due to the high price level. But still, there are some cheap gems in this mega city, whether its accommodation, food or shopping.

Hong Kong is one of the countries in Asia with a rising economic growth. The city is mainly divided into Hong Kong island, Kowloon and New Territories. Hong Kong island and Kowloon will be the focus in this article. And a little about our excursion to Lantau island.

Kowloon and Hong Kong island are the principal urban areas of Hong Kong. Tsim Sha Tsui is the tourist center of Hong Kong. From here it's easy access to the harbor where you can watch Hong Kong island from a spectacular view.

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Facts about Hong Kong: On Hong Kong island (downtown)

In the city you can find a combination of traditional and modern architecture, fantastic Cantonese food, endless shopping opportunities and skyscrapers that will take your breath away.

Hong Kong has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, and therefore a good place for solo travelers.

I traveled to Hong Kong with my family and boyfriend in December 2008. It wasn't a backpacking trip, but I still do have valuable information about this place. During that time we stayed a lot in Kowloon, and did the usual attraction trips.

I was very impressed by the highly efficient infrastructure in the city (referring especially to the MTR), the cleanliness and the local restaurants.

Enjoy!

How to get to Hong Kong

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Facts about Hong Kong: Airport Express

The international airport in Hong Kong (HKIA) is about 36 km from Kowloon.

From the airport there are frequent public buses and hotel coaches to downtown Hong Kong island and Kowloon. These hotel coaches transport passengers to and from major hotels in the city (go to terminal 2). They leave every 15 minutes, and takes approximately 1 hour. We took a hotel coach which drove us to Empire Hotel in downtown Kowloon. Hassle-free and efficient.

Airport Express is the fastest way of getting to central Hong Kong. They leave every 12 minutes and the journey takes 24 minutes. To Kowloon it takes 21 minutes. Single ticket cost HKG$ 90 (US= $ 12)

For more information on Airport Express, fares and departures, visit this page (opens in a new window)

There are also taxis to Tsim Sha Tsui. According to the airport's website it cost HKG$ 230 (= US$ 30)

Find cheap flights to Hong Kong:

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Moving on from Hong Kong

To get to China there are several options. You can take a direct train from Hung Hom station (in Kowloon).

For instance; there are services to Beijing (from US$ 95, 24 hours), Shanghai (from US$ 65, 20 hours) and Guangzhou via Dongguan
(US$ 25, 1,5 hour, daily trains). Prices quoted for Beijing and Shanghai are for hard sleeper, while price for Guangzhou is for first class.

Train classes from Hong Kong to Beijing or Shanghai are hard sleeper, soft sleeper and deluxe soft sleeper.

For trains to Guangzhou, Dongguan, Foshan and Zhaoqing -– buy tickets from MRT Website.

Trains to Beijing and Shanghai leave on alternate days. More information on these train routes

Buy tickets for Shanghai or Beijing through MRT or at the station reservations office.

The Hong Kong - Beijing train is very popular, so book well in advance. Arrive at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure for passport control and visa formalities. All formalities are completed before boarding. No Chinese tourist visa, no boarding.

Looking for small group tours in Hong Kong? Browse over 30 Hong Kong tours -- they vary from a couple of hours to several days in all price range. Hong Kong Tours

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Let's begin with important places to know about Hong Kong:

  • Police, Ambulance or Fire: Tel: 999
  • Banks and ATMs are scattered around Hong Kong – no problem there
  • Internet cafes are not common in the city. But public libraries offer free internet. There are a few internet cafes on Nathan Road in Kowloon. There's also free wi-fi at public places -- check out where




Hong Kong Articles



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Hotels in Kowloon Hong Kong

So many hotels can be found in Hong Kong, but the cheaper ones are located in Kowloon.

Here's our review of Empire Hotel in Kowloon.

Hotels in Kowloon Hong Kong

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Shopping in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is equivalent to shopping. In the city you can find anything from cheap markets to stunning shopping malls.

We went to Mong Kok Market in Kowloon and many other shops in Mong Kok area and Nathan Road.

COMING SOON!



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Tourist Attractions in Hong Kong: The Peak

Visiting The Peak?

Great -- get a personal review of The Peak included information on how to get there.

The Peak Hong Kong



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Tourist Attractions in Hong Kong: Lantau island

There are many things to do in Hong Kong.

Here's our experiences from Lantau island and the Big Buddha. Also includes information on how to get there.

Welcome to Lantau Island Hong Kong

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