A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of traveling to Hong Kong for the first time with my sister Karen. We haven't traveled alone together in years and with her first baby soon to be on the way, I couldn't think of a better way for us to spend some quality one on one time before life takes her by storm. So with Hong Kong Airlines and Kerry Hotel as our gracious hosts, we pounded the pavement terribly jetlagged yet eagerly ready to explore nearly every nook and cranny that 5 days would allow. I must say, I instantly fell in love with Hong Kong - it's a true study of contrasts and contradictions, with its wonderfully blatant juxtaposition of traditional and modern, East and West, and city life and nature. This is just a taste of what we loved . . .
GETTING THERE
As of March 2018, Hong Kong Airlines started offering weekly non stop flights from Hong Kong to San Francisco on their brand-new Airbus A350-900. And guess who was on the plane's maiden voyage from SFO to HKG? Me! I was lucky enough to be the first to experience their newly updated and luxurious business class. And to make things indulgent, the airline has collaborated with San Francisco chef Chris Cosentino (who was also on the flight!) to customize a extensive menu that takes in-flight dining to another level. On long haul flights like these, the smallest details make the world of difference and Hong Kong Airlines nailed it.
STAY
After a 14 hour flight, we were whisked away to our home away from home for the week: Shangri La's Kerry Hotel. The 16 story urban resort is set on Kwoloon's Hung Hom Bay and takes full advantage of its waterfront location, with impeccably designed guest rooms, stunning infinity pool, five restaurants and one gorgeous outdoor terrace bar - all with exceptional and sprawling views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island's skyline.
The best part of the hotel for me was The Club on the 8th floor, hands down. It's a private lounge that certain guests are granted access too - it's where you can check in and out, have breakfast, work on your laptop, read a book or simply retreat from the hum of the hotel for a snack and beverage. It was my favorite place to have breakfast each morning, either after a sunrise dip in the pool or a workout at the 24 hour gym, and peacefully watch the boats go by in the harbour.
TOUR
Victoria Harbour is Hong Kong's lifeline with its constant parade of junk boats, shipping vessels and sailboats. A tour by boat is a must! Daytime boat rides allow for plenty of sun, views into one of the oldest fishing villages on the coast of Lantau Island, where houses are still standing on stilts. Nighttime boat rides. Night cruises are all about witnessing the magnificent Hong Kong skyline lit up in a spectrum of bright colors.
SHOP
The best way to shop in Hong Kong is to just to explore on foot. The MTR is the best way to get from place to place - there's stop right outside the Kerry Hotel and a train that takes you everywhere you need to go within minutes. The public transit system is clean and efficient - I'm a huge fan! SoHo was one of my favorite neighborhoods to walk around. I recommend taking the Mid-Level Escalator from Central, which is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world that conveniently takes you up the steep hillside districts of downtown Hong Kong. Ride the escalator to the top of SoHo and work your way down. Stumble upon amazing antique stores along Hollywood Road, cute cafes on Gough Street and street art on Graham Street.
Rare in SoHo sells all things vintage and has quite possibly the largest collection ofantique Louis Vuitton suitcases I've ever seen.
Find quirky souvenirs at Goods Of Desire (G.O.D.) and have a custom stamp made, with your Chinese name, at any of these stamp stalls that are tucked away in small alleyways.
Get lost along Hollywood Road for more antiques and stop by any coffee shop in the area to caffeinate.
VISIT
Two of the oldest, most beautiful temples in Hong Kong are Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road and Kwun Yum Temple in Kwoloon's Hung Hom. Both were built in 1847 and 1873 respectively. Hung from the carved gable roofs are enormous coils of burning incense with little red pieces of paper with worshippers’ wishes. They're both truly spiritually breathtaking and a must visit.
Hong Kong's street market culture is like nothing I've seen before. Turn any corner and you'll come across a bustling market - whether it be fruits and vegetables, meat, birds, flowers, Chinese herbs or souvenirs. It's the best way to get a feel of the culture. My favorite was the Bird Garden, a popular gathering place for songbird enthusiasts and shops selling exotic birds and beautiful handmade cages. Old gentlemen congregate with their pet birds and let them sing from trees. It's quite a sight!
The Bird Garden in Mong Kok offers a glimpse into the traditional culture of songbird keeping.
The color street markets of Hong Kong.
The colorful street markets of Hong Kong.
RELAX
Besides The Club at the Kerry Hotel, I would say the second best place to unwind midday - or rather, pass out from jetlag, is at the pool. Just look at that view. Enough said.
EAT, EAT, EAT
And now - drumroll please - the food. Hong Kong is justifiably famous for its restaurants and cuisine. Noodles, dim sum, coffee, seafood, Peking duck . . . it's all done to perfection here. And then some. For out of this world dim sum, I recommend Mott 32 and Hung Tong. Mott 32 was named after New York’s first Chinese grocery store at 32 Mott Street, which opened in 1851 and marked the start of New York’s vibrant Chinatown as we know it today. The interior details are spectacular and the dim sum is fantastic. The Peking duck here is phenomenal - just be sure to order it at least a few days ahead of your reservation as there are limited quantities!
Mott 32, where Peking Duck and a unique take on dim sum reign supreme.
Kerry Hotel’s Hung Tong was another favorite. Traditional decor, like old metal gates 19th century shipyard inspired wooden shutters are contrasted with modern fixtures and furniture. And the dim sum is simply spectacular. You can’t miss the fried tofu bites, the Wagyu beef buns and the goose and mushroom puffs, which are so adorably shaped into little bite sized geese. So good.
A few favorites at Hung Tong include steamed scallop and shrimp dumplings, fried tofu and their adorably shaped goose and mushrooms puffs.
Red Sugar is the spot to grab cocktails before sunset. The 270 degree wrap around terrace is like an urban oasis, with beautiful trees and plants enveloping the space. Enjoy a drink outdoors while watching the sun set over the Hong Kong skyline and the lights slowly turn on.
If you're looking for an wild dining experience, go to Tung Po. This typical dai pai dong, a type of open-air food stall, is actually unique of its kind, thanks in part to its gregarious owner Robby Cheung. While dining on the freshest seafood from the "wet market" downstairs and sipping beer from porcelain bowls, you'll find Robby popping beer bottles open with a chopstick, doing the moonwalk to Michael Jackson and talking selfies with you at your table. Every night this place is packed, it's loud and it's just a fun, fun time.
Dai pai dong are open-air street stalls that serve inexpensive food. The name literally means 'restaurant with a big license plate', referring to the large size of the licenses they were issued in the past.
Pinkies up. It's tea time! We didn't have too much time set aside from afternoon tea but on our last day, Karen and I managed to squeeze in an hour to rest our feet and indulge in Kerry Hotel's afternoon tea. It was a beautiful spread of Chinese tea, savory bites and sweet treats.
PLAY
Wednesday nights is race night at Happy Valley Racecourse. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has donated an average of over HK$2.8billion a year to the community by way of its own major initiatives and donations. So you can see why and how this has become a quintessential Hong Kong attraction. I admittedly have never been to a horse race, let alone one in the evening, but this was loads of fun. I even put a few bucks down on some horses! Alas, I lost but it was all good because there was plenty of beer, good vibes and laughs.
Bets start at 20HKG, which is equivalent to $2.50! Can you tell I was taking big risks?
I love you, Hong Kong and can't wait to visit again soon. Thank you to Hong Kong Airlines, Shangri-La and Kerry Hotel for hosting us. And be sure to head over to HonestlyYUM to see and read about Hong Kong from Karen's perspective!
(images by HonestlyWTF)
Hong Kong is my FAVORITE. I’m planning a trip there next winter…will definitely be bookmarking your recommendations!
@Colleen Oh, fun!! I can’t wait to go back!
This is such a magical place, thanks for sharing all these beautiful photos and experiences! Definitely gotta see it someday!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
@Michelle You definitely should!! 🙂
May I ask whose pink dress you are wearing?
A trip to Hong Kong is a must do, after seeing this.
@Debra the dress is from Natalie Martin!
Haven’t been to HK in years but now I’m dying to go thanks to this post! Also, I LOVE the black dress and the black floral dress you wore. Where are they from?
Thanks @Serena! The black dress is from Free People and the floral dress is from Doen!
you have taken some really stunning pictures! i want to go to hong kong, lol!!
http://www.thestyletune.com
Thank you!
Great article! Okay .. your clothes are so cute. Can you tell me where the beige peasant top with ties is from? I love it!
Thanks, Sandy! The blouse is from Innika Choo. Love her stuff!
Wow, this looks like an absolutely amazing trip! You sure know how to travel in style too! I’ve never been to HK but I would love to go. Such a unique place!
http://www.shessobright.com
wow what an amazing trip you had. were you jetlagged at all?
id love to visit one day
malinda
http://www.malindaknowles.net
@Malinda. We were verrrrryyyy jetlagged. I think I was up at 3 or 4am every morning. But honestly, being able to sleep so well on that flight to and from helped. Also sunrise swims and early am breakfasts from the hotel made the jetlag totally bearable. AND, it made transitioning back to the time zone at home that much easier. 🙂
Love the Kerry Hotel. High tea or brunch there are a wonderful experience. Hong Kong is fantastic overall, crowded and crazy but fantastic nonetheless. There is so much more to explore when you go back.
I agree – sensory overload in the best way!
Hi
And if I go I’m going to want to carry that amazing white bag!! Who is from please?
@Ruth, haha. It’s from Senreve. I love it because you can wear it cross body, by the handles or as a backpack. It’s a great travel bag!
great post, I’m from Hong Kong so naturally loved this post!
but btw just wanted to let you know, in referring to Tung Po, it’s a “dai pai dong” not a “dai dai pong”
Love HK! It’s got an amazing energy, Time to plan my next trip!
http://www.wabisabiandme.com
I spotted that Doen dress right away! I’ve been a fan of yours for years! XO
Hong Kong is a place I definitely want to visit. Nice to hear you had fun!
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