Hong Kong On A Good Budget

[Knightsbridge]

My family of 3 (minus the hamsters) are visiting Hong Kong in 12 days time, predominantly to visit Disneyland (yes, yes, have heard Japan's and US's is far bettter, but we're going anyway to please the little one). 4 full days there.

We've been vsiting many HK expat sites to learn about beaches, restaurants, transport, accommodation blah blah... as we want to find out what medium income families do there - we don't want to spend too big...

and so would be good to hear from those on this site who have visited there for holidays on a reasonably controlled, but not too tight a budget - please share what's good, what's bad, what's the weather, what's pricey, what's hot...

thanks

[shepsel]

You're in for sticker shock in Hong Kong.

The best bet is to get an Octopus Pass available at the airport good for most public transit (except taxi's), and the unused portion is refundable at the airport. There are many walking tours (check Lonely Planet and Frommer's) and Hong Kong is relatively compact in land area. I decided not to go to Disneyland, as I have visited both sites in the U.S. If you are planning to use a taxi from the airport to your hotel watch out for touts as they gouge you--go to the taxi desk only--do not listen to anyone who approaches you to give you a discount ride.

Hotels are extremely expensive, and I found the best bet to get better value was to check asiarooms.com and ratestogo.com about a week before departure. Most hotels do not include breakfast with the price of the room, and their coffee shops are expensive. Restaurants are expensive compared with Thailand. Shopping is almost prohibitave except some electronics. For clothes the Mon Kok area is better value than Kowloon or many places on the Island. If you are planning to purchase something major, check the prices before going, then judge for yourself. Other than department stores, prices are not fixed, and bargaining is the norm.

I took my daughter for high tea. I didn't think that she would appreciate it, but it was a highlight of he visit to Hong Kong. We did it at one department store, and she asked to go again, so we went to the Peninsula Hotel--it was expensive but well worth it for the experience.

I visited in March, and the weather was less than wonderful. Out of seven days, we had six days of cool, cloudy and rainy weather. When you go up to the peak on HK Island, be sure to bring a sweater, as it could be 10 degrees cooler up there. The Star Ferry is a nice inexpensive tour of the Harbour. Everything in Hong Kong is surrounded by shopping.

[bendix]

Why would anyone want to use a taxi from HK airport to the city when the airport express is faster, nicer and much much cheaper, particularly for a family.

I don't think HK is that expensive really. There are plenty of 4 star hotels in the 4000 baht range (Empire in Wanchai for example). Check out wotif.com for options. You get some very good bargains. I've never been to the Disney thing, but I've heard its disappointing. Kids will like it if they've not been to the real place, though.

Other things to do - jump on a bus and head to Stanley for the afternoon. Cafes, restuarants, shopping and the market. A nice part of town. Jump on a ferry and go to somewhere like Lamma Island - fantastic seafood restaurants, very affordable. Soho is good of course. The various street markets in Kowloon (there is a ladies market area), the Nightmarket etc etc. Pick up one of those freebie guides to HK and it will give y ou all the details.

HK neednt be expensive. You just need to know your way around a bit.

[pnustedt]

I like HK Disneyland but it will not keep a family occupied for four days.

Other visits worthwhile are Ocean Park on the south of HK Island (near Aberdeen). The big buddha on Lantau Island. The suggested visit to Lamma is also worthwhile - you can take a ferry to a pier on one side of the island and walk across to the other side to catch a ferry back, and the seafood is a must. A tram ride up to the Peak (from Central) is also a good day out on a clear day with dramatic photo opportunities.

Shopping is excellent, with many fabulous malls to choose from.

The transport system is very good but can be expensive for a family, the fare from Disneyland to Central is over HK$100/person each way - a taxi can work out cheaper for a number travelling together.

I hope you have a great trip.

[koheesti]

I like HK Disneyland but it will not keep a family occupied for four days.

That's true. I was there in February. It's relatively new and there aren't that many attractions yet if compared to the Disney parks in California or Paris. Two days max will keep the little one occupied I would think.

As for hotels, I'll be there in less than two weeks and I'm staying at the same hotel as before - Hotel Benito in Kowloon. It's about $100 US per night for a small double. Very clean/modern rooms and centrally located (right next to subway and walking distance to a lot of dining & shopping) with free & fast Internet.

[Tatler]

1) Peak tram is a good one if you haven't done it before.

2) Take a slow ferry over to silvermine bay (Lantau) and then jump on a local bus to one of the beaches.

3) Wednesday night horse racing at Happy Valley. Entrance was only 10 HK dollars and they have beer and other small snack stalls.

4) You could take a tram trip around HK, still the cheapest form of transportation in HK.

PM me if you want more, i lived in HK for 22 years so i should know a few things.

[Kwong]

For clothes the Mon Kok area is better value than Kowloon or many places on the Island. If you are planning to purchase something major, check the prices before going, then judge for yourself. Other than department stores, prices are not fixed, and bargaining is the norm.

Mong Kok is in Kowloon. I think you mix up Kowloon & Tsim Sha Tsui.

Chain stores and most shops outside tourist area are fixed price.

[Kwong]

the fare from Disneyland to Central is over HK$100/person each way - a taxi can work out cheaper for a number travelling together.

MTR fare is HK$20-23.5/person, I think a taxi cost around HK$120-150.

[Jimjim]

Hotels are not extremely expensive as someone suggested. They are more than Bangkok, yes, but you can find plenty of reasonable deals. I went there three years ago and spent about 15000 baht in 5 days, probably, and had a great time.

[Knightsbridge]

Thank you all for all the cool info.

I see there is quite a bit of marnine stuff plus more at Ocean Park- should be fascinating for my kid and us ...

which is the best beach for family?

[Knightsbridge]

How would you compare HK's disneyland with BKK's Dreamworld?

You're in for sticker shock in Hong Kong.

The best bet is to get an Octopus Pass available at the airport good for most public transit (except taxi's), and the unused portion is refundable at the airport. There are many walking tours (check Lonely Planet and Frommer's) and Hong Kong is relatively compact in land area. I decided not to go to Disneyland, as I have visited both sites in the U.S. If you are planning to use a taxi from the airport to your hotel watch out for touts as they gouge you--go to the taxi desk only--do not listen to anyone who approaches you to give you a discount ride.

Hotels are extremely expensive, and I found the best bet to get better value was to check asiarooms.com and ratestogo.com about a week before departure. Most hotels do not include breakfast with the price of the room, and their coffee shops are expensive. Restaurants are expensive compared with Thailand. Shopping is almost prohibitave except some electronics. For clothes the Mon Kok area is better value than Kowloon or many places on the Island. If you are planning to purchase something major, check the prices before going, then judge for yourself. Other than department stores, prices are not fixed, and bargaining is the norm.

I took my daughter for high tea. I didn't think that she would appreciate it, but it was a highlight of he visit to Hong Kong. We did it at one department store, and she asked to go again, so we went to the Peninsula Hotel--it was expensive but well worth it for the experience.

I visited in March, and the weather was less than wonderful. Out of seven days, we had six days of cool, cloudy and rainy weather. When you go up to the peak on HK Island, be sure to bring a sweater, as it could be 10 degrees cooler up there. The Star Ferry is a nice inexpensive tour of the Harbour. Everything in Hong Kong is surrounded by shopping.

[Knightsbridge]

would South Bay be the best?

1) Peak tram is a good one if you haven't done it before.

2) Take a slow ferry over to silvermine bay (Lantau) and then jump on a local bus to one of the beaches.

3) Wednesday night horse racing at Happy Valley. Entrance was only 10 HK dollars and they have beer and other small snack stalls.

4) You could take a tram trip around HK, still the cheapest form of transportation in HK.

PM me if you want more, i lived in HK for 22 years so i should know a few things.

[Knightsbridge]

Sounds lovely! will do.

There are one or 2 islands that are nature reserves... worth a visit?

any chain of reasonably priced restaurants that the locals use?

Thanks

1) Peak tram is a good one if you haven't done it before.

2) Take a slow ferry over to silvermine bay (Lantau) and then jump on a local bus to one of the beaches.

3) Wednesday night horse racing at Happy Valley. Entrance was only 10 HK dollars and they have beer and other small snack stalls.

4) You could take a tram trip around HK, still the cheapest form of transportation in HK.

PM me if you want more, i lived in HK for 22 years so i should know a few things.

[Knightsbridge]

Thanks.

what supermarket chains do the locals shop at for food and supply?

You're in for sticker shock in Hong Kong.

The best bet is to get an Octopus Pass available at the airport good for most public transit (except taxi's), and the unused portion is refundable at the airport. There are many walking tours (check Lonely Planet and Frommer's) and Hong Kong is relatively compact in land area. I decided not to go to Disneyland, as I have visited both sites in the U.S. If you are planning to use a taxi from the airport to your hotel watch out for touts as they gouge you--go to the taxi desk only--do not listen to anyone who approaches you to give you a discount ride.

Hotels are extremely expensive, and I found the best bet to get better value was to check asiarooms.com and ratestogo.com about a week before departure. Most hotels do not include breakfast with the price of the room, and their coffee shops are expensive. Restaurants are expensive compared with Thailand. Shopping is almost prohibitave except some electronics. For clothes the Mon Kok area is better value than Kowloon or many places on the Island. If you are planning to purchase something major, check the prices before going, then judge for yourself. Other than department stores, prices are not fixed, and bargaining is the norm.

I took my daughter for high tea. I didn't think that she would appreciate it, but it was a highlight of he visit to Hong Kong. We did it at one department store, and she asked to go again, so we went to the Peninsula Hotel--it was expensive but well worth it for the experience.

I visited in March, and the weather was less than wonderful. Out of seven days, we had six days of cool, cloudy and rainy weather. When you go up to the peak on HK Island, be sure to bring a sweater, as it could be 10 degrees cooler up there. The Star Ferry is a nice inexpensive tour of the Harbour. Everything in Hong Kong is surrounded by shopping.

[Kwong]

Parknshop & Wellcome are the largest supermarket chains.

http://www1.parknshop.com/WebShop/Home.do

http://shop.wellcome.com.hk/jsp/sys/Sf_ren...p;hs_resol=1024

But the local only spend 10-30% food bill in supermarket. The rest, they prefer to buy in local fresh market. (eg. buy live chicken, duck, fish and cook at home)

[Kwong]

How about visit the largest metal Buddha in the world by cable car? Near the airport.

http://www.np360.com.hk/html/eng/front/index.asp

You can also visit Cheung Chau or Lamma Island for seafood restaurant or

Wetland park for nature.

http://www.wetlandpark.com/en/index.asp

[Kwong]

3) Wednesday night horse racing at Happy Valley. Entrance was only 10 HK dollars and they have beer and other small snack stalls.

You can try horse racing at Shatin. Entrance was 10 HK$ too. And you see the ground for 2008 Olympic game.