Hong Kong

[Warwick Hunt]

The wife and I are looking at having a trip to Hong Kong sometime in the spring. I'll be honest, having dipped out on a posting there, I'm a complete HK virgin. I've had a look at various hotels-some on Kowloon, some on Hong Kong island-as well as some of the sights, etc. Can anyone give me some pointers on the best areas to stay, what to see, what to do, etc. We want to be somewhere relatively central, within easy reach of shopping (for the missus, natch!), good bars, restaurants, etc but obviously we are obviously a little stuck for ideas.

Any help and info is gratefully received!

 

[Stevienics]

Stayed on the island once, which was pretty good and overall more civilised (no wonder). Kowloon is just a very cheap hop anyhow on the ferry, but you can perambulate your way up the hill in the morning up the zig zags and take the funicular railway down.....take a look at kai tak on the mainland and wonder how no-one ever died.

The Landmark is an OK hotel, though this was a few years ago - twas used by BA crew so middle range and consistent.

 

[Bignick]

Lucky for me I was posted there, 95-97 & went back there in 2008 for hols. It's an awesome city and you will love it. For accommodation nr shopping you may want to consider Kowloon near Nathan road as close to the waterfront as possible or mong kok near the ladies Market. Transport is fantastic, the MTR will get you anywhere you want to go, but don't forget to try the other forms out there such as star ferry and trams.

There is plenty to see and do. The wife and I reckon you should consider checking out Stanley Market, the peak, lantau island and ocean park.

The city comes to life at night and you sould not leave until you have checked out the local cuisine such as duck, char Sui (BBQ pork), crispy pork and dim sum. Make sure you go to restarant full of locals with the duck/pork hanging in the window.

Night life is mainly split between two 'hot spots' these are Wan Chai and Lan Kwai Fong. The latter is slightly more western orientated. Wan chai was my favourite as a singly there. Lots of pole dancing clubs but lots to do as a couple to.

That should do as a starter. I'll post more as I remember!!

I envy you, but then again we are thinking seriously about going back in a few months too.

EnjoyDT_Xtremez_30:

 

[Kipper Fleet Bloke]

Hk

Hk

BigNick is about spot on. Did a tour there myself in the late eighties and was back for a holiday in 2009.
Kowloon side near Nathan Road would probably be best for you for a hotel. It's at the heart of the transport links.
I would add Victoria Peak - day and night, Temple Street market, and the Jumbo Floating Restaurant.
Old haunts like Red Lips, Bottoms Up and the Furama revolving restaurant are no longer there.
Enjoy it - it's a brilliant place

 

[ninjarabbi]

I did a trip during my stint on aeromed years back and the Miramar hotel was an excellent choice. I'd definitely suggest a ferry ride out to Lantau island to see the big Buddha though you'll need stamina getting up all the steps!

 

[Kipper Fleet Bloke]

Arrr but you don't need a ferry these days - The MTR goes there.
Get off one stop before the airport (I think) and follow the signs to catch the cable cars to the Big Buddha

 

[Warwick Hunt]

Really sorry to resurrect this thread but on my forthcoming trip to HK, I'm looking at visiting one of the tailors to get a suit(s) made up. Can anyone recommend a good one? I've heard of the quality of tailors over there and some of the good deals that can be gotten, I was just hoping someone could recommend somewhere.

 

[BMEWSIII]

got one done at sams (he's the guy that did michael palin's on his around the world in 80 days programme). cost me 200 quid. included a couple of tailored cotton shirts too. walked in they did the initial measurements there and then and went back for a fitting in the afternoon. I got them to send it on to san francisco where i picked it up a couple of weeks later.

http://www.samstailor.com/

There's loads of touts on the street so you won't be spoilt for choice. The amount of hookey gear on sale (bags etc) is amazing. I guess it's just keeping your wits about you.

As for hotels, i'm sure you booked it already. The MTR from the airport is great and if you want to go up and see the buddah (which is good too) the cable-cars give a fantastic view.

Star ferries are really cheap and the light show generally begins around 8pm and you can get a really good view of it from Kowloon side.

Enjoy HK, it's a fantastic place.

 

[Bignick]

Really sorry to resurrect this thread but on my forthcoming trip to HK, I'm looking at visiting one of the tailors to get a suit(s) made up. Can anyone recommend a good one? I've heard of the quality of tailors over there and some of the good deals that can be gotten, I was just hoping someone could recommend somewhere.

As the other poster said, you will be hounded by suit sellers as you walk down Nathan road so finding one won't be a problem...they will find you

Alternatively, if you want to go with the choice of the HM Forces.... Ah Lee is still there, making suits and Mess gear and sending them to us lot!! Don't be put off by the shop front, it is the magic of the tailor and quality of material you pay for! He is right outside the Sek Kong camp gates in the New Territories.

 

[Username]

As post nr. 8 suggests, go to Sam.

I had several outfits made by him, very good quality too. Tailors are two a penny in HKG, however i would advise being selective. I would be very wary of the touts on Nathan Rd, they are a royal pain in the arse trying to flog (quite often) crap to unsuspecting tourists. As always, you get what you pay for. Remember, some of the deals are too good to be true.

Sam is located just near the beginning of Nathan Rd not far from the Holiday Inn.

HKG is marvellous; it's probably one of the very few places that is accurately described by the adjective 'vibrant' and I use that word advisedly as I hate the way it's used these days!

 

[wolfy]

Sam keeps your details for about five years and will send suits to you anywhere in the world, all you have to do is stay the same shape!

You may even see him in the promo video on the flight out if you go with Virgin like i did on the way to the sevens last year.