Budget travel: Hong Kong under $1000 for a family of Trio!
Budget travel: Hong Kong under $1000 for a family of Three!
Hong Kong is a city of dazzling strength; towering skyscrapers, crowded streets and people on the hustle. Spend a morning in a crowded antiques market, an afternoon flying a kite on idyllic Shek O beach before dining on dim sum at Michelin-starred Tim Ho Wan; it’s all possible here with Skyscanner’s best budget itinerary for a quick Hong Kong getaway with the family without cracking the bank.
How to visit Hong Kong with a family of three for under S$1000?
Suggested travel duration: three days/Two nights
Accommodation: From S$148 a night at So Hotel on Hong Kong Island (Two nights)
Places to visit: Victoria Peak, beaches on Hong Kong Island, Blessed Valley Racecourse, Temple Street Market, Fisherfolks’ Village on Lamma Island.
Transportation costs: approx. S$200 (for come back Airport Express tickets, Starlet Ferry, Peak Tram, local bus rails and MTR journeys)
Admission fees: approx. S$81 (Glad Valley Racecourse, Fisherfolks’ Village)
Approx. total cost for a family of Trio: S$827 (leaving a little extra for shopping!)
NOTE: This amount does not include the cost of come back flights from Singapore. The cheapest comeback flights embark at S$148.
Where to stay in Hong Kong?
So Hotel, Hong Kong Island
For value and convenience, you won’t go far wrong by booking So Hotel on Hong Kong Island. This adorable place has sleek contemporary rooms and provides guests a mobile phone for the duration of their visit, a menu of different pillows to choose from, and a tasty continental breakfast (with good croissants!) and piping-hot coffee served in bed so you’ll be sure to begin your Hong Kong day in top form. If you book far enough in advance, rooms embark at the enticing rate of $148 a night.
Check Skyscanner for the best prices for stays at So Hotel
Address: one hundred thirty nine Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island
Love breakfast in bed at So Hotel. Photo credit: So Hotel
What to do in Hong Kong: Day 1
1. Shop: Browse Antiques on Cat Street
A brief walk from Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan is Upper Lascar Row – also known as Cat Street (Why Cat Street? In Cantonese, items that have been stolen are known as ‘rat goods’ and people who purchase these stolen items are called cats – that may give some insight into the historical provenance of some items and hence the street’s nickname ‘Cat Street’), one of the best places to stock up on Chinese antiques, Mao memorabilia and old Bruce Lee posters and is a excellent place for all members of the family to have a poke around for a little treasure. Many of these things have travelled remarkably far to find themselves in Hong Kong, with items taken by residents to Vancouver in one thousand nine hundred ninety seven ultimately finding themselves back home again. This place is packed with sharp-eyed locals hunting bargain finds at weekends.
Address: Upper Lascar Row, Hong Kong Island
Opening hours: Open daily 10am-6pm
How to get there: Take bus one hundred one from Central MTR and get off three stops later and walk up Ladder Street
Browse Mao memorabilia on Cat Street. Photo credit: yeowatzup Flickr
Two. Eat and drink: Euro-Canto Fusion at Man Mo Café
After completing your shopping, pop into ultra-hip Man Mo Café for a spot of lunch. The chef here is Swiss and has a menu of inspired Cantonese European fusion dishes to excite even the most jaded of palate. Check out the French onion soup with wontons, the delightfully oozy brie and truffle dumplings and for dessert, the Nutella jin dui, a twist on those addictive sesame pouch but with nutty chocolate happiness. Who can fight back that?
Address: forty Upper Lascar Row, Hong Kong Island
Opening hours: 12pm-12am daily
How to get there: Head to MTR Central Station, Exit D2. Turn right onto Theatre Lane and walk along Queen’s Road Central towards The Center. Then take the Central Mid – Levels Escalator to Hollywood Road.
Scumptious nutella jin dui ball. Photo credit: Facebook
Three. Do: Rail The Peak Tram
Until 1888, the posh and those antsy to visit the posh had to rely on sedan chairs carried by knackered coolies (or, heaven forbid, use their own gams) to get to the sprawling residential compounds on the Peak. However, as more housing was built on the Peak and the surrounding hills and the population began to erect, it became apparent a more efficient way of transporting people was necessary and the Peak Tram was born. This is Asia’s oldest funicular railway and travels a distance of 1.Four kilometres and up an elevation of 400m. The rail only takes around five minutes, but is a calming way to climb through sub-tropical foliage of Hong Kong to get to the Peak and its magnificent views of the territory. Before taking the tram, take note of the weather as if it’s cloudy, you won’t see much from the Peak beyond your palms and a few trees below. There’s also a free Peak Tram Gallery museum at the Lower Terminus that little train enthusiasts will love and dads can geek out at.
Tickets: S$6 one way, S$8 come back
Address: Lower Terminus on Garden Road, Hong Kong Island
How to get there: Take bus 15C outside the Central Pier, or walk from MTR Central Station, Exit J2
Get to the Peak in vintage style on the Peak Tram. Photo credit: Wikimedia
Four. See: Victoria Peak
If there’s one place to visit in Hong Kong, it has to be Victoria Peak with its all-consuming views over the skyscrapers of Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour and over to Kowloon and the green mountains of the Fresh Territories. Take a while up here to breathe in the city and get your hair ruffled by the wind. This area has always one of the most upmarket places to live in Hong Kong and also a symbol of division inbetween the masses and the elite and during the British colonial period ethnic Chinese were not permitted to live on Victoria Peak until after World War Two. The best free views can be had at the Peak Galleria or, for those feeling active in the bracing breezes, the Three.5km Peak Circle Walk can be done in forty five moderately sturdy minutes and is the ideal chance for the family to suck away the cobwebs of city living. Check out the views at the Lugard Road Lookout, twenty minutes into your walk, for spectacular views and ideal selfies with the kids.
How to get there: Take the Peak Tram, or take bus fifteen (from Central Pier Five) or 15B from one King’s Road, Causeway Bay, S$Two. Alternatively, you can walk up the Peak by following the Old Peak Road for a good work out.
Spectacular view from Victoria Peak. Photo credit: David Leo Veksler Flickr
Five. Eat: Ho Dangled Kee Congee and Noodle Wonton Shop
The petite and narrow alleyways around Causeway Bay are a fantastic spot to hunt down authentic Hong Kong food at bargain prices. One of the best options for a treat is Ho Dangled Kee, a Michelin one-starred wonton noodles restaurant, where diners can slurp down cups of wonton noodles or fantastic congee with century eggs, chicken and ginseng and fresh crab. These cups are like hugs of warmth and go for very reasonable prices. If that doesn’t float your boat, head to Jardine’s Crescent and take your pick from the many stalls and restaurants serving up top grub. You can do a spot of shopping at the busy market to help digest.
Address: Ho Draped Kee Congee and Noodle Shop 1204-1205 Hysan Place, five hundred Hennessy Road (near Times Square)
Opening hours: Daily 11.30am until 11.30pm
How to get there: Brief walk from Causeway Bay MTR
Slurp down a soothing cup of wonton noodles. Photo credit: Alpha Flickr
6. Do: Have a flutter on the horses
A night at the races is a quintessential Hong Kong practice, even if you don’t plan to put any money down. Very much the preserve of the colonial elite when racing fixtures very first came to the city in 1841, pony racing is now the sport of everyman. Head to the Blessed Valley Racecourse on Hong Kong Island for a night racing fixture on a Wednesday night and take in the whirr with fans clenching their teeth, clutching their betting forms with ears pinched tightly to the radio; it’s an intoxicating and titillating atmosphere for kids and adults alike. The stadium has a capacity of 55,000 and gets packed for key events such as the Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Hong Kong Derby. There’s also a museum with four galleries telling the story of pony racing in Hong Kong. Children will love getting close to the horses, and exploring the galleries.
Tickets: On race nights admission costs S$Two
How to get there: Take the MTR to Causeway Bay MTR and go after the signs from Exit A
Time to be there: Races embark at 7.15 pm and usually finish around 11pm
Love a thrilling night at Blessed Valley. Photo Credit: Tom Page Flickr
What to do in Hong Kong: Day Two
1. Do: Go to the beach
Hong Kong is not renowned as a beach destination but Hong Kong Island has a number of pretty beaches with life guards and switching room facilities with showers. Popular beaches include Shek O, the scenic setting for many Cantopop movies, local windsurfers favourite Big Wave Bay, and the most popular of all, Repulse Bay. Repulse Bay is lightly accessible from most places in Hong Kong and has a range of facilities including cheap cafes, playground and rafts for rental for family play in the ocean. The glorious long beach is made with artificial sand and is overlooked by epic condominiums and townhouses. There’s also a Tin Hau Temple at the far end of the beach noted for its phat statue of Kwan Yin.
How to get there: Take bus 6, 6A, 6X or two hundred sixty from Central Exchange Square or Bus nine hundred seventy three from Tsim Sha Tsui East Bus Station
Gorgeous Repulse Bay is flawless for a dip anytime of day. Photo credit: Mark Lehmkuhler Flickr
Two. Do: Rail the Starlet Ferry
Kids will love taking the Starlet Ferry over to Kowloon and at $0.50 on weekdays and $0.60 on weekends this has to be some of the best value public transport in the developed world. These iconic vessels have been chugging across Victoria Harbour for over one hundred thirty years and are still regularly packed to the gills at rush hours today and carries around 70,000 people daily. It is surely the most elegant way of getting to Kowloon, and packed with a bit of a thrill with wobbly walkways, a constant breeze and the sound of flaps lapping against wood. It’s a joy dash to the best seats at rush hour so bring your running footwear for the finest photo opportunities.
Routes: Central to Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui
Time to be there: Frequent departures across the day
Chug across Victoria Harbour on the Starlet Ferry. Photo Credit: Robert Lowe Flickr
Three. Eat: Tim Ho Wan Dim Sum
Dim sum translates into English as ‘touch your heart’, and there is no better place to get your pack than the world’s cheapest Michelin Starlet restaurant, Tim Ho Wan. Head here for unadulterated gluttony and joy without decimating the purse and indulge in the speciality of the house, barbecued pork baked buns. These sweet pillows of joy get gobbled down pretty quick, so you’ll need to pack the table with other goodies including dumplings, baked rice with Cantonese sausages, chickens feet and one or two of their Four Heavenly Kings including the drool-inducing steamed egg cake.
Address: 9-11 Fuk Wing Street
Opening hours: Open daily 8am-10pm
How to get there: Walk from Sham Shui Po MTR
Crispy baked barbecue pork buns at Tim Ho Wan. Photo credit: Krista / Flickr
Four. See: Symphony of Lights
The view from Kowloon over to Hong Kong Island is amazing enough during the day; the jade green sea, the formidable wall of money making skyscrapers, and gangly condominiums backing onto the acute mountains make for one of the greatest cityscapes in the world. But at night, this view takes on a life of its own with the free Symphony of Lights demonstrate every night at 8pm which lasts for thirteen minutes. Around forty buildings take part in the spectacle with laser rafters, coloured lights and searchlights synchronised with music to tell a story of the energy and vitality of Hong Kong through the themes of awakening, energy, heritage, partnership and celebration. This is a must-see for all the family.
How to get there: Head to Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront for the best views
Be awed by the amazing Symphony of Lights. Photo credit: Chris Hoare Flickr
Five. Eat: Sun Sin Beef Brisket Noodles
Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon is a bit raw but feels like Hong Kong in a nutshell; towering grey buildings, neon lights fighting for space over the crowded streets and eagle-eyed sales people on high alert for incoming business. Beef noodle paramours flock here to get a cup of Michelin praised Sun Sin beef brisket noodles. The broth is delightfully light and sweet with generous chunks of white radish added. There is Hong Kong style curry, chops and iced coffee, all at superb prices.
Address: thirty seven Portland Street
Opening hours: Open daily 11am-11pm
How to get there: Yau Ma Tei MTR, exit B2
Dive into a cup of Hong Kong beef brisket noodles. Photo credit: Alpha Flickr
6. Shop: Temple Street Market
There’s no better way to end a day in Kowloon than a wonder around Temple Street Market. Head here after sunset and see the drama unfold; there’s Cantonese opera, uncles selling trinkets and Chinese medicine guys known as The Masters for their abilities. Get your family members’ fortune told, pick up some bargains tees and witnesses, and attempt a bit of Hong Kong street food. It’s busy, raucous and total of energy. Dig deep in this area and head behind the stalls into the semi-hidden shops to uncover excellent deals and unique buys and reminisce, no price is immobile, so everyone needs to sharpen up their bargaining abilities before making a deal.
How to get there: The nearest MTR stations are Jordan and Yau Ma Tei
Pick up some lil’ Chinese curios at Temple Street. Photo credit: Martin Moscosa Flickr
What to do in Hong Kong: Day Trio
1. Do: Take a journey to Lamma Island
After two days of hectic city living, catch a boat to Lamma island for a bit of peace and quiet before catching the plane home. The rhythm of life is noticeably slower here; people stroll, they look around a bit more and there are no cars on the island. To practice this mellow slice of life grab a ferry from Central Pier four for the 40-minute rail to Sok Kwu Wan and then hop on a shuttle boat to the Lamma Fisherfolks’ Village. This project has been set up to give visitors an insight into the historical importance of Lamma’s once thriving fishing industry. Visitors can do a spot of fishing, play some traditional games and learn how to weave ropes. Demonstrations are led by leathered and joyful veterans of the ocean who will applaud your fledgling weaving attempts. This is a fine way to get in touch with a more peaceful way of life in brash and hectic Hong Kong. Children will love attempting their luck with the fish in the ocean, and it should give them an insight into the importance of patience. If you don’t fancy channelling your internal fisherman, pop into a supermarket and pick up picnic supplies before attempting the Ling Kok Shan Coastal Walk on the island and walk through rural farmland, along isolated beaches and love beautiful views back over towards Hong Kong Island and in the distance, mainland China.
Tickets: Lamma Fisherfolks’ Village, tour package including shuttle from Sok Kwu Wan $25 adult, $16 for child
How to get there: Ferry to Sok Kwu Wan (S$Five, forty mins – one way) from Central Pier Four
Find tranquility on Lamma Island. Photo credit: yeowatzup Flickr
How to get to and from the airport
Hop on the Airport Express from the airport for $Legitimate per person one way to Hong Kong Station and love free airline check-in services at the train station on your way back. Trains depart every 10-12 minutes and the journey takes around twenty four minutes.
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Originally published on seven September two thousand sixteen and updated in February 2017. Any prices are lowest estimated prices only at the time of publication and are subject to switch and/or availability.
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