Can’t determine the place to remain on your subsequent Hong Kong journey? Is Tsim Sha Tsui a superb space for vacationers? Is Central higher than Mong Kok? When is it perfect to remain in Lantau island? On this article, we’ll break it down that will help you choose one of the best neighborhood for you.
Hong Kong is considered one of our most visited locations. Over the previous 13 years, we now have stayed at numerous areas inside the territory. And sure, some areas are higher than others. However to correctly decide one of the best, we have to perceive Hong Kong’s geography.
Hong Kong could also be small, however it’s a bit sophisticated. It’s set primarily on a peninsula, but it surely additionally covers numerous close by islands. To its north is Shenzhen and to its west, now linked by a bridge, is Macau. And like Macau, Hong Kong is a Particular Administrative Area of China. It is part of China, but it surely has its personal economic system, forex, and immigration legal guidelines. That’s why even Chinese language mainlanders nonetheless have to undergo immigration checks when getting into Hong Kong.
Hong Kong consists of three most important areas:
- Kowloon, on the peninsula, the place Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok are situated. Hong Kong’s metropolis heart has two faces. One in every of them is Kowloon, which covers a lot of the developed space on the mainland. That is the older and extra conventional aspect of the town. It’s what many think about quintessential Hong Kong. It’s extremely developed, sure, however you’ll simply discover that lots of the buildings are usually not very fashionable. It’s dense, busy, and extremely textured. This aspect is usually used as a setting in Hollywood motion pictures.
- Hong Kong Island, the place you’ll discover the Central Enterprise District. If Kowloon is gritty and conventional, Hong Kong Island is polished and aesthetically extra colonial, mixing Chinese language tradition with British influences nicely. However it’s divided into smaller neighborhoods together with Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Sheung Wan, and Causeway Bay.
- New Territories, which covers the realm north of Kowloon and 200 outlying islands together with Lantau Island, the place you’ll discover Hong Kong Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360, and Tai-O Village. The Hong Kong Worldwide Airport can also be inside the New Territories.
The reality is, Hong Kong is additional divided into 18 smaller districts. However for vacationers, particularly first-timers, only some of those will most likely matter.
So which is one of the best space to remain? Objectively, I’d say it is determined by your particular itinerary. However if you happen to ask me for my private choice, right here’s how I’d rank these areas.
(By the best way, you’ll additionally discover a checklist of high lodges within the space, categorized by finances. Once we say “reasonably priced”, we imply that comparatively. Lodging are typically costly in Hong Kong. Lodge costs have skyrocketed over the previous years. The properties we listed below reasonably priced should be thought of expensive by different requirements.)
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
1. CENTRAL
Strictly talking, Central typically refers to a particular space surrounding the Central Station. However for tourism functions, the time period is typically used loosely to incorporate the entire Central and Western District, encompassing Admiralty and Sheung Wan.
The center of Hong Kong’s Central Enterprise District, it’s bustling particularly at rush hours. However it will get much less busy as you progress away from it. On our most up-to-date journey, we stayed in Sheung Wan which could be very quiet.
Central could be very accessible, extra accessible than Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok in Kowloon. There’s a direct bus from the airport (A11 bus). However most significantly, there’s a direct prepare – the Airport Specific, which is the quickest technique to get to the town heart. You’ll be able to attain Central in roughly half-hour, considerably faster than taking the bus or a number of common prepare rides. (By the best way, if you wish to e-book a seat on the Airport Specific prepare, you’ll be able to reserve prematurely on Klook.)
Central is your bounce off level to 2 widespread points of interest: Victoria Peak and Ocean Park. So in case your itinerary has these two websites on two separate days, this can be a superb base.
One other huge professional for Central is that its dotted with numerous iconic foodie spots, and plenty of of them are reasonably priced. Some are even awarded with Michelin Bib Gourmand or Michelin stars. I’ve stayed on the Central space numerous instances, and I liked it every time due to these eating places! A number of meals excursions additionally scribble throughout the realm.
Whereas many lodges in Central-Central district are upscale, it isn’t not possible to search out comparatively cheap locations to remain particularly within the Sheung Wan space.
However as a lot as I like Central, it’s not for everybody. It’s hilly. The bottom is so uneven, strolling round may be so exhausting if you happen to’re not used to it, and may be very difficult for these with mobility points.
And though not as dangerous as Kowloon lodges, area right here can also be costly, so anticipate tiny, cozy rooms!
PROS
- Central location
- Accessible from the airport
- Near key points of interest
- Implausible eating places
- Inexpensive lodging choices
- Vibrant nightlife
CONS
- Additionally crowded
- Hilly and plenty of stairs
- Cozy rooms
High Inexpensive Resorts in Central & Sheung Wan
Listed here are a number of the top-reviewed Central and Sheung Wan lodges and hostels on Agoda which might be comparatively reasonably priced.
High Premium Resorts in Central & Admiralty
Under are the highest Central properties on Resorts.com, whatever the value.
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2. TSIM SHA TSUI
Area: Kowloon
Tsim Sha Tsui (typically shortened to TST) is well-known amongst finances vacationers due to three issues.
First, accessibility. Except you’re staying near Airport Specific’s Kowloon Station, there isn’t a direct prepare line between Tsim Sha Tsui and the airport. However there are direct airport buses (Bus A21) that cease at a number of factors throughout the district. The truth is, TST’s most important artery is Nathan Street, which runs parallel to the A21 Bus route and in addition to a bit of the MTR or subway prepare’s Tsuen Wan Line. This subway line additionally connects TST to the Central district on the opposite aspect of the harbor. There are a number of MTR stations, ferry terminals, and bus stops! See? Very accessible.
The second cause is its proximity to some key Hong Kong points of interest together with the Avenue of Stars, the K11 Mall, and the purchasing streets in Mong Kok and Jordan areas.
Lastly, there’s A LOT of budget-friendly lodging in Tsim Sha Tsui. However beware, as a result of area is such a scarce commodity in these components of Hong Kong, most rooms in Kowloon are extraordinarily small. There isn’t normally a lot area to maneuver round, however you’ll discover properties which might be cleverly designed.
Most budget-friendly rooms are housed in both of the 2 well-known (or notorious) buildings: the Chungking Mansions and Mirador Mansion. You’ll have heard lots about these two properties earlier than: some could also be good, some could also be dangerous. So what’s the reality?
Properly, these two are outdated residential buildings, however many homeowners have turned their items into guesthouses or mini-hotels for vacationers. They give the impression of being good and glossy from afar, however up shut, it may be a bit intimidating. Its crowded floor ground is a maze of assorted outlets, and inside — er, let’s simply say they’ve seen higher days. However don’t write it off but.
Really, in our early years, we all the time stayed right here. Excluding lengthy elevator queues sometimes, we by no means actually had a nasty expertise. That’s to not invalidate different accounts I’ve seen on-line which point out mattress bugs and all. I’m simply saying we didn’t have that have, even in our current keep right here just some months in the past.
However that’s the factor! Whereas they give the impression of being dated (or dare I say dilapidated, no less than the hallways), some items are clear and well-kept. Only a few months in the past, we booked a room at Victoria Inn at Mirador Mansion. It was cramped however neat and furnished with lodge necessities. General, we had a nice keep!
It’s only a matter of reserving a good institution, so all the time examine evaluations.
By the best way, Tsim Sha Tsui is usually flat, which makes a stroll throughout the realm a stroll within the park. The streets are busy and slim, although, so don’t be too complacent.
PROS:
- Various budget-friendly lodges
- Accessible
- Direct bus airport bus
- Near vacationer points of interest
- Near avenue markets
CONS:
- No direct airport prepare
- Small, cramped rooms
- Crowded
High Inexpensive Resorts in Tsim Sha Tsui
Taken with Tsim Sha Tsui? Under are a number of the comparatively cheap lodges with one of the best evaluations on Agoda.
High Premium Resorts in Tsim Sha Tsui
Under are the highest Tsim Sha Tsui properties on Resorts.com, whatever the value.
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3. MONG KOK & YAU MA TEI
Area: Kowloon
Additionally value testing in Kowloon are Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei. Each are components of the Yau Tsim Mong District, the identical administrative unit that Tsim Sha Tsui belongs to. And each have loads of similarities to TST.
They’re additionally accessible from the airport by the identical direct bus – Bus A21. They’re additionally alongside the Tsuen Wan Line, which is linked to Central, and Nathan Street, which is punctuated by a number of bus stops.
However the vibe in Mong Kok, specifically, is considerably totally different. Its streets are lit by colourful neon indicators, and the power right here is extra buzzing, extra frenetic. It’s a preferred purchasing space. Its map is scribbled with purchasing streets and night time market streets. It’s additionally right here that you just’ll discover the legendary Sneaker Avenue.
When looking out on-line, you’ll additionally come throughout a number of reasonably priced lodging, each outdated and new. And if you happen to’re into avenue meals, you’re gonna love Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei, too!
PROS
- Central location
- Accessible from the airport
- Near key points of interest
- Shut to nighttime markets and purchasing streets
CONS
- Additionally crowded
- Cozy rooms
- Busy and noisy
High Price range Resorts in Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei
Lovin’ the vibe of Mong Kok? Under are some lodges and inns in Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei areas that obtained nice scores from Klook clients.
High Premium Resorts in Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei
In case you have an even bigger finances, listed here are some choices on Agoda and Resorts.com with one of the best evaluations from precise friends, not contemplating the charges.
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4. TUNG CHUNG and HONG KONG SKYCITY (Close to Airport)
Area: New Territories
Staying close to the airport comes with loads of perks. And the identical is true for Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Worldwide Airport is situated on reclaimed land on Chek Lap Kok Island, simply off Lantau Island. Beside the airport is a cluster of respected lodges known as SkyCity. Simply throughout the channel, on the a part of Lantau Island closest to the airport, you’ll spot one other developed space known as Tung Chung.
Lots of the lists of greatest locations to remain that you just’ll discover on-line don’t even point out these two areas. However don’t dismiss them immediately. I really consider that in lots of circumstances, these are essentially the most perfect.
Huh? You is likely to be asking, “However it’s so indifferent from the town heart! Why would you suppose it’s a superb space to remain in any respect!”
Properly, the airport isn’t the one key focal point near Tung Chung and SkyCity. This space is residence to the next:
- Hong Kong Worldwide Airport
- Hong Kong Disneyland
- Ngong Ping 360 (Tian Tan Buddha)
- CityGate Shops Mall
- Tai-O Village
- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Port, which is the gateway to Macau
So in case your itinerary primarily consists of those points of interest, it makes extra sense to remain in both SkyCity or Tung Chung. In the event you keep within the metropolis heart like Tsim Sha Tsui or Central, you’ll should journey backwards and forwards, losing loads of money and time within the course of.
Furthermore, a lot of the huge lodges in SkyCity and Tung Chung supply FREE bus switch to and from the airport and Tung Chung MTR Station. Yep, utterly FREE of cost. And there’s normally a bus each half-hour or so.
The catch is: most lodges listed here are a bit high-end – Marriott, Sheraton, and the like – however its costs are aggressive, a lot decrease than its counterparts within the metropolis heart, and typically, as much as par with mid-range ones.
For instance, final 12 months, we visited in peak season. We booked two lodges: a supposedly finances lodge in Tsim Sha Tsui’s Mirador Mansion and this extra upscale lodge in Tung Chung. For the “finances” TST lodge, we paid HKD 930 (PHP 6640) per night time. Sure, I do know it’s nonetheless steep, however this was actually one of many least expensive we discovered for that interval.
Inside the identical time-frame, our room at 4 Factors by Sheraton in Tung Chung prices HKD 990 (PHP 7070) per night time. That’s only a HKD 60 distinction per night time, however there’s an enormous distinction in expertise. Our room in Tung Chung was at a full-service lodge and was a lot, way more spacious and far cleaner, too.
However, this space has its cons. Apart from it being removed from the town heart, there are additionally very restricted reasonably priced eating choices. We had to verify we had dinner elsewhere earlier than coming again to the lodge or we’d be caught with the costly in-house eating places on the lodge. That or the comfort retailer.
This space is just not for everybody. In case your itinerary requires extra time within the metropolis heart, then don’t e-book a lodge right here. However when you have the Disneyland-Ngong Ping-and-Macau trifecta in your itinerary, think about it!
PROS:
- Close to the airport
- Most accessible from Disneyland, Ngong Ping, and Macau
- Usually with free switch to airport and MTR
- Extra spacious lodge rooms at aggressive
CONS:
- Not various lodge choices
- Restricted eating spots
- Removed from metropolis heart
High Resorts in Tung Chung
High Resorts in Hong Kong SkyCity
Seek for extra Resorts Close to Hong Kong Airport!
What’s the greatest space to remain in Hong Kong?
Once more, I’d should reply with “that is determined by your itinerary.”
- In the event you’re visiting HK Disneyland and Ngong Ping 360, and and also you’re doing a day journey to Macau, I actually suppose SkyCity and Tung Chung are your greatest bets.
- In case your itinerary entails a number of days within the metropolis heart, then keep in both Kowloon or Hong Kong Island.
- In the event you’re after good meals and nightlife, I like to recommend you keep in Central or surrounding areas like Sheung Wan and Admiralty.
- In the event you like purchasing and night time markets, select Mong Kok.
- In the event you’re on a good finances, keep in Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok.
As for me, if you happen to ask me to decide on with none set itinerary, I’d choose Central/Sheung Wan. It has all of the issues I would like in a neighborhood, quick access from the airport whether or not by bus or by Airport Specific prepare, near key points of interest like Victoria Peak, and plenty of scrumptious meals spots!
However that’s simply me. How about you? Have you ever tried staying at any of those districts? Which one is your favourite? Tell us within the feedback part beneath.
That’s all for now. Bear in mind: plan good, journey secure, and make each journey WORTH IT!
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First up: 2024•01•16