Hong Kong Travel Forum

Active senior couple, re-thinking 7 day trip in mid August. Original plan: 2 days in Hong Kong, 3rd day, 1/2 day AM flight to Taipei, days 4-5 in Taipei, day 6, 1/2 day AM flight to Hong Kong, day 7 (Sunday) Hong Kong, day 8, fly home to US. We are havving a problem trying to decide what we must see and what we can miss, and should we spend more time in Hong Kong area, or is the break-up correct. The travel guides are fine for either one day or a week in each, but that does not help us much. We really need any help you can give us to put this together. So far we have booked only the round trip US to Hong Kong. Also, would like advice on what districts are most convenient for tourists to book mid-priced hotels.

I think it's just awesome that you're an "active senior couple" going to places like Hong Kong and Taiwan, good for you!

At the same time, I think you are trying to do a lot here in only a week. You will have jet lag to contend with. If you really want to fit both Hong Kong and Taiwan into this short time frame, then I agree with your break down.

However, there really a lot one could do in Hong Kong (assuming you've never been there before). Usually you a day or two do go around to the shopping areas (Causeway Bay, Tsimshatsui, Stanley, etc.), and some time to go to the Peak, get out to the New Territories. Also I'd sugget taking the ferry to Macau and staying one night in Macau. It's only an hour a way and there's a lot of old Portugese history there and excellent modern casinos.

It's been 8 years since I've been to Taiwan. With 4-5 days in Taipei you could consider taking a trip to a place like Hualien on the east coast, or further down like the Alishan mountain. Taiwan is great but if I were you, given your flight ticket, I'd consider not going there on this trip and doing more things in Hong Kong/Macau, and maybe southern China (if you can get visas; those are harder to come by right now due to the Olympics).

Also two active seniors reply in brief: We visited Kong Kong in 2005; it still has the mixed british/chinese charater. Its two main areas Kowloon and Hong Kong Island are bustling commercial and tourist places. We stayed at the YMCA at the "bottom" of Kowloon, We were reluctant to stay at our age at the "Y", but it was highly recommended; it was well worth it. It is a large regular, though not fancy, hotel with nice dining room etc. The room choices are "without scenic view" or the higher priced "with scenic view". We selected the latter and were glad that we did. The location is excellent. It is at the Star Ferry (to HK island; seniors no charge), the convention center, at the Riverside Walk and at the beginning of Nathan Road, the extensive main street on Kowloon.
Both areas, Kowloon and HK Island have a lot to offer; a two day stay should be the minimum; a three day stay would be better.

If you desire further info, feel free to contact me

Henry

higbyny@yahoo.com