Hong Kong

Select Vacations Hong Kong invites you to enjoy the quintessential Hong Kong experiences of endless shopping, big-city nightlife and delicious dim sum. Ride a double-decker tram past neon signs in English and Cantonese. Take a harbour cruise or head up to Victoria Peak to see vistas of lush green mountains and skyscrapers lining the coast.

Spend the day on Lantau Island, Ocean Park or Hong Kong Disneyland. Relax on a beach and don't forget to take in Hong Kong's spectacular night views. Wander through the streets of Hong Kong and discover its amazing history, culture, people and soul. Learn the secrets of feng shui or try your luck at the horseracing events and get to see and experience some of this amazing cities heritage sites and traditional lifestyles up close.

If it’s pampering you’re after, money can buy the ultimate luxuries in a city well used to serving its moneyed elite. Yet Hong Kong is also a city of simple pleasures. Most often it’s the least pricey experiences – a $2 tram or ferry ride, a whiff of incense curling from temple rafters, savouring fishing-village sundowners and seafood – that are the stuff of priceless memories.

Destination Information:

Getting There:

Select Vacations offers economy & business class airfares with Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines.

Visa

For Australian passport holders a visa to visit Hong Kong is not required. Visas are required for all foreigners entering Mainland China. Visas should be obtained from the Embassy or Consulate General of People's Republic of China in your own country before departure to Mainland China.

Passport

All visitors to Hong Kong must have a passport that is valid for at least one month after the period of their intended stay in Hong Kong. Visitors from Australia can enter Hong Kong without a visa for periods of seven days to 180 days

Currency & Credit Cards

The legal currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong dollar. The Hong Kong banknotes come in 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 & 1000 and coins in 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2, $5 & $10. Credit cards are widely accepted in all hotels, bars, restaurants and shops.

Weather

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons.

Spring is from March to May with averages temperatures of between 16 degrees (low) to 28 degrees Celsius (High). Temperature and humidity are rising. Evenings can be cool.

Summer is from June to August with average temperatures of between 26 degrees (low) to 31 degrees Celsius (High). Hot, humid and sunny, with occasional showers and thunderstorms.

Autumn is from September to November with average temperatures of between 19 degrees (low) to 30 degrees Celsius (High). There are pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Many people regard these as the best months of the year to visit Hong Kong.

Winter is from December to February with average temperatures of between 14 degrees (low) to 19 degrees Celsius (High). Cool, dry and cloudy, with occasional cold fronts

Getting around

Hong Kong is geographically compact and boasts one of the world's most efficient, safe, affordable and frequent public transport systems. Whether by taxi, ferry, rail, bus or tram, you can get around easily and catch wonderful glimpses of the city along the way. For convenience, use the Octopus Card, an electronic stored-value card that is accepted on most public transport.  The famous Star Ferry is the most notable of all ferries and operates between Hong Kong Island from piers in Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom in Kowloon and Central and Wan Chai on the Island. It offers a memorable and scenic boat trip across one of the most-photographed harbours in the world.

What to Wear

The weather can vary and in summer shorts and golf or t-shirts are acceptable for sightseeing however during the evening smart casual attire is suggested. In winter months a sweater and coat or jacket may be required.

General Hints.

Tipping - most restaurants will levy a 10% service charge but waiters will expect to be given some loose change. Restaurants that don't add a service charge will expect a 10% tip. However, tipping is left to your discretion. Bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers are happy to accept loose change.

Take the iconic Star Ferry to enjoy stunning views around the harbour, and don’t miss the nightly A Symphony of Lights show featuring harbour-front buildings.

Take a traditional Chinese junk cruise of Victoria Harbour.

Hong Kong's most popular attraction, The Peak offers spectacular views over the city, harbour and mountains beyond. For an extra buzz, take the Peak Tram.

  Lantau Island features the world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha, along with the Po Lin Monastery, Tai O village on stilts, Ngong Ping 360 and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Hong Kong Island

Kowloon