Can’t determine the place to remain on your subsequent Hong Kong journey? Is Tsim Sha Tsui a very good space for vacationers? Is Central higher than Mong Kok? When is it excellent to remain in Lantau island? On this article, we’ll break it down that will help you decide the perfect neighborhood for you.
Hong Kong is considered one of our most visited locations. Over the previous 13 years, we have now stayed at varied areas inside the territory. And sure, some areas are higher than others. However to correctly decide the perfect, 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 varied 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 financial system, foreign money, and immigration legal guidelines. That’s why even Chinese language mainlanders nonetheless must 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 positioned. Hong Kong’s metropolis middle has two faces. One among them is Kowloon, which covers a lot of the developed space on the mainland. That is the older and extra conventional facet of the town. It’s what many take into account quintessential Hong Kong. It’s extremely developed, sure, however you’ll simply discover that most of the buildings aren’t very fashionable. It’s dense, busy, and extremely textured. This facet is usually used as a setting in Hollywood films.
- 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 effectively. However it’s divided into smaller neighborhoods together with Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Sheung Wan, and Causeway Bay.
- New Territories, which covers the world 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, just a few of those will most likely matter.
So which is the perfect space to remain? Objectively, I’d say it will depend on your particular itinerary. However in case you ask me for my private choice, right here’s how I’d rank these areas.
(By the best way, you’ll additionally discover a record of prime accommodations within the space, categorized by price range. Once we say “reasonably priced”, we imply that comparatively. Lodging are usually costly in Hong Kong. Lodge costs have skyrocketed over the previous years. The properties we listed underneath reasonably priced should still be thought-about pricey by different requirements.)
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
1. CENTRAL
Strictly talking, Central usually 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. But it surely 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 practice – the Airport Specific, which is the quickest option to get to the town middle. You’ll be able to attain Central in roughly half-hour, considerably faster than taking the bus or a number of common practice rides. (By the best way, if you wish to e book a seat on the Airport Specific practice, you possibly can reserve upfront on Klook.)
Central is your leap off level to 2 widespread sights: Victoria Peak and Ocean Park. So in case your itinerary has these two websites on two separate days, this can be a very good base.
One other massive 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 a variety of instances, and I beloved it every time due to these eating places! A number of meals excursions additionally scribble throughout the world.
Whereas many accommodations in Central-Central district are upscale, it’s not inconceivable to search out comparatively cheap locations to remain particularly within the Sheung Wan space.
However as a lot as I am keen on Central, it’s not for everybody. It’s hilly. The bottom is so uneven, strolling round might be so exhausting in case you’re not used to it, and might be very difficult for these with mobility points.
And though not as unhealthy as Kowloon accommodations, area right here can also be costly, so anticipate tiny, cozy rooms!
PROS
- Central location
- Accessible from the airport
- Near key sights
- Implausible eating places
- Reasonably priced lodging choices
- Vibrant nightlife
CONS
- Additionally crowded
- Hilly and many stairs
- Cozy rooms
High Reasonably priced Accommodations in Central & Sheung Wan
Listed here are among the top-reviewed Central and Sheung Wan accommodations and hostels on Agoda which can be comparatively reasonably priced.
High Premium Accommodations in Central & Admiralty
Beneath are the highest Central properties on Accommodations.com, whatever the worth.
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2. TSIM SHA TSUI
Area: Kowloon
Tsim Sha Tsui (usually shortened to TST) is well-known amongst price range vacationers due to three issues.
First, accessibility. Until you’re staying near Airport Specific’s Kowloon Station, there isn’t any direct practice 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 Highway, which runs parallel to the A21 Bus route and in addition to a bit of the MTR or subway practice’s Tsuen Wan Line. This subway line additionally connects TST to the Central district on the opposite facet of the harbor. There are a number of MTR stations, ferry terminals, and bus stops! See? Very accessible.
The second motive is its proximity to some key Hong Kong sights together with the Avenue of Stars, the K11 Mall, and the procuring 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 elements 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 can 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 rather a lot about these two properties earlier than: some could also be good, some could also be unhealthy. So what’s the reality?
Nicely, these two are previous residential buildings, however many house owners have turned their items into guesthouses or mini-hotels for vacationers. They appear good and glossy from afar, however up shut, it may be a bit intimidating. Its crowded floor ground is a maze of varied 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. Apart from 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 latest keep right here only a few 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. Just some 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 pleasing keep!
It’s only a matter of reserving a good institution, so all the time verify evaluations.
By the best way, Tsim Sha Tsui is usually flat, which makes a stroll throughout the world a stroll within the park. The streets are busy and slim, although, so don’t be too complacent.
PROS:
- Various budget-friendly accommodations
- Accessible
- Direct bus airport bus
- Near vacationer sights
- Near road markets
CONS:
- No direct airport practice
- Small, cramped rooms
- Crowded
High Reasonably priced Accommodations in Tsim Sha Tsui
All for Tsim Sha Tsui? Beneath are among the comparatively cheap accommodations with the perfect evaluations on Agoda.
High Premium Accommodations in Tsim Sha Tsui
Beneath are the highest Tsim Sha Tsui properties on Accommodations.com, whatever the worth.
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3. MONG KOK & YAU MA TEI
Area: Kowloon
Additionally value trying out in Kowloon are Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei. Each are elements 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 Highway, which is punctuated by a number of bus stops.
However the vibe in Mong Kok, particularly, 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 procuring space. Its map is scribbled with procuring streets and night time market streets. It’s additionally right here that you simply’ll discover the legendary Sneaker Road.
When looking out on-line, you’ll additionally come throughout a number of reasonably priced lodging, each previous and new. And in case you’re into road meals, you’re gonna love Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei, too!
PROS
- Central location
- Accessible from the airport
- Near key sights
- Shut to nighttime markets and procuring streets
CONS
- Additionally crowded
- Cozy rooms
- Busy and noisy
High Finances Accommodations in Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei
Lovin’ the vibe of Mong Kok? Beneath are some accommodations and inns in Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei areas that received nice scores from Klook clients.
High Premium Accommodations in Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei
In case you have a much bigger price range, listed here are some choices on Agoda and Accommodations.com with the perfect 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 positioned on reclaimed land on Chek Lap Kok Island, simply off Lantau Island. Beside the airport is a cluster of respected accommodations 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.
Most of the lists of finest locations to remain that you simply’ll discover on-line don’t even point out these two areas. However don’t dismiss them instantly. I truly imagine that in lots of circumstances, these are essentially the most excellent.
Huh? You may be asking, “But it surely’s so indifferent from the town middle! Why would you assume it’s a very good space to remain in any respect!”
Nicely, 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 sights, it makes extra sense to remain in both SkyCity or Tung Chung. When you keep within the metropolis middle 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 massive accommodations in SkyCity and Tung Chung provide 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 accommodations 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 middle, and typically, as much as par with mid-range ones.
For instance, final yr, we visited in peak season. We booked two accommodations: a supposedly price range lodge in Tsim Sha Tsui’s Mirador Mansion and this extra upscale lodge in Tung Chung. For the “price range” 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 most cost-effective we discovered for that interval.
Throughout the identical timeframe, 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, far more spacious and far cleaner, too.
However, this space has its cons. Apart from it being removed from the town middle, there are additionally very restricted reasonably priced eating choices. We had to ensure 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 shouldn’t be for everybody. In case your itinerary requires extra time within the metropolis middle, then don’t e book a lodge right here. However when you’ve got the Disneyland-Ngong Ping-and-Macau trifecta in your itinerary, take into account it!
PROS:
- Close to the airport
- Most accessible from Disneyland, Ngong Ping, and Macau
- Typically with free switch to airport and MTR
- Extra spacious lodge rooms at aggressive
CONS:
- Not numerous lodge choices
- Restricted eating spots
- Removed from metropolis middle
High Accommodations in Tung Chung
High Accommodations in Hong Kong SkyCity
Seek for extra Accommodations Close to Hong Kong Airport!
What’s the finest space to remain in Hong Kong?
Once more, I’d should reply with “that will depend on your itinerary.”
- When you’re visiting HK Disneyland and Ngong Ping 360, and and also you’re doing a day journey to Macau, I actually assume SkyCity and Tung Chung are your finest bets.
- In case your itinerary includes a number of days within the metropolis middle, then keep in both Kowloon or Hong Kong Island.
- When you’re after good meals and nightlife, I like to recommend you keep in Central or surrounding areas like Sheung Wan and Admiralty.
- When you like procuring and night time markets, select Mong Kok.
- When you’re on a good price range, keep in Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok.
As for me, in case you ask me to decide on with none set itinerary, I’d decide 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 practice, near key sights like Victoria Peak, and many 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. Keep in mind: plan sensible, journey protected, and make each journey WORTH IT!
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