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$100 vs $1,000 Day in Hong Kong
Hong Kong $100 vs $1,000 Day Challenge: Street Food to Luxe
Join us as we fly 16 hrs to Hong Kong for an epic stopover on our way to China!! We are so happy to go back here after almost 10 years since our last trip ❤️
✨ @cathaypacific has a special treat for anyone who wants to recreate our stay at the Ritz-Carlton!
When you book your stay through their...
Join us as we fly 16 hrs to Hong Kong for an epic stopover on our way to China!! We are so happy to go back here after almost 10 years since our last trip ❤️. 🥢 The Chinese Classics menu portfolio is available in Business cabins on selected flights from Hong Kong to the Chinese Mainland, not just Beijing! 😍. 🌎 Cathay is a global hub serving over 100 destinations worldwide, not just China and Asia!. 🎥 Episode 976 | Filmed October 2025 | Hong Kong. 01:40 Flying to Hong Kong. 07:57 our hostel. 09:42 $100 budget day. 11:04 Lions Rock hike. 13:49 world's cheapest Michelin star restaurant. 16:17 crossing the harbor. 17:09 ferris wheel saga ;). 18:41 grateful :). 19:50 $1000 budget day. 21:18 reflexology massage. 23:18 Michelin guide dinner. 25:32 Cathay airport lounge. 28:10 flying to Beijing. 29:30 China series teasers!!. 30:47 Bloops
Two travelers embark on a 16-hour flight to Hong Kong for an epic stopover on their way to China, returning after almost a decade. They dive into a fascinating budget experiment: a $100 day versus a $1,000 day in this vibrant city. The budget day kicks off with a stay at a hostel, a hike up Lions Rock, a visit to the world's cheapest Michelin-star restaurant, a harbor crossing, and a comedic ferris wheel saga. The splurge day features a luxurious reflexology massage, a Michelin-guide dinner, and access to the exclusive Cathay Pacific airport lounge. The journey ends with a flight to Beijing, teasing an upcoming China series. Along the way, the travelers express deep gratitude for the experience, highlighting the stark contrasts in travel styles within the same city. The episode captures the raw energy of Hong Kong, from street-level adventures to high-end indulgence.
Join us as we fly 16 hrs to Hong Kong for an epic stopover on our way to China!! We are so happy to go back here after almost 10 years since our last trip ❤️. 🥢 The Chinese Classics menu portfolio is available in Business cabins on selected flights from Hong Kong to the Chinese Mainland, not just Beijing! 😍. 🌎 Cathay is a global hub serving over 100 destinations worldwide, not just China and Asia!. 🎥 Episode 976 | Filmed October 2025 | Hong Kong. 01:40 Flying to Hong Kong. 07:57 our hostel. 09:42 $100 budget day. 11:04 Lions Rock hike. 13:49 world's cheapest Michelin star restaurant. 16:17 crossing the harbor. 17:09 ferris wheel saga ;). 18:41 grateful :). 19:50 $1000 budget day. 21:18 reflexology massage. 23:18 Michelin guide dinner. 25:32 Cathay airport lounge. 28:10 flying to Beijing. 29:30 China series teasers!!. 30:47 Bloops
Kara and Nate’s long-awaited return to Hong Kong after nearly a decade kicks off with a Cathay Pacific business class flight from LA. They dive straight into a $100-a-day challenge, starting with a $45 hostel and a traditional pineapple bun breakfast. The day’s highlight is the free hike up Lion’s Rock, where they battle humidity and a surprise wild boar, but score unbeatable city views. Lunch comes from the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, Tim Ho Wan, where baked pork buns and red rice rolls cost just $26. With only $15 left, they take the historic Star Ferry across the harbor and finally ride the Ferris wheel that sparked a decade-old internet joke. Day two is a $1,000 splurge at the Ritz-Carlton on the 107th floor, boasting the highest indoor pool globally. They indulge in a reflexology session at Relax City, a pedicure, and a 12-course tasting menu at modern vegetarian fine-dining spot Yuan. The experience closes at the Ozone bar, the world’s highest bar with a DJ. Before flying to Beijing, they savor Cathay Pacific’s Pier lounge, declaring its dandan noodles better than any they had in the city. The episode ends with teasers for a three-week China adventure.
After a decade, Kara and Nate return to Hong Kong for an epic stopover, flying Cathay Pacific business class. They compare a budget day for $100, hiking Lion's Rock and dining at the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, against a $1,000 splurge featuring the Ritz-Carlton, reflexology, and a fine-dining vegetarian tasting menu. The journey ends with a lavish lounge experience before flying to Beijing.
Kara and Nate return to Hong Kong for a $100 vs $1,000 day challenge, hiking Lion's Rock, eating Michelin-starred food, and splurging on luxury experiences.
Hong Kong $100 vs $1,000 Challenge: Lion Rock, Michelin & Luxury
11:04 Hike Lion's Rock for free, iconic city views. Start early to avoid crowds and heat, but watch for wild boars on the trail.
13:49 Visit the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, Tim Ho Wan. Order the baked pork bun and red rice roll for incredible value.
16:44 Use the Star Ferry to cross Victoria Harbour. It only costs a few cents and offers amazing skyline views, especially after sunset.
21:18 Try a reflexology session at Relax City. It's an ancient Chinese foot massage that relieves jet lag and feels like a full-body reset.
25:32 Arrive early at HKG airport to enjoy Cathay Pacific's Pier lounge. Their dandan noodles and Italian corner are surprisingly world-class.
28:10 Use Cathay Pacific's Hong Kong stopover program. It’s a travel hack that lets you explore the city for free on your way to mainland China.
11:04 Hike Lion's Rock for free, iconic city views. Start early to avoid crowds and heat, but watch for wild boars on the trail.
13:49 Visit the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, Tim Ho Wan. Order the baked pork bun and red rice roll for incredible value.
16:44 Use the Star Ferry to cross Victoria Harbour. It only costs a few cents and offers amazing skyline views, especially after sunset.
21:18 Try a reflexology session at Relax City. It's an ancient Chinese foot massage that relieves jet lag and feels like a full-body reset.
25:32 Arrive early at HKG airport to enjoy Cathay Pacific's Pier lounge. Their dandan noodles and Italian corner are surprisingly world-class.
28:10 Use Cathay Pacific's Hong Kong stopover program. It’s a travel hack that lets you explore the city for free on your way to mainland China.
01:40 Flying Business Class to Hong Kong
07:57 Finding the Hostel
11:04 Hiking Lion's Rock
13:49 World's Cheapest Michelin Star
17:09 Ferris Wheel Saga
19:50 $1000 Splurge Day Begins
21:18 Reflexology Massage
23:18 Michelin Guide Dinner
25:32 Cathay Pacific Lounge Tour
29:30 China Series Teaser
0:00 intro
1:40 Flying to Hong Kong
7:57 our hostel
9:42 $100 budget day
11:04 Lions Rock hike
13:49 world's cheapest Michelin star restaurant
16:17 crossing the harbor
17:09 ferris wheel saga
18:41 grateful
19:50 $1000 budget day
21:18 reflexology massage
23:18 Michelin guide dinner
25:32 Cathay airport lounge
28:10 flying to Beijing
29:30 China series teasers
30:47 Bloops
What is the world's cheapest Michelin star restaurant?
It's Tim Ho Wan in Hong Kong, where we had a full meal for just $26 Hong Kong dollars.
Was the Ferris wheel worth the wait after 10 years?
Absolutely. We shared a car for a fraction of the cost and got three loops, plus an emotional moment reflecting on our journey.
What was the best food in the Cathay Pacific lounge?
The dandan noodles—no joke, they were better than the ones we had at the Michelin restaurant in the city.
Is the reflexology session good for jet lag?
Yes, it was an incredible full-body reset. They use pressure points on your feet and it popped my back 10 times.
What is the best budget travel hack in Hong Kong?
Riding the Star Ferry across the harbor for about 50 cents instead of expensive sightseeing boats.
