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FIRST TIME Back in HONG KONG 🇭🇰 (NOT how we remember it)
Hong Kong Travel: First Impressions & Must-See Experiences
Our first time back in HONG KONG and wow… it’s NOT how we remember it. The streets, the energy, the surprises, everything feels different, and we didn’t see it coming.
We’ll take you around the city to show you the very best things to do in Hong Kong from sampling the world famous street food, to...
Our first time back in HONG KONG and wow… it’s NOT how we remember it. The streets, the energy, the surprises, everything feels different, and we didn’t see it coming.
We’ll take you around the city to show you the very best things to do in Hong Kong from sampling the world famous street food, to riding the Star Ferry, visiting Victoria Peak, and discovering hidden gems only locals know. Whether it’s Kowloon, Central, or the islands, this Hong Kong travel guide is packed with tips, attractions, and must see experiences to help you make the most of your trip.
We are Taz and Libby, travellers from the UK who think it's bad manners to make holidays wait, so we left. Now trying to watch more sunsets than Netflix.
Hong Kong, a city that has transformed since our last visit, offers a vibrant mix of old and new. From bustling streets to surprising changes, this travel vlog captures the essence of this dynamic metropolis. Join us as we explore iconic attractions like Victoria Peak and the Star Ferry, indulge in delicious street food, and uncover local secrets in areas like Kowloon and Central. This guide is your key to experiencing the best of Hong Kong.
Our first time back in HONG KONG and wow… it’s NOT how we remember it. The streets, the energy, the surprises, everything feels different, and we didn’t see it coming.
We’ll take you around the city to show you the very best things to do in Hong Kong from sampling the world famous street food, to riding the Star Ferry, visiting Victoria Peak, and discovering hidden gems only locals know. Whether it’s Kowloon, Central, or the islands, this Hong Kong travel guide is packed with tips, attractions, and must see experiences to help you make the most of your trip.
We are Taz and Libby, travellers from the UK who think it's bad manners to make holidays wait, so we left. Now trying to watch more sunsets than Netflix.
Taz and Libby, travelers from the UK, return to Hong Kong after a two-year absence and are immediately struck by how different the city feels, a sentiment echoed in their title and description. Their first day back is a whirlwind of rediscovered and new experiences, starting with a surprise visit to the Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars in Kowloon Park, a quirky find that delighted them. They marvel at Hong Kong's status as the 'skyscraper capital of the world,' noting the sheer number of tall buildings and the impressive Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.
Their journey continues to the iconic Victoria Harbour and the Avenue of Stars. Unlike their previous visit, the weather is stunning, offering breathtaking views of the skyline. They appreciate the Avenue of Stars, with its celebrity handprints and the famous Bruce Lee statue, and reflect on the diversity of local talent celebrated there. A brief stop at K11, a seemingly upscale shopping mall, leads them to its surprisingly extensive food court, where they enthusiastically seek out their favorite drink, 'more yogurt.' Despite a long wait for their preferred beverage, they eventually enjoy it, along with a variety of local dishes like fish cake, shrimp noodles, and minced beef with rice, highlighting the vibrant food scene.
The travelers then experience the classic Star Ferry, a historic mode of transport that has been operating for over 120 years. They note the ferry is much busier than they remember, a sign of Hong Kong's renewed energy. Upon arriving in Central, they are impressed by the high-end shopping streets, drawing comparisons to New York's Fifth Avenue. They also spot the iconic 'ding ding' trams, vowing to ride them later.
A significant part of their day involves ascending Victoria Peak via the historic Peak Tram. They are struck by its steepness and the special Disney-themed carriages celebrating the park's 20th anniversary. The panoramic views from the Sky Terrace are described as insane and stunning, offering a new perspective on the city's blend of urban sprawl and lush nature, with a surprising amount of green space. They also observe the prevalence of bamboo scaffolding, a distinctive feature of Hong Kong's cityscape, though they've heard it's being phased out.
Their exploration extends to the bustling streets of Mong Kok, where they navigate the lively atmosphere of the Ladies Market. Here, they find a wide array of goods, from phone cases and keychains to Disney merchandise and unique souvenirs like fast-food bag magnets. They also notice the prevalence of 'labu' (likely referring to a popular snack or dessert) and the many food stalls, reflecting the city's dynamic street food culture.
Concluding their day, Taz and Libby enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, savoring dishes like beef with black bean sauce and stir-fried noodles. They reflect on the city's humid climate and the efficiency of its public transport, particularly the MTR with its escalators. Despite the long and tiring day, they express immense joy and energy, confirming that Hong Kong is indeed what they missed, ending their first day back with a promise of more adventures to come.
Taz and Libby are back in Hong Kong, and it's not quite how they remember it! Their first day is an exciting dive into the city's vibrant energy, from the quirky Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars to the iconic Victoria Harbour. They marvel at the skyscraper-filled skyline, ride the historic Star Ferry, and ascend Victoria Peak for breathtaking views. From bustling markets like Ladies Market to delicious street food and efficient MTR rides, Hong Kong surprises and delights them at every turn, showcasing its unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Taz and Libby return to Hong Kong, finding it changed yet full of energy. They explore comic streets, iconic harbors, ride historic ferries and trams, and enjoy stunning views from Victoria Peak, experiencing the city's vibrant culture and food.
Hong Kong First Impressions: Skyline, Star Ferry & Victoria Peak
1:36 Discover the Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars in Kowloon Park for a quirky and fun experience, especially if you're a fan of cartoons and anime.
3:19 Visit Victoria Harbour and the Avenue of Stars for stunning skyline views, especially on a clear day. Look for celebrity handprints and the Bruce Lee statue.
9:23 Explore K11 mall, which offers a surprisingly good food court with diverse options, including popular local drinks like 'more yogurt'.
18:42 Take the iconic Star Ferry for a historic and affordable harbor crossing between Kowloon and Central, offering great city views.
29:40 Experience the unique 'ding ding' trams in Hong Kong for a charming and traditional way to get around the city.
30:31 Ride the Peak Tram up Victoria Peak for unparalleled panoramic views of Hong Kong, especially impressive from the Sky Terrace.
38:14 Utilize Hong Kong's efficient MTR system, which is fast and convenient for navigating between different parts of the city, with helpful escalators.
41:22 Explore the Ladies Market in Mong Kok for a vibrant shopping experience, offering everything from souvenirs and clothing to unique local finds.
47:37 Try local Hong Kong cuisine, including dishes like beef with black bean sauce, noodles, and unique snacks like pineapple buns.
1:36 Discover the Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars in Kowloon Park for a quirky and fun experience, especially if you're a fan of cartoons and anime.
3:19 Visit Victoria Harbour and the Avenue of Stars for stunning skyline views, especially on a clear day. Look for celebrity handprints and the Bruce Lee statue.
9:23 Explore K11 mall, which offers a surprisingly good food court with diverse options, including popular local drinks like 'more yogurt'.
18:42 Take the iconic Star Ferry for a historic and affordable harbor crossing between Kowloon and Central, offering great city views.
29:40 Experience the unique 'ding ding' trams in Hong Kong for a charming and traditional way to get around the city.
30:31 Ride the Peak Tram up Victoria Peak for unparalleled panoramic views of Hong Kong, especially impressive from the Sky Terrace.
38:14 Utilize Hong Kong's efficient MTR system, which is fast and convenient for navigating between different parts of the city, with helpful escalators.
41:22 Explore the Ladies Market in Mong Kok for a vibrant shopping experience, offering everything from souvenirs and clothing to unique local finds.
47:37 Try local Hong Kong cuisine, including dishes like beef with black bean sauce, noodles, and unique snacks like pineapple buns.
0:26 Arrival in Hong Kong
1:36 Kowloon Park and Comic Stars
3:19 Victoria Harbor and Avenue of Stars
9:23 Exploring K11 Mall
18:18 Star Ferry Terminal
22:43 Taking the Star Ferry
28:25 Central Hong Kong exploration
29:40 Ding Ding Tram sighting
30:31 Peak Tram ride
34:22 Victoria Peak viewpoint
38:14 Hong Kong MTR experience
41:22 Ladies Market exploration
47:37 Local Hong Kong dining
53:34 Reflections on first day
0:26 Arrival in Hong Kong
1:36 Kowloon Park and Comic Stars
3:19 Victoria Harbor and Avenue of Stars
9:23 Exploring K11 Mall
18:18 Star Ferry Terminal
22:43 Taking the Star Ferry
28:25 Central Hong Kong exploration
29:40 Ding Ding Tram sighting
30:31 Peak Tram ride
34:22 Victoria Peak viewpoint
38:14 Hong Kong MTR experience
41:22 Ladies Market exploration
47:37 Local Hong Kong dining
53:34 Reflections on first day
What was the most surprising discovery on the first day back in Hong Kong?
The Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars was a delightful surprise, a quirky find in Kowloon Park that added a unique touch to their exploration.
What is Hong Kong known for regarding its buildings?
Hong Kong is famously the skyscraper capital of the world, boasting over 300 buildings that are 150 meters or taller.
What was the experience like riding the Star Ferry?
It was a historic and scenic journey across Victoria Harbour, much busier than remembered, offering stunning views of the city skyline for a very low price.
What is special about the Peak Tram ride?
The Peak Tram is a historic funicular that ascends Victoria Peak at a very steep angle, offering a unique and entertaining ride with special Disney-themed carriages celebrating an anniversary.
What can you find at the Ladies Market?
The Ladies Market offers a wide variety of goods, including phone cases, keychains, clothing, souvenirs, and even Disney merchandise, making it a bustling shopping destination.
What are some notable Hong Kong food experiences?
They enjoyed various local dishes in K11's food court and a restaurant, including fish cake, shrimp noodles, beef with black bean sauce, and stir-fried noodles, noting the affordability and portion sizes.
What is the public transport like in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong's public transport, especially the MTR, is very efficient, with escalators readily available. They also mentioned the iconic 'ding ding' trams and the Star Ferry.
What is the weather like in Hong Kong?
The weather can be very hot and humid, especially in the summer, with sun and occasional rain. Umbrellas are used for both sun and rain protection.
