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Hong Kong Itinerary and Travel Guide 2025 | Where to Stay in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Travel Guide: Itinerary & Where to Stay
This week's travel guide video comes to you from Hong Kong—a place where double-decker trams cruise past towering skyscrapers, ancient temples peek out from behind neon signs, and your dim sum might just come with a skyline view. It’s a wild mash-up of East meets West, tradition meets tech, and yes,...
This week's travel guide video comes to you from Hong Kong—a place where double-decker trams cruise past towering skyscrapers, ancient temples peek out from behind neon signs, and your dim sum might just come with a skyline view. It’s a wild mash-up of East meets West, tradition meets tech, and yes, you can ride an outdoor escalator through a neighborhood (because walking uphill is for amateurs). From ferry rides across Victoria Harbour to slurping noodles in a back alley, Hong Kong hits the senses like a caffeine jolt—and we loved every chaotic, delicious minute of it. We’re kicking off our most epic Retirement Travelers adventure yet—a 10-video travelogue series through China that spans 3,350 miles, 9 cities, and approximately a million dumplings (give or take). We started this unforgettable journey in the vibrant streets of Hong Kong and zipped across the country on some of the fastest, smoothest, and downright fanciest trains we’ve ever experienced. From futuristic skylines to ancient temples, panda sightings to people-watching, this series is packed with unforgettable moments and plenty of surprises.
Embark on an epic 10-part Retirement Travelers adventure across China! This series begins in Hong Kong, a vibrant city blending East and West, tradition and technology. Experience the thrill of double-decker trams, ancient temples amidst neon lights, and outdoor escalators. From ferry rides across Victoria Harbour to delectable street food, Hong Kong offers a sensory overload. The journey continues across China via high-speed trains, showcasing futuristic skylines, ancient temples, and unforgettable moments.
This week's travel guide video comes to you from Hong Kong—a place where double-decker trams cruise past towering skyscrapers, ancient temples peek out from behind neon signs, and your dim sum might just come with a skyline view. It’s a wild mash-up of East meets West, tradition meets tech, and yes, you can ride an outdoor escalator through a neighborhood (because walking uphill is for amateurs). From ferry rides across Victoria Harbour to slurping noodles in a back alley, Hong Kong hits the senses like a caffeine jolt—and we loved every chaotic, delicious minute of it. We’re kicking off our most epic Retirement Travelers adventure yet—a 10-video travelogue series through China that spans 3,350 miles, 9 cities, and approximately a million dumplings (give or take). We started this unforgettable journey in the vibrant streets of Hong Kong and zipped across the country on some of the fastest, smoothest, and downright fanciest trains we’ve ever experienced. From futuristic skylines to ancient temples, panda sightings to people-watching, this series is packed with unforgettable moments and plenty of surprises.
This Hong Kong travelogue follows Retirement Travelers, John and Bev, as they explore the vibrant city's unique blend of East and West. Their journey begins with a stay at the Hyatt Regency in Kowloon, where the staff's hospitality and culinary expertise enhance their experience. They utilize the convenient Octopus Card for seamless navigation, highlighting its ease of use and refund process.
Victoria Peak provides breathtaking skyline views, accessible via the Peak Tram, while the Lugard Road Trail offers a quieter, natural perspective. The International Commerce Center's high-speed elevator delivers stunning panoramic views, though it's noted as pricey. The Temple Street Night Market offers a sensory overload of street food and shopping, leading to a memorable meal at Hen Ki restaurant with a newfound Japanese friend.
A day trip to Lantau Island features the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, showcasing the city's serene side in contrast to its bustling streets. The central-mid levels escalators provide a unique transportation experience, and a chance encounter with a fellow traveler adds a personal touch. A ride on the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour completes their exploration of iconic landmarks.
A visit to Nan Lian Garden offers a tranquil escape, showcasing its meticulous replica of a Tang Dynasty garden. Finally, a ferry trip to Macau, while less than ideal due to choppy seas, concludes their Hong Kong adventure, leaving them eager to return. The video promises more adventures in their 10-part China journey, starting with a high-speed train to Changsha.
Retirement Travelers' Hong Kong adventure is a whirlwind of iconic landmarks and unexpected delights. From riding the historic ding-ding trams to ascending Victoria Peak for breathtaking skyline views, their journey is filled with vibrant street food, serene temples, and unique cultural experiences. This is just the beginning of their epic 10-video journey through China!
Retirement Travelers explored Hong Kong's vibrant culture, iconic views, and delicious food, creating unforgettable memories in this bustling city.
Hong Kong Travel Guide: Iconic Views & Cultural Delights
3:59 Utilize the Octopus Card for easy transportation and payments throughout the city, including the MTR, convenience stores, and some restaurants. Remember to obtain the tourist version to preload your foreign credit card for ease of use.
4:52 Visit Victoria Peak for breathtaking skyline views. Consider going early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and take the Peak Tram for a unique experience.
7:23 Explore the Temple Street Night Market for a sensory overload of street food, clothing, electronics, and trinkets. Embrace the local custom of haggling with vendors.
8:34 Take a trip to Lantau Island to see the Big Buddha and the serene Po Lin Monastery. Be prepared for a climb of 268 steps to reach the Big Buddha.
9:58 Ride the Central-Mid-Levels escalator system, the world's longest covered outdoor escalator system. It's a free and fun way to experience the city's unique transportation.
11:03 Take a ride on the historic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour for a classic Hong Kong experience. It's a short, charming ride with great views, especially at sunset.
3:59 Utilize the Octopus Card for easy transportation and payments throughout the city, including the MTR, convenience stores, and some restaurants. Remember to obtain the tourist version to preload your foreign credit card for ease of use.
4:52 Visit Victoria Peak for breathtaking skyline views. Consider going early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and take the Peak Tram for a unique experience.
7:23 Explore the Temple Street Night Market for a sensory overload of street food, clothing, electronics, and trinkets. Embrace the local custom of haggling with vendors.
8:34 Take a trip to Lantau Island to see the Big Buddha and the serene Po Lin Monastery. Be prepared for a climb of 268 steps to reach the Big Buddha.
9:58 Ride the Central-Mid-Levels escalator system, the world's longest covered outdoor escalator system. It's a free and fun way to experience the city's unique transportation.
11:03 Take a ride on the historic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour for a classic Hong Kong experience. It's a short, charming ride with great views, especially at sunset.
0:02 Hong Kong introduction
1:53 Ding-ding tram ride
2:48 Hyatt Regency stay
3:59 Octopus card tips
4:52 Victoria Peak tram
7:23 Temple Street Market
8:34 Big Buddha visit
9:58 Mid-levels escalators
11:03 Star Ferry ride
11:38 Nan Lian Garden visit
0:02 Hong Kong introduction
1:53 Ding-ding tram ride
2:48 Hyatt Regency stay
3:59 Octopus card tips
4:52 Victoria Peak tram
7:23 Temple Street Market
8:34 Big Buddha visit
9:58 Mid-levels escalators
11:03 Star Ferry ride
11:38 Nan Lian Garden visit
What's the best way to get around Hong Kong?
The Octopus Card is a lifesaver! It works on the MTR, buses, and even some smaller shops and restaurants. Much easier than messing with cash all the time.
What was your favorite food experience?
Oh, that's a tough one! The clay hot pot at Hen Ki was amazing, but the street food at Temple Street was a close second. So many delicious things to try!
What was the most surprising thing you found?
Probably the outdoor escalators! It was such a unique and unexpected way to get around, and it was free!
What's your advice for planning a Hong Kong trip?
Go early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds at Victoria Peak and the Temple Street Night Market. And definitely try the ding-ding trams – they're super cute!
