Introduction: A Travel Diary Made for Indian Explorers
Planning your first international trip or looking for a quick getaway from India that feels global, but manageable? This Hong Kong travel diary isn’t just another checklist. It’s a practical, humanized guide made for Indian travellers — sharing everything from food and fashion to visa hacks, shopping, and cultural comfort zones. Whether you’re a solo backpacker from Delhi or a Gujarati vegetarian family from Mumbai, Hong Kong welcomes you — and here’s how to truly enjoy it.
💳 Visa & Entry for Indians — The First Step is Easy
Hong Kong makes it convenient for Indian passport holders. All you need is the Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) — a simple online form, free of charge.
Apply at: https://www.immd.gov.hk
Takes 5 minutes. Print and carry it.
No visa stamping needed beforehand.
Immigration is smooth with confirmed hotel and return tickets.
Tip: Avoid carrying extra spices or homemade food — customs are strict with edible imports.
Flights from India to Hong Kong — What’s the Best Route?
Direct flights are available from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Expect travel time of 5 to 6 hours.
If you’re flying from Kerala, Jaipur, or smaller cities, a one-stop route via Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur is often cheaper.
Booking Hack for Indians: Use Mauzee Holiday for Best Deal deals, but compare prices on Google Flights and airline sites before confirming.
Where to Stay — Indian-Friendly Areas in Hong Kong
For Indian families, budget travellers, and honeymooners, location is everything.
Tsim Sha Tsui (TST): Full of Indian restaurants, currency exchange shops, and affordable hotels. Close to Victoria Harbour.
Central: Best for luxury stays and nightlife. Easy access to ferries and shopping.
Causeway Bay: Great mix of malls, local culture, and budget-friendly Airbnbs.
🏨 Pro Tip: Most hotels are small by Indian standards. Check square footage before booking.
🍛 What About Indian Food in Hong Kong?
One of the biggest Indian concerns abroad? Food. But in Hong Kong, you’re covered.
Indian Restaurants You’ll Love:
Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant (TST) — Authentic South Indian thalis (https://sangeetha.com.hk/)
Gaylord (TST) — A Mumbai-style classic, serving dal makhani to paneer tikka
(https://silverspoon.com.hk/gaylord)Bombay Dreams (Central) — Fine dining North Indian cuisine
(https://www.instagram.com/bombaydreamshk/?hl=en)
Plus, you’ll find:
Jain food options at select restaurants
Vegetarian meals at Buddhist temples (e.g., Po Lin Monastery)
Grocery stores like “Spice Store HK” for buying Indian masalas
Local Must-Try for Indians:
Egg waffles — vegetarian-friendly street snack
Milk tea (HK style) — similar to our chai, but bolder
Pineapple bun (no pineapple!) — sweet, fluffy breakfast item
Getting Around — Easy for Indians Used to Metros
Hong Kong’s MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is fast, clean, and efficient — feels familiar if you’ve used the Delhi or Mumbai Metro.
Buy an Octopus Card at the airport (~HK$150 preloaded)
Tap-and-go access for buses, trams, ferries, and convenience stores
Google Maps works great for navigation
Try This: Hop on the double-decker “Ding Ding” tram for just HK$2.60 — old-school charm for pennies.
Shopping in Hong Kong — Indian-Style Bargains & Finds
Hong Kong is paradise for Indian shoppers — whether you want electronics, gold jewellery, or quirky souvenirs.
Top Spots:
Ladies Market, Mong Kok – Bargain central! Clothes, accessories, toys.
Temple Street Night Market – Local vibes, street food, fortune tellers.
Citygate Outlets – Branded goods at outlet prices near the airport.
Chungking Mansions – Currency exchange + Indian food + budget shopping.
Shopping Hack: Bargain confidently in night markets. Many sellers expect it — just stay polite.
Connectivity — Stay Online Like a Local
Staying connected in Hong Kong is hassle-free:
Buy a local SIM card at the airport (csl, SmarTone, 3HK)
Most offer unlimited 4G data for 5–7 days at
HK$88 (₹950)Free Wi-Fi is available in malls, MTR stations, and Starbucks
Must-Have Apps for Indians:
MTR Mobile – Best for metro maps
Citymapper – Helps find fastest routes
Google Translate – Cantonese signs can be tricky!
Useful Travel Tips — What Every Indian Should Know
What to Pack:
Comfortable shoes — you’ll walk a lot!
Umbrella — sudden showers are common
Indian medicines — OTC drugs are expensive
Power adapter (Type G plug, same as UK)
Cultural Sensitivity:
Respect local customs — no loud voices in temples
Avoid bargaining in malls — it’s not expected there
Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated in restaurants
Money Tip: Carry some cash (HKD) for small shops, but cards (especially Visa/MasterCard) are widely accepted.
Nature, Culture, and Hidden Gems — Beyond Skyscrapers
Many Indian tourists think of Hong Kong as just malls and Disneyland. But there’s more.
Dragon’s Back Trail: For nature lovers, this hike offers views of beaches and city skyline together.
Star Ferry Ride: Crosses Victoria Harbour for just HK$2.70 — peaceful, beautiful, nostalgic.
Man Mo Temple: An incense-filled historic site perfect for a quiet moment of reflection.
Chi Lin Nunnery & Nan Lian Garden: Traditional Chinese garden with zero crowds — Instagram gold!
💬 What Indian Travellers Say About Hong Kong
“It felt like a mix of Singapore and Old Delhi — skyscrapers on one side, incense-filled alleys on the other.” – Ritu, Mumbai
“As vegetarians, we were worried — but we found dosa in Tsim Sha Tsui and eggless bakery treats in local cafes!” – Amit & Priya, Ahmedabad
“The public transport was the cleanest we’ve seen. Even our 6-year-old loved it.” – Harish, Bengaluru
Best Time to Visit
October to March – Pleasant weather, less humidity
Avoid June–August – Rainy, hot, and typhoon season
🕔 Indian long weekends and Diwali breaks are perfect to plan this trip.
What to Bring Back for Friends & Family in India
Jade jewellery – Symbol of prosperity
Egg rolls & almond cookies – Packaged food souvenirs
Lucky bamboo plants
Porcelain tea sets
Cartoon merchandise – For kids and fans of anime