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Hong Kong Travel Diary — A Week in the Fragrant Harbour

Day 1: Arrival in Hong Kong — First Impressions & Symphony of Lights

Landed at Hong Kong International Airport after a direct flight from Bangalore. Bought an Octopus card at the airport for hassle-free MTR rides — highly recommend!

Checked into a small boutique hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. Walked to the Avenue of Stars promenade to watch the Symphony of Lights show across Victoria Harbour — the skyline really does feel like a sci-fi movie.

Dinner was dim sum at a local joint — fluffy BBQ pork buns and steaming dumplings.

Small thing: Grabbed egg waffles from a street stall — warm, crispy, slightly sweet. So good!


Day 2: Victoria Peak & Central — Hong Kong From Above

After breakfast, took the historic Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak — the 360-degree view of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers hugging the mountains was breathtaking.

Explored Central — walked past towering glass buildings, stumbled on tiny temples tucked between them.

Lunch was at a small cha chaan teng — had HK-style milk tea and pineapple bun.

Small thing: Saw old men playing Chinese chess in Statue Square — felt like a peek into local daily life.


Day 3: Lantau Island — Big Buddha & Ngong Ping 360

Took the MTR to Tung Chung and hopped on the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car — the glass floor cabin made the ride thrilling.

Climbed the steps to the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) — the misty mountains around made it feel spiritual and peaceful.

Lunch was a simple vegetarian meal at Po Lin Monastery.

Small thing: Bought lucky red strings blessed at the temple for family back home.


Day 4: Disney Magic — Hong Kong Disneyland

Dream day! Spent the whole day at Hong Kong Disneyland. The parades, the rides, the Disney castle all felt magical — a must if you have kids or are a kid at heart.

Tried Mickey-shaped waffles and local snacks inside the park.

Small thing: Watched the fireworks above the castle with cotton candy in hand — pure joy.


Day 5: Mong Kok — Markets, Street Food & Nightlife

Today was about getting lost in Mong Kok — so alive with neon lights and buzzing markets.

Explored Ladies Market and Sneaker Street for bargain shopping.

Dinner was street food: fish balls on sticks, curry puffs, bubble tea.

Small thing: Found a tiny second-hand vinyl shop down an alley and bought an old Cantopop record.


Day 6: Day Trip to Macau

Took a ferry to Macau — passport and entry permit needed. Walked around the historic Senado Square and the Ruins of St Paul’s.

Tried egg tarts at a local bakery — they really are the best in Macau.

Spent an hour at a casino — didn’t win big but the vibe was worth it!

Small thing: Bought a small bottle of Macau almond cookies for my midnight snack.


Day 7: Last Day — Temples, Tea Houses & Souvenirs

Visited Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan — the spiral incense coils were beautiful.

Stopped at a traditional tea house for yum cha. Picked up souvenirs: silk fans, chopsticks, tiny jade charms.

Watched the sunset at Victoria Harbour one last time.

Small thing: Wrote postcards at a small café to send to friends back home.


What to Pack for Hong Kong

  • Comfortable walking shoes — you’ll do lots of walking!

  • Light layers — weather shifts between cool malls and humid streets

  • Umbrella — Hong Kong showers come suddenly

  • Backpack for day trips

  • Universal travel adapter (type G plug)

  • Octopus card for public transport


Health & Altitude Tips

  • No altitude sickness worries — Hong Kong is coastal

  • Carry basic meds for motion sickness if you’ll take ferries or the Peak Tram

  • Stay hydrated — it can get humid

  • Use hand sanitiser after street food feasts


Unique Experiences

  • Tram ride on the historic Ding Ding (double-decker trams)

  • Try fortune telling at Temple Street Night Market

  • Hike the Dragon’s Back for city-meets-nature views

  • Take the Star Ferry for old-school charm

  • Watch the horse races at Happy Valley (seasonal)


Best Ways to Travel to Hong Kong from Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Delhi

  • Direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore to Hong Kong International Airport

  • From Kerala: connect via Mumbai or major hubs like Singapore

  • Visa: Indians get a pre-arrival registration online (PAR) — quick and easy

  • Best time: October to March (pleasant weather)


Indian Food and Local Cuisine

  • Many Indian restaurants in Tsim Sha Tsui and Central

  • Try local Cantonese dishes: dim sum, roast duck, egg tarts, pineapple buns

  • Vegetarian options: easy at Indian spots, plus Buddhist monasteries

  • Don’t miss HK milk tea and egg waffles


Currency & Budget Tips

  • Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)

  • Cards accepted almost everywhere — carry some cash for markets

  • MTR is the cheapest and best way to get around

  • Budget meals at cha chaan tengs (local diners)


Connectivity & SIM Cards

  • Buy a local SIM at the airport — csl, 3HK, and SmarTone are good options

  • Free Wi-Fi in malls, MTR stations, some parks

  • Apps like MTR Mobile and City mapper help with navigation


Shopping & Souvenirs

  • Silk products, tea sets, and porcelain

  • Local snacks: wife cakes, egg rolls, almond cookies

  • Jade jewellery and lucky charms

  • Quirky gadgets from Sham Shui Po electronics market


Instagram Spots

  • Victoria Peak Sky Terrace

  • Rainbow Estate (Choi Hung Estate basketball court)

  • Man Mo Temple incense spirals

  • Breathtaking cityscape from Sky100 Observation Deck

  • Neon streets of Mong Kok at night


Final Thought

Hong Kong isn’t just skyscrapers and dumplings — it’s neon chaos, temple incense, hidden alleys, and peaceful hills all in one. Every tiny moment — from sipping milk tea with locals to bargaining at a street stall — made this week unforgettable.

If you’re ready to discover Hong Kong’s big sights and tiny moments, plan it with Mauzee Holiday — they’ll make your dream Hong Kong trip simple and seamless.