Can’t resolve the place to remain to your subsequent Hong Kong journey? Is Tsim Sha Tsui a superb space for vacationers? Is Central higher than Mong Kok? When is it very best to remain in Lantau island? On this article, we’ll break it down that can assist you choose one of the best neighborhood for you.
Hong Kong is considered one of our most visited locations. Over the previous 13 years, we have now stayed at varied areas inside the territory. And sure, some areas are higher than others. However to correctly decide one of the best, we have to perceive Hong Kong’s geography.
Hong Kong could also be small, however it’s a bit difficult. It’s set primarily on a peninsula, nevertheless it additionally covers varied close by islands. To its north is Shenzhen and to its west, now linked by a bridge, is Macau. And like Macau, Hong Kong is a Particular Administrative Area of China. It is part of China, nevertheless it has its personal economic system, forex, and immigration legal guidelines. That’s why even Chinese language mainlanders nonetheless must undergo immigration checks when coming into Hong Kong.
Hong Kong consists of three important areas:
- Kowloon, on the peninsula, the place Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok are positioned. Hong Kong’s metropolis middle has two faces. Considered one of them is Kowloon, which covers a lot of the developed space on the mainland. That is the older and extra conventional aspect of the town. It’s what many think about quintessential Hong Kong. It’s extremely developed, sure, however you’ll simply discover that lots of the buildings are usually not very trendy. It’s dense, busy, and extremely textured. This aspect is commonly used as a setting in Hollywood motion pictures.
- Hong Kong Island, the place you’ll discover the Central Enterprise District. If Kowloon is gritty and conventional, Hong Kong Island is polished and aesthetically extra colonial, mixing Chinese language tradition with British influences properly. However it’s divided into smaller neighborhoods together with Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Sheung Wan, and Causeway Bay.
- New Territories, which covers the realm north of Kowloon and 200 outlying islands together with Lantau Island, the place you’ll discover Hong Kong Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360, and Tai-O Village. The Hong Kong Worldwide Airport can also be inside the New Territories.
The reality is, Hong Kong is additional divided into 18 smaller districts. However for vacationers, particularly first-timers, only some of those will most likely matter.
So which is one of the best space to remain? Objectively, I’d say it is determined by your particular itinerary. However when you ask me for my private choice, right here’s how I might rank these areas.
(By the best way, you’ll additionally discover a record of high resorts within the space, categorized by price range. After we say “inexpensive”, we imply that comparatively. Lodging are typically costly in Hong Kong. Resort costs have skyrocketed over the previous years. The properties we listed beneath inexpensive should be thought-about expensive by different requirements.)
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
1. CENTRAL
Strictly talking, Central usually refers to a selected space surrounding the Central Station. However for tourism functions, the time period is typically used loosely to incorporate the entire Central and Western District, encompassing Admiralty and Sheung Wan.
The guts of Hong Kong’s Central Enterprise District, it’s bustling particularly at rush hours. However it will get much less busy as you progress away from it. On our most up-to-date journey, we stayed in Sheung Wan which could be very quiet.
Central could be very accessible, extra accessible than Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok in Kowloon. There’s a direct bus from the airport (A11 bus). However most significantly, there’s a direct prepare – the Airport Categorical, which is the quickest solution to get to the town middle. You possibly can attain Central in roughly half-hour, considerably faster than taking the bus or a number of common prepare rides. (By the best way, if you wish to ebook a seat on the Airport Categorical prepare, you’ll be able to reserve prematurely on Klook.)
Central is your bounce off level to 2 in style points of interest: Victoria Peak and Ocean Park. So in case your itinerary has these two websites on two separate days, this can be a superb base.
One other huge professional for Central is that its dotted with numerous iconic foodie spots, and lots of of them are inexpensive. Some are even awarded with Michelin Bib Gourmand or Michelin stars. I’ve stayed on the Central space plenty of occasions, and I cherished it every time due to these eating places! A number of meals excursions additionally scribble throughout the realm.
Whereas many resorts in Central-Central district are upscale, it isn’t unimaginable to seek out comparatively cheap locations to remain particularly within the Sheung Wan space.
However as a lot as I am keen on Central, it’s not for everybody. It’s hilly. The bottom is so uneven, strolling round may be so exhausting when you’re not used to it, and may be very difficult for these with mobility points.
And though not as dangerous as Kowloon resorts, area right here can also be costly, so anticipate tiny, cozy rooms!
PROS
- Central location
- Accessible from the airport
- Near key points of interest
- Incredible eating places
- Inexpensive lodging choices
- Vibrant nightlife
CONS
- Additionally crowded
- Hilly and plenty of stairs
- Cozy rooms
High Inexpensive Motels in Central & Sheung Wan
Listed below are among the top-reviewed Central and Sheung Wan resorts and hostels on Agoda which are comparatively inexpensive.
High Premium Motels in Central & Admiralty
Beneath are the highest Central properties on Motels.com, whatever the worth.
Seek for extra Central Motels!
2. TSIM SHA TSUI
Area: Kowloon
Tsim Sha Tsui (usually shortened to TST) is well-known amongst price range vacationers due to three issues.
First, accessibility. There isn’t a direct prepare line between this and the airport, however there are direct airport buses (Bus A21) that cease at a number of factors throughout the district. In actual fact, TST’s important artery is Nathan Highway, which runs parallel to the A21 Bus route and in addition to a piece of the MTR or subway prepare’s Tsuen Wan Line. This subway line additionally connects TST to the Central district on the opposite aspect of the harbor. There are a number of MTR stations, ferry terminals, and bus stops! See? Very accessible.
The second purpose is its proximity to some key Hong Kong points of interest together with the Avenue of Stars, the K11 Mall, and the purchasing streets in Mong Kok and Jordan areas.
Lastly, there’s A LOT of budget-friendly lodging in Tsim Sha Tsui. However beware, as a result of area is such a scarce commodity in these components of Hong Kong, most rooms in Kowloon are extraordinarily small. There isn’t often a lot area to maneuver round, however you’ll discover properties which are cleverly designed.
Most budget-friendly rooms are housed in both of the 2 well-known (or notorious) buildings: the Chungking Mansions and Mirador Mansion. You might have heard loads about these two properties earlier than: some could also be good, some could also be dangerous. So what’s the reality?
Nicely, these two are outdated residential buildings, however many house owners have turned their items into guesthouses or mini-hotels for vacationers. They give the impression of being good and glossy from afar, however up shut, it may be a bit intimidating. Its crowded floor flooring is a maze of varied outlets, and inside — er, let’s simply say they’ve seen higher days. However don’t write it off but.
Truly, in our early years, we at all times stayed right here. Excluding lengthy elevator queues often, we by no means actually had a foul expertise. That’s to not invalidate different accounts I’ve seen on-line which point out mattress bugs and all. I’m simply saying we didn’t have that have, even in our current keep right here just some months in the past.
However that’s the factor! Whereas they appear dated (or dare I say dilapidated, a minimum of the hallways), some items are clear and well-kept. Only a few months in the past, we booked a room at Victoria Inn at Mirador Mansion. It was cramped however neat and furnished with lodge necessities. Total, we had a pleasing keep!
It’s only a matter of reserving a good institution, so at all times examine evaluations.
By the best way, Tsim Sha Tsui is usually flat, which makes a stroll throughout the realm a stroll within the park. The streets are busy and slim, although, so don’t be too complacent.
PROS:
- Numerous budget-friendly resorts
- Accessible
- Direct bus airport bus
- Near vacationer points of interest
- Near avenue markets
CONS:
- No direct airport prepare
- Small, cramped rooms
- Crowded
High Inexpensive Motels in Tsim Sha Tsui
Fascinated about Tsim Sha Tsui? Beneath are among the comparatively cheap resorts with one of the best evaluations on Agoda.
High Premium Motels in Tsim Sha Tsui
Beneath are the highest Tsim Sha Tsui properties on Motels.com, whatever the worth.
Seek for extra Tsim Sha Tsui Motels!
3. MONG KOK & YAU MA TEI
Area: Kowloon
Additionally price testing in Kowloon are Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei. Each are components of the Yau Tsim Mong District, the identical administrative unit that Tsim Sha Tsui belongs to. And each have a whole lot of similarities to TST.
They’re additionally accessible from the airport by the identical direct bus – Bus A21. They’re additionally alongside the Tsuen Wan Line, which is linked to Central, and Nathan Highway, which is punctuated by a number of bus stops.
However the vibe in Mong Kok, specifically, is considerably totally different. Its streets are lit by colourful neon indicators, and the power right here is extra buzzing, extra frenetic. It’s a well-liked purchasing space. Its map is scribbled with purchasing streets and night time market streets. It’s additionally right here that you just’ll discover the legendary Sneaker Avenue.
When looking on-line, you’ll additionally come throughout a number of inexpensive lodging, each outdated and new. And when you’re into avenue meals, you’re gonna love Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei, too!
PROS
- Central location
- Accessible from the airport
- Near key points of interest
- Shut to nighttime markets and purchasing streets
CONS
- Additionally crowded
- Cozy rooms
- Busy and noisy
High Price range Motels in Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei
Lovin’ the vibe of Mong Kok? Beneath are some resorts and inns in Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei areas that received nice scores from Klook prospects.
High Premium Motels in Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei
When you’ve got a much bigger price range, listed here are some choices on Agoda and Motels.com with one of the best evaluations from precise friends, not contemplating the charges.
Seek for extra Mong Kok Motels!
4. TUNG CHUNG and HONG KONG SKYCITY (Close to Airport)
Area: New Territories
Staying close to the airport comes with a whole lot of perks. And the identical is true for Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Worldwide Airport is positioned on reclaimed land on Chek Lap Kok Island, simply off Lantau Island. Beside the airport is a cluster of respected resorts referred to as SkyCity. Simply throughout the channel, on the a part of Lantau Island closest to the airport, you’ll spot one other developed space referred to as Tung Chung.
Lots of the lists of finest locations to remain that you just’ll discover on-line don’t even point out these two areas. However don’t dismiss them instantly. I truly imagine that in lots of circumstances, these are probably the most very best.
Huh? You may be asking, “However it’s so indifferent from the town middle! Why would you assume it’s a superb space to remain in any respect!”
Nicely, the airport isn’t the one key focal point near Tung Chung and SkyCity. This space is residence to the next:
- Hong Kong Worldwide Airport
- Hong Kong Disneyland
- Ngong Ping 360 (Tian Tan Buddha)
- CityGate Shops Mall
- Tai-O Village
- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Port, which is the gateway to Macau
So in case your itinerary primarily consists of those points of interest, it makes extra sense to remain in both SkyCity or Tung Chung. Should you keep within the metropolis middle like Tsim Sha Tsui or Central, you’ll need to journey forwards and backwards, losing a whole lot of money and time within the course of.
Furthermore, a lot of the huge resorts in SkyCity and Tung Chung provide FREE bus switch to and from the airport and Tung Chung MTR Station. Yep, utterly FREE of cost. And there’s often a bus each half-hour or so.
The catch is: most resorts listed here are a bit high-end – Marriott, Sheraton, and the like – however its costs are aggressive, a lot decrease than its counterparts within the metropolis middle, and generally, as much as par with mid-range ones.
For instance, final 12 months, we visited in peak season. We booked two resorts: a supposedly price range lodge in Tsim Sha Tsui’s Mirador Mansion and this extra upscale lodge in Tung Chung. For the “price range” TST lodge, we paid HKD 930 (PHP 6640) per night time. Sure, I do know it’s nonetheless steep, however this was actually one of many least expensive we discovered for that interval.
Throughout the identical time-frame, our room at 4 Factors by Sheraton in Tung Chung prices HKD 990 (PHP 7070) per night time. That’s only a HKD 60 distinction per night time, however there’s an enormous distinction in expertise. Our room in Tung Chung was at a full-service lodge and was a lot, far more spacious and far cleaner, too.
However, this space has its cons. Apart from it being removed from the town middle, there are additionally very restricted inexpensive eating choices. We had to ensure we had dinner elsewhere earlier than coming again to the lodge or we’d be caught with the costly in-house eating places on the lodge. That or the comfort retailer.
This space will not be for everybody. In case your itinerary requires extra time within the metropolis middle, then don’t ebook a lodge right here. However in case you have the Disneyland-Ngong Ping-and-Macau trifecta in your itinerary, think about it!
PROS:
- Close to the airport
- Most accessible from Disneyland, Ngong Ping, and Macau
- Typically with free switch to airport and MTR
- Extra spacious lodge rooms at aggressive
CONS:
- Not numerous lodge choices
- Restricted eating spots
- Removed from metropolis middle
High Motels in Tung Chung
High Motels in Hong Kong SkyCity
Seek for extra Motels Close to Hong Kong Airport!
What’s the finest space to remain in Hong Kong?
Once more, I’d need to reply with “that is determined by your itinerary.”
- Should you’re visiting HK Disneyland and Ngong Ping 360, and and also you’re doing a day journey to Macau, I actually assume SkyCity and Tung Chung are your finest bets.
- In case your itinerary entails a number of days within the metropolis middle, then keep in both Kowloon or Hong Kong Island.
- Should you’re after good meals and nightlife, I like to recommend you keep in Central or surrounding areas like Sheung Wan and Admiralty.
- Should you like purchasing and night time markets, select Mong Kok.
- Should you’re on a decent price range, keep in Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok.
As for me, when you ask me to decide on with none set itinerary, I’d choose Central/Sheung Wan. It has all of the issues I need in a neighborhood, quick access from the airport whether or not by bus or by Airport Categorical prepare, near key points of interest like Victoria Peak, and plenty of scrumptious meals spots!
However that’s simply me. How about you? Have you ever tried staying at any of those districts? Which one is your favourite? Tell us within the feedback part beneath.
That’s all for now. Keep in mind: plan sensible, journey secure, and make each journey WORTH IT!
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