Hong Kong
Exploring Culture, Cuisine, and Cherished Family Moments
"A journey of a thousand miles
begins with a single step"
Hong Kong holds a special place in my heart, as it's where my dad was born and where much of my family still lives. Shortly after Zak and I eloped, we had the chance to visit this vibrant city and reconnect with family we don’t get to see often! It was a meaningful trip filled with love, incredible food, and unforgettable moments, making it all the more special to share this piece of my heritage with Zak.
A Family Affair
When I say this trip was a family affair, I mean it. We had my dad, my uncle, my cousins and their significant others, my two brothers and their significant others and friend, and Zak’s mom, her boyfriend, and his brother. It was a whole squad rolling through Hong Kong. Every dinner was a long table of food, laughter, and stories - like a reunion episode of a show you forgot how much you loved.
Celebrating the Ha Tsuen Da Jiu Festival
The first half of the trip was dedicated to the 10-year celebration of the Ha Tsuen Da Jiu Festival, and wow, what a way to kick things off. This isn’t just any festival - it’s where my dad was a councilman for his village, so the pride and excitement were palpable. The festival is a traditional Chinese festival, honoring deities, blessing the village, and basically throwing an insane celebration of culture and tradition. Just picture lion dances, incense-filled air, and parades that seem to stretch forever. No seriously, it was a FULL day event (our feet hurt at the end of the day). It was vibrant, loud, and heartfelt – the perfect kind of organized chaos.
The "Kids" Portion of the Trip
After the festival wrapped up, the "kids" (a term we used loosely because, let’s be honest, we’re all grown adults) got to do our thing. This was the part of the trip where we ditched the big family dinners and hit the city in full explore-and-rooftop-bar mode. We ate street food, shopped until we could barely carry our bags (lots of skincare products were bought), and laughed our way through late night adventures. It was like a sibling bonding retreat with extra cocktails.
A Quick Escape to Macau
What’s a trip to Hong Kong without a day trip to Macau, a.k.a. the "Vegas of China"? Zak and I decided to go all out and booked an insane suite that overlooked the Wynn. The hotel was massive, boujee, and everything you’d want for a quick getaway. Zak casually won $3,000 at blackjack, which might have been the luckiest moment of the entire trip. We celebrated by exploring the city’s mix of Portuguese colonial architecture and flashy casinos, soaking in the unique blend of history and extravagance. Safe to say, Macau did not disappoint.
Must-See Spots We Hit
Here’s the rundown of the places we explored that made our trip unforgettable:
Big Buddha: As massive as you’d expect, and somehow even more peaceful. A must-see.
Avenue of Stars: Perfect for harbor views and feeling fancy.
Kowloon: Non-stop energy, shopping, and sights.
Harbour City Mall: Where our wallets got a workout.
Temple Street: All the street food dreams came true here.
Wrapping It Up
By the end of the trip, we were equal parts exhausted and grateful. It was the kind of adventure that reminds you how special family time can be (even when there are this many people involved). Sharing Hong Kong with Zak and watching him experience it all for the first time made it even more meaningful.
Leaving was bittersweet, but we’re already talking about when we’ll be back. Next time, maybe we’ll even come home with some casino winnings!
Now that you've heard my Hong Kong story, keep reading for my top tips and recommendations!
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Best Overall: Autumn (September to November): Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and outdoor activities.
Best for Mild Weather: Spring (March to May): Comfortable temperatures and blooming flowers.
Best for Christmas Vibes: Winter (December to February): Cool weather and festive events.
Typhoon Season is usually around June to August so be prepared!
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), major credit cards widely accepted
Transportation: The best and easiest way to get around is by public transportation. Get an Octopus Card - it will be your ticket to easy access on MTR (subway), buses, ferries, and even convenience stores!
Dress Modestly: When visiting temples or sacred sites.
Mind the Language Barrier: While Cantonese is the dominant language in Hong Kong, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
Street Food Safety: If you're sensitive to new foods or have dietary restrictions, make sure to check ingredients before trying something new!
Accommodations
Park Hotel Hong Kong 香港百樂酒店 - Comfort and convenience without an extravagant price tag. This hotel offers easy access to all the things - public transportation, major attractions, shopping, and dining. The rooms are spacious for Hong Kong standards, and the service is attentive!
Harbour Plaza Resort City - A great option for those looking to stay outside the busy city center. It offers spacious rooms, convenient access to public transport, and is close to the countryside. We chose this hotel because it was near my father’s village for the festival in the New Territories.
We were also considering The Peninsula Hong Kong for a luxury stay and The Fleming for a boutique experience with a unique Hong Kong-inspired design!
Must-Visit Attractions & Experiences
Victoria Peak - Best panoramic views of the city skyline. Take the Peak Tram.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade & Avenue of Stars - Stunning harbor views and a walk along Hong Kong’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery - A peaceful escape on Lantau Island. Take the scenic Ngong Ping 360 cable car.
Star Ferry - A budget-friendly and nostalgic ride across Victoria Harbour.
Temple Street Night Market - Amazing street food, souvenirs, and bargaining shops.
Horse Racing at Happy Valley - A fun activity especially on Wednesday nights.
Cultural & Historical Sites
Man Mo Temple - One of the city’s oldest temples, filled with incense coils and history.
Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple - A Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian temple known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery - A peaceful oasis in the city with beautiful landscaped gardens and Tang Dynasty-style architecture.
Restaurants & Food Picks
Hong Kong is a food lover’s paradise, with an incredible array of options that cater to every taste. I was in absolute HEAVEN. Dim sum is a staple here, and you’ll find it around every corner! Here are some of our favorite places and rooftops we went too!
Sky100 Observation Deck - Unbeatable views of Hong Kong's skyline. This spot offers a relaxed atmosphere and a perfect place to enjoy a light bite while soaking in the sights.
Jordan Rooftop - A chill rooftop bar with unreal city views - ideal for sipping a cocktail with the hustle and bustle of the streets below.
Aqua - With its mix of Italian and Japanese flavors, this spot serves up incredible dishes and spectacular views of Victoria Harbour - definitely a dining experience to remember.
Eyeball - A quirky, fun place with inventive dishes and a relaxed vibe that makes every meal feel like a little adventure.
Argo - A sleek, stylish spot where the food is just as impressive as the cocktails. It’s perfect for a night out when you’re in the mood for something fresh and unique.
Shopping Hotspots
Causeway Bay - This area is a shopping lover's dream, full of everything from big-name designer stores to cool local boutiques.
Tsim Sha Tsui - Luxury shopping - think high-end malls like Harbour City and K11 Musea, with tons of stylish options to explore.
* Mariane Jewellery & Watches Co - Shout out to this beautiful jewelry store! This hidden gem has timeless collections of luxury watches and fine jewelry. The quality and craftsmanship are top-notch and I was able to find something truly special and unique.
Day Trip to Macau
Macau is literally the “Vegas” of China, and for good reason. It’s packed with flashy casinos, vibrant nightlife, and world-class entertainment, but also offers a unique mix of history and culture. It’s the perfect spot for an overnight trip from Hong Kong!
To get there: Take the TurboJET ferry from Hong Kong, a convenient way to cross the water and get to Macau quickly.
Accommodations: Grand Hyatt Macau - located in the City of Dreams at Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau.
What to Do:
Ruins of St. Paul - One of the most iconic landmarks in Macau, a beautiful historical site that once belonged to a 16th-century church.
Historic Center of Macau - Walk through this UNESCO World Heritage site filled with a mix of Portuguese and Chinese architecture.
A-Ma Temple - Visit this ancient temple dedicated to the sea-goddess Mazu, located at the waterfront.
Oldest temple in Macau - The oldest temple in the region, which is deeply rooted in Macau’s cultural history.
Take the LRT (Light Rapid Transit) for a quick 20-minute ride around the city.
Garden of Flower City - A peaceful spot to enjoy nature in the heart of Macau.
Rua do Cunha - Stroll through this bustling street, known for its street food, where you can try all sorts of delicious local snacks.
Lord Stows Bakery - Make sure to grab a famous egg tart here - one of the best treats in town.
Cotai Strip - Often referred to as the “Las Vegas of Macau,” this area is packed with casinos, shopping malls, and entertainment.
