In my role as UK Operations Director for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to ensure that every client has the best tour possible, so here are my top suggestions for places to visit during your Hong Kong holiday.
1. I would recommend that the Star Ferry ride across the harbor is something you should definitely experience. It's amazing to see people who used to fish for a living in the harbor and live in the middle of the city. There is also an incredible floating restaurant in the harbor where you can experience amazing culinary specialties.
2. The tram ride to the top of Victoria Peak is also something to experience if you tried to go all the way to Hong Kong.
The top would be best done before it gets too bad if you want to see the sights. Often even if the visibility is bad there will be a couple of guys who will take a picture of you and overlay it on a picture of what you would see on a clear day - pretty fun!
3. Ocean Park is a full-fledged amusement park. There is also the popular dragon roller coaster, Ferris wheel and other white-knuckle rides. Younger visitors to Hong Kong will be fascinated by the marine park with a shark aquarium.
You will also see a traditional Chinese style village where street fairs add an exciting color to the whole atmosphere.
4. Wong Tai Sin is the most famous and temple in the city and is also the busiest. The temple is a wonderful example of a traditional Chinese temple. What caught my attention during the visit were the clouds of smoke and the intense smell of the incense sticks that the visitors were burning. The Chinese believe that burning these sticks will bring them good luck. Visiting the temple is free (donations are welcome).
5. Street Bird Market. There are hundreds of exotic birds in equally exotic cages because buying a bird seems to be a business in Hong Kong. People spend hours at this place and I have been informed that customers will only buy the bird if the bird chooses them. It is considered bad luck to buy a bird that is not happy, as the happiness of birds is of the utmost importance to Hong Kong peoples.
6. If you are a shopaholic, then a visit to Stanley Market is a must. You'll be able to pick up bargains at a fraction of the price they sell for in town. This is a good time to mention that don't buy anything from a store in the capital that doesn't have a store name/board. The salespeople at these stores may take your money and tell you they don't have the item in stock. They then take your details and promise to bring the items you paid for to your hotel.
Repulse Bay is the most famous beach in Hong Kong, apparently it got its name because the British Army drove out some pirates in the old days! This is a popular destination for Chinese people and can get so crowded that there is no place to sit!
November is the best time to go if you want to avoid the rush and the temperature is still a pleasant 70 degrees.
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