Place of Stay in Hongkong

Question

Dear Fellow Traveler,

I will be traveling to Hong Kong with my wife and 16-year-old son during the first week of May for about 8 days. While I haven’t finalized my itinerary yet, I would like to get some advice from the experts on this forum.

I’m considering whether it would be better to book accommodations in two different areas—either Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok)/Hong Kong Island (Central, Wanchai, Causeway Bay)—or in Lantau Island (Tung Chung, SkyCity). The idea is to stay closer to the attractions in each area to minimize travel time. Alternatively, is it possible to stay in just one location and cover all the major attractions in Hong Kong efficiently?

I’d appreciate your suggestions on this.

Thank you!

Answer

For an 8-day trip to Hong Kong with your family, you have several options regarding accommodation, depending on your priorities for convenience, travel time, and sightseeing experience. Hong Kong is compact with an excellent public transport system, so it is possible to stay in one central location and reach most major attractions efficiently. However, splitting your stay between two areas can reduce daily travel time and offer a more relaxed experience.

Here are the main considerations:

Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok): Staying here places you close to Victoria Harbour, the Avenue of Stars, Temple Street Night Market, and shopping areas. You’ll have excellent access to the MTR for traveling to other parts of Hong Kong Island or Lantau Island. Kowloon is bustling, vibrant, and offers a wide range of dining options.
Hong Kong Island (Central, Wanchai, Causeway Bay): This area provides easy access to attractions like Victoria Peak, Man Mo Temple, IFC Mall, and Hong Kong Park. Staying here is convenient if you plan to explore Hong Kong Island extensively. It also has excellent transport links to Kowloon and Lantau.
Lantau Island (Tung Chung, SkyCity): This is closest to Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360, and the airport. It is less central for other city attractions, so staying here exclusively may result in longer daily commutes if you plan to visit central areas frequently.

Based on your itinerary:

Option 1: Single base in Kowloon or Hong Kong Island: You can cover most attractions using MTR, buses, and ferries. Kowloon may be slightly better for families due to its proximity to shopping, food, and scenic areas along the harbour. Expect daily travel of 30-60 minutes to reach attractions on the opposite side.
Option 2: Split stay: Spend 4-5 nights in Kowloon or Hong Kong Island for city attractions, shopping, and dining, then 3-4 nights in Lantau (Tung Chung or near Disneyland) if your plan includes Disneyland or Ngong Ping. This reduces daily commuting time to Lantau attractions but requires checking in and out between accommodations.

In practice, many travelers find that one central base (Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, or Central) is sufficient for 8 days, as Hong Kong’s public transport is efficient, affordable, and easy to use. Only opt for a split stay if your itinerary has multiple full days planned for Lantau-based attractions like Disneyland or the Big Buddha.

Additional tips:

Book hotels near an MTR station to minimize walking and transfer times.
Consider family-friendly accommodations with easy access to restaurants and convenience stores.
Plan day trips to Lantau or outlying islands early in the day to maximize sightseeing time.

Overall, a single central location is practical for most families and reduces the hassle of moving luggage mid-trip, while a split stay offers more convenience for specific attractions but requires additional planning.

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