A Speed Tour of Hong Kong in One Day

Get the most out of just one day layover in Hong Kong

A view of the Wan Chai Convention Center.

Okay, you have a few hours, say, 8 hours to burn in Hong Kong.  You want to see more than the inside of the Chek Lap Kok Airport.  Mind you, it's a very nice airport and if I was ever stranded at an airport, I would want it to be that one.  There's lots of shopping, great coffee shops, and a shopping mall in Terminal Two, complete with a 4-D Theatre.  There's a pretty good sized shopping area in Terminal One as well.  So no shortage of things to do.  But... This may be the chance of a lifetime to see Hong Kong.  

With the Airport Express train from the airport, (aka Hong Kong International Airport), it's possible to zoom downtown, have a look at a few things, get the feel of the place and then zoom back to the airport in time to catch your plane.  

Here's what you can do.

The ICC sits on the edge of West Kowloon with Elements at it's base.

Take the Airport Express to Kowloon Station.  Hop off, and head to Elements, the ultra-rich shopping mall connected to the ICC, Hong Kong's tallest skyscraper with 118 floors.  The mall itself is massive.  You could spend the whole time in there.  But here's a tip.  Head on up to the ICC.  You can either go up to the Ritz Carleton  and have a coffee or tea in the Lounge, which offers a spectacular view of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island.  The view is unrivaled on Kowloon side. 

That's the ICC shining in the afternoon sun across the harbour from it's twin the IFC on Hong Kong side.

OR... you could opt to do the 360 panoramic view of the whole city at the sky100 on the 100th floor.  For information on booking tickets online go to their website.  It would be a good idea to book a ticket online to avoid long lines.  There may be special rates as well.  If this was your only stop, it would be so worth it.

If there's time after you've done the ICC, head on back to the ground floor and catch a taxi to the Star Ferry.  Have a cruise on the ferry across the harbour  to Central and find your way to IFC, the twin of ICC.  You can't miss it!  This is actually the terminus of the Airport Express, so you can hop on the train and make your way back to the airport.  I think if you have 8 hours or so, you've done enough.  You'd better head back to the airport.  Traveling, walking, looking around, all take time.  Remember to calculate in waiting for trains and taxis.

Got more time?

If you are really adventurous and have learned how to speed walk, you could do ICC, the Star Ferry to Central, (NOT Wan Chai - be careful which ferry you're boarding,) and catch the number 15 bus to the Peak.  When you get off the ferry, head down to the ground level, don't go over the flyover walkway.  Go up to the street and walk right in the direction of the taxi lineup.  In the median strip there will be a bus stop for number 15.  There are usually a few people waiting at the stop.

The Peak Observation Deck and Tram Station

This bus winds it's way through Central, to Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and heads up the mountain overlooking Happy Valley.  The views are beautiful.  Remember to sit on the left side of the bus so you can get the view  of the Happy Valley Race Course. 

Happy Valley Race Course...part of the view on the bus ride up to the Peak.

At the top, follow the people to the mall.  If you need directions, lots of people speak English up there.  Once at the viewing level, buy a tram ticket for on the way down.  Make sure there isn't a huge lineup first.  Then go enjoy the view, take a few pictures to prove you've been there, done that, than get back down the mountain as fast as you can because you're going to miss your plane!!!

At the bottom of the tram ride, you'd better get a taxi to Hong Kong Station.  There's no time to waste now.  Journey time to the airport is about 24 minutes on the Airport Express.

Hope you enjoy your speed tour of Hong Kong!
Seasons Greetings to you all!