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🐉 Our Hong Kong & Macau Tale: Temples, Skylines & a Dash of Disney
Traveling in March turned out to be the perfect choice. The weather was cool, pleasant and perfect for exploring without the sweat! This time, we planned a mix of vibrant cityscapes, spiritual moments and family fun all in the bustling heart of Hong Kong and the charm of Macau.
Stay 1: Cordis, Hong Kong — 4 Nights of Comfort & Convenience
We stayed at Cordis, right in the heart of Mong Kok. This hotel gave us easy access to bustling markets, MTR stations and shopping streets. The room was spacious and modern, and the views from the higher floors were a treat! They even had a rooftop pool and spa (though we mostly explored the city). A hearty breakfast was available, but vegetarians like us may want to plan ahead or pack some familiar snack. Local cuisine is a paradise for non-vegetarians!
Day 1 – The Big Buddha & Po Lin Peace
Our adventure began with a visit to the Big Buddha at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island. Normally, visitors take the famous Ngong Ping Cable Car, but the winds had other plans. It was shut for the day. We took a 30-minute taxi ride, which was curvy and hilly, not so comfortable for my 6-year-old.
At the top, the Tian Tan Buddha stood tall and majestic. We climbed up, admired the view and then explored the peaceful Po Lin Monastery. The spiritual vibe and serene surroundings made it a calming start.
Post that, it was time to switch gears and shop! We headed back to Mong Kok, where the buzzing streets and street-side shopping kept us entertained. From cute accessories to souvenirs, it was a fun walk-around evening.
Day 2 – Peaks, Skies & Candies
We began our day with the Peak Tram ride, a classic Hong Kong experience. The steep journey up to Victoria Peak was fun for our little one, and the view at the top was simply stunning! The Sky Terrace 428 gave us panoramic views of the city that looked like a mini-Lego world from above.
From Victoria Peak, we wandered through the Peak Galleria and enjoyed stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and Victoria Harbour. The cool breeze and lush greenery made it a perfect stop for both relaxing and clicking some amazing pictures.
At the top, we also discovered Candilicious, a vibrant and colorful candy store that felt like walking into a sugar wonderland. It was a delightful surprise perfect for picking up some sweet souvenirs (and a few treats for us too!).
The evening was spent at the Ladies Market. Don’t let the name fool you, it’s for everyone! Souvenirs, clothes, knick-knacks and street buzz made it a great local experience.
Day 3 – Serenity at Nan Lian & Mong Kok Madness
The day started with a peaceful walk-through Nan Lian Garden and a visit to the Chi Lin Nunnery. The wooden architecture, bonsai and lotus ponds made us feel like we had stepped into a Zen painting.
Later in the evening, we headed to Tsim Sha Tsui for a leisurely stroll along the promenade. The Avenue of Stars, with handprints of Hong Kong film legends and breathtaking views of the skyline across Victoria Harbour, made it a memorable walk.
As night fell, we watched the Symphony of Lights — a dazzling multimedia light and sound show that illuminates the skyline from both sides of the harbour. It was the perfect way to end the day, soaking in the magic of Hong Kong under the stars.
Day 4 – A Day at Disneyland
This day was all about Disneyland Hong Kong, a dreamland for our kiddo! A 45-minute taxi ride got us there comfortably. Though smaller than other Disney parks, it had its own charm. From classic rides like “It’s a Small World” to meeting Donald, it was a magical day filled with laughter and wide eyes. Unfortunately, we missed meeting Mickey!
We returned to Cordis with tired legs but happy hearts.
Day 5 – Off to Macau!
We took a ferry from Hong Kong to Macau. There are multiple options, including TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet. We opted for the Cotai Water Jet, which was clean, quick and comfortable. Immigration was smooth and within an hour we were in a new country!
Stay 2: The Venetian Macao – 2 Nights of Luxury
Checking into The Venetian felt like entering a palace. From marble floors to indoor canals with gondolas, it was luxury redefined. The room was spacious and elegant, and the mall inside the hotel could easily take up a whole day. It’s a city within a city!
Day 6 – Living in a Painting
We dedicated this day to exploring The Venetian itself. From gondola rides, window shopping and indulging in the grandeur of the hotel, we let ourselves soak in the vibe. There were plenty of entertainment options and food courts too though vegetarian food was again a little tricky to find, we managed with some snacks and a few custom dishes.
Day 7 – History & Lights
After a lazy morning, we visited The Ruins of St. Paul’s and strolled around the charming Senado Square. Unfortunately, the streets were very crowdy and we found it difficult to walk however, the pastel buildings, mosaic tiles and vibrant street energy gave us a very different cultural flavor than Hong Kong.
In the evening, we made our way to Galaxy Hotel for the water and light show. It is an absolute visual treat! A great way to wrap up our Macau stay.
Day 8 – Back to Hong Kong & Home
We checked out of The Venetian, took a ferry back to Hong Kong. With some time in hand, we made our way to Tsim Sha Tsui and had lunch at Saravana Bhavan, a well-known vegetarian chain that serves authentic South Indian cuisine. The crisp dosas, flavourful sambhar and filter coffee hit just the right note after a long journey. The restaurant’s location in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui made it a convenient and satisfying end to our Hong Kong experience. Then we began our journey back home tired but completely fulfilled.
Final Thoughts
This trip had it all – city buzz, peaceful temples, high-rise views, theme park fun and luxurious moments. Cordis in Hong Kong offered urban comfort and access, while The Venetian Macao gave us a royal ending.
From Big Buddha’s calm to Disneyland’s joy, from Lan Lian Garden’s serenity to Senado Square’s charm, every day brought something unique.
We returned with souvenirs, a heart full of travel stories and a 6-year-old who now believes the world is one giant playground of adventure.
Best time to visit Hong Kong
The best time to visit Hong Kong is during the autumn months of October to early December. Here’s why:
🍂 October to Early December – Ideal Season
Weather
Pleasant, with mild temperatures (18°C–25°C) and low humidity.
Clear Skies
Great for sightseeing and outdoor activities like Victoria Peak, Lantau Island, and theme parks.
Festivals
Mid-Autumn Festival and Halloween celebrations add to the charm.
Crowds
Manageable, especially compared to summer holiday rush.
Getting Around Hong Kong – Transport Made Easy
Hong Kong boasts one of the world's most efficient and diverse public transport systems. From the comprehensive MTR to iconic trams and ferries, here's how to navigate the city:
Hong Kong's rapid transit system is the backbone of city transport - clean, safe and extremely efficient. It covers nearly all key areas including:
Airport Express
Connects airport to Central in 24 minutes
Island Line
Kennedy Town to Chai Wan (HK Island)
Tsuen Wan Line
Central to Tsuen Wan (cross-harbor)
Disneyland Resort Line
Sunny Bay to Hong Kong Disneyland
Tung Chung Line
Hong Kong to Tung Chung (for Big Buddha)
East Rail Line
Connects to mainland border at Lo Wu
Trains run every 2-5 minutes. Use the Octopus Card for seamless travel and discounts. The MTR is the fastest way to reach major areas like Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Mong Kok, and attractions like Disneyland.
Hong Kong's buses reach areas not served by the MTR, with double-deckers offering great views from the upper deck.
City Buses
Extensive network covering all districts
Double-decker buses provide affordable transport with great views. Payment by Octopus Card or exact cash.
Minibuses
Green (fixed routes) and Red (flexible)
Smaller vehicles serving narrow streets. Green minibuses accept Octopus, red are cash-only.
Urban (Red)
Serve all urban areas
New Territories (Green)
Restricted to NT
Lantau (Blue)
Serve Lantau Island
Affordable for short distances. Cash only - have your destination written in Chinese.
Star Ferry
Central ↔ Tsim Sha Tsui
Scenic harbor crossings and island connections. Most accept Octopus Cards.
Scenic 25-minute cable car ride to Ngong Ping Village (Big Buddha). Choose standard or crystal glass-bottom cabins.
Departs from Tung Chung Station. Book online to skip queues.
Historic double-decker trams running along HK Island north shore since 1904. Slow but charming.
Flat fare: Pay via Octopus Card or coins.
The essential smart card for Hong Kong transport and beyond.
Works on all public transport (except taxis)
Accepted at convenience stores & supermarkets
Refundable deposit and remaining value
Available at all MTR stations and airport. Consider the On-Loan version for tourists.
Attractions
Famous tourist attractions in Hong Kong — a mix of cultural landmarks, scenic viewpoints, family-friendly spots and shopping havens:
- Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) – Majestic bronze statue on Lantau Island; reach via Ngong Ping 360 cable car.
- Po Lin Monastery – Peaceful Buddhist temple near the Big Buddha.
- Man Mo Temple – Historic temple on Hollywood Road, known for its giant incense coils.
- Chi Lin Nunnery & Nan Lian Garden – A tranquil retreat with classical Chinese architecture and manicured gardens.
- Wong Tai Sin Temple – Famous for answered prayers; a mix of Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian traditions.
- Victoria Peak (The Peak) – Iconic skyline views of Hong Kong; reached by the Peak Tram.
- Sky100 Observation Deck – 100th floor of the ICC Tower in Kowloon, offering panoramic city views.
- Avenue of Stars – Promenade along Victoria Harbour with handprints of Hong Kong film stars and stunning night views.
- Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade – Perfect for sunset strolls and viewing the Symphony of Lights show.
- Temple Street Night Market – Famous for street food, souvenirs, and fortune tellers.
- Ladies Market (Mong Kok) – Bargain shopping for clothes, accessories, and toys.
- Harbour City Mall – Huge shopping complex near the Star Ferry.
- Times Square & Causeway Bay – Major shopping and lifestyle district.
- Hong Kong Disneyland – A magical world with themed rides, shows, and parades.
- Ocean Park – Marine life, animal exhibits, thrill rides, and cable cars.
- Noah’s Ark – A life-sized ark with family-friendly exhibits and activities.
- Hong Kong Science Museum – Hands-on exhibits great for kids.
- Hong Kong Space Museum – Planetarium and interactive astronomy displays.
- Lamma Island – Laid-back island great for hiking and seafood.
- Cheung Chau – Known for its beach, seafood, and the famous Bun Festival.
- Sai Kung – The “Back Garden of Hong Kong,” perfect for kayaking, hiking, and beaches.
- Dragon’s Back Trail – Scenic hike with sea views, suitable for beginners.
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