Hongkong & Macau

🐉 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:


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MTR (Mass Transit Railway)

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.


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Buses & Minibuses

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.


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Taxis

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.

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Ferries

Star Ferry
Central ↔ Tsim Sha Tsui
Outlying Islands
Lamma, Cheung Chau, Peng Chau

Scenic harbor crossings and island connections. Most accept Octopus Cards.


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Ngong Ping 360

Scenic 25-minute cable car ride to Ngong Ping Village (Big Buddha). Choose standard or crystal glass-bottom cabins.

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Departs from Tung Chung Station. Book online to skip queues.

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Trams

Historic double-decker trams running along HK Island north shore since 1904. Slow but charming.

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Flat fare: Pay via Octopus Card or coins.


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Octopus Card

The essential smart card for Hong Kong transport and beyond.

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Works on all public transport (except taxis)

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Accepted at convenience stores & supermarkets

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Refundable deposit and remaining value

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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:






Hongkong & Macau Map

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