Exploring Hong Kong: A First-Time Traveler's Journey

Not long ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Hong Kong for the very first time, accompanied by my sister Karen. It had been years since we traveled together just the two of us, and with her first baby on the horizon, I couldn't imagine a more perfect way to share some precious one-on-one time before her life gets turned upside down. Thanks to Hong Kong Airlines and the Kerry Hotel for hosting us, we hit the streets—exhausted from jet lag but brimming with excitement to discover every corner we could fit into five days. I have to admit, I instantly fell head over heels for Hong Kong. It's a fascinating study in contrasts and contradictions, with its bold mix of old and new, Eastern and Western influences, and the seamless blend of urban energy and natural beauty. Here's a glimpse of what we adored...

GETTING THERE with Hong Kong Airlines

Starting in March 2018, Hong Kong Airlines launched weekly nonstop flights between Hong Kong and San Francisco aboard their brand-new Airbus A350-900. And guess who was on the inaugural journey from SFO to HKG? Yours truly! I had the good fortune to be the first to enjoy their newly upgraded, luxurious business class. To make the experience even more indulgent, the airline partnered with San Francisco chef Chris Cosentino (who was also on the plane!) to create an extensive menu that elevates in-flight dining to a whole new level. On long-haul flights like these, the little details matter immensely, and Hong Kong Airlines absolutely delivered.

STAY at the Kerry Hotel

After a 14-hour flight, we were whisked away to our temporary home for the week: Shangri-La’s Kerry Hotel. This 16-story urban resort sits on Kowloon’s Hung Hom Bay and makes the most of its waterfront setting, with impeccably designed guest rooms, a stunning infinity pool, five restaurants, and a gorgeous outdoor terrace bar—all offering exceptional, sprawling views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Island skyline.

My absolute favorite part of the hotel was The Club on the 8th floor, no question. It’s a private lounge available to certain guests, where you can check in and out, enjoy breakfast, work on your laptop, read a book, or simply escape the hotel’s buzz for a snack and a drink. I loved having breakfast there each morning—either after a sunrise swim in the pool or a workout at the 24-hour gym—peacefully watching the boats glide by in the harbor.

TOUR Victoria Harbour by Boat

Victoria Harbour is the lifeblood of Hong Kong, with a constant parade of junk boats, shipping vessels, and sailboats. A boat tour is an absolute must! Daytime cruises offer plenty of sunshine and views of one of the oldest fishing villages on the coast of Lantau Island, where houses still stand on stilts. Nighttime cruises, on the other hand, are all about witnessing the magnificent Hong Kong skyline lit up in a dazzling array of colors.

SHOP Until You Drop

The best way to shop in Hong Kong is simply to explore on foot. The MTR is the most convenient way to get around—there’s a stop right outside the Kerry Hotel, and trains take you anywhere you need to go within minutes. The public transit system is clean and efficient, and I’m a huge fan! SoHo was one of my favorite neighborhoods to wander. I recommend taking the Mid-Level Escalator from Central, the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world, which conveniently carries you up the steep hillside districts of downtown Hong Kong. Ride the escalator to the top of SoHo and then work your way back down. Along the way, you’ll stumble upon amazing antique stores on Hollywood Road, cute cafes on Gough Street, and street art on Graham Street.

VISIT All the Temples and Markets

Two of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Hong Kong are Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road and Kwun Yum Temple in Kowloon’s Hung Hom, built in 1847 and 1873 respectively. Hanging from the carved gable roofs are enormous coils of burning incense, with little red slips of paper bearing worshippers’ wishes. Both temples are truly spiritually breathtaking and absolutely worth a visit.

Hong Kong’s street market culture is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Turn any corner and you’ll find a bustling market—whether it’s fruits and vegetables, meat, birds, flowers, Chinese herbs, or souvenirs. It’s the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture. My favorite was the Bird Garden, a popular gathering spot for songbird enthusiasts, with shops selling exotic birds and beautiful handmade cages. Elderly gentlemen gather with their pet birds, letting them sing from the trees. It’s quite a sight!

RELAX Poolside at the Kerry Hotel

Besides The Club at the Kerry Hotel, I’d say the second best place to unwind midday—or rather, collapse from jet lag—is the pool. Just look at that view. Enough said.

EAT Everything and Everywhere

And now—drumroll, please—the food. Hong Kong is justifiably famous for its restaurants and cuisine. Noodles, dim sum, coffee, seafood, Peking duck… everything is executed to perfection here. And then some. For out-of-this-world dim sum, I recommend Mott 32 and Hung Tong. Mott 32 is named after New York’s first Chinese grocery store at 32 Mott Street, which opened in 1851 and marked the start of New York’s vibrant Chinatown as we know it today. The interior details are spectacular, and the dim sum is fantastic. The Peking duck here is phenomenal—just be sure to order it at least a few days ahead of your reservation, as quantities are limited!

Kerry Hotel’s Hung Tong was another favorite. Traditional decor, like old metal gates and 19th-century shipyard-inspired wooden shutters, contrasts with modern fixtures and furniture. And the dim sum is simply spectacular. You can’t miss the fried tofu bites, the Wagyu beef buns, and the goose and mushroom puffs, which are adorably shaped into little bite-sized geese. So good.

Red Sugar is the spot to grab cocktails before sunset. The 270-degree wrap-around terrace feels like an urban oasis, with beautiful trees and plants enveloping the space. Enjoy a drink outdoors while watching the sun set over the Hong Kong skyline and the lights slowly flicker on.

If you’re looking for a wild dining experience, head to Tung Po. This typical “dai pai dong,” an open-air food stall, is actually one of a kind, thanks in part to its gregarious owner, Robby Cheung. While dining on the freshest seafood from the “wet market” downstairs and sipping beer from porcelain bowls, you’ll see Robby popping beer bottles open with a chopstick, moonwalking to Michael Jackson, and taking selfies with you at your table. Every night this place is packed, it’s loud, and it’s just a whole lot of fun.

Pinkies up—it’s tea time! We didn’t have much time set aside for afternoon tea, but on our last day, Karen and I managed to squeeze in an hour to rest our feet and indulge in Kerry Hotel’s afternoon tea. It was a beautiful spread of Chinese tea, savory bites, and sweet treats.

PLAY

Wednesday nights are race night at Happy Valley Racecourse. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has donated an average of over HK$2.8 billion a year to the community through its own major initiatives and donations, so you can see why this has become a quintessential Hong Kong attraction. I’ll admit I’ve never been to a horse race, let alone one in the evening, but this was loads of fun. I even put a few bucks down on some horses! Alas, I lost, but it was all good because there was plenty of beer, good vibes, and laughter.

I love you, Hong Kong, and can’t wait to visit again soon. Thank you to Hong Kong Airlines, Shangri-La, and Kerry Hotel for hosting us. And be sure to head over to HonestlyYUM to see and read about Hong Kong from Karen’s perspective!

(images by HonestlyWTF)

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