Mini Vacation
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mini Vacation
Hi there, I'm thinking of going away for a long weekend. E.g - Leaving on the Friday eve and getting back on the Monday eve. Is there anywhere not too far away from Hong Kong that is possible to visit for such a short time? I don't really care what i do actually, just would like to get out of Hong Kong for a bit. Any suggestions?
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,689
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree on the above. I would also add Singapore, which is ideal for a long weekend and completely different from Hong Kong (other than both offering superb public transport). In the PRC, consider Guilin, Kunming/Lijiang, Xian, Xiamen, Shanghai and Beijing (for a small taste of the later as there are so many tourist sights). Bali and Phuket/Krabi should work if you take non-stop flights; again it would be a small taste of Bali but a little bit is better than nothing, IMO. Luang Prabang and Ankor Wat would work very well for that short a trip; however there are no non-stops from Hong Kong as far as I know, so you have to see if flight schedules work for you. Kuala Lumpur would work, it offers less in real tourist sights, and is more about eating and wandering some parts like Little India. Beach resorts on the east coast of Malaysia like the Redang area would be lovely now (and even better in April), again you have to connect via Singapore or KL so a long weekend may not be the ideal way to see these islands. Sanya on Hainan Island would be easy to reach via a non-stop (1.5 hours) and has very nice beaches (temps a little cool now, but if you mean Easter then temps will be better).
For some of these, you may be better taking off the Friday and then returning Monday morning, as flight times could work better.
You could also consider a long weekend in Macau, I would say more at a beach resort like the Westin as opposed to a city hotel (or those awful casino hotels).
For some of these, you may be better taking off the Friday and then returning Monday morning, as flight times could work better.
You could also consider a long weekend in Macau, I would say more at a beach resort like the Westin as opposed to a city hotel (or those awful casino hotels).
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the suggestions.
I will be travelling on my own so obviously safety plays a key part in making my decision. I've heard good things about Boracay. I think i have to take a plane to the phillipines and from there get another flight to Boracay....does anyone know if that sounds right? Also, how long is the travel time? Prices roughly?
Mnay thanks
I will be travelling on my own so obviously safety plays a key part in making my decision. I've heard good things about Boracay. I think i have to take a plane to the phillipines and from there get another flight to Boracay....does anyone know if that sounds right? Also, how long is the travel time? Prices roughly?
Mnay thanks
#6
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When I lived in Hong Kong I often had the same challenge. Sometimes we'd just pick a ferry at random and spend the weekend in town on the Pearl River Delta.
I've been to Boracay several times (though not recently). As I remember getting there was not so easy. I wouldn't recommend it for a long weekend.
For urban you have lots of choices -- Hanoi, Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo would be my top picks.
For beach or countryside I'd consider Phuket or Bali. They both have sophisticated tourist infrastructures, so once you arrive you'd settle into the holiday mode right away.
I've been to Boracay several times (though not recently). As I remember getting there was not so easy. I wouldn't recommend it for a long weekend.
For urban you have lots of choices -- Hanoi, Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo would be my top picks.
For beach or countryside I'd consider Phuket or Bali. They both have sophisticated tourist infrastructures, so once you arrive you'd settle into the holiday mode right away.
#9
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,689
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Be careful of the Phillippines in September, that is right smack in the middle of typhoon season. Even if you don't get a tyhpoon, you can have lots of rain. See weather websites for an idea. The Phillippines are better for beaches from November through May or so.
Not sure how one finds cheap fares to Bali. As you are in Hong Kong, try with some of the local tour agencies here, they sometimes offer deals. Cathay Pacific sometimes has promotions as well.
Not sure how one finds cheap fares to Bali. As you are in Hong Kong, try with some of the local tour agencies here, they sometimes offer deals. Cathay Pacific sometimes has promotions as well.
#10
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From HK you can get to Bali cheaply if you create your own itinerary using the low fare carriers. For example, Jet Star to Singapore, then transfer to an AirAsia flight to Bali. The problem if if one flight is delayed and you miss your next flight you aren't protected, and your luggage isn't checked all the way through. Air Asia is a point to point carrier - you have to make your own itinerary with connections. We went from HK to Kota Kinabalu ($200 RT) and then from KK to Sandakan ($45) RT for a total of less than $300. If we had priced out HKG to Sandakan, it would have been close to $1000. You have to get creative.
I think Bangkok is a good bet. Plenty of direct flights from HK - 3 hours.
I think Bangkok is a good bet. Plenty of direct flights from HK - 3 hours.
#11
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 23,073
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My friends in Hong Kong and I are going to Sabah in May. Three hour flight to Kota Kinabalu on Air Asia, Malaysian or Dragonair. Seems fairly popular destination now, with two Chinese-languaged guide books published in HK within the past 1.5 year.