Hong Kong travel route: Kowloon, Hong Kong Island and Sai
This Hong Kong travel route covers the city's main neighborhoods and attractions across, including the bustling areas of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, the colorful housing project of Choi Hung, and the vibrant Temple Street Night Market. The route highlights affordable transportation options like the metro system and explores budget-friendly dining and accommodation strategies in one of the world's most expensive cities.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Hong Kong Airport
- End
- Victoria Peak
- Stops
- 11
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Hong Kong Airport — Major international airport serving Hong Kong, entry point for travelers. Offers affordable SIM card and data plans for visitors.
- Kowloon and Hong Kong Island
- Kakigori Dessert at Shari Shari — Japanese-style shaved ice dessert shop specializing in colorful, flavor-packed kakigori with fresh fruit and syrup, providing affordable sweet treats beloved by locals and budget…
- Lan Kwai Fong — Pedestrian-friendly alley packed with bars, restaurants, and clubs that pulses with nightlife energy and serves as a popular gathering spot for both expatriates and young…
- Choi Hung Estate — Iconic 1960s public housing complex famous for its vibrant rainbow-colored residential blocks, offering an authentic glimpse into working-class Hong Kong life and popular photo…
- Temple Street Night Market — Bustling evening bazaar stretching several blocks, selling everything from clothing and electronics to souvenirs and street food at bargain prices in a lively, traditional market…
- Heekee Noodle Cart — Affordable local noodle cart serving hearty bowls with beef belly, pork intestines, fish balls and other traditional ingredients.
- Sai Kung — Scenic coastal area 45 minutes outside downtown Hong Kong featuring pristine white sand beaches, natural rock pools, and hiking trails.
- Kowloon — Densely populated urban district on Kowloon Peninsula with vibrant Asian markets, budget-friendly accommodation, and Times Square-like atmosphere.
- Hong Kong Island — Downtown commercial hub featuring modern architecture, upscale dining, and the iconic Victoria Peak with panoramic city views.
- Victoria Peak — Highest point on Hong Kong Island offering iconic skyline views of Victoria Harbour and the illuminated cityscape at night.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Buy a SIM card at Hong Kong Airport for around 65 HKD - cheapest place to set up phone data and essential for using Google Maps throughout the trip.
- Where to stay
- Kowloon is cheaper than Hong Kong Island; Kowloon has more conventional Asian feel while Island side is more modern with Victoria Peak views.
- Where to stay
- Budget hostels cost around $125 USD for two nights; rooms are very small due to Hong Kong's high real estate prices, so manage expectations.
- Food
- Visit Kakigori dessert at Shari Shari (80 HKD, can split); they import ice from Japan. Multiple locations throughout Hong Kong.
- Save money
- Use metro instead of Uber; metro costs $14 while Uber can cost $177 or more, especially during surge pricing.
- Food
- Heekee Noodle Cart has beef belly, pork intestines, fish balls noodle soup for $20 with milk tea included - excellent value.
- Transport
- Double-decker buses run frequently throughout Hong Kong; a bus ride costs around $1.50. Both bus and metro are great affordable options.
- Tip
- Tipping is not customary in Hong Kong; politely decline if offered a tip in most situations.
- Transport
- Take the tram car down from Victoria Peak - it's one of the coolest ways to get around and better value than a taxi.
- Timing
- Visit Sai Kung on a weekday with gray clouds for fewer crowds; rock pools area gets basically empty allowing for exclusive exploration.
- Food
- Visit Temple Street Night Market for affordable shopping and street food; accessible by subway and vendors are helpful despite language barriers.
- Tip
- Allow 45 minutes to 2 hours travel time from downtown to Sai Kung area; beyond checkpoint requires permit or taxi for non-locals.
Video on this route
HOW TO TRAVEL HONG KONG - Cheap Travel Possible?