Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a vibrant city that never sleeps - with unique smells,
hustle and bustle and an eclectic mixture of east meets west. But it's
also efficient, hushed and peaceful: the transport network is
excellent, the shopping centers are sublime, and the temples and quiet
corners of parks are contemplative oases. Hong Kong is all about
savoring new tastes, weaving through a human gridlock and experiencing
one of Asia's favorite cities.
Day 1. Arrive Hong Kong.
Welcome to the Orient's super city. You will be met by a
representative and transferred to your chosen hotel. The balance of the
day is at leisure.
Day 2. Hong Kong sightseeing. In
Hong Kong there is something new around every corner. This morning's
sightseeing tour includes a ride up to Victoria Peak, then visit
Repulse Bay before stopping at the famous fishing village of Aberdeen
for a chance to ride in a "Sampan". Visit Stanley Market before heading
back to your hotel. The afternoon is free for other pursuits.
Day 3. More Hong Kong sightseeing.
Today's tour begins with a ferry ride through Victoria Harbor to
Silvermine Bay, Lantau. Board a coach to the beautiful Cheung Sha beach
and on to the unique Tai O fishing village. Arrive at Ngong Ping
Plateau where the world's largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha sits
majestically close to the Po Lin Monastery. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch
served by monks at Po Lin Monastery. The tour ends with a spectacular
ride aboard the Skyrail cable car offering stunning views going down to
Tung Chung near the airport. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Day 4 & 5. At leisure. Two full days to take advantage of the Cultural Kaleidoscope program.
Day 6. Hong Kong to your next stop.
Today is at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your onward
flight. If you can, why not stay longer? How about a visit to mainland
China or Macau? See links for other ideas.
*****All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Hong Kong Country Facts
Location: Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China
Area: 1,092 kmē
Population: 6,855,125 (July 2004 est.)
Capital: Hong Kong has no capital. Major areas include: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, New Territories and 365 outlying islands.
Time: 13 hours ahead of Toronto and New York, 16 hours ahead of Vancouver and Los Angeles
Language: Chinese (Cantonese), English; both are official.
Ethnic Groups: Chinese 95%, other 5%.
Religions: Eclectic mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10%
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD = 100 cents)
Weather:
Spring: March-mid May; temperature & humidity rising.
Summer: Late May-mid September; hot & humid.
Typhoon season (July-September). Hong Kong has a very efficient
early-warning system for approaching typhoons, which rarely pass
directly over Hong Kong.
Autumn: Late September-early December; sunny and clear.
Winter: Late December-February; cool with low humidity.
Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz
Country Code: 852
Business Hours:
Banks: 0900-1630 Mon-Fri, 0900-1230
Sat
Offices: 0900-1700 Mon-Sat, 0900-1300
Sat
Shops: 1000-1800 Mon-Sat
Holidays:
- The first day of January
1 Jan,
- Lunar New Year's Day,
- The second day of the Lunar New Year,
- The third Day of the Lunar New Year,
- Good Friday, The
day following Good Friday, Easter Monday,
- Ching Ming Festival,
- Labor Day 1 May,
- The Buddha's Birthday (being the
eighth day of the fourth lunar month),
- Hong Kong Special Administrative
region 1 July, Establishment Day,
- The day following
Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival,
- National Day 1 Oct,
- Chung
Yeung Festival,
- Christmas Day, The first weekday after Christmas
Day.
* Also a statutory holiday (one of the 12 statutory holidays is Christmas Day or Chinese Winter Solstice Festival)
Tipping: 10% is the norm, but an additional 5% may be given.
Driving: International drivers license holders are permitted to drive in Hong Kong for a maximum period of 12 months.
Airport: Hong Kong International is 36 km to Kowloon and 45 km to central Hong Kong.
Departure Tax: HK$150 (Appox. CAD$22 / US$19)
Credit Cards: All major credit cards are widely accepted.
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