Insider tips for your business trip to Hong Kong!
Both business and personal, I, Bea Pors - Business Travel Consultant, have been to Hong Kong regularly. And I keep coming back there again and again. Hong Kong feels like a wonderful western city in the middle of Asia. I never tire of it, so even when passing through or on my way back to the Netherlands, I like to make a stopover in Hong Kong. I know this metropolis almost like the back of my hand and therefore in this blog I would like to share some tips and tricks that might come in handy during your business trip to Hong Kong!
I mentioned it briefly, but if you go on a business trip to Hong Kong, you will enter a world where you will see Asia blending with Europe. Of course, Hong Kong now has many Chinese influences but people still drive on the left, they speak excellent English but the so-called "Great-Firewall," which applies in China's Mainland on various apps (Whatsapp and social media channels), does not (yet) apply to Hong Kong. The Internet is freely accessible here, without a VPN. Hong Kong is thus a mix between East and West, making it a fine city to stay and do business.
Where to stay in Hong Kong?
In terms of hotels, you have an awful lot to choose from during your business trip to Hong Kong. I had the opportunity to stay at several locations but my favorite hotels are all in the Kowloon area. The 5-star Harbour Grand Kowloon hotel is highly recommended as far as I am concerned. Not only is its location convenient (metro and ferry just steps away), the restaurant excellent but the view is fantastic. Need to work things out in the spacious hotel room after a business meeting? Of course, that will be just a bit more fun with a beautiful view of the harbor. The rooms in this hotel almost all have a Harbour view. And then are you done? Then don't miss a relaxing dinner in one of the many restaurants. From a luxury grill restaurant to authentic Japanese dining. This is perfectly possible in this luxury hotel!
Other good hotels are: Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong (on Hong Kong Island), The Putman (Hong Kong Island), Harbour Plaza Metropolis (Kowloon)
Photo source: Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
How do you travel in Hong Kong?
Metro
Public transportation in Hong Kong is very well organized. The subway takes you almost everywhere. Not only the Netherlands has an OV chip card, of course a metropolis like Hong Kong has one too. This one here is called the Octopus Card. It is a card that you can use on public transport and that you can also pay with in many stores. Tip: you can already buy the tourist version of the Octopus card at the 7-Eleven at the airport.
Cab
Prefer not to take public transportation? Then a cab is a good alternative during your business trip in Hong Kong. You have three cabs in Hong Kong. A green, blue and a red cab. The colors represent the neighborhood they drive in. Going to Hong Kong Island or Kowloon? Take the red cab. If you're heading to the New Territories district, take the green cab. For Lantau Island, take the blue cab. All cabs use a taximeter so negotiating the price is not necessary. And are you familiar with Uber? Then that might be an even easier way to get around during your business trip in Hong Kong. In addition, most 4 and 5-star hotels also have shuttle services to Kowloon or the airport.
Where can I have a delicious meal after a business meeting?
During your business trip in Hong Kong, be sure to grab a bite to eat at Victoria Harbour. I return here on every visit to Hong Kong at restaurant Tapas Bar on Mody Road in Tsim Sha Shui East. With a delicious Spanish wine here, I enjoyed the beautiful view of the beautifully lit harbor. And sitting here before eight in the evening? Then be sure to stick around because every evening around this time you can enjoy the famous "Symphony of Lights" in Victoria Harbour. More than forty buildings display a multimedia light show on both sides of the harbor. Laser lights and colored beamers along with synchronized music create a true spectacle.
Want to really treat yourself (and maybe your business partner) to some luxury in Hong Kong?
Then be sure to opt for dinner or drinks at a rooftop bar. My personal favorite (and that of many others, for that matter) is Wooloomooloo in the Wan Chai district. The originally Australian concept is one of Hong Kong's most famous rooftop restaurants. From the 31e floor of the Hennessy Building in the Wan Tai district you have a magnificent view of the harbor. It does cost a bit but everything here is top-notch. The dishes, the cocktails, and the wine list. Well worth it as far as I'm concerned to end a successful working day.
Tip: For the good and exclusive restaurants: make reservations on time! This can often be done online, through the website or via Whatsapp.
Still some free time left to get to know Hong Kong a little better?
Should you still have time to explore some of Hong Kong, be sure not to skip these hotspots:
The Peak Tram
The famous tramway was opened in 1888 as an exclusive means of transportation for the British governor and residents of The Peak. Today it is a well-known tourist attraction for which you will sometimes have to wait in line. But once you're in it (or standing in my case) you'll enjoy the steepest funicular in the world. It is very impressive; in seven minutes Hong Kong's skyscrapers shoot past you from an almost impossible angle. Once at the top, you can enjoy the stunning view from The Peak Tower.
Tip: Go in the late afternoon and experience the view in both daylight and darkness.
Nathan Road
Enjoy exploring the city at your leisure by walking the main famous shopping street and coming out at Victoria Harbour. Enjoy the beautifully decorated shop windows, the slightly cheaper clothes and the warren of people. From Chinese to European expats and tourists, you'll find them all here. In the evening, choose from the many restaurants and return to your hotel satisfied.
For me, these are the tips and tricks that should not be missed when visiting Hong Kong. If you have more questions about this Asian destination or the possibilities for your next business trip? If so, I would be happy to help you get started! In addition, are you curious about more business travel tips or more inspiration for other Asian destinations? Then also read our blog about Shanghai and Bangkok.
Travel Well!
Bea Pors
Business Travel Consultant
