This is the last post in my Hong Kong trip report. See my previous blog posts about this trip: Hong Kong Highlights, Review: China Airlines Business Class Ontario to Taipei to Hong Kong,Review: United Airlines Business Class Hong Kong to San Francisco,Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui, Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car to the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, Pandas, Roller Coasters and Spectacular Views at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, Disney Explorer’s Lodge Review, 6 Reasons to Visit Hong Kong Disneyland
Sometimes, I appreciate a trip a lot more when I look back on it later. That’s how I feel about this Hong Kong trip. Looking through all my photos reminded me of what a great time we had, and I’m bummed that my trip report is coming to an end.
Avenue of Stars
Our hotel, Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui, was just a few blocks away from Avenue of Stars at Victoria Harbour. We spent our first afternoon in Hong Kong walking Avenue of Stars and taking in the sights from the harbour.
The promenade featured handprints and statues of famous movie stars and cartoons. The most famous star on the promenade is Bruce Lee.
The area along the waterfront had many photo spots for Instagrammers:
The sun came out, and we admired the view of the skyscrapers and junk boats (traditional Chinese sailing ships) in Victoria Harbour.
Afternoon Tea on Junk Boat
I pre-booked an afternoon tea on Aqua Luna junk boat. It picked us up right on the promenade. Getting into the boat required a short jump, so I don’r recommend this if you have mobility challenges in your group.
The boat was fairly empty.
The crew brought us tea and snacks on the Ferris wheel-shaped serving tray.
The cruise was so relaxing, and the scenery was spectacular.
There was narration on the tour, but it was not in English. So while we didn’t understand anything, the ride was still enjoyable.
Victoria Peak
Our local friends drove us up to Victoria Peak in the evening to see the city lights. There is a tram that heads up the hill, but based on crowds, it was easier for us to drive. The view of Hong Kong did not disappoint!
Seeing the city from The Peak gave us a great perspective on just how massive Hong Kong is.
A Symphony of Lights
After visiting Victoria Peak, we headed back to the waterfront near our hotel to watch “A Symphony of Lights” music and light show. To be completely honest, it was a bit underwhelming. The buildings are lit up before and after the show, and I found that to be just as interesting as the choreographed lighting with music. Plus, the area was quite crowded for the actual show, and it only lasted 10 minutes.
So, if you can’t make the 8 p.m. show, I would just see the city lights along the waterfront any time after dark.
Final Thoughts
My daughter and I had a great time in Hong Kong. The city was easy to get around and had plenty of interesting things to see and do. I’m looking forward to exploring more of Asia this summer and on subsequent trips.
Edited to add photo of micro apartments in Kowloon area (see comments below):
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Did you see any of the high rise compact apartments?
@Nat We didn’t go inside any of those micro apartments, but I took a photo of what I believe is a building with tiny apartments near our hotel (I added it to the end of this blog post).
Very nice review. Did you by any chance visit either the Temple Street Night Market or the Hong Kong Museum in Kowloon? Both were a huge hit with my family. I liked the Symphony Of Lights to be lovely from the club lounge at the Hyatt Regency TST because I think you get a great perspective.
@Christian No! Unfortunately not. I would have loved to see the night market.
So you missed Lantu island where there is a huge statue of buddha. Quite an interesting place, specially those cable cars that climb to the mountain. The train to Victoria peak is an experience in itself. Alas these crowds. Its terrible. Best thing to do is to go early in the morning when they open up. That’s what we did for both of these places and did not regret it.
@caveman We did make it to the Big Buddha! https://milesforfamily.com/2025/01/13/ngong-ping-360-cable-car-to-the-big-buddha-and-po-lin-monastery/