Hong Kong is a vibrant and busy destination, and if you are looking for a more relaxed environment for your vacation, maybe you should cross Hong Kong from your list. This city can be compared to the city that never sleeps – New York. It even has its own Times Square. It is also rich in history and architecture. It has a booming economy; capitalism and commerce are wide spread and so is modern technology. The old negative connotation of “made in Hong Kong” does not apply anymore. Hong Kong is a modern urban jungle with about 14 million inhabitants. This makes Hong Kong an exciting destination with tons of activities and diversions for the traveler.

Hong Kong has a long and interesting history. It was influenced by the Portuguese and other European cultures, in trade and commerce, especially during the 1700’s making it a focus of global interest. Its economy boomed after becoming a possession of England during the wars between England and China, in the middle of the nineteen century. Its markets developed during these years, becoming what it is today. Hong Kong was returned to China after 1997, with the condition that its government and markets remain free and democracy reigns. This has made traveling to this destination relatively easy. Besides Chinese, English is also an official language there.

For some travelers, Honk Kong offers the perfect match between rich history, busy and vibrant life, as well as latest technology. There are plenty of sites to see and experience, making it one busy vacation spot. From museums full of colorful history to a heightened shopping experience, or extraordinary Bird gardens such as Yuen Po Street Bird Garden with over 70 bird stalls and birds singing in ornate cages; or the impressive and monumental ancient architecture, the traveler will be kept busy and sensory stimulated. When looking to quiet down a bit, there are many parks and monasteries which provide a calming, sanctuary like environment – a more natural setting. Victoria Peak offers the advantages of a smaller shopping district, while the Monastery of Miu Fat and the Man Mo Temple provides you a quiet refuge.

These days it becomes easier than ever to visit this high-spirited city with the many offers of discount airfare or wholesale travel deals available out there. There is much to see in this interesting part of the world and taking advantage of cheap airfare offers makes it possible for travelers in a budget. It is well worth it to visit this part of the planet as it offers many things that you won’t find anywhere else.

History reflects itself throughout this city and is present at every corner as you tour its commercial streets. One thing is for sure, you will never find yourself in the position of looking for what to do or see in this amazing city. The combination of these two worlds, modern and ancient, makes this city a perfect destination to experience it all.

Tags: China, Hong Kong, Hong Kong history, hong kong lodging, hong kong travel, Man Mo Temple, Miu Fat Monastery, Yuen Po Street Bird Garden

After visiting Happy Valley and getting caught up in the enthusiasm and excitement, you want to explore further afield. The gambling and tourism mecca of Macau will surely beckons you.

Just 60 km from Hong Kong, ferries operate around the clock shuttling people between the two cities. The Portuguese turned Macau over to the Chinese government in 1999 and part of the agreement was that, for fifty years after the transfer, Macau must be able to operate with a high degree of independence. The Chinese government is responsible for foreign affairs and defense while Macau is responsible for almost everything else.

Unlike many governments around the world, Macau operates with very solid fiscal responsibility. Budgets are formed with expenses falling within the range of revenue. So solid are their finances, Moody’s Investors Service upgraded them to A1 in 2007. Decisions made are soundly based on their fiscal principles.

This bustling city is the world’s most densely populated area with some 18,500 people per square kilometer. Aside from the Las Vegas style casinos, there is a lot to see and do in Macau. Much of the architecture reflects the Portuguese influence on the city in its quaint cobblestone streets, Art Deco buildings, stone fortresses, and baroque churches. In 2005, Unesco designated the Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site as a collective group of 30 buildings and squares.

The entry of the world’s largest casino based on gaming tables, Sands Macau, in 2004 brought the gambling in Macau to a new level. Although the hotel no longer can lay claim to that title, it is still an impressive place to see. This also marked the first Las Vegas operated hotel and casino. The mega-casino was upon them and with that type of casino; the visitor level went up dramatically. Wynn Macau followed in 2006 and a landmark was set. Macau’s gambling revenue exceeded that of the Las Vegas Strip for the first time and making it the world’s highest volume gaming center. Other Las Vegas casinos have since opened.

The casino to visit in Macau is the Venetian Macau Resort Hotel located in Taipa. There is a convenient shuttle between the Sands and the Venetian casinos every 15 minutes so getting there is easy since the Sands is a short 15-minute walk from the ferry. A larger and more opulent version of its Las Vegas sister hotel, the Venetian Macau features incredibly detailed replicas of some of Venice’s most notable landmarks. This hotel resort has the distinction of being Asia’s largest building.

This amazing complex has some 20 restaurants, 3000 suites of 750 square feet or more, 3 floors designed to house some 350 shops, several bars, an arena that seats 15,000, a theatre, and the magnificent casino. Laying claim to the title of the world’s largest casino with its 600,000 square feet of gaming area, the casino will leave you awestruck. If you are used to the Las Vegas casinos, the Venetian Macau is about five times as large and much busier.

Plan on staying in Macau for a few days in order to be able to explore the casinos. Longer stays will be needed if you intend to roam the city taking in the sights.

Tags: Asia’s largest building, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Macau Casino, Macau gambling, Macau government, Moody's Investors Service, Sands Macau, Taipa, Venetian Macau Resort Hotel, world’s largest casino, Wynn Macau

For those of us that are conditioned to hopping into our car and driving to our destination, getting around Hong Kong can be a daunting task. Driving in Hong Kong is for those that want to spend their vacation sitting behind the wheel of a car, getting nowhere and paying through the nose for the privilege. Hong Kong has a vast and efficient public transit system once you know how it all works. For tourists, getting around Hong Kong can be overwhelming.

Car rentals, even for a small car, are extremely expensive in Hong Kong, costing upwards over $600 per day. The roads in this densely populated area are heavily congested and laid out in a complex, confusing maze, at least to the uninitiated. If by chance a driver gets to where they want to go, they are unlikely to find a parking space because of the rarity of parking spaces. In the event that renting a car is unavoidable, unlike mainland China, Hong Kong does recognize International Driving Permits and driving is on the left side of the road. Be warned that if you decide to drive to, or in, mainland china; you will need license plates from the Guangdong authorities and a Chinese issued driver’s license.

Taxis are likely the most tourist-friendly mode for travelers to get around in Hong Kong. You get the views and retain efficiency. One important thing to remember is that taxi drivers are required to change bills up to 100 Hong Kong dollars so if you need something bigger changed, make sure that you get change before getting in the taxi. There are three colors of taxis and the color indicates the areas that it serves. Red taxis are the ones to take when in doubt but red taxis cannot go to Lantau Island. Blue taxis serve Lantau Island and green taxis service the New Territories. The best news is although tips are appreciated, they are not expected however drivers will usually round up to the nearest dollar when they give change.

Buses, trams, bicycles, trains, ferries are other forms of transportation around Hong Kong. A common form of payment for a lot of the transportation is an Octopus card that is a prepaid smart card. Octopus cards can also be used at some fast food chains, most convenience stores, roadside parking, vending machines and some parking lots.

The transportation options for getting around Hong Kong are numerous and all have pros and cons. For the first few days of your visit, it is worthwhile to get to know the options that are in the vicinity of your hotel and get hotel staff to help you with instructions. It will make your visit to Hong Kong more enjoyable if your transportation needs are met efficiently.

Tags: bicycles, Buses, China, ferries, Guangdong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, International Driving Permits, Kowloon, Lantau, Lantau Island, New Territories, Octopus cards, Outlying Islands, taxis, trains, trams, transportation, Travel, travelers, visitors, visits

Five fully-updated color maps featuring a comprehensive coverage of tourist facilities and public amenities
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