With Thailand gradually losing its appeal to Vietnamese tourists, many destinations in China, including Hong Kong, have been attracting their attention recently. According to representatives of several travel companies, many airlines are currently offering promotional tours and air tickets to Hong Kong to attract visitors.

Two travel bloggers, Vinh Gau and Ly Thanh Co, recently visited Hong Kong and shared their experiences.

A corner of Kowloon (Hong Kong) at night. Photo: Vinh Gau

A corner of Kowloon (Hong Kong) at night. Photo: Vinh Gau

Applying for a Hong Kong visa

To visit Hong Kong, tourists must apply for a visa. Hong Kong currently uses an electronic visa system. All visa application procedures are carried out online. Hong Kong visas often take a considerable amount of time to process, so visitors should consider applying about 3-4 weeks before their departure date.

Hong Kong's vintage charm

A vintage feel is a characteristic of Hong Kong. The patina of time is evident on every building and in centuries-old neighborhoods. Many areas have been renovated, but some structures still bear the marks of time. These also serve as vintage-style check-in points for tourists. Along with this vintage charm comes density: Hong Kong has a population density of about 7,000 people per square kilometer, compared to 327 in Vietnam.

Must-see destinations

Hong Kong has legendary destinations that are always a must-see for visitors, especially first-timers.

Victoria Peak (The Peak) offers panoramic views of the city and Victoria Harbour, including the Symphony of Lights show. Disneyland and Ocean Park provide entertainment. The Avenue of Stars showcases the handprints of famous artists. Temple Street Night Market offers street food and shopping. Visitors can also visit the Big Buddha on Ngong Ping, Lamma Island, and Tai O fishing village for a peaceful atmosphere and local culture.

Diverse cuisine

Hong Kong cuisine is diverse and considered palatable to most diners. It features a world of dim sum with various types, stinky tofu, curry fish balls, takoyaki, and century eggs with satay sauce. The dishes are considered quite affordable, starting from just a few Hong Kong dollars.

The diverse world of dim sum in Hong Kong. Photo: Vinh Gau

The diverse world of dim sum in Hong Kong. Photo: Vinh Gau

Limited English spoken

Although English is an official language along with Chinese, Cantonese predominates. Few people in Hong Kong speak English in everyday communication, especially older people, which is also quite common in mainland China. Independent travelers to Hong Kong should request picture menus when ordering food, use body language, or "hope for the best."

Decline of neon signs

The neon signs once prominent in TVB dramas are gradually disappearing in Hong Kong. Streets illuminated by vibrant neon signs at night have been a characteristic of Hong Kong for over 100 years. However, the government has ordered their removal for safety reasons during typhoons. Currently, fewer than 500 neon signs operate at night in Hong Kong.

Diverse and convenient transportation infrastructure

Hong Kong's transportation infrastructure includes ferries, trams, buses, and taxis, all interconnected, making it convenient for tourists, especially independent travelers. The double-decker trams are a must-try experience, as they are a unique characteristic of Hong Kong. The Ding Ding trams in Hong Kong celebrated their 120th anniversary in 2024. The name comes from the "ding ding" bell sound the trams make when approaching stations and intersections.

Hong Kong also has the world's longest outdoor escalator system in the Central district, which is another recommended experience.

Trams are still operating in Hong Kong. Photo: Ly Thanh Co

Trams are still operating in Hong Kong. Photo: Ly Thanh Co

Using the Octopus card

The Octopus card is a multi-purpose card used by 98% of Hong Kong residents. It is also a convenient card for tourists. Visitors can load money onto the card and use it for most services in Hong Kong, from street vendors to public transport and major restaurants, with the exception of a few restaurants that still require cash.

Limited access to some common apps

Hong Kong is considered a TikTok-free city, partly due to its internet censorship policies. Tourists also cannot access ChatGPT. In some cases, due to technical issues, even if TikTok is used in Hong Kong, users might find it blocked upon returning to Vietnam. Therefore, consider this before using it.

Tam Anh