Top 5 reasons to layover in Hong Kong

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Should you pick Hong Kong for your layover destination?

A layover in Hong Kong is a possibility when flying to countries like Australia and New Zealand from the UK.

Hong Kong has a wide variety of things to see and do whilst being a tight space. This can make it the perfect location for a flying visit or layover as lots of the sights to see are close together.

Note: Please understand my trip to Hong Kong was back in November 2013 long before the recent issues with China. This piece was written before the protests of 2019 and edited in 2021. I’m sharing it today as I feel it still has some valid information however obviously looking in at Hong Kong now from the UK it is an unknown quantity how much has changed. Whilst, after visiting the first time, I always thought I would return I am now unsure. Both human and animal rights are incredibly important to me and I would never put my own pleasure above the pain of others. Thank you.

Edited November 2021 (marking 8 years since my trip), re-edited in 2023 for clarity

Are you thinking about taking a trip to Hong Kong or perhaps contemplating a stop-over? I delve deeper into the how-to of a stop over in Hong Kong here. But these are my top 5 reasons why I think you should choose a Hong Kong layover.

The Culture of Hong Kong

Here British meets Chinese quite explicitly. Even now you can feel so much of Britain’s influence in Hong Kong. Residents themselves don’t see them selves as fully “Chinese”. Only here can you find such a mix of West meets East.

Obviously, this experience could feel very different now.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Of course! Hong Kong Disneyland is a great park for a day visit.

Here you have unique attractions such as Mystic Point and Chinese style food with lots of the Disney classics you know and love. Plus loads of adorable, different, unique snacks and merchandise!

Plus if you are doing a stop-over what better way to take your mind off the impending flight then immersing yourself in the Disney bubble!

The scale of it

With just a couple of days you here you can see so much and such a variety too!

A trip onto Hong Kong island could see you taking a tram to The Peak, visiting an Olympic stadium, strolling through large glittering high rise buildings one second and through immaculate parks the next full of water features, beautiful birds, monkeys and terrapins.

Whereas on the mainland you could be visiting Jade sellers, traditional gardens, night time markets all within hours of each other.

If you had more than a couple of days you could venture further inland towards the Chinese border-its up to you!

The service

We found Hong Kong surprisingly welcoming. Compared to rest of China (once you get passed the fear of the armed guards in the airport) most people you meet are curious, polite and interested to meet tourists.

Many only speak Chinese so there are some barriers. However many people see themselves as British still or at least some hybrid form so are friendly and excited to meet “fellow countrymen” (as we were referred to!). Probably more so than many involved in the service industry in the UK itself…

Again, this excitement and connection could have diminished in light of recent events

The Climate

Hong Kong is beautifully warm, or potentially incredibly hot-depending on the visitor!

The streets are full of people often late into the night. Which is a great bonus with flights arriving at all hours of the day. You will never get stranded at the airport here!

The warm weather means you can go on exploring but the humidity takes some getting used.  As a stopover, if you have the option I recommend going there after your main destination as it won’t be such a shock from England!

Well there are my top 5 reasons but there are so many more! If you make the trip be sure to let me know in the comments below!