Hong Kong

Divemaster · #1 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2008, 10:54 PM

Any tips or experience with flying into Hong Kong? Delays, customs?Considering flying from San Antonio to San Francisco to Hong Kong to London to San Antonio to circle the globe. Cheaper by half to circle the globe than to fill up my fuel efficient Accord for a year and also leaves me vacation days to use with my scouts (or get a second job once gas passes $4.00 a gallon).

So many time zones, so little time. 8)

Marc · #2 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2008, 11:38 PM

Flying into Hong Kong is easy. Immigration and customs a breeze on each arrival. Limo, taxi, or train are all reasonable routes into either Kowloon or Hong Kong Island. I chose taxi last time as hotel wasn't on airport train line and there were two of us. Previous time we arranged a smal bus as there were four of us and lots of luggage. If on your own, I would recommend train.

When leaving HKG, be careful about carry on luggage. What passes as standard 22" rollaboard in US will not pass muster. I had to go back to check in counter and have agent give me a special tag so I could make it past the check point.

Divemaster · #3 (**permalink**) March 13th, 2008, 12:14 AM

Marc:

Thanks for the luggage tip. This would be a fast and light trip to tag Asia from the East rather than from the west (Istanbul) and then on to check out London Gatwick logistics. Generally scan ports and airports in advance of any trip with my kiddo. May also do a boomerang long weekend to Sydney. Tested the waters with my 26 hour day trip to Maui from Texas last summer. 8)

Dave

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marc

Flying into Hong Kong is easy. Immigration and customs a breeze on each arrival. Limo, taxi, or train are all reasonable routes into either Kowloon or Hong Kong Island. I chose taxi last time as hotel wasn't on airport train line and there were two of us. Previous time we arranged a smal bus as there were four of us and lots of luggage. If on your own, I would recommend train.

When leaving HKG, be careful about carry on luggage. What passes as standard 22" rollaboard in US will not pass muster. I had to go back to check in counter and have agent give me a special tag so I could make it past the check point.

richstacy · #4 (**permalink**) March 13th, 2008, 12:30 AM

The new Hong Kong airport (VHHH) is really great and there are buses that leave regularly for all the main downtown hotels. When you first arrive you walk through an area that scans you for body temperature. If you have a high fever they won't let you in! It's a quick but strange experience. Hong Kong is a marvel to behold! The Star Ferry to Kowloon is cheap and fun. The skyline is lit up at night like no other place on earth. It is worth it to get off shore on an evening harbor tour and take pics. Ride the tram (actually a fast cable car-train) to the top of Victoria peak for a spectacular view. Ask your concierge about some of the finest Chinese food in the world.

Divemaster · #5 (**permalink**) March 13th, 2008, 07:52 AM

Thanks for all tips.

Quote:

Originally Posted by richstacy

The new Hong Kong airport (VHHH) is really great and there are buses that leave regularly for all the main downtown hotels. When you first arrive you walk through an area that scans you for body temperature. If you have a high fever they won't let you in! It's a quick but strange experience. Hong Kong is a marvel to behold! The Star Ferry to Kowloon is cheap and fun. The skyline is lit up at night like no other place on earth. It is worth it to get off shore on an evening harbor tour and take pics. Ride the tram (actually a fast cable car-train) to the top of Victoria peak for a spectacular view. Ask your concierge about some of the finest Chinese food in the world.