Summary
If you’re flying into and then flying out of Hong Kong Airport, you can find plenty to explore during a stopover in Hong Kong beyond the airport lounge. The airport serves as a major international hub, and with numerous connecting flights, there are dedicated transit tours available to help you experience the best of the city in minimal time.
Hong Kong Orientation Tour: Enviable Harbour View
This engaging 4-5 hour tour encapsulates the essence of Hong Kong.
An air-conditioned tour bus will transport you from the airport to the first stop: the Lantau Link View Point & Visitors’ Centre. Here, you’ll admire the world’s longest road-and-rail suspension bridge, connecting Lantau Island with Hong Kong’s urban districts.
Next, the tour immerses you in the vibrant streets of Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, where you can relish the bustling atmosphere before posing for an Instagram-worthy snapshot with the breathtaking harbor front.
Additionally, you’ll enjoy a scenic Star Ferry ride to Central, the heart of Hong Kong’s financial district and government institutions. During this journey, you’ll cross picturesque Victoria Harbour. The land-based portion of the tour meanders down Hollywood Road, with a stop at the serene Man Mo Temple and nearby antique shops.
The tour wraps up as you board the Airport Express train at Hong Kong Station for a swift return to the airport, a journey that takes no longer than 30 minutes—perfect for catching your next flight!
Lantau and Monastery Tour: Go Big or Go Home
If your time is limited, consider the Lantau and monastery tour, which, as its name implies, stays entirely on Lantau Island.
Lantau is the largest of Hong Kong’s islands, and once you escape the airport and the new town of Tung Chung, the scenery transforms into picturesque landscapes dotted with traditional villages.
The tour begins with a visit to Tai O, a hidden fishing village nestled on the island’s southern coast. This quaint village features numerous stilt houses above mud flats and thrives on its dried seafood stalls and fresh fish served in local eateries.
Next, prepare for a steep ascent up a 520-metre plateau to visit Po Lin Monastery and see the Tian Tan (Big) Buddha. The monastery’s ornate grand hall, built in the 1920s, strikes a beautiful contrast with the delicious vegetarian meals served by the resident monks. The most striking sight is the 250-ton bronze statue of the Buddha—one of the ten largest Buddhas globally, offering an awe-inspiring experience.
Finally, relish panoramic views of Lantau’s sprawling greenery with an optional Ngong Ping Cable Car ride. The glass-bottomed gondolas soar above forested hillsides, delivering breathtaking vistas over the South China Sea. This captivating tour concludes around 4pm, with a drop-off at the airport hotel.
Transiting a Little Longer?
Consider exploring our recommendations for the best Hong Kong Airport hotels, or maximize your layover with a tour of Hong Kong’s highlights.
