The top five shopping spots in the Kong. Recently here at Mint Mocha Musings we brought you The Big 5: Transport Yourself into Hong Kong's Heartland, a list of those can't miss sights, when you're making that flying visit into the frenetic fusion where east meets west. Let's face it, we all like to have the insider's lowdown before we visit a new city and if we live in Hong Kong and are having visitors, it's a god send! As you may know, Mint Mocha Musings is (in the near future) moving to China! (And hopefully, you'll come with me (virtually of course.) So as my parting gift - this month, ladies and gents, it's about the true essence of Hong Kong. Yep! We're going shopping! All you self-confessed shop'oholics out there, grab your most fashionable walking shoes and arm yourself with a serious pair of bag-carrying biceps. First time in the world's shopping capital? It's game on. Having paced the streets for a good few years now, sniffing out the best spots for some serious retail therapy, I'm going to narrow it down to those five areas worth trekking to, especially if you're on a tight schedule in the mighty Kong. #1 CENTRAL - Like it or not, you just can't miss an excursion to downtown Central. This is undoubtedly Hong Kong's hub and even if you don't pick up anything in your travels, it's certainly worth a look for the sheer frenzy-factor alone. Warning: it's crowded, so prepare to make like a bull in a China shop and charge! (Either that or get swallowed up in the madness.) From luxurious designer digs like LV, Coach and Prada, to the ancient lane ways, bearing cheap and cheerful trinkets, there's something for everyone here, you just have to look. The Landmark Shopping Mall on the corner of D'aguilar Street/Queens Road is where you'll find a myriad of glamorous high-end shop fronts like Dior, Balenciaga, Chanel, Armani and Jimmy Choo as well as Asia's only Harvey Nichols. Opposite is the famous Abercrombie & Fitch standing statuesque with its red velvet carpet, glitzy chandeliers and booming tunes. Up a little further, in much the same vicinity you'll find flagship retailers like Marks and Spencer, Cotton On, Gap, Top Shop and most recently the city's biggest and brightest Zara! There's also a very suave Shanghai Tang just off Queens Road in Duddell St. If you're after a quality Chinese suit, dress or handbag to remind you of those oriental days in the fragrant harbour, this sophisticated store is the place to be. Further down, you'll find quintessential Hong Kong. Li Yuen Street West and Li Yuen Street East, known as The Lanes are markets selling everything from Chinese dresses, kid's clothes, silks, handbags and trinkets, at very reasonable prices. If you're up for a walk, keep trekking along Queens Road to Sheung Wan, where you'll find a smorgasbord of dried food shops stocking all sorts of weird and wonderful treats, including dried abalone, black moss and snakeskin - essential items for the traditional Chinese kitchen! There's also Cat Street, which has nothing to do with our furry friends, but instead houses plenty of souvenirs (including much-treasured Ming Dynasty furniture). There are also plenty of charming little cafes springing up along Tai Ping Shan Street, if you need to relax and regroup before the next retail round! Head further up the hill, either on foot (heels not advised) or take the Central-Mid Levels escalator (this is the world's longest outdoor escalator by the way) and stop off in Soho for a host of cute boutiques, galleries and historic antique shops. Here you'll find that something extra special and out of the ordinary. It's thirsty work but don't worry, there's a plethora of cafes and restaurants beckoning you to take a pit stop. Stay on until early evening and soak up the lively Soho/LKF outdoor bar atmosphere. Watch as the city really wakes up! #2 CAUSEWAY BAY - It's shopping mania and if you haven't keeled over yet from all the excitement, jump on one of the city's oldest modes of transport, the double decker tram or for a slightly quicker arrival (depending on traffic) take a red cab and head to Hong Kong's New York city equivalent, Times Square! With 16 floors, you'll find it heaving with everything from high end to high street fashion. But if you feel like you've seen it all before, don't despair - head over to the city's biggest department store, Japanese retailer SOGO. A mere 13 floors, SOGO sells everything from beauty to fashion, as well as electrical goods. Don't forget to stop in Forever 21 on the way past, this clothing store is worthy of a good browse with endless racks bringing catwalk fashion prices to the affordability of high street! (Don't miss the top floor for a treasure chest of accessories.) For some more market action, it's worth scooting through the narrow and crowded Jardine's Bazaar, just in case there's a teeny tiny stall holding a bargain with your name on it. Don't be afraid to venture into some of the smaller shopping malls in Causeway Bay either - it's here you'll find all sorts of quirky fashion pieces. #3 STANLEY MARKETS - First time to Hong Kong (even second or third) you really can't miss Stanley Markets. Away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, this quaint village is a scenic ride (via cab or bus) that winds along Hong Kong's stunning south coast. Here, you'll find everything from local trinkets and oriental souvenirs to galleries boasting paintings of all things 'Hong Kong,' handbags (two for one ladies), linen, costume jewellery, sneakers, kids toys (big and small) and kids clothes, plus men's clothing in larger sizes. Keep your eyes peeled because you might also come across some genuine designer brands on display as imperfect seconds or factory surplus stock! NB: Most stores do allow bartering for your bargain, but beware - prices are not as low as other Hong Kong markets. The best bit, after you've huffed and puffed your way through the narrow lane ways, treat yourself to lunch or dinner alfresco style. Perch yourself on a seat along the picturesque promenade at one of the many western style restaurants. Exhale and cast your eye across the beautiful bay. You're in Hong Kong! #4 MONGKOK LADIES MARKETS - Got a taste for the local market scene? Then, my friends, the famed Ladies Markets are not to be missed. Open every day of the year, except the first day of Chinese New Year, this is officially the world's most crowded and prosperous corner! Located on Hong Kong's Kowloon side, take the MTR or a taxi where you can spend at least an hour roaming this one kilometre stretch of stalls that are literally overflowing with more hand bags, iPad cases, children's dress-up costumes, cheap jewellery, travel goods and denim than you can poke a stick at! Here, bartering is in full force, so you can haggle to your heart's content. The rule of thumb is to go down to a quarter of the cost and if need be, double it so you end up paying around fifty per cent. Bear in mind if you're one of the first customers of the day, you're considered 'lucky' and might be in line for a cheaper price. Don't forget, much of Hong Kong sleeps until noon and these markets don't really liven up until around 2pm. If your bargain seems to good too be true, relax, there's every chance it is. The busiest corner of the world is home to a lot of counterfeit goods. (You can check out my previous post 'Counterfeit Craze' here.) With everything produced in China, it's shipped over the border and sold at rock-bottom prices. In other words you get what you pay for. It's all in the name of good fun though! Right?! While you're there, adjacent to the markets, you'll find Sneaker Street and Sim City. Sneaker Street is loaded with shops carrying the obvious. Sim City is an electronic lover's paradise, with computers, accessories, software and cameras lining the shelves... and all of reputable quality, I might add. (Trust me on this, I even brought my husband's birthday present here!) Still cashed up? The day's not over yet - walk under the subway across Nathan Road and you'll find Langham Place - with more than 200 shops, including an entire floor dedicated to shoes and another one purely to cosmetics, shoppers, how can you go wrong! It also sporting a very busy H & M with Esprit and Gap just a hop, skip and a jump across the road. All this shopping making you a bit famished? Don't be afraid to try the city's famous Dai Pai Dongs or street food stalls. You might be surprised at just how tasty fish balls, congee and milk tea are (not to mention dirt cheap)! More money to shop with right! #TSIM SHA TSUI - Locally known as TST, on Kowloon side - you can catch the iconic Star Ferry from Hong Kong Island. Here you'll find everything in one block (albeit a rather big one). Harbour City Shopping Centre is (naturally) packed with your regular designer digs (you're in Hong Kong remember) including Manolo Blahnik, Hermes and Chanel. Upstairs Zara and Nine West flank swanky cafes along with a range of shops perhaps a little more unique to Hong Kong. Walk right through to the end and you'll find yourself in Ocean Terminal. This is mainly for the little people. Kid's clothes galore in every shape and size (warning: they may be for the small person, but many are still designer digs, and come at a designer price!). There's a rather GI-normous Toys R Us, that you may never, ever escape once you enter. If you can, from here, it's worth a walk up Canton Road for a spot of gold jewellery shopping (and plenty of people watching) or start the trek along busy Nathan Road, which is filled with nail salons, tailors, more jewellers, cosmetics and quite simply, most things imaginable. Don't mind the local hawkers trying to sell you copy watches and bags, they really are pretty harmless! Phew! So, from me to you, that's one way of shopping till you drop in the mighty Kong! If you have the time and want to get a bit more local with your shopping experience, this post here, Word on the Street might just satisfy your curiosity. Happy Shopping! … [Read more...]
The Big 5: Transport Yourself into Hong Kong’s Heartland
The top five must-see sights in Hong Kong Lei Hou! About to jump on board a flight and transport yourself to the magical marvel that is Hong Kong? Then, travel lovers this one's for you! Already been? Don't fret, grab a coffee, sit back and re-live your ride of 'fabulousness' in the city that never sleeps. As an expat living in Hong Kong, naturally, I write a lot about the daily absurdities complexities of life in a foreign land, but these days as a - shall we say - more established expat, I get asked a lot about the best hotels to stay in (no prizes for guessing my answer here), the best places to eat and shop; and what to do once you arrive in the proverbial "city that never sleeps!" Yep with 24 hours on the clock you can pack A LOT in to your visit to the far East! Living in one of the world's most desirable playgrounds (and naturally because I'm in such 'high demand') ;) I also get my fair share of visitors. Playing 'Tour Guide' means, after four years, the break-out itinerary tends to be on the 'wash, rinse and repeat cycle!' So, whilst I have absolutely no intention of turning my blog into a glossy travel website feeding you a perfectly edited version of Hong Kong's most alluring hot spots -- in the next couple of months, I will however, deliver a few pertinent 'go-to pieces' for the first timer's visit to the skyscraper capital of the world! (Basically it's my lazy way of helping curious travellers - just send them straight to the blog!) I'm calling it the "Big 5!" First cab off the rank, the big five must-see sights in Hong Kong, albeit with a more realistic, honest and as always slightly personal twist. By 'must-see' I guess I'm talking about those things you might want to do on your inaugural trip to the East -- probably things that offer up something a little different to what you're used to back home? You know those landmarks that might be a bit cheesy or touristy but you just have to do it because when you get home everyone will want to know you were there, right? (It's a bit like going to Rome and not seeing the Sistine Chapel ..ahem...hands up anyone?!) So I'm going to help you tick all the boxes. Just to be sure I wasn't completely off the charts with my recommendations, I also put the question out to some of Hong Kong's most seasoned expats and locals, and judging from their responses - quickly realized many of the attractions deemed 'worthiest' in town involved jumping on one of the city's famous modes of transport. If only they still had rickshaws! #1 Even if you haven't managed to fly yourself up (or down) to Hong Kong yet - I have no doubt you've seen the picture-postcard skyline Hong Kong proudly claims ownership of? (Or let's face it, the plethora of them gracing this very blog!) Just for fun, here's another one! Impressive yes? I'm pretty sure, when you do visit Hong Kong, you're going to want to see this spectacular scene that's touted as one of the most famous skylines in the world. Is it as dazzling and luminous as the pictures paint? I'll let you be the judge. But for me, every time I see the magnificently eye-catching display of lights, colour and bling bouncing off a thousand skyscrapers before me, it really does take my breath away. It's a view I never tire of. But I reckon, as well as a bird's eye view from afar, you also need to get up close and personal with the bright lights that are boldly beckoning your attention. What better way than diving into the harbour! Ok not literally (even though it's dubbed the Fragrant Harbour, I wouldn't recommend dipping ones toe into these seas in any hurry)! So my advice, jump on a boat and float your way across the Fragrant Harbour to inhale the magic. Now, there are a number ways to get yourself on a boat in Hong Kong. The easiest, is to take a ride on the iconic Star Ferry, which has been crossing Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour for around 120 years. Ten minute long trips run from 630am to 1130pm daily, costing as little as HK$2.50. Star Ferry also has an hourly route around Victoria Harbour. For details click here. Alternatively, the oriental pearl's last remaining authentic Chinese junks, including the Aqua Luna or the Duk Ling operate regular harbour cruises with various packages to suit your holiday tastebuds. Ok, so it is kind of commercial, but you'll still get that overall oriental tingle as you sail down the majestical harbour (cocktail in hand)! Even better, a night ride will have you watching the renowned Symphony of Lights show - a razzle-dazzle of lights beamed from over 30 skyscrapers in sync to music. This light show is visible in all its resplendent glory at 8pm every night, but without music (and I'm not one to be a party pooper) just a warning, it may not meet your expectations. So unless you are admiring the scene at said time, don't go out of your way to stop the clock. Want to explore a little further afield? Take a ferry out to Lamma Island and indulge in a delicious Chinese-style seafood feast, while you kick back and immerse yourself in the rugged charm of this ancient fishing island, where locals still get around using small carts and bicycles. Cute! The boat ride out may be a little rocky (I'm sure my family can attest to this) but it's all in the name of good, exotic fun, soaking up some of Hong Kong's local culture! One of the more popular stops is Rainbow Restaurant. Here, fish frolic in tanks, awaiting their fate - which for some is all a little stomach churning… but stay focused peeps, cos if you're partial to seafood, you'll love this fresh, mouth-watering tucker. Don't expect ritzy dining, it's plastic tables and chairs all the way, wedged together under some fairly intense lighting. Alternatively, take a day trip to what many call Hong Kong's very own Treasure Island - Cheung Chau. This pocket-sized paradise is 7000 years old and just a 30 minute boat ride from Hong Kong, filled with temples, seafood restaurants and sandy beaches, not to mention a mountain of history. Wander along the picturesque beachfront, wind your way through cobblestoned lane ways reminiscent of Europe's quaint villages and marvel at the kaleidoscope of fishing boats. To read more about this captivating little island, click here. If you're blessed with enough time, hire one of the hundreds of Junks available and take a day trip to the outlying islands where you can breathe in the other side of this mad land. Many visitors (myself once included) wrongly believe Hong Kong is little more than a chaotic and bustling city, packed to the rafters -- but there's much more to this cosmopolitan hub than first meets the eye. Trust me when I say, 'a tropical oasis awaits you.' Islands rimmed with white sandy beaches decorate pristine waters…...in fact, it's a little like a scene out of the movie, The Beach. (And you thought Thailand was a beach lover's paradise.) #2 One thing a lot of people from the West will notice, is how slick the train system is here in the Kong. Coming from Australia, where let's face it, the public transport system leaves a bit ok, a lot to be desired, I've got to say, baby, these trains are smooth operators. Check out the stations themselves (ok so you might think this is all a bit tedious on holiday) but seriously, note how there are potentially a gazillon people chugging through but it's complete and utter 'ordered' chaos. No rubbish. (No eating.) And no hooligans. And trains run every few minutes, without fail. (I wrote this post a while back about the city's slightly OCD side, if you're keen to know more, click here on A for Effort…Hong Kong really does deserve it.) I recommend you jump on board the MTR and head out to Tung Chung. At Tung Chung check out the outlets if you fancy a bit of retail therapy (probably a 6 out of 10 when it comes to a valid shopping experience). Then you can take on the world in a glass bottom (optional if you're game) 'cable car' across Lantau Island with stunning views all the way up to the Big Buddha. On a clear day, these views are magical. The bronzed buddha in the distance is truly a mystical sight to behold. (Don't bother if it's anything but clear skies though.) Even better, the Big Buddha is not only about temple-worshipping, Ngong Ping Village (whilst not really a village in the true sense of the word) is home to a myriad of shops (including a very fine shoe shop ladies), plenty of cafes (including StarBucks to give it that all-important touristy edge) and some al fresco dining pubs. Grab your tickets online to avoid the queues. #3 Take a double decker bus and wind your way across the island to Stanley or Shek O Beach…(Do me a favour and make sure you sit up top and up front of the bus for some real roller coaster-ride action and spectacular scenery!) Stanley is a little more touristy, but with the famous Stanley Markets and plenty of western style, outdoor dining restaurants along the water front, it's definitely worth checking out on a sunny afternoon. Shek O meaning "Rocky Bay" is literally a peninsula on Hong Kong's southern coast. As one of the more earthy spots on the map, it showcases a different side to the inner city glamour. I caught the bus out here a couple of months ago…. it was like stepping back in time into a beachside village from a bygone era. Eat at any number of roadside food stalls or the cheap and cheerful Chinese bistros in the town's centre; pick up a bucket and spade from one of the colourful stalls selling all things beach-friendly and head down to the sand. Note: Once late afternoon descends, your pristine paradise will become a shoulder to shoulder, umbrella to umbrella beach-fest. Be warned. For something a little more upmarket try Cococabana. This beachside mediterranean restaurant is charming, sophisticated and the food is divine! #4 Take a Ding Ding - yep that's what they call trams here….and 'ding ding' your way along the island from Central to Wanchai or as far as Causeway Bay…..it's cheap, a tight squeeze and a little bit local, but a great, fun way to take a trip through the centre of the island and get a feel for Hong Kong's true heartbeat. Admittedly, the one and only time I tried a 'ding ding' was during my very first trip to Hong Kong as a fully-fledged tourist… I nearly had a conniption fearing I wouldn't get off at my stop, it was that crowded! I literally dragged my poor mum off. If you get claustrophobic just remember, a little bit of push and shove doesn't hurt in these situations. Not that I'm condoning physical force, just saying! Tip: Correct change is required or an Octopus card. Or, if you're up for something a little less sardine-like, take a vertical ride up the side of the Peak in the Venerable Peak Tram … Avoid 'peak hour' if you can, more often than not, I've seen queues backed up for miles. If you get on, it certainly gives you a unique perspective of Hong Kong. Hang on! Once you reach the Peak - while it is most definitely a tourist trap - you can't beat the breath taking views overlooking the world's skyscraper capital.There are plenty of spots to eat, a host of souvenir shops for you to tick off that present list and a refreshing hike/walk around the Peak is not out of the question, if that's your cup of tea! #5 It wouldn't be a trip to Hong Kong with out hailing down one of the city's iconic red taxis now would it? Trawling the streets day and night, this is surely an experience in itself….(bonus points if you can manage to hail one down AND the driver gets the gist of your destination AND agrees to go in your direction!) Don't be scared though, it's all about the challenge (says she who had a meltdown on a very questionable journey that had me travelling in the opposite direction with no clue how to get back on track!) Did I mention I had a baby on my lap? I can laugh now. (PS. Don't attempt if you are prone to bouts of car sickness, these old cars have a tendency to attract some heavy breaking from drivers (who blame the cars, of course)! Tip: Most drivers don't accept $500 notes so have something a little smaller on hand. Cash only too! And if there's a red 'out of service' card on the dash board, this doesn't mean it's out of service (of course), it simply means the driver will cross the harbour for you. Yes! Many drivers prefer to stick to one side of the city. Kowloon or HK Island and never the twain shall meet. So that's my 'Big 5' when it comes to must-do experiences in Hong Kong! Time now for you to take a joy ride in the mighty Kong! You won't regret it. Psst, If you've got any tips/questions, I'd love to hear or tell us about your experiences (I'm sure readers would love to know too, so make sure you leave a comment below)! Cheers! Nicole This awesome map was created especially for Mint Mocha Musings by Air France. Fly with them direct from London to Hong Kong. … [Read more...]