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 How to Plan a 2-Day Tour of Hong Kong's Highlights

How to Plan a 2-Day Tour of Hong Kong's Highlights

Written by JoshuaUpdated Nov. 21, 2023
Hong KongHong Kong

Want to visit Hong Kong but your time is limited? If you have two days in Hong Kong, we recommend one day on Hong Kong Island for sightseeing and one day on Lantau Island to experience the culture (or at a theme park if you are traveling with kids).

Day 1 - Hong Kong Island Sightseeing

Visit the must-see attraction of Victoria Peak in the morning and experience local life in Aberdeen or Stanley. You don't need to spend a long time hiking during this trip so it is a relaxing day, which is suitable for your first Hong Kong tour.

Morning: Atop Victoria Peak to Enjoy the Scenery of Victoria Harbour

Scenery on Victoria PeakScenery on Victoria Peak

To see Hong Kong from above, go to Victoria Peak, which is the highest place in Hong Kong Island. The most popular and relaxing way to reach the top is to take the Peak Tram, which takes you to the peak in 7 to 8 minutes.

The Peak Tower is the terminal of the tram, from where you can admire the great scenery of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong's skyline. Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is also located in the tower.

At noon, you can have lunch in the Peak Tower where there are dozens of restaurants with nice views, although the prices are likely to be high. If you are traveling with us and want to save money, your guide will recommend some restaurants in Central.

Afternoon: Aberdeen or Stanley Market

Sampan in AberdeenSampan in Aberdeen

Aberdeen used to be a fishing village outside of Hong Kong's urban area. Nowadays, it is a famous attraction because of its floating village and floating restaurants.

You can enjoy a sampan (a type of fishing boat) ride in the harbor area of Aberdeen. This is a wonderful way to delve into the lifestyle of traditional Hong Kong fishermen. Then, you can have your dinner in a floating restaurant.

If you are not interested in Aberdeen, we suggest Stanley Market instead. You will find a lot of interesting objects that locals use in their daily lives, such as cheap jewelry, paintings, and handicrafts. Your guide will give you some advice before you buy anything. It is a good experience to just walk around the market.

Optional: Repulse Bay

Repulse BayRepulse Bay

If you are tired of the high buildings and crowds, you can have a detour to Repulse Bay. It is about 10 minutes' drive from Aberdeen or Stanley. The crescent-shaped bay is one of the longest beaches in Hong Kong with clear water and soft sand. There, you can enjoy the sea breeze and view of the horizon.

Evening: Admire the Night View from the Shore of Victoria Harbour

After night falls, go to the shore of Victoria Harbour to enjoy the night view of Hong Kong's skyline and watch the light show called A Symphony of Lights.

The day's summary: Although you may be tired, it is hoped that this packed first day will give you an enjoyable time seeing the major sights in Hong Kong Island. Check more details about our Hong Kong Island tour.

Day 2 - Lantau Island or Theme Park

Giant Buddha in Lantau IslandGiant Buddha in Lantau Island

On the second day, you can visit the Giant Buddha and some fishing villages in Lantau Island, which provide some close contact with local customs. However, young kids may not be interested in these activities so visiting a theme park is a good option.

Morning: Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha

In the morning, you will be driven to Lantau Island via Tsing Ma Bridge and enjoy the scenery along the way. Visit Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha, which is the largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha statue.

A round-trip cable car ride called Ngong Ping 360 will offer you the best view of the Buddha.

Afterward, enjoy a vegetarian lunch in the monastery.

Afternoon: Tai O Fishing Village and Ngong Ping Village

Fishing village in Lantau IslandFishing village in Lantau Island

Tai O is a picturesque village in Lantau Island. It is not a famous destination but is a good place to admire the hidden face of Hong Kong. If you skipped the sampan ride in Aberdeen, you can enjoy this activity in Tai O. If you are lucky enough, you may see some pink dolphins swimming in the sea.

You can also visit Ngong Ping Village nearby. This is a cultural village with theaters about Buddhism as well as specialty restaurants, teahouses, and markets. You may also enjoy the buskers' performances of Chinese kung fu, juggling, and Cantonese opera.

Alternative Plan for Travelers with Kids: Ocean Park Hong Kong or Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Ocean ParkHong Kong Ocean Park

If you are traveling with your kids, a good option is to spend your second day in Ocean Park Hong Kong or Hong Kong Disneyland.

Ocean Park Hong Kong is a popular theme park with exciting rides, interesting exhibitions, and animals. You can spend the morning in the Waterfront section to visit pandas and Australian animals, then head to the Summit section for marine animal performances and thrilling rides.

Hong Kong Disneyland is also a good place for an enjoyable day. This is not the largest Disneyland in the world but its small size means it is suitable to visit in one day. There are two areas that can only be found in Hong Kong Disneyland so even if you have visited other Disneylands, Hong Kong Disneyland is worth a visit.

The day's summary: You have two options - to experience traditional fishermen's lifestyles in the fishing villages or enjoy a happy day with your kids in a theme park. No matter which one you prefer, this will be a memorable day. Check more details about our Lantau Island tour.

Enjoy a Hassle-Free Hong Kong Tour with Us

Visit Hong Kong with usVisit Hong Kong with us

Visit Hong Kong with us to enjoy a private journey with a guide who speaks your language, a comfortable vehicle, and no one else except your group. You can visit the attractions at your own pace and won't waste time waiting for others.

We have more ideas and tours for your reference:

We also have many more Hong Kong tours and our tours can be customized. If you are not interested in the above tours, just tell us your interests and requirements, and we will create a tour for you.

Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

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