How to Plan a Solo Trip to Hong Kong - A Solo Travel Guide to Hong Kong

Considered one of the safest and most exciting destinations in Asia for solo travellers, regardless of gender, Hong Kong is a dream come true for those who love city getaways. Offering tourists the chance to experience the best of the East and West, the island nation is also easy to navigate using public transport networks. From timing the visit to signing up for the right kind of activities, here are some tips on how to plan the ultimate holiday in Hong Kong for one.

Kowloon_Walled_City_Park | img via wikipedia commons

1. Time the Trip

While Hong Kong is a year-round holiday hub, solo travellers who wish to make the most of their time on the island should time their getaway. The best time of the year to head down to Hong Kong is between September and December, which is incidentally also the peak tourist season. This is when the weather conditions are ideal and free from cloudy and rainy days. This period may not be the most cost-effective time to holiday in Hong Kong as a large influx of visitors vacation in the country during this time of year and some of the biggest festivals also take place within this time frame. Solo travellers on a budget, therefore, should consider visiting between May and June when the humidity keeps most tourists away and there are no major events taking place. 

2. Find a Suitable Rest 

The next step in the planning process is deciding where to stay during the visit and there are an array of 4-star hotels in Kowloon and elsewhere to choose from. Whether you select the Park Hotel Hong Kong or any other rest, it is crucial to consider the venue's proximity to the key landmarks and sightseeing hubs on the island. A hotel close to MRT stations and other public transport networks will also come in handy for solo travellers who intend to rely on buses, trams and trains to get around the city. 

3. Use Public Transport 

Those who are touring Hong Kong alone will find that the public transport system in the country is not only efficient but also extensive and affordable. Travellers who intend to spend more than a day in Hong Kong must buy an Octopus Card for all of their travel needs as it allows one to pay for rides across a wide variety of transport networks with one travel pass. Taxi services are also surprisingly inexpensive in Hong Kong although it is far less efficient when compared to the speed and timeliness of the subway or buses. When travelling alone in Hong Kong, it's important for solo tourists to be aware of the taxi colour system, which designates the areas served by different vehicles. Red taxis primarily operate on the main island, green taxis are designated for the New Territories, and blue taxis are specifically for Lantau Island. Keeping this information in mind will help solo travellers navigate the city more effectively.

4. Must-Visit Highlights 

Some of the top sights to explore on your first solo trip to Hong Kong includes the many iconic landmarks dotting the island. This includes the Po Lin Monastery and the staggering Big Buddha sculpture, which happens to be the largest in the world. Kowloon Walled City Park and the Hong Kong Museum of History are equally worthy of exploration as are the architectural marvels that are the Bank of China Tower and the Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Happy Valley Racecourse, which is located in Wan Chai, is the perfect venue for those who love racing and gambling. 

5. Nightlife Options 

Some of the best nightlife hotspots for solo travellers are located in Central District's Lan Kwai Fong where bars, pubs, nightclubs and restaurants are found. Whisky & Words, Stockton, The Wise King, COA and Tell Camellia are great places to grab a drink while Kowloon's top bars are found on Knutsford Terrace.