PLACE OF A LIFETIME – HONGKONG

Hong Kong has been called the “most thrilling city on the planet”. Change is constant in this city. An extensive transportation network linking the city’s various districts include tunnels, ferries, subways, and, of course, taxis, which are plentiful and cheaper than those in comparably sized cities.

Best of Hong Kong:

The Peak:
Victoria Peak offers great views of Hong Kong's well-developed skyline. Climb beyond the point where the tram drops passengers off via Mount Austin Road to glimpse outlying islands, or stroll on other paths to enjoy views. My tip: be light on your back.

Horse Races:
This local passion takes place from September to June in the suburban town of Shatin on Saturdays and at the 55,000-capacity Happy Valley track on Hong Kong Island on Wednesday nights, the more exciting choice. The enthusiasm among the big-betting, chain-smoking punters is infectious.

Street Markets:
Chaotic places where much of Hong Kong shops for everything from daily provisions to designer knockoffs; often surrounded by good, cheap eats. Markets around Fa Yuen Street near Prince Edward MTR station, in Stanley and, at night, Temple Street in Kowloon, have many clothes and souvenir vendors. Others at Graham and Gage Streets and the one at Cross Street in Wan Chai are lively food markets. Bottom-line: the real street life of Hong Kong where everything on sale can be bargained for.