Hong Kong Nightlife through the Eyes of an Indian Traveller

It’s almost like the song “All night long” was written for Hong Kong. With its vibrant nightlife, Hong Kong is undoubtedly the “party capital of Asia”. And to understand just how great it is I decided to let loose the party animal in me and explore the effervescent nightlife culture of this bustling destination.

The Journey Begins

With my flight and hotel bookings in place, I packed my bags and off I was to Hong Kong. While the journey wasn't particularly a long one I decided to get as much sleep as I could on the flight, as I had no plans of sleeping for the next couple of days. The minute I arrived, it's almost like I felt a sudden belonging to this place - the tall skyscrapers, the zipping cars, the larger-than-life shopping malls, the bright neon-lit signboards and the stylish locals. I met an old friend who had the whole plan chalked out. Our mission: to paint the town red and enjoy Hong Kong’s ultimate nightlife. With options extending beyond bars and clubs, I sure was in for a treat!

LKF-The Party Hub of Hong Kong

For starters we decided to head to Hong Kong’s premiere dining and entertainment destination, the cobble-stoned Lan Kwai Fong, popularly known as LKF. Home to over 100 restaurants, bars, clubs and shops, this world-renowned district will leave you spoilt for choice. From award winning restaurants offering Italian, Australian and Spanish cuisine to casual delis offering quick bites, LKF has it all. To kick start our night, we headed to a traditional bar where the extensive selection of beers and ales left me in a tizzy! I could already visualise how awesome the night was going to get! A couple of drinks down, and we were all set to let our hair down at some of the trendiest clubs. With DJs churning out some of the latest tracks, the chances of you rubbing shoulders with celebrities here are quite likely.

Come July and LKF is all set to host the largest outdoor summer festival for all beer and music lovers from 13-14 July. Indulge in over 100 kinds of world-famous lagers, jive to live music, and enjoy interactive games, competitions and extraordinary performances till late into the night.

S for Style, S for SOHO

While LKF is one of the more “loud” hangouts, SOHO on the other hand is the more sophisticated area with its high-end international eateries and fashionable clientele. Stretching from south of Hollywood Road, it is regarded as the “multicultural wine, dine, booze, and boogie side of Central”. Dressed in our finest attire (so as not to offend the stylish crowd), my friend and I decided to head there at sundown. Sitting at one of the chic bars located in the district’s historic and narrow streets, we watched the street come to life and gear up for the revelry that the night would bring with it.  

The Glamorous Symphony of Lights Show

The Symphony of Lights show is yet another experience without which your trip to Hong Kong is incomplete. Truth be told, the thought of a sound and light show didn’t really appeal to me till I got to Victoria Harbour. As the clock struck 8 pm, the city’s already impressive skyline came to life thanks to A Symphony of Lights, a spectacular multimedia show involving more than 40 buildings from both sides of the Harbour. This orchestrated light and laser show comprising five major themes was like nothing I had ever seen before. A unique journey indeed, the show is a celebration of Hong Kong’s energy, spirit and rich diversity. You could also witness this grand spectacle on a dinner cruise, along with a sumptuous buffet dinner and a live band.

A Cultural Extravaganza in Tsim Sha Tsui

With its branded shops, Asian boutiques, and countless dining and entertainment options, Tsim Sha Tsui (pronounced chim- sa- choi), is a contrast from the glittering island across the harbour. Whether you are a shopaholic, a food lover or someone looking for a cultural experience in Hong Kong, TST with its brightly lit neon lights is a must-visit. Popular with the district’s office goers and shoppers, I would highly TST for a casual pint or two, against the backdrop of unobstructed harbour views.

This isn’t the Final Goodbye

One thing was clear by the end of the trip; Hong Kong is undoubtedly a storehouse of energy at all hours. And the motto of everyone who heads here is loud and clear-live and let live!

Time sure did fly and before I knew it I was bidding farewell to my friend. But this wasn’t going to be the end of it; my next trip to Hong Kong was already planned out, and topping the list was Disneyland, Hong Kong.

How to Get There

One of the world's great travel hubs, Hong Kong, offers great deals on air-travel. The city’s international airport is served by numerous airlines, cruise lines, ferries and trains from Mainland China. An added advantage is its close proximity to India as compared to other Asian destinations.