Explore Hong Kong in Under 25K

Why Hong Kong?

Apart from the stunning skyline that dazzles every evening with the famous Symphony of Lights, the colourful and rich cosmopolitan culture and everything in between, Hong Kong is one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia. If a trip to Ocean Park or Disneyland doesn’t tempt you to take a trip to Hong Kong, try trekking the Dragonback Trail or exploring the food and shopping along the streets – because Hong Kong has something for everyone! However, Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and to explore Hong Kong on a budget requires smart planning.

Getting There

This article will give you tips on how to plan a trip to Hong Honk in under INR 25,000, excluding the cost of flight tickets. However, a number of low-cost carriers from India fly regularly to The Hong Kong International airport. To get the best ticket rates, you need to book a flight at least eight to six weeks in advance, preferably to fly out and in on a weekday. If you do it right, you can get return tickets to Hong Kong for approximately INR 25,000.

Visa Process for Hong Kong

Recently, the Hong Kong government opted out of its visa-on-arrival service to Indian passport holders and shifted to eVisa. Indian travellers are now required to pre-register for a Hong Kong Visa online. It is a seamless and quick process, and works equally fast at the Hong Kong airport as the previous visa-on-arrival did. Good news: there is no visa fee involved.

Read more: No More Visa On Arrival for Indians Visiting Hong Kong! Here’s What You Should Know

Where to Stay: Budget Hotels in Hong Kong

1. Well Yet Guest House:
   
   Located in the most buzzing part of Hong Kong – Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), Kowloon, this guest house is walking distance from the metro station as well as the bus stand. Various food joints are also close by, and the location offers stunning views of Hong Kong’s beautiful skyline.
   Tariff: INR 2,186 per night |
   Amenities: Free Wi-Fi | Laundry Services | Tour Assistance
    
2. Best Western Grand Hotel Hong Kong:

   

   
   Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, this hotel is a 5-min drive away from Hong Kong Science Museum, Temple Street Night Market and Hong Kong Museum of History.
   Tariff: INR 3,633 per night |
   Amenities: Free Wi-Fi | Restaurant | Currency Exchange | Child Care Facilities | Breakfast Buffet
   
   3. Dorsett Mongkok, Hong Kong
   Situated in Kowloon, Dorsett Mongkok, this 285-room hotel is barely a 10-minute walk from Olympic subway station. You can reach the hotel via taxi in 20 minutes from the Hong Kong International Airport.
   Tariff: INR 4,352 per night |
   Amenities: Luggage Storage | Restaurant | Room Service | Free Wi-Fi | Facilities for the Physically-Challenged

 Things to Do in Hong Kong on a Budget

1. Witness the famous Hong Kong skyline – a sight that will never cease to enchant you, and should be on top of your list of things to do in Hong Kong.

2. Explore the city on foot. Hong Kong has a strong walking culture and rightly so, because this colourful and lively city is best experienced by exploring its streets – and it also saves some bucks on transport!

3. See the Symphony of Lights that dazzle up the skyscrapers in the evening, along with foot tapping music. This orchestrated light and laser show starts at 8 p.m. every day, and transforms the skyline into a multimedia fantasy.

4. Take a walk at the Avenue of Stars* and get yourself acquainted with the Hong Kong film industry. Here you will find hand imprints of famous global movie stars like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee.

5. Skip the Day Long Cruise on the famous Hong Kong Junk, and save money on a ferry for (almost) the same experience and some great photography opportunities.

A trip to Hong Kong is not complete without a trip to Disneyland – so let this be the one thing you splurge on during this budget trip. Take a one day ticket to meet your favourite Disney characters, and experience the magical world of dreams, fairytales and unadulterated fun.

Note: The cost of a 1-day entry ticket for one adult to Disneyland Hong Kong, is approximately INR 4880, although you can get discounted prices online if you book in advance. Reaching Disneyland by a ferry from TST costs INR 2980 (return trip). If you want to save more, a cheaper option is to take a bus between Tuen Mun Railway Station and Disneyland for INR 360 (return trip), or the MTR (it might take much longer to reach, but the ferry trip is a fantastic experience in itself). A 3-in-1 meal voucher at the theme park costs INR 1950.

Read More: Hong Kong: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

Where to Eat

1. Various Eating Joints in Tsim Sha Tsui
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The streets here are full of eating joints that serve fresh, hot and delicious local food at very pocket-friendly rates. You can get a hot pot (noodles or rice in a broth with meat or veggies) for as low as INR 165, a platter of Biryani (Indian food is available here too) for INR 210 or a Cantonese rice preparation for INR 250.
Cost: Meal for two costs around INR 450.

2. McDonald Outlets

When on a budget, nothing is as comforting and filling as a McD burger. There are plenty of outlets in the city and you can order both vegetarian and non vegetarian burgers, along with other items on the menu.
Cost: Vegetarian Meal for two costs around INR 650

Total Cost of the Trip (excluding the ticket expense):
 

Expenses	Cost for 2 nights (per person)
Hotels	INR 7,000 (Approx)
Food & Drinks	INR 4,000
Disneyland Ticket 1 Day Ticket + 3-in-1 Meal Voucher	INR 6,830
Disneyland Ferry (return trip)	INR 2980
Miscellaneous	INR 3,500
Total	INR 24,301*

* All tariffs and costs are subject to change. 

Read More: Top 10 Things to Do In Hong Kong

Tempted to Spend Some More?

Hong Kong is often called a shopping heaven and you can find everything here – from branded bags to first copies, and from current season designer outfits to funky gadgets. Head over to the Temple Street Market for steal deals on a wide array of things – clothes, footwear, phone accessories and more. Or take the metro to Ladies’ Market. Be sure to bargain, though.

Sneaky Tips to Save More on Your Trip:

Transport hack: Get an Octopus Card to cut down on your travel expenses, and use this card on the metro train, buses, ferries and also to shop at a variety of outlets like 7 Eleven, Parknshop and more.
Go off-season: A trip to Hong Kong is fun all year round, but planning a trip in the months of July and August can help you save money on accommodation.
So, don’t wait too long to plan your Hong Kong trip. Just book your tickets in advance and get ready to explore Hong Kong in under 25K! 

Book Your Flight to Hong Kong Now!

Book Your Flight to Hong Kong Now!