Itching for a vacay, but short on leave? There are loads of places that are super close, meaning you can get your holiday fix over the weekend with these short trips from Hong Kong.
Thank goodness that hotel quarantine is finally over! As much as we’re love camping in Hong Kong and exploring the islands around the city (and oh so thankful for the staycations that carried us through), we’re more than ready to hop on a plane – and we bet you are, too. If you want a quick getaway to make the most of a weekend or public holiday, below are 10 great short trips from Hong Kong to satisfy your wanderlust. And best of all: each destination is under five hours away! So go forth now, and explore the world.
Psst – travel restrictions are still in place in some parts of the world. Make sure to double check before you fly!
10 destinations for short trips from Hong Kong
1. Macau
Just a short one-hour ferry ride from Hong Kong, Macau is one of the easiest (and cheapest) places to get to from Hong Kong. Check in at one of the many huge resorts and spend your time lounging by a pool drinking cocktails, or splashing your cash at the casinos. And if that’s not your scene, then explore the alternative side to the SAR by discovering cool cafes, beautiful heritage buildings, cultural sites, and loads of great restaurants.
Read more about things to do in Macau and learn about where to stay in Macau (these are our fave tried and tested hotels!).
Stay updated on the travel restrictions in Macau.
2. Mainland China
Right on our doorstep is Mainland China, making the country a must-visit on our list of short trips from Hong Kong. Whether you want to jump on a train to Shenzhen and enjoy a shopping spree, saunas, and good food, or fly to Shanghai and party the night away, there are so many fascinating regions in this huge country for you to explore.
Don’t miss out on the adorable pandas and the wonderful architecture of Chengdu. Or, why not take the family to the tropical island of Sanya? Known as the Chinese Hawaii, Sanya offers plenty of stunning beaches, resorts, and great restaurants – plus it’s just 1.5 hours away from Hong Kong!
Enjoy a luxurious stay at one of these top five resorts in China or Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen.
3. Taiwan
Less than two hours from Hong Kong by plane, Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is the gateway to a land full of nature, exceptional design, awesome food, and some of the loveliest people in the world. If you’re staying in Taipei, there’s plenty to see and do, from exploring the Shilin Night Markets to wandering through creative centres like Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, to scaling Taipei 101 or visiting the stunning Presidential Palace.
If you want to go further into the country, then consider heading to Taichung for a spot of hiking or visit the Eternal Spring Shrine waterfall inside Taroko National Park. We also love Kenting at the Southern tip of Taiwan for its beaches and water sports galore!
Take a look at the latest entry restrictions for foreigners visiting Taiwan.
4. Philippines
Manila is an absolute dream for travellers, especially for lovers of design, food, and good coffee. And best of all: it’s just a short two-hour flight from Hong Kong. The city has some stunning cultural landmarks that can’t be missed, including Intramuros and Quiapo Church, the latter of which houses a statue of Jesus that is said to be miraculous.
If you want to escape to a tropical beach location, then you can be in Cebu in just three hours, and living the high life in one of the many resorts. Enjoy the surf and sun, or explore the region by boat, and be back at your desk by Monday morning.
5. South Korea
When it comes to short trips from Hong Kong, you really can’t beat the wonderful pace of life and culture in South Korea. It takes around three hours to get to most destinations from Hong Kong – and wherever you visit is sure to be vastly different from the next.
In Seoul, watch the changing of the guards at the colourful Gyeongbukgong Palace or stroll through historic Insadong for souvenirs before spending the night partying in Gangnam at a super club until the wee small hours. Over in the South, Busan has those chill beach vibes, making it a great summer getaway destination. Time it right, and you might just make it to the Busan International Film Festival, where giant movie screens are placed right on the beach for everyone to see.
And who could forget Jeju, the romantic island famed as much as a honeymoon destination as for its delicious oranges. A picturesque spot with luscious greenery at every turn, explore the scenery on horseback or see if you can spot the haenyeo (female pearl divers) who are revered for their strength and independent spirit. All in all, you don’t have to be a fan of K-Pop or K-dramas to enjoy a short trip from Hong Kong to South Korea!
Here are five festivals in South Korea that you won’t want to miss.
Find out more about travelling to Korea under the pandemic.
6. Vietnam
Ah, Vietnam. The coffee! The banh mi! The people! Whether you want to hit up Ho Chi Minh (just under three hours from Hong Kong) and explore Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and Ben Thanh Market with your family, or if you’re heading to Da Nang (two hours from Hong Kong) to visit the Marble Mountains, followed by exploring the caves and shrines, you’re sure to fall in love with Vietnam thanks to its colour and culture.
Find out why we love staying at Fusion Resorts Phu Quoc and Windsor Plaza Hotel Saigon.
Here is more information about travelling to Vietnam under Covid-19.
7. Thailand
Two words: Thai food. A list of short trips from Hong Kong would not be complete without Thailand! Discover the capital of Bangkok and its vibrant street markets, or hit the beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui and live your best sun-kissed life. Hua Hin is also the perfect spot for a family vacation, especially if you’re a golf fan; while up north, culture and history buffs won’t want to miss Chiang Mai.
Looking for places to stay at Thailand? Visit Avani Hua Hin Resort & Villas, Como Point Yamu, and Inspiring Villas.
Check the entry requirements to Thailand.
8. Singapore
We adore Singapore – and it’s not just because that’s where Honeycombers HQ has its home! It’s also a vibrant country with a mix of cultures that make it a great place to eat, shop, and explore. From the busy streets of Little India to the wonderful colours of Arab Street, to the temples and nightlife at Chinatown, we never get bored of travelling to Singapore.
Find out what to do in Singapore; eat out at the best vegetarian restaurants at the Little Red Dot; and drink your night away at these bars in Tanjong Pagar. For places to stay, you can’t beat Sofitel Singapore City Centre; Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore; and Radisson Golf & Convention Centre Batam.
Keep up to date with Singapore’s travel restrictions.
9. Japan
Slightly further away (but totally worth it!), Japan is a country with huge regional differences and so much to explore. Closest to Hong Kong (2 hours 45 minutes), Okinawa is a small island renowned for its exquisite seafood, scuba diving, and village lifestyle. Also, check into the Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa for a relaxing getaway.
Fukuoka (3 hours 20 minutes from Hong Kong) is a port city in the southern part of Japan that is often overlooked, but is actually one of the most magical parts of the country. Spend time exploring the large Russian district; browse fashionable items designed by the local community; and visit the Fukuoka Art Museum that houses both ancient and contemporary works.
And then of course, there’s Tokyo, the never-sleeping capital city that can be reached in just a four-hour flight from Hong Kong. Fall in love with Shibuya; shop ’til you drop in Harajuku; indulge in our fave vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo; and get fancy in Ginza – the world is your oyster in Tokyo, and there’s no better place to party.
Take a look at Mel Cox’s guide to climbing Mount Fuji.
Read the updated information regarding travelling to Japan.
10. Bali
Around five hours by plane (four and a half when the wind is in your favour), Bali is never a bad idea. There’s something for everyone here, whether you want to chill in Uluwatu and spend your days sipping drinks at beach clubs, or if you want to head to action-packed (and affordable) Kuta for some backpacker-style good times. Nature and wellness fans will want to check out Ubud, while Seminyak is the spot for shopping, cafes, and fancy cocktail bars. We love the diversity at Bali, and if you need the latest lowdown, be sure to check out our sister site Honeycombers Bali for the most up-to-date cool places to hit!
See why we fell in love with Villa Issi in Seminyak, Manarai Beach House, and La Brisa at Canggu.
Here are the latest guidelines for travellers heading to Bali.
