【Road Trip】Discovering Hong Kong: Your Ultimate Self-Driving Tour Itinerary

(1) Area Description
Hong Kong, the Pearl of the Orient, boasts bustling districts, towering skyscrapers, and traditional cultural neighborhoods. You can feel the perfect blend of city and nature as you embark on a self-driving tour through clear coastal bays and lively streets. This diversity allows you to explore various Hong Kong top attractions that cater to all interests. Driving in Hong Kong allows you to explore endless highways, bays, mountains, and tunnels, enjoying the ultimate freedom of the open road. Whether you head to the outskirts of Hong Kong Island for a scenic road trip or drive into the city center to admire the breathtaking urban nightscape, Car Travel Expert has curated three captivating self-drive routes to experience the city's charm and natural beauty up close!

(2) Geographical Location
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is located in southern China, east of the Pearl River estuary, facing Macau across the sea to the west. The area includes Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and 262 surrounding islands, making it an ideal destination for a road trip.

(3) Topographical Features
Hong Kong's terrain is mainly hilly, with the highest point being Tai Mo Shan at 957 meters above sea level. Flat land is scarce, with about 20% of the land being lowland, primarily in the northern New Territories. The region's unique topography enhances the appeal of a self-driving tour, showcasing both urban and natural landscapes.

(4) Scenic Overview
Hong Kong offers enchanting natural landscapes and culturally rich urban scenery, perfect for a road trip planner. You can ascend Victoria Peak to overlook the sea and enjoy the cityscape, stroll through Victoria Park to feel the breeze and greenery, or wander through the food streets of Tongluowan to savor mouthwatering Hong Kong-style snacks. Whatever your travel preference, Hong Kong will captivate you and leave you longing for more during your self-driving tour.

(5) Cultural Customs
Hong Kong is a city of diverse cultures, religions, and languages, enriched by its unique customs. The official languages are Chinese and English, and the city celebrates numerous public holidays such as Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Major events like the Hong Kong International Film Festival attract many visitors, adding to the vibrant atmosphere for a memorable road trip.

1. Car Rental Documents
(1) Passport: Required for identification when renting a car for your road trip.
(2) Hong Kong Driving License or Driver's Home Country License + International Driving Permit: According to local policies, a mainland Chinese license is not currently supported in Hong Kong, so you need to apply for the relevant license in advance. For application and form downloads, visit https://www.td.gov.hk/en/home/index.html.
(3) International Credit Card (non-chip cards with UnionPay logo accepted): The main driver must use a credit card to pay the deposit when picking up the car. The rental company will pre-authorize a certain amount as a deposit, which will be released at the end of the rental. Ensure your credit card limit is sufficient to cover the deposit and rental fees. Note: Hong Kong does not accept debit cards or cash for deposits.

2. App Recommendations
1. HKeTransport: The official app helps plan your routes for a seamless road trip.
2. Google Maps: Essential for navigation, making your self-driving tour easier and more enjoyable.
3. Openrice: A food search app ideal for finding local eateries during your journey.

Utilizing a road trip planner can streamline your itinerary and help you identify must-visit attractions along your route.

3. Essential Items
1. Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau: Essential for entering Hong Kong.
2. Hong Kong SIM card or international data package: Available on Ctrip or through Alipay for mobile data, or activate international roaming services.
3. Adapter: Mainland China uses flat two-pin and three-pin plugs, while Hong Kong uses G-type plugs. Bring a Hong Kong adapter for your trip.
4. Octopus Card: A widely accepted payment tool in Hong Kong, usable at over 170,000 points including public transport, eateries, entertainment venues, and retail stores for a quick and easy payment experience.

1. Traffic Rules
(1) Left-side Driving: Remember, Hong Kong drives on the left, which is crucial for your road trip.
(2) Seatbelts: All drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts.
(3) Speed Limit: Unless otherwise indicated, the maximum speed on all roads is 50 km/h.
(4) Mobile Phone Ban: Do not use mobile phones or other wireless devices while driving unless using hands-free equipment.
For detailed rules, refer to the "Road Users' Code" at https://www.td.gov.hk/filemanager/en/content_172/road_users_code_2020_eng.pdf

2. Common Signs

3. Toll Fees
Hong Kong has clear toll standards for tunnels. Check toll rates for tunnels before starting your road trip to budget accordingly. For details, visit: https://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/tunnels_and_bridges_n/toll_matters/toll_rates_of_road_tunnels_and_lantau_link/index.html

Aberdeen Tunnel – Flat rate $5
Lion Rock Tunnel – Flat rate $8
Shing Mun Tunnel – Flat rate $5
Sha Tin Heights Tunnel, Eagle's Nest Tunnel, and Tai Wai Tunnel – Flat rate $8
Tseung Kwan O Tunnel – No charge
Tseung Kwan O - Lam Tin Tunnel – No charge
Kai Tak Tunnel – No charge
Ching Cheung Tunnel – No charge
South Bay Tunnel – No charge
Scenic Hill Tunnel / Airport Tunnel – No charge
Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel – No charge
Lung Shan Tunnel / Cheung Shan Tunnel – No charge

4. Refueling and Parking
Find gas stations easily and plan for refueling stops on your self-driving tour.
1. Common gas stations include Sinopec, SINOPEC, and Esso Wong Chuk Hang, with signs indicating their locations along major roads. Look for signs or use navigation to find gas stations.
2. The average fuel price in Hong Kong over the past 30 days is ¥77.31 per gallon. Depending on the car size, a full tank costs approximately ¥928 to ¥1237.

1. Urban Explorer: Kowloon Cultural Tour
Kowloon is a vibrant area perfect for a road trip. Start your drive from Tsim Sha Tsui, passing through Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok, and end in Sha Tin. Experience the romantic sea breeze on the Avenue of Stars, the neon-lit Temple Street, and the diverse cuisine of Ladies' Market. Each area on this drive showcases Hong Kong's colorful urban charm, making it a highlight of any self-driving tour. Refer to your road trip planner to organize each day effectively, ensuring you don't miss any highlights during your self-driving tour.
Itinerary Recommendation
Tsim Sha Tsui → Yau Ma Tei → Mong Kok → Sha Tin
DAY 1: Hong Kong Cultural Centre - Hong Kong Space Museum - Hong Kong Museum of Art - K11 - Avenue of Stars
DAY 2: International Commerce Centre - Hong Kong Palace Museum - Temple Street
DAY 3: Mong Kok Tung Choi Street - Flower Market - Ladies' Market
DAY 4: Nan Lian Garden - Wong Tai Sin Temple, Sik Sik Yuen - Lion Rock Country Park

Driving Distance: Approximately 14 km
Suggested Duration: 3-4 days
Suitable for: General public

Must-Visit Hong Kong Top Attractions

1. Avenue of Stars:

Stretching over 400 meters, featuring a 2-meter-tall bronze statue of Bruce Lee. Enjoy the sea breeze and admire the beautiful night view of Victoria Harbour during your road trip.

2. Temple Street:

Located in Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, once famous for its fireworks, now a well-known night market with old Hong Kong charm. Enjoy seafood stalls, clay pot rice, and more. The street comes alive at night with neon lights, dance halls, and stalls selling clothes, glasses, watches, toys, coins, accessories, old photos, and paintings.

3. Ladies' Market:

A shopping paradise with a variety of goods, making it an essential stop on your self-driving tour of Hong Kong.

These sites are among the Hong Kong top attractions that every traveler should experience on their self-driving tour.

4. Wong Tai Sin Temple, Sik Sik Yuen:

Built in 1921, known for its "wish-granting" reputation. This temple is a must-visit cultural site on your road trip. It blends Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, with grand architecture and a replica of the Nine Dragon Wall from Beijing's Forbidden City. Visitors usually start their worship at the main hall, while other halls have less incense.

2. Romantic Getaway: Hong Kong's Hidden Delights

Drive through this joyful and romantic route to explore Hong Kong's culture and history, indulging in seafood delicacies along the way. This self-driving tour provides a relaxing and memorable journey. A road trip planner can enhance your experience by suggesting scenic stops and cultural sites to explore on this romantic route. Along the way, be sure to stop at some Hong Kong top attractions, like Disneyland and Plover Cove, to enrich your travel experience.

Itinerary Recommendation
Lantau Island → Tsing Yi Estate → Tsuen Wan District → Tuen Mun → Sha Tin → Plover Cove

DAY 1: Disneyland Hong Kong
DAY 2: Tsing Yi Mountain (Three Incense Sticks) - Tsing Ma Bridge - Tsing Yi Nature Trail
DAY 3: Lido Bay Beach - Thousand Island Lake Scenic Platform - Sam Shing Tsuen Seafood Market
DAY 4: Shing Mun Reservoir Main Dam - Hong Kong Heritage Museum - Plover Cove Country Park

Driving Distance: Approximately 110 km
Suggested Duration: 3-4 days
Suitable for: General public

abroad

2. Tsing Ma Bridge:

Spanning Ma Wan Channel, connecting Tsing Yi and Ma Wan, a landmark of Hong Kong. There is no pedestrian access, but a viewing platform at the Tsing Yi end offers a great view. Driving across, you can see clear waters, scattered islands, and the lush Lantau Island.

3. Sam Shing Tsuen Seafood Market:

A famous seafood market with diverse and fresh offerings like lobsters, crabs, squid, and shrimp. Fresh catches arrive daily, and nearby eateries offer delicious seafood dishes.

4. Plover Cove Country Park:

Located in eastern New Territories, one of Hong Kong's largest country parks, covering 460 hectares. Half is mountainous, and the other half is flat wetland. Enjoy beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities.

Hong Kong Island Stroll: Hong Kong Seaside Tour

Explore Hong Kong Island's nature and culture if you're tired of skyscrapers and bustling commercial districts. Visit Ocean Park Hong Kong, South Bay, and more for seaside charm, or stroll through Lover's Bridge and the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence for cultural experiences. Head to Pacific Place and Golden Bauhinia Square for unique cuisine. Whether you seek romance, food, shopping, or entertainment, Hong Kong Island has it all. Make sure to consult a road trip planner to customize your journey based on your interests, whether it's nature, culture, or cuisine. This route will take you to lesser-known gems while still allowing you to experience some of the Hong Kong top attractions.

Itinerary Recommendation
Wong Chuk Hang → Wan Chai → Victoria Peak → Lung Fu Shan → Ap Lei Chau → Shek O

DAY 1: Ocean Park Hong Kong - Ocean Park Water World - South Bay
DAY 2: Golden Bauhinia Square - Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre - Pacific Place
DAY 3: Victoria Peak - Lung Fu Shan Waterfall - Jubilee Battery
DAY 4: Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence - Big Wave Bay Beach - Lover's Bridge

Driving Distance: Approximately 50 km
Suggested Duration: 3-4 days
Suitable for: General public, island scenery enthusiasts

Must-Visit Hong Kong Top Attractions
1. Ocean Park Hong Kong:

A marine aquarium and theme park that adds excitement to your road trip with unique attractions.

2. Lover's Bridge:

A beautifully designed arch bridge offering views of Hong Kong's nightscape. Nearby attractions provide stunning views and a taste of the city's unique charm. Offers stunning views and is a romantic stop on your self-driving tour.

3. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre:

One of Asia's largest venues, with state-of-the-art facilities for conferences, exhibitions, and performances. Hosts events like the Hong Kong Book Fair, Toy Fair, IT Fair, and Food Expo. A hub for major events, perfect for cultural experiences on your road trip.

4. Victoria Peak:

A landmark offering panoramic views of Lantau Island and Hong Kong's skyline. The Peak Tower is a distinctive building with a 360-degree observation deck. Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is located in the tower's basement and features unique wax figures. A landmark offering panoramic views of the skyline, making it an essential part of your self-driving tour.

Hong Kong is a culinary haven, and as you embark on your road trip, don’t miss out on local delights like:

Hong Kong-style milk tea: Made with premium tea leaves and fresh cream, a rich and delicious favorite among locals.

Braised in Spicy Broth: Seafood or meat marinated with spices and cooked to tender perfection.

Char Siu Rice: Tender and flavorful, a must-try during your self-driving tour.

Pandan Glutinous Rice Chicken: Steamed with top-quality glutinous rice, chicken, and mushrooms, offering a rich aroma.

Braised chicken feet: A delicious dish marinated in soy sauce and bean paste, with a soft texture and rich flavor.

Rice Noodle Roll: Made with rice batter and filled with steaming hot ingredients, a nutritious and tasty traditional snack.

Egg Tart: Baked with eggs, cream, flour, and sugar, featuring a crispy crust and smooth filling.

Cheese Baked Crab: Fresh crab meat topped with cheese and baked to perfection, offering a delicate texture and rich taste.

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