Hong Kong & Bangkok Adventure
Experience the culture and cuisine of two timeless traveler hotspots in Asia; explore independently with flights, hotels & city tours included
Overview
Style | Independent PackageThese un-escorted packages have no set schedule or guides, so you have the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own from your centrally-located hotel. More of these packages
Freedom to explore at your own pace; unescorted |
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Departures | |||
Themes | History & Culture, City Stays | ||
What to Expect | This well-paced, independent tour includes walking for several hours and requires higher levels of physical fitness to fully enjoy the trip. This tour does not include a tour guide or escort beyond included touring. | ||
Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. |
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Get ready to discover the culture, colors and cuisine of two of Asia’s legendary traveler hot spots. Start your adventure in Hong Kong, where neon skylines and the stunning Victoria Harbor frame a multicultural metropolis known for its colonial past, its Chinese roots and its distinctly modern flair. Then fly to Bangkok and experience the gilded temples and Buddha statues, world-class food and smiling people, and the floating markets and vibrant street-life that have made this capital city such a popular destination!
On our Hong Kong & Bangkok Adventure you have plenty of free time to explore independently or add-on an array of optional touring in between some included tours so you can truly personalize your experience. If you choose, you can taste your way through the diverse culinary options---from steaming dim sum to tangy pad thai. Or, perhaps you’d prefer to immerse yourself in ancient Buddhist culture with a trip to Hong Kong’s evergreen Lantau Island and tranquil Po Lin Monastery. Or maybe you want to follow a cultural path, and meander through the hustle and bustle of Temple Street Night Market or Bangkok’s traditional floating markets. (You can even do a little bit of everything!)
From art and architecture, to culture and cuisines, with fun and free time, this is an adventure you won't soon forget.
Package includes
- Flights
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Round-trip flights from San Francisco (SFO) including fuel surcharge and taxes and fees
- Arrival and departure transfers
- 7 nights in superior first class accommodations with guaranteed early check-in in Hong Kong
- 8 Meals: 8 buffet breakfasts
- Sunset Foodie Tour of Hong Kong with Symphony of Lights Cruise
- Bangrak Foodie Tour in Bangkok
- Guided city tours in Hong Kong and Bangkok
Optional add-ons
- Discover and taste food and drinks from six different locations on the Hong Kong Foodie Tour
- Ride a cable car and visit one of the world’s largest outdoor Buddha statues on the Lantau Island & lunch at Po Lin Monastery Tour
- Savor authentic treats on the Old Bangkok Street Food Walking Tour
- See an unmatched view of Bangkok with a visit to the Sky Bar
- Try your hand at cooking classes in Hong Kong and Bangkok
Why you'll love it
- Taste exotic treats in Hong Kong and Bangkok
- Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USA
- Check in for your overnight flight to Hong Kong (most flights depart after midnight)
Day 2: En route
- Cross the International Dateline and lose a day. (You will recover this day on the return leg of your trip)
Day 3: Arrive in Hong Kong
3 nights New World Millennium Hotel or similar, Hong Kong. Breakfast.
- Upon arrival, and after customs formalities, transfer to your centrally located hotel for check-in
- Guaranteed early check-in upon arrival
- Enjoy a morning at leisure, or explore Hong Kong with a self-guided tour.
- In the afternoon, depart for a walking Sunset Foodie Tour and Symphony of Light Cruise
Full Day Itinerary: Upon arrival in Hong Kong, you'll be escorted to your hotel located in the bustling heart of Kowloon, near the scenic harbor and the "Golden Mile," Hong Kong's famous shopping district. Check-in immediately with guaranteed early check-in, and the morning is yours to rest, or hit the ground running with a choice of self-guided walking tours. Get a head start on souvenir shopping with the Markets for Leisure & Pleasure tour, or learn about historical buildings with A Century of Architecture.
Your foodie adventure starts later in the afternoon, traveling via subway train and then on foot through the neighborhoods. Your guide will escort you to the Yau Ma Tei Station, and your first taste will be a cup of Chrysanthemum Tea at a local herbal tea shop. After a brief visit to the historically preserved Yau Ma Tei Theater and Red Brick Building, make your way to the Yau Ma Yei fruit wholesale market. Take a moment to sample some exotic fruit from around the world, like mangosteen, longan or lychee, then take a walk through Shanghai Street, famous for shops carrying traditional cooking supplies. Stop by the Chinese Singing Parlor to listen to some local music, and enjoy a Chinese Egg Tart on your walk through the Fortune Teller Zone. Then savor a bowl of Mak’s Wonton Noodle soup, recommended by the 2018 Michelin Guide. Your walking tour ends at the pier, where you will board a junk for a cruise around iconic Victoria harbor, capturing the city’s vibrancy from the best position in town! With complimentary drinks in hand, witness the celebrated nightly spectacle with interactive lightings of 33 key buildings of the city. There is no better way to see the show than on a harbor cruise!
Day 4: Hong Kong
Breakfast.
- This morning, explore your surroundings with an included tour of Hong Kong Island
- Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or sign up for a Hong Kong Foodie Tour
Full Day Itinerary: Your morning tour of Hong Kong Island features a cable car ride to the top of Victoria Peak for a magnificent city and harbor view. Descend and continue to Repulse Bay and Aberdeen fishing village, a community of some 600 colorful floating homes. Conclude your tour with some time for shopping with a visit to the Stanley Market and a handmade jewelry workshop.
Optional Excursion: Hong Kong Foodie Tour, $100 pp (purchased locally). This afternoon, meet a local food expert and visit six family-run tasting locations in the Central and Sheung Wan neighborhoods. Each eatery has been specially selected to represent examples of Hong Kong cuisine, and tell the unique and interesting stories behind them. Along the way, learn fun facts about the region, and about the historical figures and beautiful architecture of the region. Featured offerings can range from wonton noodles and fresh juice, to local baked goods and roasted meats.
Day 5: Hong Kong
Breakfast.
- Enjoy a day at leisure or choose from one of two optional excursions to take part in a cooking class or the Lantau Island & Po Lin Monastery
Optional Excursion: Traditional Dim Sum Cooking Class, $130 pp. This afternoon, you'll learn how to make traditional Dim Sum, a combination of spring rolls and steamed or deep fried dumplings, which can be savory or sweet. For Hong Kong residents, it's an important part of 'Yum Cha', a weekend tradition of gathering with family to drink tea, and enjoy Dim Sum. Meet your guide and take the Mass Transit Railway to visit a local market to discuss the ingredients of the day. Then you will attend your cooking class, learning skills and techniques to create Dim Sum yourself! After the class, you and your fellow chefs will savor the fruits of your labor, and take home the recipes to try your hand at recreating Dim Sum at home. (Note: This tour will operate with a minimum of 4 participants. Should this tour not materialize, you will be notified prior to departure from the US, and refunded the charge for the tour)
Optional Excursion: Lantau Island & Po Lin Monastery Tour with lunch, $112 pp (purchased locally). Lantau Island is home to some of Hong Kong's most famous landmarks. The lush landscapes and iconic attractions provide picturesque scenery and a delightful retreat from the hectic city life of urban Hong Kong. Cruise along the Tsing Ma Bridge, one of the longest road/rail suspension bridge in the world, stopping at the viewing platform before crossing to Lantau. Next in Tai O Village, board a boat for a glimpse of the most famous wooden stilt houses along the waterfront. This traditional fishing village is a mosaic of surprises with its tiny shops, shrines, local market and fishing junks. Make your way to the tranquil Po Lin Monastery, nestled among spectacular mountains, and enjoy a Chinese vegetarian lunch. This peaceful monastery houses one of the world’s largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha statues and a museum. Finish your tour with a cable car ride on a 5.7 km Skyrail showcasing views of the lush terrains of Lantau and the South China Sea.
Day 6: Hong Kong & Bangkok
4 nights COMO Metropolitan or similar, Bangkok. Breakfast.
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok
- Upon arrival, and after customs formalities, meet our representative and transfer to your centrally located hotel for check-in
- Balance of the day at leisure
Day 7: Bangkok
Breakfast.
- This morning enjoy a walking foodie tour of Bangrak
- Afternoon at leisure to explore independently
Full Day Itinerary: After breakfast, your guide will escort you to meet your local Bangkok foodie expert. They will guide you on an insightful culinary walking adventure through the Bangrak neighborhood. Meaning “Village of Love,” Bangrak is an ideal place for food lovers and curious travelers to connect with authentic local culture.
While exploring the streets of Bangrak, you’ll learn about the history of the area, hearing tales about the famed buildings that surround you. Bangrak is also well known for its amazing food and boasts many family-run stalls. Stop to taste some of the best local snacks from the traditional to the exotic, up to 15 distinct kinds of food and beverages. This could include delicacies such as “Fish Cake”, one of the most typical Thai appetizers; savor a selection of authentic Thai desserts such as ‘Sweet Thai Custard with Sweet Sticky Rice’, ‘Banana Tart’, or ‘Thong Yip and Thong Yod’, a typical royal Thai dessert made from egg yolk; and more. Refresh yourself with delicious herbal drinks in an 80 year old shop house. Sit down and enjoy duck noodle soup in a locally renowned noodle restaurant. Your foodie adventure ends with a treat, perhaps ‘Mangoes with Sticky Rice’, before you are transferred back to your hotel. (Note: Vendors and menu items may change due to local availability)
The rest of the afternoon is yours at leisure.
Day 8: Bangkok
Breakfast.
- Enjoy a day at leisure, or take part in optional gastronomic tours
Full Day Itinerary: Enjoy a day at leisure to explore independently, or take part in an optional morning market tour or evening visit to Sirocco Sky Bar, or both!
Optional Excursion: Old Bangkok Street Food Tour, $40 pp (purchased locally). This morning, visit Wat Suthat, one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Meander down quiet streets to a small, historic coffee shop for an old-style Thai coffee. As you meander, there will be opportunities to try delicacies such as ‘khanom thua paep,’ a unique rice crepe or ‘qui chaii,’ a crispy or steamed dumpling filled with various vegetables like bean sprouts and spinach. Walk a bit further to see the Chinese Chao Phor Suea Shrine, then its back on the food trail to visit a coconut ice cream shop. Discover a small market and browse the stalls selling fresh seafood, fruits, spices and more. Learn about the local market culture and some of the more exotic ingredients on sale. Visit a Buddha statue manufacturer to witness the artist’s process. Afterwards, transfer back to the hotel with a full belly and a greater understanding of Thailand’s food culture.
Optional Excursion: Drinks at the Sky Bar Rooftop, Lebua Hotel, $60 pp (purchased locally). This evening, travel via tuk-tuk to the famous Lebua Hotel. Take the elevator to the 63rd floor and the rooftop Sirocco Sky Bar. Marvel at the breathtaking panoramic view of Bangkok while enjoying an included signature cocktail. Take your time to enjoy the venue, and return to your hotel via tuk-tuk or independently whenever you are ready. *Note smart casual attire is required for entry to the bar.
Day 9: Bangkok
Breakfast.
- This morning is at leisure for independent exploration, or take part in an optional cooking class
- Later in the afternoon enjoy an included tour to the Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha.
Full Day Itinerary: One of the most important landmarks in Bangkok, the Royal Grand Palace is your first stop this afternoon. Your guide will take you on an in depth journey through Thailand’s history and royal heritage. You will be awed by the grandeur and majesty of the building and its throne halls. And, of course, marvel at the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.
Optional Excursion: Half Day Thai Cooking Class at Amita Cooking School, $115 pp (purchased locally). This morning, arrive by boat to Amita Cooking School and after a brief introduction, you will be led on a short tour around the organic garden to learn about Thai herbs. Pick some of the fresh, aromatic herbs that can be later added to spice up your dishes. Start with a cooking demonstration before trying your hand at creating your own culinary masterpieces under your instructor’s guidance. For lunch, sample the fruits of your labor in a Thai-style pavilion amidst the beautiful garden. Each student will receive a set of the course recipes as a souvenir to bring back home.
Day 10: Depart Bangkok/Arrive USA
Breakfast.
- Transfer to the airport for your onward flights with connections to the USA.
- Arrive in the USA later today
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Trip Details
- What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 21 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
- What should I know about Thailand? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
- What should I know about Hong Kong? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.