A great Indian family vacation, at its core, is like a great Indian thali. Vibrant, packed with diverse options, and memorable. The key is to pick the right destination. From curious children to adventurous teens to travel bug-bitten adults to nature-loving octogenarians— a place that offers something special for every member of the family. For our Editor-in-Chief, Kamiya Jani, and her 11-year-old daughter, Ziana, Hong Kong proved to be the perfect family destination.
Why Hong Kong?
Zeroing in on Hong Kong as the family vacay spot was a no-brainer for the mother-daughter duo. For Kamiya Jani, it was just three simple reasons. Firstly, travelling to the East Asian city means just taking a non-stop five-hour flight. No connecting flights or tiring layovers! IndiGo, Cathay Pacific and Air India are the best bets.
Secondly, there are no visa hassles for Indian passport holders. All one needs to do is fill out an online pre-arrival registration form, matching one’s details with the passport.
Lastly, but most importantly, Hong Kong is a family-friendly destination. Popularly known as the ‘World’s Meeting Place’ for its position in the global business world, Hong Kong is a seamless blend of fun, nature and heritage. Where else can Indian travellers find beaches, mountains, theme parks, heritage sites and city vibes all at once?
The Perfect Family-Friendly Destination
Hong Kong offers a melange of experiences and activities for every discerning traveller. Kamiya and Ziana were no different, as their itinerary had a blend of visits to iconic sites, day-outtings at theme parks, culinary trails, outdoorsy activities, and fun-filled experiences.
Iconic Spots
To kickstart their trip on a “high note”, Kamiya and Ziana first headed to Victoria Peak. At 552 m, it’s Hong Kong’s highest point that offers a scenic view of the city’s prized skyscrapers. The duo took a 10-minute tram to reach the top to soak in the most glorious views.
Another iconic experience they couldn’t miss out on was the Symphony of Lights, the world’s largest light and sound show, viewed from a sunset cruise in Victoria Harbour. At 8 pm every night, the city’s skyscrapers dazzle, almost coming alive in unison. It is truly a sight to behold.
Outdoorsy Activities
For yoga enthusiast Kamiya and sports-loving Ziana, a vacation without outdoorsy things was unimaginable. The duo cycled at Tai Mei Tuk, a stunning cycling trail overlooking the Plover Cove Reservoir.
They explored the traditional Tai O Fishing Village on foot. One of the oldest villages in Hong Kong, the locals still commute by boats and are dependent on fishing for their livelihood. The stilt houses and fishing culture are its highlights.
For a slice of tranquility, Kamiya and Ziana escaped to the Tian Tan Buddha & Po Lin Monastery. The 110-foot-tall towering Buddha statue captured their attention, as did the lush greenery that surrounded the symbol of peace.
Fun-Filled & Educative Experiences
Hong Kong is not limited to its heritage spots. A plethora of fun-filled, engaging and educational experiences await children and adults alike. Take the Cup Noodles Museum, an entire museum displaying cup noodle variants from 17 different countries, a spot where Ziana made a customised bowl of cup noodles.
Or the dim sum-making workshop, hosted by the Hong Kong New Oriental Culinary Art. Kamiya and Ziana wore their chef’s hats and tried their hand at making dim sum and Hong Kong’s famous egg tarts.
Thrilling Theme Parks & A Dash Of Adventure
How can their vacay be complete without a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland, right? The ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ has rides and zones that make it stand out from the rest. There’s ‘World of Frozen’, the newest attraction for all Frozen fans, and Mystic Manor, a thrilling ride that the 11-year-old thoroughly enjoyed.
At Ocean Park Hong Kong, Ziana got up close with the most adorable pandas and red pandas and even hopped on cable cars, offering breathtaking views of the sea and sky. In the Polar Adventure Zone of the theme park, they encountered penguins and seals.
While Disneyland and Ocean Park had their own thrills, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre had a spark of creativity and colour, and proved to be the ultimate playground for every LEGO lover.
Culinary Gems For Discerning Foodies
The best travel destinations offer the most enriching culinary experiences. Hong Kong is no different. A passionate foodie that she is, Kamiya dined at the Michelin-starred Shang Palace at Kowloon Shangri-La. Known for its authentic Cantonese flavours, Kamiya and Ziana feasted on Chilli Prawns, Mango Pudding and a special duck-shaped dessert. A feast for the senses!
For a local touch, rooted in culture, they also headed to Temple Street Night Market, buzzing with stalls selling soups, stir-fries straight out of the wok and other deep-fried snacks. Numerous stalls line the bustling open-air market offering everything from Cantonese, Pan Asian, Indian, to even vegan meals, all in one spot.
Bringing fun, adventure and endless family moments all in one place, Hong Kong proved to be the perfect travel destination for Kamiya and Ziana. And it will be for you too!
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Cover Image Courtesy: Internal
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