I have a 14 hour layover in Hong Kong on my way to Bali.
Landing at 6 AM and leaving at 8 PM. Is it easy enough to leave the airport and take the train into the city? I just want to see Victoria Peak and get some dim sum. Will they hold my checked bags or do I need to drag them around with me.
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Hong Kong is one of the easiest airports in the world for a quick city visit.
The Airport Express train runs every 10 minutes and takes about 24 minutes to Hong Kong Station.
Immigration is usually efficient in the morning, so you’ll likely be in the city by 7:30am.
What about your checked bags?
You do not need to drag anything around.
You have two options:
1 - Let the airline automatically transfer your checked bags.
If your flights are on one ticket (most common for long-haul and Bali connections), your bags should be checked through to Bali (the final destination).
2 - Use Hong Kong Station’s in-town luggage storage.
If for some reason you do have a carry-on that you don’t want to haul around, Hong Kong Station has a ‘Left Luggage’ service; perfect for a backpack or roller bag.
Victoria Peak
The Peak Tram opens around 7.30am.
From Hong Kong Station, it’s a 10–15 min taxi or a short walk and uphill climb.
Dim Sum Options
You’re spoilt for choice in Central.
Tim Ho Wan is Michelin-starred, affordable, and right above Hong Kong Station.
Maxim’s Palace is a classic Hong Kong dim sum hall, located ten minutes from the station.
Or, for an old-school, chaotic, and unforgettable Hong Kong experience, you could try Lin Heung Tea House, located in the Tsang Chiu Ho Building (160–164 Wellington Street), at the corner of Aberdeen Street, in Central, Hong Kong.
Timing Your Layover
- 6:00am - Land.
- 6:30–7:00am - Immigration and Airport Express.
- 7:30am - Arrive in Central.
- 8:00am - Peak Tram or taxi to Victoria Peak.
- 9:00–10:00am - Enjoy the views, walk around.
- 11:00am Dim sum.
- 12:00–1:00pm Explore Central / Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.
- 4:00–5:00pm - Airport Express back.
- 5:30pm - At the airport with plenty of time for your 8:00pm flight.
From The Quay
Hong Kong, in the black of night, a gleaming liner lies at anchor: whiter and brighter, with all its lights, than the full moon above it; a true Princess of the sea.
To look at such a vessel, so majestic in the harbour, focuses the mind, concentrates one’s thoughts, and then spins the imagination.
Where had it been? Where was it going? And what about all the people drawn together upon it.
