Hong Kong

In today's Hong Kong you will find a study in contrast. Women sporting Coach bags wait for hours in line, standing in dimly lit alley-ways for a coveted bowl of noodles. Skyscrapers butt up against Buddhist temples in a battle a share of the skyline. Modern art galleries share streets with second hand shops.

Constantly reinventing herself, the 1881 former marine police barracks now is the shell for a luxury shopping mall and a bespoke hotel. Hong Kong is a city in constant evolution. Similar to New York in London, the city is populated with work-hard-play-harder professionals that attract the world's best goods and services. Seven million have somehow managed to carve out a niche in this fast paced, concentrated, buzzing city on the sea.

Must See: Hong Kong has long played little brother to cities like New York and Paris when it comes to the art scene. However, recent highly publicized arrivals such as Ben Brown Fine Arts and the Gagosian Gallery, along with Hong Kong's plans to develop the West Kowloon Cultural District over the next ten years, signal an artistic awakening.

Lodging: The Ritz Carlton hotel is perched on floors 102 through 118 in Hong Kong's tallest building. You will experience breathtaking views all around from your room and even from the indoor pool.

Ground Transportation: After landing in your private jet Hong Kong is best navigated if you avoid travelling around the city during rush-hour. Hong Kong International is well-connected with the Pearl River Delta and limousines are readily available in the city.

Packing Tips: Even though Hong Kong is one of the leading cities of the 21st century, they still have conservative attitudes toward dress. Women are not typically seen in revealing clothing. In Thailand you might get away with wearing flip flops in the warm weather, but this is not customary in Hong Kong. They are more business oriented and use footwear to match.

Recommended Books: Memories of a Hong Kong Childhood, Martin Booth, Gweilo (2004) - Full of colorful characters and intrigue, a childhood memoir that offers a history of Hong Kong in the 1900's.

Currency: The legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar; pegged to the US dollar at a rate of approximately 7.80 HKD to 1.00 USD

Calling Code Hong Kong: 852

Best Travel Dates: June through September is typhoon season in this part of the world, so try to steer clear. November and December are typically warm and sunny months.

Cities in Hong Kong