no alt text

Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Lee Cobaj

Hong Kong’s world-famous harbour sits in an arena of skyscrapers and verdant hills, offering a spectacular perspective on the city. Its deep waters and location on the South China Sea were key to Hong Kong’s establishment as a British colony in the mid-19th century.

A trip around or across the harbour offers the chance to contrast mainland China with the unique atmosphere and pace of Hong Kong island – for mere pennies.

The cheapest and simplest way in on the iconic Star Ferry – a standard ferry route that connects Hong Kong Island with Kowloon. The Star Ferry has been in operation since 1888, before which time passengers crossed the harbour in oar-powered sampans. The early Star Ferries were steamboats. The Star Ferry Company also operate a harbour tour in the double-decker Shining Star, a re-creation of these ferries that plied the harbour in the 1920s.

A more traditional, cultural option is a tour on a traditional red-sail junk. Or you can go luxury, and book in for one of the luxury dinner cruises, often with a buffet dinner and sometimes a live band on board.

Recommendations

1

Aqua Luna

Hong Kong, China

|
Bucket List Experience
Boat with red flags sailing on aquamarine waters

This cinematic junk boat, complete with stiff fan sails, is the most stylish way to cruise Hong Kong’s mesmerising harbour.

Adult price: £23

Best for ages 12+

Duration: 45+ mins

Logistics

Price from: £3
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 1+ hours

Getting there & doing it

The Star Ferry crosses to Kowloon from either Central No.7 pier, or the Star Ferry pier at Tsim Sha Tsui. You can also catch the ferry from Wanchai pier to Tsim Sha Tsui.

When to do it

The Star Ferry runs all year round, seven days a week, with ferry crossings every 10 minutes.

Hop on just before 8pm if you want to catch the Symphony of Lights show, as the ferry pauses mid-crossing to allow for better photography.

Star Company tours on the Shining Star and dinner tours can also be timed to watch the show.

Who to go with: organised tours

1

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong

Hong Kong SAR

Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong
Join this 45 minutes harbour night cruise and get relax in a stylish lounge beds. You can enjoy drinks and snacks while soaking up the sights and sounds of Hong Kong’s fantastic skyline. The famous "A Symphony of Lights Show" you can't miss out.

Price: H374

Min age: 0

Rating 4.21 / 5 [83 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Carved lion statue outside a temple

One of the world’s most extraordinary cities, where rippling mountains, a kaleidoscopic waterfront and futuristic architecture merge with fabulous food, sizzling nightlife and top shopping.