Following our Chicago, Illinois Wedding, we set our sights on a cultural and relaxing honeymoon at several destinations in Asia that we could explore for the first time together. So after saying “I do”, we jetted off to Hong Kong , Thailand, and the Maldives for a 21-day journey filled with plenty of sightseeing, leisure, romance, and delicious cuisine. The first stop of our Hong Kong Honeymoon was the vibrant city of Hong Kong. We spent 3 nights at the Peninsula Hotel and we absolutely loved it! Overlooking Victoria Harbor, the Peninsula is the oldest hotel in Hong Kong. It offers 5-star service and excellent location. We were even picked up by a Rolls-Royce at the airport!!

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Our schedule was full of amazing activities: visits to the Po Lin Monastery, the Big Buddha, the Victoria Peak, the Repulse Bay Beach, dinner at the Man Wah restaurant, and drinks at the Ozone rooftop bar. A sightseeing day trip to Macau was also included in our Hong Kong itinerary.

Things to Do in Hong Kong

Take the Ngong Ping Cable Car and Visit the Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha

Ngong Ping 360 is one of Hong Kong’s must-see attractions. The incredible crystal cable car journey is the ideal springboard to exploring the Lantau Island. The ride takes about 25 min from Tung Chung. The cabin glass bottom offers an astonishing bird’s eye view of the magical deep blue sea and the lush green mountainside underneath your feet.

Po Lin Monastery was built in 1924 and it is situated on the Lantau Island. It is set amid spectacular mountain scenery on the 520-metre high Ngong Ping plateau. Known as the “Buddhist Kingdom in the South”, it ranks first as the most magnificent structures amongst the four popular Buddhist temples in Hong Kong.

The Big Buddha is the tallest, outdoor, seated bronze Buddha statue situated next to the Po Lin Monastery. From the gate of the temple, you can see a big copper statue of Sakyamuni located on the top of the Muyushan Mountain. The statue is 26 meters high and weighs 250 metric tons. The pedestal of the statue is a three-story exhibition hall in which there is a big bell. The bell is delicately engraved with Buddhist figures and Buddhist scriptures. Controlled by a computer, the bell is rung once every seven minutes, 108 times a day-in essence to ”relieve” 108 vexations. Visitors can climb the 268 steps to reach the platform where the Buddha is seated.

Besides admiring the Po Lin Monastery and the massive statue of the Big Buddha, there is also much to see and do at the Ngong Ping Village and the monastery itself with its various figures of gods and other colorful manifestations of aspects of the Buddhist religion.

Admire the Panoramic View of the City from Victoria Peak

The Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island. This area has been the city’s most exclusive neighborhood since colonial times. Whether at day or night, the Victoria Peak is the best place to admire the sparkling skyscrapers of Hong Kong, Victoria Harbor, and the green hills of the New Territories.

Enjoy a ride on the Peak Tram. In operation since 1888, this funicular is one of the city’s oldest and best-loved forms of transportation. It is also the quickest and the most scenic way to arrive at The Peak. From here you can ascend up to Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of the city from the observation deck.

Visit the Dried Food and Herbal Medicine Market in the Western District. Proceed to the incense-filled Man Mo Temple

Take a stroll through time in the Western area. Wing Lok Street is lined with specialty shops selling ginseng and bird’s nest. Both are believed to be essential for longevity, energy, and fair complexion. Discover the surprising varieties of exotic dried seafood and wide selection of Chinese herbs. You can find rare and expensive items, like abalone, gathered from around the world.

Proceed to the incense-filled Man Mo Temple, one of the first traditional style temples built during the colonial era. Inside, the air is thick with plumes of aromatic smoke from the coils and incense sticks that are said to carry prayers to the spirit world. The old altars and red shrines pay homage to the Taoist gods of literature (“Man”) and war (“Mo”) — “Man” with his calligraphy brush and “Mo” with his sword. There is also a statue of Pau Kung, the god of justice, and another of Shing Wong, the god of the city. The plaques near the entrance give an interesting perspective on the history of the temple and its gods. The temple’s historical relics include a bronze bell dated 1847 and imperial sedan chairs made in 1862.

Take a Scenic Trip to Repulse Bay. Board a Traditional Sampan

Repulse Bay, located in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, is the most spectacular bay in the region. Its name comes from a 19th century battle in which the British army repulsed attacking pirates. Today, the place is a luxurious residential area for dining, relaxation, and aquatic activities.

The beach stretches along with clear azure blue water gently lapping the seashore. Its sand is golden and soft.

Later that day, you can board a traditional sampan for a short cruise through the local floating village. The quaint and charming Aberdeen Fishing Village is not far from the hustle and bustle of the heart of Hong Kong, but seems like light-years away from it all, at first look. The picturesque village includes rows upon rows of old-fashioned junks and sampans, and some house boats where fishermen and their families still live.

Although, we didn’t have the opportunity to dine at the Jumbo Floating Restaurant at the Aberdeen Fishing Village, I would definitely recommend this internationally renowned cultural attraction and fine-dining establishment.

Experience some of the Traditional Restaurants and Spectacular Bars

I highly recommend dining in one of the traditional restaurants in Hong Kong. We had the chance to visit the posh Man Wah restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Located on the 25th floor, this Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant serves exquisite local and regional specialties. Often referred to as Hong Kong’s most beautiful dining space, Man Wah’s atmospheric decor and panoramic views of Victoria Harbor and the Hong Kong skyline provide the perfect setting for wonderfully delicious cuisine.

Café Causette at Mandarin Oriental was another favorite place where we had quick lunch and drinks. The restaurant offers contemporary and convenient all-day dining.

We had an absolutely amazing night at the OZONE! OZONE is the highest bar in the world, located on the 118th floor of The Ritz-Carlton hotel. This glitzy bar and lounge offers signature cocktails, Asian tapas, and ideal magical blue-hued surroundings for a memorable night admiring the incomparable views of Hong Kong.

The next stop of our honeymoon was Chiang Mai, a mountainous city located in northern Thailand. Founded in 1296, Chiang Mai is a cultural and religious center and a home to hundreds of Buddhist temples.