Travel guide

5 Days in Hong Kong & Macau: Skylines, Dim Sum & Egg Tarts

Hong Kong & Macau travel guide

Neon-lit harbours, a skyline that glitters from a mountaintop, dim sum carts rattling past century-old teahouses, and just a ferry ride away — Portuguese tiles, baroque ruins and the most famous egg tarts in Asia. Hong Kong and Macau pack two unforgettable worlds into one short, electric trip.

Here's an easy 5-day route that blends Hong Kong's icons with a day trip across the water to Macau — plus the little things that make travel smooth, including staying online from the moment you land.


Day 1: Hong Kong Island — Victoria Peak & the Harbour

Start high. Ride the historic Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak for the city's most jaw-dropping skyline view, then come down for a stroll through Central and the bars of Soho. End the day on the harbourfront for the Symphony of Lights show.

Tip: head up the Peak in the late afternoon so you catch both the daytime view and the city lighting up after dark.


Day 2: Kowloon — Tsim Sha Tsui, Markets & Dim Sum

Cross to Tsim Sha Tsui on the classic Star Ferry, walk the Avenue of Stars along the waterfront, and dive into a proper dim sum brunch — har gow, siu mai and silky cheong fun. Spend the evening haggling at the buzzing Temple Street Night Market.

Tip: the Star Ferry is one of the world's great cheap rides — skip the taxi and cross the harbour by boat at least once.


Day 3: Disneyland or Lantau Island

Take a family day at Hong Kong Disneyland, or swap the castles for nature on Lantau Island: ride the Ngong Ping cable car up to the giant Tian Tan Buddha and the peaceful Po Lin Monastery.

Tip: buy Disneyland and cable-car tickets online in advance — it's cheaper and saves you the queue.


Day 4: Day Trip to Macau — Casinos & Portuguese Old Town

Hop on the ferry to Macau. Wander the cobbled lanes of the Historic Centre, snap the iconic Ruins of St. Paul's, and lose an hour in pastel-painted Senado Square. By night, marvel at the glittering Cotai Strip casinos — the "Las Vegas of Asia."

Tip: don't leave without a warm Portuguese egg tart — the ones in Coloane village are legendary.


Day 5: Slow Hong Kong — Tea, Views & Shopping

Wrap up gently: a morning of yum cha, a tram ride along Hong Kong Island, and last-minute shopping in Causeway Bay or the boutiques of PMQ. Squeeze in one more harbour view before you fly home.


Quick Tips for Hong Kong & Macau

  • Best time to visit: October–December for cool, dry, sunny weather and clear skies.
  • Getting around: grab an Octopus card for the MTR, trams and buses; the Hong Kong–Macau ferry takes about an hour and runs day and night.
  • Plugs & power: Type G plug, 220V — bring an adapter.
  • Budget & currency: Hong Kong uses the HK Dollar, Macau the Pataca (HK Dollars are widely accepted in Macau too) — carry a little cash for markets and small eateries.

Staying Connected in Hong Kong & Macau

From navigating the MTR to posting Victoria Peak photos and the ferry ride to Macau, you'll want data that just works. With Happy Travel SIM you have two easy options:

  • Travel eSIM — delivered instantly by email. Scan the QR code and you're online the second you land. Ideal if your phone supports eSIM. Hong Kong & Macau eSIM →
  • Physical SIM card — prefer a real card, or your phone doesn't support eSIM? We post your SIM to your door with free shipping in Malaysia and Thailand, ready to pop in before you fly. Hong Kong & Macau Physical SIM →

Both give you fast 4G/5G coverage across Hong Kong and Macau — no roaming bill shock, and no hunting for an airport SIM kiosk after a long flight.


Ready for Hong Kong & Macau?

Pack your appetite, sort your data before you go, and let the city lights begin.

👉 Get your Hong Kong & Macau eSIM, or order a physical SIM (free shipping in Malaysia & Thailand).

Plan your connection before you fly

Choose a travel eSIM or physical SIM for your destination, then use these guides when you need setup or troubleshooting help.

Shop eSIM plans eSIM installation guides Check balance or top up
Back to blog