New Year's Eve in Hong Kong
Flight, hotel and transfer, with the fireworks over Victoria Harbour.
New Year's Eve in Hong Kong: fireworks over Victoria Harbour, the view from the Peak and 18°C days, with dim sum and night markets.
New Year's Eve in Hong Kong is one of the most spectacular in the world: at midnight, fireworks light up from the skyscrapers and from barges in Victoria Harbour, between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. At the end of December the weather is dry and mild, 16–20°C by day, good for walking the whole city. Hong Kong is 6 hours ahead of Romania, so you welcome the new year when it is only 6 pm at home.
The packages include a flight from Bucharest, accommodation at the hotel you choose and transfer, 7 nights, with departures on 26 and 28 December and the return in the first days of January. The hotels are in Kowloon and on Hong Kong Island, and you see the price of each one in the offer, before you pay.
What to see in Hong Kong
Fireworks over Victoria Harbour
At midnight the harbour lights up with fireworks launched from skyscrapers and barges, with the countdown projected onto the buildings. The best spots are the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade and the Central waterfront, which fill up early in the evening. The metro runs all night on New Year's Eve.
Victoria Peak
The highest point of Hong Kong Island has the city's best-known view: the skyscrapers, the harbour and Kowloon behind. You go up on the Peak Tram, a funicular running since 1888, or by bus. In the evening, when the lights come on, it is at its most beautiful and its busiest.
The Star Ferry
The green-and-white ferry has crossed the harbour between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central for over a hundred years, in about ten minutes and for a few Hong Kong dollars. It is the cheapest way to see the skyscrapers from the water, and in the evening, with the city lit up, it is worth taking more than once.
The Big Buddha on Lantau
On Lantau Island, the 34-metre bronze Tian Tan statue sits above Po Lin Monastery, at the top of 268 steps. You get there on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which crosses mountains and sea. The trip takes half a day.
Everything you need to know about Hong Kong
New Year's Eve weather
Late December is Hong Kong's most pleasant season: dry, often sunny, 16–20°C by day and around 13°C at night. Bring a light jacket for evenings on the waterfront and for the Peak, where it is windy.
Where to stay
Kowloon, around Tsim Sha Tsui, for the promenade, shops and night markets, with the fireworks a few steps away. Hong Kong Island, in Central, Wan Chai or Causeway Bay, for restaurants, bars and the old trams. The metro links every district quickly.
Flight and entry
There is no direct flight from Bucharest to Hong Kong; the scheduled flight usually has one stop, and the airport–hotel transfer is included. Romanian citizens enter without a visa for a short holiday, with a valid passport. Hong Kong has entry rules separate from the rest of China.
Money and food
The currency is the Hong Kong dollar. The Octopus card pays for the metro, buses, the Star Ferry and many shops. Try dim sum at lunch, roast duck and barbecued pork, wonton noodles and the night market on Temple Street.
Frequently asked questions about Hong Kong
- What does the Hong Kong New Year's Eve package include?
- The return flight from Bucharest, accommodation at the hotel you choose with the meals in the offer, the airport–hotel–airport transfer and TravelTheme assistance throughout the trip. You can see exactly what each hotel includes in the offer, before you pay.
- When do I leave and when do I come back?
- Departures from Bucharest are on 26 and 28 December, returning after 7 nights, in the first days of January. You can see the dates at the top, under “Nearest departure dates”, or choose them in the search.
- Where is the best place to watch the fireworks?
- On the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, facing the harbour and the skyscrapers of Central, or on the waterfront in Central and Wan Chai. The spots fill up a few hours before, and some restaurants and hotels with harbour views have New Year's Eve tables to book. The metro runs all night.
- Can I pay only a deposit?
- For bookings made well in advance you can pay a 25% deposit and the rest by the date shown in your confirmation. At checkout you will see whether your booking can be paid with a deposit; closer to departure, payment is made in full.
- Do I need a visa for Hong Kong?
- No, Romanian citizens enter without a visa for a short holiday, with a valid passport. Hong Kong has entry rules separate from mainland China: if you also want to visit China, China's rules apply there. Check the current requirements before you travel.