Vietnamese Essence in Hong Kong

If we calculate the ratio of international tourists received annually to the population, then undoubtedly, nowhere beats Hong Kong. Nearly 40 million tourists over 7.1 million people, a dream ratio for any place in the world.

Colorful Fusion

While Hong Kong may lack iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai, it remains a bustling hub for travelers worldwide. Simply put, visitors from any country, any cultural background can easily assimilate into Hong Kong's globally-minded society.

Hong Kong's culture embodies a vibrant mix of Chinese, Asian, and European influences. Alongside traditional festivals are Western-style entertainments such as horse racing, sailing competitions, and rugby matches.

In some ways, Hong Kong is akin to the United States in its multicultural openness. People from all over the world, both high-level professionals and ordinary workers, converge here. Victoria Park outside the Park Lane Hotel in Causeway Bay (Hong Kong Island) where I stayed last April was teeming with Indonesians on weekends.

Indonesian workers or helpers gather to meet their fellow countrymen, resembling a festive gathering. They sit in the park, lounge on low concrete walls, even dine on the spot... Nearby are Indonesian merchandise supermarkets, bustling with activity.

I once felt like I was back home when I first arrived in Hong Kong a few years ago. Stepping out of the subway at Mongkok station, squeezing through the thick crowd shopping in the old streets, or heading to the Ladies Market, I was startled to see Vietnamese pho signs popping up in the glittering streets.

In Hong Kong, in old neighborhoods like Mongkok, signs of all sizes boldly protrude into the streets from above, appearing chaotic in color and height, yet causing no inconvenience to pedestrians, rather dazzling at night. It's like a cultural display that persists in the collective consciousness of the Easterners in a society largely westernized in Hong Kong.

The allure of cuisine

Hong Kong cuisine is the culinary style of the Cantonese people, palatable to Vietnamese living in District 5. The culinary prowess of China is undeniable. It is present in every nook and cranny around the world.

In a culinary culture deeply rooted in both Chinese and Western influences like in Hong Kong, one would think there's no place for pho. In Berlin or Paris, pho thrives due to the culinary fusion between pho and the rich cheesy, sausage flavors. But I was mistaken, pho is not only present in one, but in many places in Hong Kong.

Enjoying breakfast at a Hong Kong-style dim sum restaurant in a shopping center, I stumbled upon a Vietnamese pho restaurant serving fresh spring rolls; a Vietnamese restaurant named Dalat... Another time, having lunch at a Chinese restaurant, I was surprised to find a bowl of three-color dessert.

“Three-color dessert” clearly stood out, not transliterated into Cantonese or English. Even atop The Peak (Victoria Peak), a must-visit for travelers in Hong Kong, there's a Vietnamese pho restaurant. The owners are Vietnamese, and even the staff are Vietnamese; the pho is unmistakably northern-style.

Getting to The Peak isn't easy. On weekends, visitors have to queue for tickets, then queue again for the Peak Tram to ascend Victoria Peak. From here, one can overlook a bustling Hong Kong, with skyscrapers stretching from the coastline up the mountainside.

At the summit, there are numerous amusement areas, a Wax Museum, shopping centers, and a variety of restaurants, from European to Asian, but the presence of a pho restaurant speaks volumes about the allure of this authentic Vietnamese dish.

A taste of home in Hong Kong extends beyond just cuisine. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the busiest trading area in Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, Vietnamese visitors will be amazed to see signs for Hanoi and Hai Phong right before their eyes. Just two small streets, but clean and vibrant enough to make visitors feel like they're wandering in their hometown.

The allure of Hong Kong, besides its diverse culinary and shopping culture, also lies in the convenience of transportation that tourists enjoy, with the MTR connecting to most attractions. From Hong Kong International Airport, visitors have various options to reach the city center such as buses, MTR, and taxis.

For independent travelers, consider purchasing the versatile Octopus smart payment card. It can be used for various modes of transportation (except taxis), as well as for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. The adult card costs 150 HKD, including a 50 HKD deposit, while the child card costs 70 HKD, with the option of refunding the remaining balance.

Travelers can also take the MTR directly from the airport to Disneyland. From the airport to the city center, taking the Airport Express train only takes 15 minutes and costs around 100 HKD per person. Alternatively, taking the bus takes 45 minutes and costs about 40 HKD (1 USD equals 7.7 HKD).

Hong Kong experiences cool weather from November to April, with temperatures not exceeding 32 degrees Celsius even during the hottest summer months. The best time to visit Hong Kong is before and after the Lunar New Year, as the weather is pleasant and it's the peak season for shopping discounts.

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Source: Mytour – By: iHay