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Sweden to Hong Kong: The Local guide

Hong Kong may feel like a world away, but with SAS, it's just around the corner. Here's what to do when you get there...

Published: 15 November 2016 16:39 CET
Sweden to Hong Kong: The Local guide
Photo: Pixabay

The Basics

Hong Kong is not just a city; it’s a portal to the world – a myriad of cultures and lifestyles intertwined with colourful Chinese roots and colonial connections.

Combining modernity with tradition, and art with adventure, Asia’s world city has culture, history and the very essence of life pumping through its veins. A trip to this vibrant South China Sea island promises a journey through all life’s little joys and secret pleasures – from culinary gems and shopping galore to natural serenity and theatrical grandeur.

A taste of China, Asia and the world is just round the corner. But in a city as electric and diverse as Hong Kong, where do you even begin? 

The Highlights

The Peak (Victoria Peak)


Photo: Pixabay

This may be an obvious suggestion, but The Peak really is the place to go for that postcard shot of Hong Kong. Take the 125-year-old Peak Tram above the jagged skyline of the city for breathtaking panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the jungle of skyscrapers that lay below.

Work up an appetite browsing the abundance of shops or strolling along one of the many trails that The Peak has to offer before enjoying a bespoke dining experience served with stunning views over the majestic city. 

Causeway Bay


Photo: doctorho/Flickr

Retail therapy like you’ve never seen it before. Causeway Bay is the beating heart of Hong Kong’s shopping scene, with a myriad of malls, department stores, restaurants, and little treats in a lively, compact area.

Why you need a EuroBonus American Express Card

After parading the endless stream of international brands, and surfing the array of local stalls, your wallet may start to hurt as much as your feet. But this enthralling, chaotic slice of downtown Hong Kong is undoubtedly worth any financial or physical pain that may ensue.   

Ngong Ping 360


Photo: Pixabay

Located in the charming and lively Ngong Ping Village, this 25-minute cable car ride through the heart of Hong Kong’s natural beauty is worthy of a number one spot on anyone’s “to-do in Hong Kong” bucket list. Crossing Tung Chung Bay towards North Lantau, Ngong Ping 360 takes the meaning of panoramic to new heights with outstanding 360-degree views of the South China Sea and the rolling hills of North Lantau County Park.

Earn a trip to Hong Kong with EuroBonus

(Insider tip: for a truly multisensory experience, upgrade to a Crystal Cabin and enjoy the unforgettable, and slightly unnerving, sight of the earth stirring beneath your feet through the clear glass bottom of the cabin).

Ocean Park Hong Kong


Photo: Pixabay

Ocean Park Hong Kong is more than a theme park – it’s a celebration of nature. From cruising through the rainforest on a raft, to venturing deep underwater with over a hundred sharks, a trip to this award-winning attraction promises an adventure around the world and a journey through time. And if the miracles of nature aren’t thrilling enough, get your kicks from the array of death-defying roller coasters and rides that make this park the best day out in Hong Kong!

Victoria Harbour


Photo: Hermeia Chan/Flickr

An aerial view of Hong Kong from the lofty heights of The Peak is beautiful, but to truly capture the splendour and magnitude of Hong Kong’s world-famous skyscraper skyline, you have to return to sea level for a memorable tour of Victoria Harbour.

Spend an afternoon leisurely cruising around the most celebrated landmarks and renowned architecture of Asia’s World City onboard an authentic Chinese junk. Alternatively, take an evening cruise and witness the lights and spirit of Hong Kong burst into life as the sun sets on the South China Sea – A Symphony of Lights Dinner Cruise is an absolute must.

The Hidden Gems

Ladies’ Market


Photo: philcalvert/Flickr

Nowhere else in the city is the buzz of Hong Kong more prominent than at the splash of colour and life that is the Ladies’ Market. Contrary to its name, this bustling marketplace has something for everyone – from male and female clothing to novelty gifts, the Ladies’ Market is the perfect place to go for a reasonably-priced shopping spree.

You may visit the Ladies’ Market for the shopping, but stay for the atmosphere – it’s electric, authentic and simply unmissable.

Kadoorie Farm and Botanical Garden


Photo: celine ☆/Flickr

If you’re feeling sporty, take this opportunity to hike up the 9km trail towards the summit of the mountain, Kwun Yum Shan, winding around picturesque organic farm terraces, botanic gardens and native forestry (there is also a minibus service if you’re looking for a more chilled out experience).

Why you need a EuroBonus American Express Card

Fresh air, exercise and tranquillity – there are few better places to catch your breath from the pandemonium of Hong Kong than Kadoorie Farm and Botanical Garden.        

The Whampoa


Photo: Martine/Flickr

In Hong Kong, anything goes. After all, where else in the world would you come across a 360 foot-long cruise liner in the middle of a housing estate? Whampoa Dockyard, formerly one of the busiest shipyards in Asia, became Whampoa Garden in 1985, and with this major transformation came a new landmark and hidden gem – The Whampoa!

Be sure to visit the spectacular ship-shaped mall, if not for the 300 shops, restaurants and theatre, then surely for the bizarre sight of a ship surrounded by the concrete ocean of Hong Kong!    

Earn a flight to Hong Kong with EuroBonus

Go to the beach…


Photo: finite possibilities/Flickr

After so much time in the shadows of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers, take a moment to relax with the sun on your face and sand between your toes on one of Hong Kong’s many delightful bays and beaches. Lower Cheung Sha Beach is the perfect location for a sheltered swim or sandy stroll, and with a modest selection of restaurants and shops, you could easily spend a whole day at this glimpse of paradise.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous time in the sea, then Big Wave Beach is the place for you because…well the clue’s in the name! Other incredible beaches worth checking out include: Turtle Cove beach, Butterfly Beach Park, Lo So Shing Beach and Repulse Bay Beach.

Where to eat

Lung King Heen


Photo: Razlan/Flickr

Looking for somewhere special to feast in Hong Kong? There’s nowhere more special than Lung King Heen – the first Chinese restaurant in the world to be awarded a Michelin 3-star rating. Authentic Cantonese food, stunning harbour views and impeccable customer service – just a few reasons this fine restaurant brags the reputation as the best Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong. Their exquisite selection of dim sum and fresh seafood is a must try, even if the prices are slightly boastful of the Michelin star rating.

Chesa


Photo: Razlan/Flickr

Few cities in the world can compete with Hong Kong when it comes to international cuisine. Transport your taste buds to a cosy Alpine chalet with an evening to remember at Chesa. This little piece of Switzerland delightfully combines traditional Alpine décor with a delectable range of Swiss gastronomy, offering a hearty cheese fondue, raclette, or rösti in an unpretentious, welcoming environment.         

Canton’s Dim Sum Expert


Tsim Sha Tsui, where the restaurant is located. Photo: Tama Leaver/Flickr

This unassuming little restaurant, inconspicuously tucked away underground downtown Tsim Sha Tsui, is one of Hong Kong’s great culinary surprises. Canton’s Dim Sum Expert takes palatability back to basics – no flashy décor, ostentatious staff or over expense – just great dumplings and quality service. With some of the best dim sum in Hong Kong, this authentic Asian dining experience is a favourite with the locals, and the perfect place for a quick, inexpensive lunch or late night snack.

Manakamana Restaurant


Temple Street Market. Photo: kartografia/Flickr

Spice up your evening at the heart of Hong Kong with some of the finest Nepalese and Indian food in town. Beyond the dull, unattractive facade of Manakamana Restaurant, you’ll discover a world of celestial aromas and mouth-watering flavours.

Indulge your senses with the exquisite array of curries, dumplings and naans Manakamana Restaurant has to offer, and at more than reasonable prices. Take a break from the chaos of Temple Street Market for an enchanting meal at one of Hong Kong’s most popular hidden treasures.

Caprice


Photo: TomEats/Flickr

Contemporary French cuisine served with all the elegance, charm and artisanal qualities of a classic Parisian restaurant, Caprice is the perfect venue to cap your Hong Kong dining experience. Admire the unwavering beauty of Victoria Harbour whilst pampering your taste buds with a heavenly selection of succulent meats, fresh seafood and tantalising desserts. Roasted Brittany Lobster and Caramelised Pigeon Breast don’t come cheap, but, combined with the stunning location and exceptional service, they are worth every single penny.        

Getting there


Photo: Pixabay

So you know what to do in Hong Kong – but how do you get there? SAS has direct flights from Stockholm to Hong Kong five days a week, and less than 11 hours later you’ll be in the bustling, brilliant city.

You can also get there using 60,000 SAS EuroBonus points.

Or if you earn just 30,000 points with SAS EuroBonus American Express® Premium Credit Card in one calendar year – that’s enough to get you there! That’s because if you spend 150 000 SEK or more in one calendar year, you get a 50 percent discount on a bonus trip with SAS. Find out how to earn your Hong Kong trip here.

Book a flight or find out more about SAS EuroBonus American Express Credit Cards– and how to earn a trip to Hong Kong

This article was produced by The Local and sponsored by American Express.

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TRAVEL NEWS

German train strike wave to end following new labour agreement

Germany's Deutsche Bahn rail operator and the GDL train drivers' union have reached a deal in a wage dispute that has caused months of crippling strikes in the country, the union said.

Published: 26 March 2024 09:55 CET
German train strike wave to end following new labour agreement

“The German Train Drivers’ Union (GDL) and Deutsche Bahn have reached a wage agreement,” GDL said in a statement.

Further details will be announced in a press conference on Tuesday, the union said. A spokesman for Deutsche Bahn also confirmed that an agreement had been reached.

Train drivers have walked out six times since November, causing disruption for huge numbers of passengers.

The strikes have often lasted for several days and have also caused disruption to freight traffic, with the most recent walkout in mid-March.

In late January, rail traffic was paralysed for five days on the national network in one of the longest strikes in Deutsche Bahn’s history.

READ ALSO: Why are German train drivers launching more strike action?

Europe’s largest economy has faced industrial action for months as workers and management across multiple sectors wrestle over terms amid high inflation and weak business activity.

The strikes have exacerbated an already gloomy economic picture, with the German economy shrinking 0.3 percent across the whole of last year.

What we know about the new offer so far

Through the new agreement, there will be optional reduction of a work week to 36 hours at the start of 2027, 35.5 hours from 2028 and then 35 hours from 2029. For the last three stages, employees must notify their employer themselves if they wish to take advantage of the reduction steps.

However, they can also opt to work the same or more hours – up to 40 hours per week are possible in under the new “optional model”.

“One thing is clear: if you work more, you get more money,” said Deutsche Bahn spokesperson Martin Seiler. Accordingly, employees will receive 2.7 percent more pay for each additional or unchanged working hour.

According to Deutsche Bahn, other parts of the agreement included a pay increase of €420 per month in two stages, a tax and duty-free inflation adjustment bonus of €2,850 and a term of 26 months.

Growing pressure

Last year’s walkouts cost Deutsche Bahn some €200 million, according to estimates by the operator, which overall recorded a net loss for 2023 of €2.35 billion.

Germany has historically been among the countries in Europe where workers went on strike the least.

But since the end of 2022, the country has seen growing labour unrest, while real wages have fallen by four percent since the start of the war in Ukraine.

German airline Lufthansa is also locked in wage disputes with ground staff and cabin crew.

Several strikes have severely disrupted the group’s business in recent weeks and will weigh on first-quarter results, according to the group’s management.

Airport security staff have also staged several walkouts since January.

Some politicians have called for Germany to put in place rules to restrict critical infrastructure like rail transport from industrial action.

But Chancellor Olaf Scholz has rejected the calls, arguing that “the right to strike is written in the constitution… and that is a democratic right for which unions and workers have fought”.

The strikes have piled growing pressure on the coalition government between Scholz’s Social Democrats, the Greens and the pro-business FDP, which has scored dismally in recent opinion polls.

The far-right AfD has been enjoying a boost in popularity amid the unrest with elections in three key former East German states due to take place later this year.

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