What is the best itinerary and transport advice for visiting major sights like the Giant Buddha and Victoria Peak in Hong Kong during the May holiday?

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MyChinaGuide · Accepted Answer

Stay in Tsim Sha Tsui to reach both sights without changing lines. For Tian Tan Buddha, take the MTR Tung Chung Line to Tung Chung Station (HK$25, ~30 minutes), then ride the Ngong Ping 360 cable car for the 25-minute climb to Ngong Ping Village. Standard return runs about HK$235; the Crystal Cabin upgrade is HK$315. Bus 23 from Tung Chung is HK$10 but the road switchbacks are rough on motion-prone stomachs.

For Victoria Peak, ride the MTR to Central Station Exit J2. Adult Peak Tram fare is HK$82 single and HK$116 return after the December 2025 fare hike. May-holiday queues hit two hours, so book in the official Peak Tram WeChat mini-program (search 香港山顶缆车ThePeakTram) before going. Sky Terrace 428 sells as a combo with the tram. Mount High West is a free 90-minute hike if you want to skip the queue entirely.

Buy an Octopus Card at the airport (HK$50 deposit, refundable at any MTR service desk). One tap covers the metro, buses, ferries, and 7-Eleven. Skip taxis at rush hour (08:00–09:00, 18:00–19:00); Uber HK is slightly cheaper end-to-end. The Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central is HK$5 and runs every 6–12 minutes — a fast replacement for the cross-harbour MTR if you have time. Holiday firework shows are not annual; check the Hong Kong Tourism Board calendar before assuming.