Best place to visit near Hong Kong

[GhostyMcGhostfact]

Im just after some of your experiences please! Im going in February next year to visit my daughter in Hong Kong. Ill have about 4 or 5 weeks to travel from there. Ive spent some time in Thailand and Vietnam, not keen to go back to Thailand, but def would Vietnam. I thought about a train trip in China - or visit Malaysia or Singapore. Where have you been that you'd recommend? Ill be travelling light (just hand luggage), with a partner, money is a factor but not a mega tight budget. Thanks!

Feb/March is perfect for most of Vietnam (apart from Sapa, and Halong Bay is often dismal at that time of year). Malaysia isn’t at its best in March, especially if you want to visit Borneo.

I’d probably go to Japan as you’ll catch the early cherry blossom at that time of year.

I second Japan. We've been once and I'd go back in a heartbeat, were it not for the long haul flights.
(But you will be already there, long flight done! We've flown from Japan to Vietnam and it's a piece of piss compared with London-Tokyo.)
And also re Vietnam, DS took trains from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh city, with several stops on the way, He really liked Hoi An.

Yes definitely Japan and especially at that time of year. I’ve been once and would love to go back in April.

We went from Hong Kong onto the mainland to see the the Terracotta Warriors, Beijing and the Wall.

While you are actually in Hong Kong do go and see Big Buddha, I found it to be a surprisingly moving place. The long climb up to see him up close is absolutely worth it and the rest of the monastery is lovely with wonderful and very cheap for Hong Kong food.

The golden Buddha on Lantau island.
The monastery tbh was much nicer before the Buddha arrived but nevertheless worth a visit even though it’s a bit Disney there now.

Id take the star ferry to add to the experience

Id also take the ferry to Cheung chau. Lots of little back streets and local shops. More old and authentic than Hong Kong.

Kowloon Walled City park is interesting
The old walled city was mostly pulled down in 1994 and turned into a garden / museum / some remains.
It was the most densely populated place in the world and when I went there myself in 1992 (with protection ) it was the saddest and scariest place I’d ever and still have ever seen
The park is now set as a reminder of something that should never happen again. I think anyone going there would be both fascinated and aghast
Nevertheless from Just a social history point of view is extremely interesting

Beware of Tet holiday, Lunar New Year in Vietnam, your trip will likely be impacted around a week before and after Feb 17th 2026 (The first day of lunar new year).