Explore with Viking—China

Get away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong and embrace the laid-back atmosphere of Lamma Island. Hong Kong’s third-largest island, car-free Lamma attracts visitors drawn to its peaceful vibe and beautiful natural scenery. Board your vessel and depart Aberdeen, taking in the views of the harbor as you set sail for Sok Kwu Wan, located on Lamma’s sloping eastern shores. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious, Hong Kong-style seafood lunch at an open-air restaurant overlooking the South China Sea, before setting out on a short walk. Then, reboard your vessel and continue your journey, passing Ap Lei Chau and the sheltered waters of Deep Water and Repulse Bays, home to the opulent residences of many of Hong Kong’s tycoons. Disembark in Stanley, then return with your guide or you may choose to stay and explore the market on your own, before making your way back to your ship.

Discover what life is like for the citizens of Hong Kong during an enlightening tour of local residences. With 68,400 people per square mile, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Its limited geographical space makes it a challenge to provide affordable and accessible housing for its growing population. Learn how the government has implemented measures to address this, including the development of high-rise buildings—many of them public housing estates—during a guided exploration of a local home. Gain insight into space-saving designs, micro-apartments and more. Along the way, your guide will also explain how this limited space influences the Hong Kong's culture and the daily habits of its people. After, travel to a local café, where you will enjoy a Hong Kong-style tea and snack, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Enjoy a scenic tram ride along the northern side of Hong Kong Island and experience a lively night market. Embark your vintage double-decker tram for an evening tour of the island’s northern districts. Your guide will point out landmarks and relate the area’s history as you wind your way from the Western Market to Causeway Bay, then back again. After an eight-course meal at a local restaurant, head to Hong Kong’s “Golden Mile”—Nathan Road. This two-mile stretch is a cacophony of colorful signs, shops and eateries. Stop at the bustling Temple Street Night Market, one of the city’s popular bazaars featuring rows of brightly lit stalls. Enjoy free time to explore this vibrant venue. You can choose to haggle with the vendors over a desired item or watch as locals mix with tourists and fortune tellers. Afterward, return to your ship.

Experience a close-up look at everyday Hong Kong life as you explore the city’s cultural sites. Drive to Mei Ho House, built as part of the Shek Kip Mei Estate to settle more than 50,000 refugees from China, displaced by the Shek Kip Mei shantytown fire of 1953. Browse the exhibits and learn more about the history of the house before continuing to the Wong Tai Sin Temple, one of the largest Taoist temples in the city. Taoism and Buddhism are its primary religions and you will have the rare opportunity to observe their daily rituals. After, discover Kowloon Walled City Park; a military stronghold since the 15th century, it was once also a refuge for criminals, but is now a superb Chinese garden with eight distinctive zones. The park still preserves traces of the walled city, with displays depicting the garden’s notorious history. After, return to your ship.