Frommer's Hong Kong (Frommer's Complete Guides) Review

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(More customer reviews)If there is a hell for travel writers, I hope Beth Reiber will burn in it. The useful information in this book could be condensed into a postage stamp size guide: One good Dim Sum Restaurant, one good Macanese Restaurant and one walk in The Western District. I recently traveled with this book to Hong Kong. I had a Hong Kong resident as a companion and still got lost using this book. Ms. Reiber recommends a walking tour of Kowloon, but does not bother to place the last four destinations on the included map. Nor does she say that you will encounter two rivers of humanity flowing in both directions that will turn a fifteen minute walk into a half hour hike. It is easier for salmon to swim upstream to spawn than it is to find the Bird Market in Kowloon. She also recommends a Kowloon park that is not even on the visitor map! (Just hop on the bus, she says. It stops across from the park. Hah!) We took the bus to Stanley after seeing Victoria Peak. The bus ride is interesting but time consuming. First time travelers on a three day holiday will never be able to complete her suggested three day tour. Taxis speed things up at night, but get snarled in traffic during the day. I was there six days and saw most of the things on her list, including a side trip to Macao, but only by the grace of God did my Hong Kong friend and I find the ruins of Saint Paul's Cathedral, so inadequate were the included maps. As for the unnecessary words: Anyone can walk into a four star hotel and find a great restaurant. If you follow Ms. Reiber's restaurant suggestions you'll be eating either Very Expensive or Expensive (her categories) most of the time. If you like to shop, which I do not, I'm sure you'll find Ms. Reiber's book helpful; she drags you through every major complex of shops on her walking tours. Rick Steves she ain't. So if you are planning a trip to Hong Kong you can buy this book, but get some good maps as a supplement and draw out your routes in advance. A few things Ms. Reiber doesn't mention: The locals seem to think that tea is a disinfectant for chop sticks and soup spoons. Bring a pack of Kleenex with you to a neighborhood restaurant, because napkins are not provided. And forget about breathing clean air while you are in Hong Kong. However, the city is full of delights and I intend to return, now that I know my way around.

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Frommer's Hong Kong is completely updated, and features gorgeous color photos of the sights and experiences that await you.
Our author, a longtime Hong Kong expert, offers an insider's look at the city, from Causeway Bay to Kowloon. She's checked out all the best markets, hotels and restaurants in person, and offers authoritative, candid reviews that will help you find the choices that suit your tastes and budget. Whether you're interested in Hong Kong's vibrant mix of cultures, ancient Chinese temples, or cutting-edge architecture, there's something here for everyone.
You'll also get up-to-the-minute coverage of Hong Kong's world-famous shopping and nightlife; detailed walking tours; accurate neighborhood maps; advice on planning a successful family vacation; and side trips to Macau, Taipa, and Coloane.
Frommer's Hong Kong also includes a color fold-out map.
From the Book: Street Food in Hong Kong Street-side food vendors are seemingly everywhere on both Hong Kong island and on the Kowloon side. Noodle dishes, curry fish balls, stinky tofu, and a variety of dim sum are just a few of the things you can taste. The stalls with tables and chairs are usually those that serve noodles; others are more take-out in nature.Where to Eat: Try the stalls around the various night markets, including Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei and Ladies' Market in Mong Kok on Tung Choi Street. In Tsim Sha Tsui, Hau Fook Street has several food stands. Mei Lun Street in Central and the laneways of Causeway Bay and Wan Chai are also crowded with food stalls. How Much: 20 Hong Kong dollars (about $2.60) for a bowl of noodles with vegetables and 10 Hong Kong dollars for a serving of four shumai ($1.30) dumplings.

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