Hong Kong has the advantage of being reasonably close to some fabulous weekend destinations. Whatever reason you may have for wanting to take a breal from the eeryday bustle of busy Hong Kong life, we have picked some of the top locations for a quick trip. Here is our guide to the best weekend breaks that are just a short distance from Hong Kong.  

Cebu, Phillippines

It may sound like quite the flight, but you can easily reach the Phillippines in just a couple of hours. Our choice is Cebu, due to it’s glorious beaches and tropical waters. There are plenty of hotels to choose from, ranging from budget to high-end. Some even offer spa breaks if you really want to disconnect during your mini break- switch off your devices and dive in. The views are beautiful, the food is delicious, and you can even try your hand at some watersports if you get itchy feet.

Jeju, South Korea

South Koreans frequently leave their congested cities and head for Jeju, just off the coast of South Korea. Jeju is similar to the Canary Islands in that the isalnd is largely volcanic and pleasantly hot. This has not only made the island geared for local tourists, but also international travellers too. There are many beach resorts, where you can indulge in some heavy duty relaxation. But if that is not your style, Jeju has plenty of outdoor pursuits to get involved in. You can hike Hallaan volcano or take a walk to Cheonjeyeon Waterfall.

Macau

Macau is only a short hop away from Hong Kong, so it is really handy if you don't have much time but really need to get away. There are luxury hotels galore, all with their own casinos and glamorous  bars. You can also walk around the colonial heart of Macau, which boasts some rather interesting European architecture, quirky shops, and some delectable street food. Macau can get crowded with daytrippers and tourists, so use that as an excuse to extend your stay and book a suite for an overnight stay.   

Hoi An, Vietnam

This is a great trip to take with children, as there are plenty of family-friendly resorts and beaches well equipped to entertain youngsters. Also in Hoi An’s favour is that it is only two hours away by plane, a winner if travelling with small children. The old town of Hoi An is a history buffs dream, as well as being ideal for taking a quiet stroll before dinner. The town is famed for its banh mi sandwiches, as well as being the place to have shoes handmade for you before your eyes. Relaxing, child friendly and inexpensive, Hoi An does not disappoint in the mini-break stakes.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taiwan is the closest neighbour to Hong Kong and it straddles a curious mix of Chinese heritage and modernity. Taiwan is also volcanic and it is worth seeing the differences between Hong Kong and Taiwan geographically by taking a trip to Yangminshan National Park. There are some stunning hikes to be done here, all of which are not too taxing. You can even walk up the Qixing Mountain, a dormant volcano that has breathtaking views over the island. Of course, no volcanic island is complete without hot springs, so make sure that you enjoy the pleasures that many of the spa resorts have to offer on the island.




Do you have a favourite getaway location? - Leave us a comment below, we would love to hear where you decompress...