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Plan a short and sweet trip to these destinations that are just a short flight from Hong Kong
There are many things to love about living in Hong Kong, and one of those things is how easy and accessible it is to travel to some of Asia's most coveted destinations—whether it's a weekend dash to a tropical island, or spending a few days of exploring and eating your way through Asia's most exciting cities.
Below, we've handpicked some of our favourite destinations that are five hours' flight or less from Hong Kong. We've also included some Tatler tips on where to stay, what to do, and of course, where to eat and drink.
See also: These five-star hotels are making a positive impact on their local communities
Taipei, Taiwan
Flight time from Hong Kong to Taipei: 1 hour, 55 minutes
Less than two hours' flight from HKIA, Taipei has long been a favourite for weekend jaunts among Hongkongers. The Taiwanese capital is buzzing with lively markets—check out our round-up of the best night markets in Taipei here—nightlife and awe-inspiring temples.
Unbeknownst to many, Taipei is also home to some seriously beautiful natural landscapes—take a day trip to Beitou's thermal hot springs, or hike Elephant Mountain for spectacular views of the city.
Our pick for five-star hotels in Taipei are Mandarin Oriental Taipei, Humble House and W Taipei.
See also: A food lover’s guide to Taipei
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Flight time from Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City: 2 hours, 40 minutes
Ho Chi Minh City—still called Saigon by many locals and visitors—is chaotic in the best of ways. Once you learn to navigate the swarms of scooters, the city is yours to explore.
The food in Saigon alone is reason to visit, whether that's a nourishing bowl of pho from a local vendor, banh mi from a roadside cart, or exploring Saigon's dynamic dining scene. Don't skip modern Vietnamese restaurant Anan helmed by chef Peter Cuong Franklin, and chic Mediterranean hotspot, Quince. We're also fans of Kanpai, which serves premium sushi and sashimi, izakaya-style dishes and cocktails, all to great music from its impressive vinyl record collection.
Stay fuelled at Saigon's many coffee shops—and trust us when we say that Vietnamese coffee truly hits different. Try the dreamy Dalaland, Phường Cà Phê which is located in an old townhouse, or Gốm Sài Gòn, a pottery studio that serves coffee in its beautiful handcrafted pieces.
As for where to stay: Mia Saigon, Hôtel des Arts, The Myst Dong Khoi and of course, the unapologetically extravagant The Reverie Saigon, get the Tatler vote.
Above Phường Cà Phê in Saigon
Phường Cà Phê in Saigon
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Chengdu, China
Flight time from Hong Kong to Chengdu: 2 hours, 50 minutes
Sugar, spice and everything nice—literally. In Chengdu, you’ll find craftsmen preserving the traditional art of spun sugar, cauldrons of mouth-numbing Sichuan peppers and skyscrapers that tower over restored Qing Dynasty siheyuan (courtyard houses).
Stay at The Temple House—Swire Hotels’ Chengdu outpost of its House Collective which includes The Upper House in Hong Kong and The Middle House in Shanghai—the opulent Waldorf Astoria Chengdu, or the sleek Niccolo Chengdu.
Above The Temple House in Chengdu (Photo: Swire Hotels)
The Temple House in Chengdu (Photo: Swire Hotels)
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Bangkok, Thailand
Flight time from Hong Kong to Bangkok: 2 hours, 55 minutes
Bangkok is a city of dualities—from quintessential luxury to an inspiring creative scene.
Here, you'll find some of Asia's most coveted fine dining restaurants, as well as enticing, smokey street stalls. For something in between, we love Samlor, a cool and contemporary Thai restaurant that serves a creative take on traditional dishes.
Nightlife in Bangkok is also hard to beat. There are, of course, upscale cocktail lounges like Bangkok Social Club and the secretive Ku Bar. But we suggest getting amongst Bangkok's exciting dive bar revival with hot spots like Teens of Thailand and Smalls.
Our picks for five-star hotels in Bangkok include Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, Capella Bangkok, Rosewood Bangkok, and The Siam—a spectacular riverside hotel designed by Bill Bensley.
Phuket, Thailand
Flight time from Hong Kong to Phuket: 3 hours, 35 minutes
From chic beach clubs like Cafe del Mar, where you can while away the day, to island hopping on board a luxury yacht, Phuket is always a good idea.
If there's one thing you must do, we recommend booking a spot on the floating platform at Baba Nest during sunset. If you're feeling beached out, head into Phuket Town for bars and restaurants housed in lovingly restored shophouses—we love Royd, which serves innovative Southern Thai cuisine, and Dibuk Bar for excellent cocktails.
Our picks for hotels in Phuket are Amanpuri, Rosewood Phuket, The Slate and Andara Resort & Villas. If it's a wellness escape that you're after, book a stay at Keemala and stay in one of their Avatar-like villas.
Seoul, South Korea
Flight time from Hong Kong to Seoul: 3 hours, 40 minutes
Since the meteoric rise of K-pop and K-drama, Seoul has become a Mecca for fans around the world. You can even live out your K-drama dreams with our itinerary of must-visit filming locations in Seoul here.
Be sure to check out its vibrant food markets, explore its burgeoning art scene and indulge in its nightlife, led by some truly creative South Koreans who are placing an emphasis on native produce and traditional local liquors. We've got a list of the best cocktail bars in Seoul here.
Come for the culture, stay for the style inspiration—make time to people watch as Seoul has some of the best street style in Asia (and perhaps the world).
Our favourite hotels in Seoul include the design-centric Ryse Hotel, The Shilla Seoul, Four Seasons Seoul and Grand Hyatt Seoul.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Flight time from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur: 3 hours, 50 minutes
There is far more to Malaysia's capital than its iconic Petronas Twin Towers, from colourful mosques and temples to its street food scene—in fact, the humble roti canai bagged the number one spot in Taste Atlas' list of of 50 best street foods around the world.
When it comes to hotels in Kuala Lumpur, there are plenty of options, ranging from big names like Four Seasons, St Regis, Ritz-Carlton and Banyan Tree, to charming boutique hotels like Else Kuala Lumpur, The Chow Kit and The RuMa.
Tokyo, Japan
Flight time from Hong Kong to Tokyo: 4 hours, 25 minutes
At once dynamic in its youth culture, and stoic in its treasured history, Tokyo is truly a world of its own.
It goes without saying that dining is a highlight for travellers visiting Tokyo. From restaurants like the husband- and wife-run Kermis, which serves contemporary dishes made from local ingredients, to institutions like Ishikawa, one of the few ryotei-style restaurants remaining in Tokyo's historic Kagurazaka area.
Each neighbourhood has its own charm. Explore quaint cafes and vintage shops in Shimokitazawa, enjoy food and drinks at an izakaya followed by a bar hop in districts like Nakameguro and Ebisu, or shop to your heart's content in Ginza and Shibuya.
To stay, we love Four Seasons Tokyo—if you don't stay here, at least pay a visit to Sézanne, helmed by chef Daniel Calvert, formerly of Belon in Hong Kong—Capitol Hotel Tokyu, Tokyo Edition Toranomon and of course, the spectacular Aman Tokyo.
See also: The best luxury hotels in Tokyo
Bali, Indonesia
Flight time from Hong Kong to Bali: 5 hours
Each pocket of Bali offers something unique. Those looking for laidback luxury should head to the serene beaches and clifftops of Uluwatu. Not only is it home to great surf and fabulous beach clubs, Uluwatu is also home to some of Bali's most stunning hotels and villas. We love Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bulgari Resort Bali, Hidden Hills Villas and Six Senses Uluwatu.
Alternatively, escape to the jungles and valleys of Ubud. Stay at Amandari for a luxe take on traditional Balinese architecture, or Four Seasons Bali at Sayan, which has seriously breathtaking views—especially from the surreal Jati Bar (pictured below). Ubud is also where you'll find Buahan, Banyan Tree's no-walls, no-doors retreat.
Those seeking more of a "scene" in Bali will love the restaurants and bars in Canggu. Be sure to check out our personal favourites including Mason, Bar Vera, Mosto, and Shelter further afield in Pererenan. For modern Indonesian done exceptionally well, head to Ulekan. Don't forget to catch a sunset or two at beachside hangouts like The Lawn.
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Coco Marett is a writer and editor who grew up between Hong Kong and Melbourne. She currently heads the travel section for Tatler Asia, and manages the Tatler Travel account on Instagram. She is known for her features on unique, under-the-radar properties and destinations. She's also known for her in-depth interviews that paint a refreshingly candid portrait of influential figures across various industries —from artists to political figures, CEOs to celebrity chefs. Follow her on Instagram @cocomarett
