Hong Kong

Hong Kong compresses more spectacle per square kilometre than anywhere on earth: a harbour skyline that makes Manhattan look relaxed, double-decker trams rattling under neon, dim sum temples and Michelin-starred hole-in-the-walls — and then, twenty minutes from Central, ridge trails and beaches that feel like another country. For Indians it asks only a free five-minute pre-registration, which makes it Asia's most underrated long weekend.

The shape of the trip

The classic (5 nights): the Peak at dusk and the Star Ferry crossing (still the world's best commute at ₹40); Kowloon's markets and the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade for the 8pm light show; a day on Lantau for the Big Buddha and the cable car; Disneyland or Ocean Park for families; and one surprise day — the Dragon's Back hike or a junk to Sai Kung's beaches — that reframes the whole city.

The money

Hong Kong is a strong-currency city: decent doubles run ₹8,000–14,000 (book early; rooms are compact), but eating brilliantly stays democratic — wonton noodles or roast goose rice at ₹250–450, dim sum feasts under ₹900. The Octopus card makes transport seamless and cheap.

Worth knowing

Do the PAR before booking anything else — airlines enforce it. Pair naturally with Macao (visa-free, one hour by ferry, another world entirely). And time dinner for the harbour: tables with the light show are the city's free theatre.