Back in the 90s, my parents would plan holidays through travel agencies like Chan Brothers and buy an all-inclusive package that includes plane tickets and hotels; but with the proliferation of online travel platforms now, anyone can now be their own travel agent. In fact, many travellers today know what they want and how to book it themselves online.
There are tons of online travel platforms where you can book everything from flights, hotels and airport transfers, to activities and personal guides. A one-stop solution to all of this would be Trip.com; a platform that has established itself as a global online travel agency, providing users with flight bookings, hotel reservations, train tickets, attraction tickets and tours. It’s by far the most comprehensive travel booking platform available, and simplifies the travel planning process.
More importantly, if you’re looking for recommendations for the best places to stay at and visit, Trip.com has a feature called Trip.best; this part of the platform is designed to provide curated lists and recommendations for various travel experiences. It’s essentially a “best of” guide within Trip.com that’s integrated into the Trip.com platform. You get curated lists of top-rated attractions, hotels, restaurants, and activities in various destinations, essentially saving you time and effort in your planning.
On Trip.com’s mobile app, you can find the Trip.best feature under “Top picks”. From the link, you can easily select your destination, and the app will instantly list out the popular best things to do in that city.
We travelled to Hong Kong to celebrate Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary, and to discover recommendations from Trip.best in the bustling city.
STAY: MANDARIN ORIENTAL, HONG KONG
On arrival at Hong Kong International Airport, a private airport transfer — booked through Trip.com — brought us to our first destination: the luxurious and iconic Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.
Conveniently located in the centre of Hong Kong Island, the hotel is surrounded by key attractions and amenities that include high-end shopping at Prince’s Building, nightlife and dining at Lan Kwai Fong; with each of the spacious rooms and suites offering magnificent views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline.
The Mandarin Club, situated on the building’s 23rd floor, is an incredible all-day retreat that overlooks Statue Square Garden and the surrounding cityscape. Best of all, in the evening, the Club offers canapés, free-flowing cocktails, Champagne, wines and other drinks to guests who have exclusive access through their room booking.
DRINK — THE AUBREY
The Aubrey is a Japanese Izakaya-styled restaurant that’s perched high within the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. The venue has a sophisticated design, reminiscent of a glamorous 1920s Ginza bar, and offers a refined yet convivial atmosphere.
Here, beautifully crafted cocktails flow freely alongside a menu that elevates traditional Japanese flavours with innovative flair. We particularly recommend the sando, which was good enough for a third order to bring back to the room for supper.
VISIT — THE PEAK
Any trip to Hong Kong deserves a visit to The Peak; it is an essential Hong Kong experience where you ascend to the top of the mountain via the iconic Peak Tram, and upon reaching the summit, a breathtaking panorama unfolds.
You’ll see Victoria Harbour’s shimmering expanse embraced by the verdant hills of Kowloon; it’s a beautiful scene that shows the scale and captivating energy of Hong Kong from its most celebrated vantage point.
A quick search in Trip.com for “The Peak Hong Kong” will bring up several recommendations, including tickets for The Peak Tram, The Peak observation deck and even restaurants located at the lookout.
VISIT — TAI O
If you want a break from the glittering skyscrapers and city life, there’s a tranquil corner of Hong Kong where time seems to drift with the tide. Journey to Tai O, a traditional fishing village clinging to the western edge of Lantau Island, and discover a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich maritime heritage.
Here, stilt houses stand sentinel over the waterways, and narrow back lanes lead to locals selling dried seafood like squid and scallops just outside their own homes. The scenes are a testament to the village’s enduring connection to its roots.
Tai O provides a peaceful and culturally enriching snapshot of Hong Kong, and private tours with guides are the best way to go about the village. You can book these directly on Trip.com.
EAT — TIN LUNG HEEN
This two-Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant is located on the 102nd floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong — located in the International Commerce Centre (ICC), the tallest building in Hong Kong — offering unparalleled views of Victoria Harbour.
Tin Lung Heen is famous for its refined Cantonese cuisine, including signature dishes like BBQ pork, steamed crab claw and baby coconut fish maw soup. The atmosphere is upscale, cozy, and romantic, and the dress code is smart casual. Patrons consistently praise the excellent food and service.
PLAY — HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
If there’s anytime to pay a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland, it’s now, while the park is celebrating their 20th anniversary. This beloved destination has planned a grand celebration filled with new surprises (including exclusive food, drinks and merchandise), nostalgic nods to the past, and more parades than ever before.
Especially for Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th Anniversary, there will be a wide range of time-limited 20th Anniversary-themed merchandise for everyone to collect, including a special 20th Anniversary Mini Party Hat that you’ll receive as a free gift upon purchasing a 1-Day ticket before July 26, 2025. This hat is available in a large variety of beloved Disney characters.
The park will also showcase an all-new “Friendtastic” Parade, which is the largest-ever parade at Hong Kong Disneyland, featuring a whopping 11 party floats. We had a sneak peek at three parade floats from Mickey and Friends, Encanto, and Turning Red. All our favourite characters were there, including Mickey who was performing live drumming during the parade.
At the famous Pavilion, Hong Kong Disneyland will present, Momentous: Party in the Night Sky, a light and drone show that’s upgraded with additional stories, projections, and drone choreography. This immersive experience extends with mapped projections from the castle down the entire length of Main Street U.S.A.
The official celebration will kick-off on 28 June 2025, and the best deals for tickets can be found on Trip.com. Just search “Hong Kong Disneyland“ on Trip.com, or look at Trip.Best recommendations for this and other popular activities in Hong Kong.
Book your best trip ever on Trip.com and discover an incredible curation of luxury hotels, attractions, dining and more with Trip.best.
