Hong Kong will always be home, but it’s also a fantastic springboard for exploring the rest of the world. With Southeast Asia on your doorstep, you could be temple-hopping through Bali or slurping down authentic pho noodles in Vietnam in just a few hours.
If you’re itching for a quick getaway, we’ve put together a list of last minute getaways and the best cities you can fly to from Hong Kong in under five hours. We’ve also thrown in some sightseeing suggestions and a selection of beautiful hotels which you can book through Cathay Holidays .
What to consider before your next weekend break
Flight time and proximity to airports is key when it comes to planning your weekend away.
Destinations within three hours of Hong Kong – like Taipei or Hoi An – are perfect for swift and affordable holidays. For weekend trips up to five hours away, you’ll reach vibrant cities like Bali or Seoul.
Be sure to factor in visa requirements, and if food, culture, or relaxation is your priority, match your destination accordingly – think street food in Taipei, history in Beijing, or beach bliss in Phuket.
Cultural getaways
These destinations deliver unforgettable history, cuisine and city buzz — all within easy reach of Hong Kong.
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Beijing
Flight time: 3.5 hours
Renowned for its vibrant blend of tradition and innovation, Beijing is an enriching destination for history buffs, curious globetrotters, and business travellers alike. While ancient landmarks like the Great Wall of China, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City offer windows to the capital city’s rich imperial history, the Chinese capital also boasts luxury shopping districts like Wangfujing Avenue, 798 Art Zone and attractions like Universal Studios Beijing – great for holidays with the family.
Explore the city’s many hutongs: tucked-away alleyways filled with traditional Chinese and Western restaurants, trendy cafés, cocktail bars, and boutique hotels. And be sure to sample Peking duck and other delicious foods like xian bing (pan-fried meat pies), jiaozi (steamed dumplings), jing jiang rousi (shredded pork in Beijing sauce), and zhanjiang mian (noodles with soybean paste). It’s a short trip from Hong Kong that delivers on all fronts.
Where to stay:
For a glamorous art hotel: NUO Hotel Beijing.
For a tranquil stay in the heart of the city: Four Seasons Hotel Beijing.
Taipei
Flight time: 2 hours
Ask any foodie what their favourite weekend break is, and they’re almost guaranteed to say Taipei. Famous for its braised beef noodle soup, savoury tofu, scallion pancakes, fried chicken, and of course, bubble tea, you could easily spend your entire time simply eating your way through the city.
But Taipei isn’t just a haven for food lovers; it’s also an all-encompassing destination for discovering trendy neighbourhoods, heritage sites, natural landscapes, and relaxing hot springs.
Explore Taiwan's history at the Taipei Palace Museum, shop in the Ximending district’s upscale shopping malls, and take in panoramic views of the city atop the 449-metre Taipei 101 skyscraper before feasting at its many lively night markets. Be sure to hit up Shilin and the Raohe Street Night Market if you only have time for two.
Where to stay:
For a stay in the city’s tallest hotel: Shangri-La Far Eastern, Taipei.
For a hot springs getaway: arTree hotel.
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Seoul
Flight time: 3-4 hours
Live out your K-Drama fantasies in South Korea’s capital, where cool kids mingle with crisply dressed business travellers in streets suffused with history. If you’re in the city for the weekend, a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace should be at the top of your list of things to do in Seoul.
Meanwhile, you’ll be able to grab all your skincare and beauty products at shopping district Myeongdong, as well as Instagrammable street snacks like gigantic spiral-cut potatoes and sky-high ice cream cones. For a taste of young Seoul, head to Hongdae, where artsy types and university students typically hang out among the district’s barbecue joints and bars. Seoul is high-energy, delicious, and endlessly entertaining.
Where to stay
For a chic base in the Hongdae neighbourhood: L7 Hongdae.
For Gangnam-style digs: Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, an IHG Hotel.
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Singapore
Flight time: 3-4 hours
If you’re after a short vacation that blends old and new, quirky and cosmopolitan, Singapore should be high on your list. This vibrant city celebrates Southeast Asian culture while embracing modernity. Snap a picture beneath the futuristic supertrees at Gardens by the Bay before venturing into the tropical Cloud Forest to see one of the tallest indoor waterfalls in the world.
You’ll be drawn to Little India by its Crayola-coloured buildings, but you’ll stay for the temples and restaurants – we recommend tuning into an audio walking tour to really soak it all in. And when you’re hungry, seek out one of the city’s numerous hawker centres for mouthwatering platters of chilli crab, oyster omelette, and char kway teow, which are staples of many unforgettable weekend trips.
Where to stay
For luxurious views over Marina Bay: The Fullerton Bay Hotel.
For infinity pool snaps near Little India: Andaz Singapore - a concept by Hyatt.
Laid back escapes
Prefer a slower pace? Here are some of our favourite places to relax and recharge.
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Hoi An
Flight time: 2 hours
For a tranquil escape, Hoi An is a charming, slow-paced city to immerse yourself in Vietnam. Among its maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with lanterns, you’ll find well-preserved merchant houses, ancient temples, trendy coffee shops, and of course, its legendary tailors.
Visit heritage sites, including the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge (currently being restored but still accessible) and the 18th-century Old House of Tan Ky, and shop for custom-made clothes and leather goods. A Hoi An trip wouldn’t be complete without a boat ride along the Thu Bon River, which comes alive at night with floating lanterns and local charm.
Foodies will also love it here as you’ll find all the usual suspects, such as steaming bowls of pho and delicious banh mi sandwiches. Don’t miss the city’s legendary cao lau (a chewy, crunchy noodle soup) and white rose dumplings, which are local delicacies unique to the city.
Where to stay
For a beach spa resort: Allegro Hoi An. A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa.
For a stay in the countryside: Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoian.
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Phuket
Flight time: 3-4 hours
Need to de-stress? The ultimate remedy is to flop on a white-sand beach in Phuket, a destination famed for its luxurious seaside resorts, extravagant villas, and weekend beach getaways. Once you’ve maxed out on cocktails by the pool, it’s time to start exploring. From boat tours to the gorgeous Phi Phi and Khai Islands, to beginners’ Muay Thai classes, there are plenty of activities to suit every type of traveller.
Phuket delivers great value if maximising your holiday budget is at the top of your priority list. Spas and hotels offering massage treatments are dotted across the city, as are restaurants well versed in the art of Pad Thai and spicy coconut curry. If you’re travelling in a group, a night out on the lively Bangla Street will have you dancing all night long – and retreating to its many late-night fast-food joints for a post-club meal.
Where to stay
For remote pool villas hidden among lush jungle: Keemala.
For all-inclusive Thai luxury: Banyan Tree Phuket.
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Bali
Flight time: 5 hours
Teeming with yoga havens, meditation retreats, and incredible food, Bali is virtually synonymous with rejuvenation – perfect if you’re looking for a mental and physical reset over a long weekend. Ubud, home to the popular Monkey Forest and lined with cool cafes and restaurants, is packed with things to do, and it’s worth investing in a private tour if you have a full day to spare.
Head further south and you’ll discover the coastal cliffs of Uluwatu, where ultra-luxe resorts promise sprawling ocean views. Join the crowds congregating at Uluwatu Temple to see the sun set over its spire before settling down to watch a traditional Kecak Fire Dance. You’ll be able to tick off both experiences in one go if you join a temple tour, which will further enlighten you about the site’s deep history.
Where to stay
For secluded jungle luxury: Mandapa, A Ritz Carlton-Reserve.
For beachside glamour and Balinese barbecues: Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali.
Tips and advice for planning your weekend away
Here’s how to maximise your time for the best experience.
- Consider flight time: the sweet spot for weekend trips is under 5 hours.
- Travel light: skip the checked baggage where possible. A carry-on is ideal, especially if you're only away for two to three days, and also means you can exit the airport quickly and dive straight into your plans.
- Be strategic with dates: public holidays and long weekends are prime time for slightly longer trips, but they’re also more expensive. Travelling just before or after peak dates usually means fewer crowds and better flight and hotel offers.
- Book smart with Cathay Holidays: booking flights and hotels together through Cathay Holidays often means better value and added perks.
- Check Visa and entry requirements: always be sure to check entry requirements, as these will vary according to your nationality.
This article was originally published May 2023 and updated in June 2026.