Quick weekend getaways to add to your list

Hong Kong will always be home, but it’s also a fantastic springboard for exploring the rest of the world. With South East 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 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 . 

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 Heavens 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 a weekend trip 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).

Where to stay:

For a glamours 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 trip from Hong Kong 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 an entire weekend 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 China’s history at the National 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.

Hoi An

Flight time: 2 hours

For a tranquil escape, Hoi An is among the best short trips from Hong Kong. This charming, slow-paced city is the perfect place to soak in the authentic ambiance of 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. At night, the Thu Bon River comes alive with boats and vibrant lanterns – join them for an unforgettable experience and choose between a ride along the river at sunset or a moonlit trip.

Foodies will also love Hoi An: you’ll find all of the usual suspects such as steaming bowls of pho and delicious banh mi sandwhiches, as well as the city’s legendary cao lau (a chewy, crunchy noodle soup) and white rose dumplings – 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.

Seoul

Flight time: 3-4 hours

Live out your K-Drama fantasies in South Korea’s capital, where cool kids mingle with crisply dressed businesspeople 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. . 

Where to stay 

For a chic base in the Hongdae neighbourhood: L7 Hongdae.
For Gangnam-style digs: Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, an IHG Hotel.

Singapore

Flight time: 3-4 hours

If you love Hong Kong’s blend of old and new, quirky and cosmopolitan, you’ll love Singapore, a city that celebrates Southeast Asian culture while embracing modernity. Snap a picture underneath 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.

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.

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 and extravagant villas. 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.  

Spas and hotels offering massage treatments are dotted across the city, as are restaurants which are 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.  

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.

This story was originally published in May, 2023 and updated in August, 2024.