Exploring Hong Kong with autistic children can seem overwhelming – but if you think your child will cope there are certainly ways to make it more manageable. in 2017 we embarked on a week-long adventure to Hong Kong after leaving Chiang Mai. Here’s a detailed guide based on our experiences, including transportation tips, family-friendly activities, and accommodations.
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Getting from Hong Kong International Airport to the City
Traveling from Hong Kong International Airport to the city offers several transportation options:
- Taxi: Approximately HKD 300-400 (€35-47) for a one-way trip to the city centre and takes between 30-40 minutes, depending on where in Hong Kong you are going. We opted for a taxi for convenience and comfort, especially useful when traveling with strollers and luggage. Taxis are readily available outside the airport and provide a direct route to your accommodation. We were staying on Lantau Island so this was the best option available at the time.
- Airport Express: Approximately HKD 115 (€13.5) per adult and HKD 57.5 (€6.7) per child for a one-way trip. It will take about 25 minutes to Hong Kong Station. The Airport Express train is a fast and efficient way to reach the city, with free shuttle bus services to major hotels. It’s a good option if you’re traveling light. You can book the Airport Express tickets in advance online here.
- Bus: Approximately HKD 40 (€4.7) per person for a one-way trip and takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Airport buses are a budget-friendly option and offer various routes to different parts of the city. They are equipped with luggage racks and offer scenic views during the journey.
- Private Car Service: Approximately HKD 500-800 (€58-93) for a one-way trip and will take between 30-40 minutes. Private car services offer door-to-door convenience and are ideal for larger families or those with specific needs. You can book transfers online with GetYourGuide here before your trip even begins.
Need To Know: Hong Kong Taxis
When you leave the airport on Lantau Island, you’ll notice that there are three different colours of taxi. The different colours on taxis at Hong Kong International Airport (and throughout Hong Kong) are important because they indicate the areas in which the taxis are permitted to operate. Here’s a breakdown of what each colour represents:
The Three Colours of Hong Kong Taxi:
- Red: Red taxis can operate in most areas of Hong Kong, including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories.
- Green: Green taxis primarily operate in the New Territories, a more suburban and rural area of Hong Kong. They can also go to certain parts of Lantau Island, including the airport.
- Blue: Blue taxis are restricted to Lantau Island, which includes the airport, Tung Chung, and other areas on the island.
When you’re at the Hong Kong International Airport, you can choose a taxi based on your destination. Red taxis are the most versatile (and therefore most expensive) and can take you almost anywhere, while green and blue taxis are more limited to specific regions.
Our Stay in Hong Kong
We planned for a week in Hong Kong with autistic children. We had a hotel booked in Tsim Sha Shui area. I was working online at the time and I think I had work on 5/7 days we were there. If I remember correctly, I would have a couple of hours after each shift to go exploring and this was all part of the way we planned it at the time and why we were to be in Tsim Sha Shui. The night before we flew to Hong Kong I went to screenshot the hotel address to find they had cancelled my booking and increased the price by £1700. It was something we could not afford and we still ended up paying DOUBLE our original budget for the hotel to stay on Lantau Island – away from everything in one of the worst hotels I have ever stayed in.
Our hotel was in a small town called Mui Wo – and although the hotel was awful I did enjoy the area being so quiet and authentic and I really liked walking those little paths that link small villages and schools together. It was a great opportunity to fly our drone too.
We went over on the boat from Lantau to Hong Kong Island one day and went up the tram to Victoria Peak. We didn’t have a lot of time to explore due to my work commitments – but we did the best we could.
Family-Friendly Activities in Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers numerous family-friendly activities that cater to different interests and sensory needs. Here are some highlights for Hong Kong with autistic children:
Hong Kong Disneyland
A magical theme park featuring rides, shows, and character experiences. It’s perfect for a full day of fun and adventure. Hong Kong Disneyland is on Lantau Island, which is where Hong King International Airport is, so it might be best to visit Disney at the start or end of your time in Hong Kong. Secure your Hong Kong Disneyland tickets in advance with GetYourGuide.
Victoria Peak
A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the city and harbour. The Peak Tram ride is an exciting experience for children – unless they’re autistic then they might burn out and use the tram ride to have a little nap! You can pre-book the tram and terrace online before your visit.
Ocean Park
A marine mammal park, oceanarium, and amusement park with various attractions and animal exhibits. Plan ahead and grab your Ocean Park tickets with GetYourGuide here before you go.
Hong Kong Science Museum
An interactive museum with hands-on exhibits and educational displays, ideal for curious minds.
Ngong Ping 360
A cable car ride offering stunning views of the island and a visit to the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. You can pre-book your Ngong Ping 360 ride on GetYourGuide.
Hong Kong Park
A beautiful park with a playground, aviary, and conservatory. It’s a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
A scenic waterfront walkway offering views of Victoria Harbour and the Symphony of Lights show.
Day Trip to Macao
A short ferry ride from Hong Kong, Macao offers cultural sites, family-friendly casinos, and delicious cuisine. Macao is a cultural experience in itself – boasting Portuguese architecture and a strip equivalent to the Las Vegas strip.
Hong Kong Space Museum
A museum dedicated to space and astronomy with interactive exhibits and a planetarium.
Exploring by Boat off Victoria Harbour
Enjoy a ferry ride across Victoria Harbour or a traditional junk boat tour for a unique perspective of the city. You can book to enjoy a night-time light show, or even explore by antique boat.
Kowloon Walled City Park
A historical park with beautiful gardens and remnants of the old walled city. It’s educational and visually interesting.
Noah’s Ark Hong Kong
A theme park and educational centre featuring a full-size replica of Noah’s Ark with interactive exhibits and play areas.
Ma On Shan Park
A waterfront park with playgrounds, cycling paths, and picnic areas, perfect for a relaxing family day out.
Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck
An observation deck offering 360-degree views of Hong Kong from the 100th floor. It’s a breath-taking experience for children and adults alike. Pre-book your Sky100 Observation Deck tickets before your trip to ensure you don’t miss out.
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
A free attraction featuring various animals, plants, and a playground. It’s educational and enjoyable for families.
The Hong Kong Observation Wheel
A giant Ferris wheel offering stunning views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline.
Our Favourite Sensory-Friendly Activity in Hong Kong
Mui Wo rural paths
Our favourite thing to do was actually walking the paths between the rural villages in the Mui Wo area of Lantau Island. We found so many beautiful spots along the route and enjoyed a nice place to fly the drone without any problems or restrictions.
Getting Around Hong Kong With Autistic Children
We used a number of different types of transport while in Hong Kong, we took a taxi from the airport to our hotel in Mui Wo, Lantau Island. We took a ferry from Lantau Island to Hong Kong Island and then we did a lot of walking, and we took the tram to the top of Victoria Peak.
On Lantau Island, we walked everywhere and found we could easily weave between little rural villages by foot.
Is Hong Kong Autism-Friendly?
Hong Kong is increasingly autism-friendly, with a growing awareness and a variety of resources and services to support individuals with autism and their families. While the city’s dense population and fast-paced environment can pose challenges, especially in terms of sensory overload.
Things That Make Hong Kong Stand Out
- Hong Kong’s public transportation system, including the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, and ferries, is generally accessible, with clear signage, priority seating, and staff trained to assist passengers with disabilities. The MTR is particularly well-organized, with announcements in multiple languages, which can help individuals with autism navigate the system. However, the system can be crowded during peak hours, which might be challenging for those sensitive to noise and crowds.
- Hong Kong is densely populated, and certain areas can be overwhelming due to the volume of people and noise. However, there are quieter neighbourhoods and less crowded times of day that can make navigating the city easier for individuals with autism.
- Hong Kong has numerous parks and nature reserves, such as Hong Kong Park, Kowloon Walled City Park, and Victoria Peak, which provide more tranquil environments for relaxation and exploration. These areas can be less crowded during weekdays and offer a respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.
- Many of Hong Kong’s museums, such as the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, offer engaging and interactive exhibits. Some museums provide quiet spaces and sensory-friendly days to accommodate visitors with special needs.
- Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park have begun to introduce more inclusive services. For example, Hong Kong Disneyland offers a “Disability Access Service Card” that allows visitors with disabilities, including autism, to have more flexible access to attractions. Ocean Park also provides special services for visitors with special needs.
- Hong Kong’s malls, like IFC Mall and Pacific Place, are modern and equipped with family-friendly facilities, including quiet areas and sensory-friendly amenities, though they can become crowded during peak hours.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Plan Ahead: Research each location and contact them to discuss any special accommodations your child might need. If you can plan to arrive after check-in time you should, or try to arrange an early check-in.
- Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
- Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download. Consider using our Hong Kong PECS to add to your experience.
- Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.
Our week in Hong Kong with autistic children was filled with exploring, drone-flying and lots of time at quiet beaches and in rural villages. We spent a little time in the busy part of Hong Kong – but not long. It is definitely somewhere we will go back to explore more one day.
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