Should I stay or should I go - Hong Kong [protests]

[nickykim]

I’ve got a three day stopover in Hong Kong booked on my way back from France. I arrive in Hong Kong Thursday 15 August mid afternoon and departing Sunday 18 August early evening - non refundable hotel is booked on Hong Kong Island. I have enough points to redeem an earlier flight (maybe Friday night). So, what do you think? Just get the hell out of there or take a chance and stay for the weekend? I am a mid 50s solo female European traveller if that influences your answer...

 

[Hvr]

I'm going to suggest you avoid Hong Kong if possible at the moment.

I can't see the current unrest calming down soon and trying to change plans closer to the date may not be possible.

It would be worthwhile asking your travel insurance provider if they would cover the additional costs of changing your plans.

Whilst I am sure you would be a discreet traveller and not get involved in or comment on the matters at hand, there is the potential for you to be caught up regardless of where you stay in Hong Kong.

Even the Airport train line has been temporarily closed at times recently due to protesters interfering with the doors.

 

[Pushka]

I pretty much echo HVR but more because of potential strikes. Best wishes for whatever you decide. Obviously people are still traveling there just fine but it does seem rather fragile and worsening.

 

[amaroo]

I suppose it depends on where you'll be staying and visiting. We had a 5 day break in Hong Kong mid June including the day an estimated 2 million people marched - had zero impact on our stay.

If I was booked to go next week - I'd still go.

 

[mini2]

Should be fine. Most of the violence occurs after dark targeting a specific crowd.

As long as the ATC's don't stage another strike like yesterday there should be minimal disruption to flights.

 

[SeatBackForward]

The strikes take place at Central, and affect the main roads. The MTR and ferries continue as normal, and as long as you avoid that particular area, eveyrthing else should be fine. UNLESS there are mass general strikes, but i suspect this is not the case yet.

 

[albatross710]

I was in HK last week and staying at TST. I had business in TST, MongKok and HK Island.

In my personal experience I was not impacted at all getting around, catching ferry, taxis and MTR. Restaurants were serving their high standard of food.

Pretty clear that if there is a large gathering stay clear, but I didn't see any large gatherings. Actually the only place I did see things was on the front page of the newspapers.

I would be happy to be in HK again and in my personal experience I would not change your plans. HK is a big place.

Both amaroo & I have been on the ground during these mass protests and both have been unaffected. The media is definitely over reporting this.

Alby

 

[harvyk]

I've got a trip booked there in September, and I've got no qualms.
I know my way around HKG quite well, and I'll keep in mind that protests are stopping public transport from time to time and I'll take that into account if needs be. I'll be avoiding any large crowds and I'll probably avoid wearing my black shirt during my stay (although I will fly with it on as it's very comfortable for flying in)

 

[RooFlyer]

Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to go. Just exercise common sense.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

If there’s any unrest, allow extra time to get to the airport - and an alternate route/mode of transport - in case the rail line is closed.

 

[Dr Ralph]

I'd go. But might expect some minor inconveniences/need to allow extra travel time.

 

[Pleb Status]

I am in HKG at the moment and today is no different to any other day I have experienced here over the years.

I flew in yesterday and the only noticeable differences were very slow baggage reclaim on CX (which may be normal as I normally fly in on SQ) and most retail shops were closed. Food stores (Wellcome etc) were open, along with most restaurants etc.

The local media highlighted where the 'trouble spots' were so they were very easy to avoid. Use common sense and you will be fine...

I have a week planned here at the end of September and things would have to escalate significantly before I would consider any changes.

An easy one, but where am/was I?

 

[Buzzard]

Another one here for the I'd still go brigade.

 

[ellen10]

My husband and son fly out to Hong Kong tonight, their first visit.
Hoping all goes well.

 

[jase05]

I am in HKG at the moment and today is no different to any other day I have experienced here over the years.

I flew in yesterday and the only noticeable differences were very slow baggage reclaim on CX (which may be normal as I normally fly in on SQ) and most retail shops were closed. Food stores (Wellcome etc) were open, along with most restaurants etc.

The local media highlighted where the 'trouble spots' were so they were very easy avoid. Use common sense and you will be fine...

I have a week planned here at the end of September and things would have to escalate significantly before I would consider any changes.

An easy one, but where am/was I?
View attachment 180357

Stanley looking lovely as usual

 

[Pleb Status]

Stanley looking lovely as usual

Correct.

 

[get me outta here]

I would defintly go, but avoid the areas. When they peacefully demonstrated about 3 years ago I took them some dumplings.

 

[mini2]

The protesters are now planning on occupying HKIA this weekend.

 

[k_sheep]

In HKG right now. Other than a couple cancelled flights (which isn't probably much more than expected) there is nothing of note going on.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I'd keep abreast of this situation as it appears to be getting worse not better.