A 4-Day Food-Filled, Family-First City Escape
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Hong Kong and Macau Trip - June 7 to 10, 2025
My 4th Time in Hong Kong: First with My Kids, and Second with My Sisters 🧭 Why Go Back to Hong Kong? Because some places just keep calling you back. This was my fourth time in Hong Kong, and by far the most special. I traveled with my sisters, Mylene and Len, and my two beautiful daughters. Just writing that down already brings a smile to my face. More than just a trip. it was a memory in motion. We were a group of five - four adults and one teen - three grown-up sisters (two always ready for adventure, one happy to rest when needed) and two girls with wide eyes and big appetites. It was messy, joyful, funny, and completely unforgettable. |
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🏨 Dorsett Wanchai and a Causeway Bay Welcome Walk
We booked a 3-night stay at Dorsett Wanchai, and while the hotel was clean, comfy, and family-friendly, they were quite strict with the check-in time. So we dropped off our bags and walked around Causeway Bay while waiting. It turned out to be the perfect warm-up. We stretched our legs, soaked in the Hong Kong vibe, and eased into the trip without pressure.
Dorsett’s free shuttle service around the city helped a lot. With two kids and one sister who preferred quiet evenings at the hotel, the convenience was a blessing.
We booked a 3-night stay at Dorsett Wanchai, and while the hotel was clean, comfy, and family-friendly, they were quite strict with the check-in time. So we dropped off our bags and walked around Causeway Bay while waiting. It turned out to be the perfect warm-up. We stretched our legs, soaked in the Hong Kong vibe, and eased into the trip without pressure.
Dorsett’s free shuttle service around the city helped a lot. With two kids and one sister who preferred quiet evenings at the hotel, the convenience was a blessing.
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⛴️ Macau Day Trip with Scenic Views
On our second day, we hopped on the Cotai Ferry at 8 am and took a quick trip to Macau. We strolled around the Sands hotel network, enjoying the grand architecture and peaceful views. It was a different kind of vibe compared to Hong Kong - slower, more glamorous, and a nice contrast for the kids.
By 3 pm, we were back in Hong Kong, slightly sunburnt, a bit tired, and very satisfied.
🚶♀️ A Walking Tour with Heart
The third day gave us one of the most touching moments of the trip. We joined a walking tour in Central with Summer, a kind and passionate guide who felt like an old friend by the end of the tour.
The third day gave us one of the most touching moments of the trip. We joined a walking tour in Central with Summer, a kind and passionate guide who felt like an old friend by the end of the tour.
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Summer told stories about her grandparents, about the old corners of the city that still hold memories. Her words were soft but full of meaning. Even my daughters listened quietly, soaking in the emotion. It was a gentle reminder that cities are more than buildings - they are living memories, if you take time to listen. |
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🍜 Noodles, Milk Tea, and My Labubu Budol
We ate like locals and loved every bite. My daughters quickly became fans of stocking milk tea and all the noodle soups we could find - wonton, beef brisket, pork broth, name it. Watching them slurp their way through Hong Kong was such a joy.
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Now let me confess my Ladies Market budol. I got talked into buying a Labubu keychain for 100 HKD. The saleslady was a pro. I blinked and suddenly I was handing her cash while my daughters laughed (or did they eye-rolled ?!) at me. Do I regret it? Not really. Labubu is now part of the family. |
🚋 Visa Taps, Trams, and MTR Hopping
We skipped the Octopus Cards this time and just tapped our Visa credit and debit cards at the MTR and tram gates. It was fast, easy, and perfect for travelers who don't want the hassle of card reloading.
The kids adored the double-decker trams. They called them slow trains and insisted on sitting on the top deck. We rode them just for fun a couple of times, watching the city pass by like a slow movie.
🗓️ Our 4D3N Family Itinerary
Day 1
- Arrival at HKIA
- MTR to Central using Visa Card for Airport Express Ticket
- Drop bags at Dorsett Wanchai
- Stroll around Causeway Bay
- Lunch at Tim Ho Wan
- First tram ride and milk tea fix
- Hotel check-in
- Sister rested at the hotel while we explored nearby streets
- Early Cotai Ferry ride to Macau
- Morning stroll around Sands hotel network
- 3 pm ferry back to Hong Kong
- Dinner near the hotel
- Breakfast at a cha chaan teng
- Walking tour in Central with Summer
- Lunch at a dim sum spot she recommended
- Visit to Man Mo Temple
- Afternoon treats - egg waffles and bubble tea
- Quick stop at Ladies Market and Labubu budol
- Night rest at the hotel
- Noodle breakfast
- Last tram ride and souvenir shopping
- MTR to airport
- Goodbye Hong Kong
💸 Budget Snapshot (per adult)
Group of 5: 4 adults, 1 teen
- Flights: PHP 9,500
- Hotel (3 nights at Dorsett Wanchai): PHP 8,000
- Food: PHP 5,500
- Cotai Ferry roundtrip to Macau: PHP 2,000
- Walking tour with Summer: PHP 1,800 (shared across the group)
- Transport via Visa (MTR + trams +Airport Express): PHP 1,800
- Pasalubong and Labubu: PHP 1,500
✨ Travel Tips
- Use Visa cards for MTR and trams - no need for Octopus
- Double-decker trams are a must for kids and first-timers
- Dorsett Wanchai is great for families but stick to their check-in time
- Leave early if you're planning a Macau day trip
- Book a walking tour to know more about the City
- Prepare your budget for budol moments - especially in Ladies Market
💛 Final Thoughts
This trip was a beautiful mix of chaos and calm. I got to see Hong Kong again, but through the eyes of my daughters and beside the laughter of my sisters. From tram rides to noodle bowls, from heritage stories to impulsive keychain purchases, everything felt like a puzzle piece falling into place.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was precious. And to me, that is what makes travel worth it.
