When you think of Hong Kong, you might think of bright lights, lots of people, Victoria Harbor and the light show on the buildings every night. But, did you know that the city’s International Airport is a destination in itself? Consistently rated one of the best airports in the world (voted #3 in 2012 by the Skytraxx World Airport Awards), Hong Kong International Airport is a traveler’s delight.

Hong Kong International Airport Facts

• Hong Kong International Airport opened its doors on July 6, 1988.
• It had been built at a cost of $20 billion and took six years to complete.
• It is built on an artificially created island that added about 1 percent to the total area of ​​the city.
• It has 74 mobile platforms in total (30 in the Arrivals hall, 34 in Departures and 10 in the Land Transportation Center).
• The passenger terminal is 0.8 miles (1.27 km) long.
• More than 50 million travelers passed through Hong Kong International Airport in 2010. This places the airport as the 11th busiest airport in the world.

things to do

Hong Kong is known for shopping and the airport continues this tradition. Hong Kong International Airport has two shopping areas; the shopping area in Terminal 1 is called SkyMart, and the shopping area in Terminal 2 is called SkyPlaza. There are over 200 retail and catering outlets at SkyMart and over 120 retail and catering outlets at SkyPlaza. Stores that have corresponding stores in Hong Kong outside the airport guarantee that the price you pay at the airport is the same as what you would pay outside the city.

Dining options are numerous. From Popeye’s Chicken, Starbucks, McDonalds and Burger King to traditional Chinese and Asian food, you can find everything you want at the airport. Restaurants range from fast food to places to sit down and enjoy a nice dinner before you catch your flight.

If you’re looking to relax during a long layover or have to leave your hotel early and have a late flight, the Traveler’s Lounge offers food, showers, Internet access, newspapers, magazines and international TV channels for a one-time admission fee. For a higher fee, the Premier Lounge is also available. You can connect to free Wi-Fi throughout the airport and there are places to take a quick nap if you don’t want to pay to use one of the lounges.

Outside the Airport

Hong Kong International Airport is the closest to Lantau Island, which is easily accessible by train. If you’re staying four to six hours, there are a few nearby attractions to visit. The Ngong Ping Skyrail runs 5.7 km (journey time 25 minutes) and offers views of North Lantau Country Park, the South China Sea, the airport and the Tian Tan Buddha statue.

When you arrive at the Skyrail terminal, you will find Ngong Ping Village right next to it. There are a number of cultural exhibits and the Heart Sutra, a classic Buddhist text, can be seen carved on wooden logs.

Easily visible from many points on Lantau Island is the Giant Buddha (Tian Tan). Located in the PoLin Monastery, this gold-colored Buddha statue is 85 feet tall, making it the largest seated Buddha statue in the world. The PoLin Monastery also has a vegetarian restaurant.

If you have more time, Hong Kong Disneyland is located near the airport and easily accessible by train. Smaller than California Disneyland, it’s an easy day trip weather permitting.

Hong Kong International Airport offers a variety of services and activities for all travellers. From local culture to luxury shopping, there is something for everyone. So leave your car in the airport parking lot, head to Asia and enjoy the layover.