questions about a long flight layover in Hong Kong

[Hawknick 0]

I was just looking into flights from Chicago to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). A lot of the lower priced flights have 12-14 hour layovers in Hong Kong. I am considering this based on the price, and because it would be nice to rest and shower before visiting my fiance. With only a short flight in between Hong Kong in Saigon.

I am not experienced in taking international flights so I want to get some advice from anyone here that has been on a long stop in Hong Kong. For example what are the legal requirements to stay overnight at a hotel? What are the best places to stay? What is the easiest way to commute? How much Cantonese do I need to know for this? Is there any major safety concerns? Is there anything else I missed that I really need to know?

[Mike&Lin 39]

Because you will be entering Hong Kong not just transit through you must me Visa requirement.

Per the US Consulate Hong Kong website in :

Short Term Visitors to Hong Kong

U.S. Citizens visiting Hong Kong for not more than three months/90 days are not required to obtain visas. They must have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months and evidence of adequate funds for their stay and onward transportation. Those wishing to stay more than three months must obtain visas from a Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Visitors are not permitted to study or work (whether paid or not).

[Hawknick 0]

Since my stay would be under 24 hours, and I would have a flight ticket to Saigon why would that not qualify for a 24 hour permit?

[Hawknick 0]

Also from what I read the laws to enter Hong Kong are easier than the rest of China. Is that still correct?

[msbau764 245]

Also from what I read the laws to enter Hong Kong are easier than the rest of China. Is that still correct?

Have you been paying attention to the news in Hong Kong? If you are looking for rest and peace you will not find it there at this moment. Even if the reports are exaggerated at the very minimum traffic and the congestion due to the protests will make your trip quite interesting.

http://mashable.com/2014/09/29/umbrella-revolution-protests-spread/

[Hawknick 0]

My trip won't be until next year so I hope the protests are over by then.

[msbau764 245]

My trip won't be until next year so I hope the protests are over by then.

Good. Is your layover no more than 12 to 14 hours? With my experience in international travel, I don't think it is enough time or worth it to get a hotel. You need to investigate how long it will take to get from the airport to your hotel, factoring in the 3 hour minimum you must arrive at the aiport on the flight out. You are better off just going to the city center, eating, going to the major sites and returning to the airport.

[Mike&Lin 39]

I assume you are the USC. You just enter Hong Kong using your US passport no need for a 24 hour permit if such a thing exists in HK. There is a hotel or 2 at the airport itself so travel time isn't much of a factor but I think the hotels at the airport are pricey. Looking at the airport website here is another option:

http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/passenger/departure/all/shower-pay-in-lounge/pay-in-lounge.html

[jxn 86]

There are airports close to the hotel and as an American you don't need a visa. Go explore Hong Kong for a few hours and get some rest. They speak English (it was a former British) colony and it's a fascinating place. Enjoy!

[Hawknick 0]

Thanks I did think of it that way, maybe it would be best to just try to sneak a snooze at the airport. Since the window might be a bit tight.

[Hawknick 0]

Also thanks for the link about the airport lounges. That might be the way to go, even a massage! That sounds great.

Edited September 30, 2014 by Hawknick

[Dave & Mong 29]

I found Delta Airlines to have the best price, delta.com, and a choice of layovers. Hers was $735 US.

[Hawknick 0]

I want on Delta's site and I could not find anything close to that low. The closest I have found so far for Chicago to Saigon has been $949 on Cathay Pacific.

[CowBoE 429]

I was just looking into flights from Chicago to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). A lot of the lower priced flights have 12-14 hour layovers in Hong Kong. I am considering this based on the price, and because it would be nice to rest and shower before visiting my fiance. With only a short flight in between Hong Kong in Saigon.

I am not experienced in taking international flights so I want to get some advice from anyone here that has been on a long stop in Hong Kong. For example what are the legal requirements to stay overnight at a hotel? What are the best places to stay? What is the easiest way to commute? How much Cantonese do I need to know for this? Is there any major safety concerns? Is there anything else I missed that I really need to know?

My reservation got messed up and I ended buying extra domestic connection ticket at the last minute that

left me with 12 hours of layover in LA bound to China.

Initially I thought I could go to a hotel/motel for a night, but when you factor in travel time between airport and hotel,

getting something to eat, and the fact that you have to be back at airport 2-3 hours before the departure,

it would have only left me with less than 4 hours of sleep at the hotel.

So I decided to stay at the airport, and managed to get about 6 hours of on and off sleep on few connected chairs without arm rest.

This also saved me about $200~$250 (for hotel & taxi). And I didn't have to rush to get ready to go back to the airport from hotel.

It wasn't the best comfortable sleep, but it wasn't too bad, and there were several dozens of people around me

doing the same thing, so I didn't feel all that strange.

The only thing I was concerned was my luggage, so I rested my foot on my of my luggage,

and I used my laptop case with my jacket on top of it as the pillow to make sure they weren't being moved (stolen).

[Hawknick 0]

That is all great information! I think you all are right the time window does seem to short for a hotel on second thought. The lounge idea sounds great. It should have slightly more comfortable sleeping arrangements, a massage, food and a shower. About my backpack, I have a plan for that too. I was already going to tie it with a rope to my belt for walking in Siagon so I will do the same in the airport. I understand that violent crimes are rare in these areas but petty thefts are more common.