HOTELS IN MONGKOK

Mongkok is the next stop north of Yau Ma Tei on the Tsuen Wan line, as you move further away from the harbour at Tsim Sha Tsui. Let's see...it's the most densely populated areas on earth (according to the Guiness World Record folks) and it's the (former?) home of the most famous and dangerous Triads (Hong Kong gangsters).

So why stay here? Why visit? You need to be mentally prepared for it but, for one, the sheer amount of people and blaze of neon is fascinating. Once you visit here, other parts of Hong Kong may seem downright desolate! It's also the largest shopping district in Hong Kong. Finally, hotels in the area are lower priced than those closer to the TST harbourfront, with good choices such as the Metropark Mongkok Hotel and the Langham Place Mongkok Hotel.

Ladies Market / Women's Street

Handbags, cosmetics, shoes, clothes, etc., etc., you can find great prices at this reknowned market. It has been said there are many, very cheap, "pseudo" name brands here, but we can't confirm this (legally, that is). Though Women's Street is the most famous, there is also a "Sports Shoe Street", and a "Goldfish Street". Great to see, and even better if you're buying, you get the picture - you can get almost anything you want here.

Mongkok Computer Centre

Need a computer? This is the place to go. More than 80 computer shops serving around 10,000 customers daily can't all be wrong!. Also, a hotbed for software at prices that seem like, well, a steal! The centre is three blocks east and one block south of the Mong Kok MTR station. Bring your haggling skills. That means walk away from a few first. You'd be amazed how quickly the price can drop, sometimes with each step. Don't be silly about it, but do be smart - things are cheaper than you might expect.

Flower Market

Wow. Full of color and exotic aromas, this is a huge attraction in Hong Kong. Check your calendar (before Chinese New Year, Tomb Sweeping Day, etc.) first, however, and don't pop in late afternoon before one of these major holidays - the area will be inundated with locals getting their lot. Definitely add this to your visit to Mongkok but go before dark...most shops shut after sunset. The Flower Market is located on the northern side of Prince Edward Road West, straight north of the Mongkok East MTR.

MTR (Mass Transit Railway)

Lines: Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong

Station(s): Mongkok