Taiwan vs. Hong Kong: Better Travel Experience – What Do You Think?

[Elsa Wyman]

Hello, travel enthusiasts! I would like to seek your guidance: from the perspectives of visa application difficulty, cost of living, transportation costs, and the locals' hospitality towards tourists, which place do you think is more worthwhile to visit?

Here are my own experiences:

• Hong Kong (Ten Years Ago):

  • ️ Airline Experience:
    • Back then when flying in transit through Hong Kong, I had a chance to experience both Cathay Pacific and Dragon Airlines. I felt that the level of service on Cathay Pacific was not as warm as Dragon Airlines (Dragon Airlines had many flight attendants who were Mainland Chinese and could communicate well in Mandarin with no trouble).
  • ️ Important Reminder: Language and Attitude:
    • Ten years ago, some Hong Kong flight attendants might have given me an unpleasant look if I didn't speak Cantonese (the local language) or spoke with a northern accent. During that time, I couldn't help but pretend to speak Taiwanese or switch to English outright, just to avoid being treated differently.
    • Tip: If you worry about language barriers or want to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, try using English for communication, or learn some basic Cantonese greetings in advance. This could be helpful.
  • Cost of Living: Really expensive! Considering bottled water, its price was roughly two to three times higher than in Beijing.
  • ️ Urban Landscape:
    • Not quite as wonderful as everyone says, everywhere is full of small, densely arranged apartment buildings ("pigeon cages" as we put it). It wasn’t nearly as clean as I expected.
    • If we were to look back twenty years ago when there weren’t as many high-rise buildings across the Mainland, Hong Kong would appear stunning by comparison. Nowadays, with major cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, and Shenzhen developing significantly, the visual impact of Hong Kong seems nothing special, and similar cityscapes can be found in other cities.
  • ️ Natural Scenery: No standout notable features, not exactly vast.

• Alternative Choice: Singapore & Malaysia:

  • In the same budget range, a trip combining Singapore and Malaysia feels much better and more rewarding!
  • More beautiful scenery, diverse cultural experiences, and richer cuisine.
  • The locals, most of those I encountered, were not as aloof or seemingly look down upon people from mainland China, unlike some folks from Hong Kong.
  • Although a bit farther away, the difference isn't too significant.

• Taiwan (My Favorite!):

  • Overall Experience: Much better overall experience than Hong Kong! I've already visited twice, and it’s probable I’ll visit a third time.
  • The Locals: The majority of people I met were very friendly and welcoming (totally different from the stereotypes found online).
  • ️ Scenery & Culture: More beautiful landscapes and diverse cultures. There’s an abundance of delicious food!

In summary, which place do you think would offer a better travel experience?

[PK]# #Sunset Lover #Casual Travel #Revisiting Places #Exploring Places Not Visited Before #Taiwan #Taiwan Tour #Taiwan Travel #Taiwan Food #Taiwan Province #Taiwan Scenic Spots #Desire To Travel #Tiring Travel Compared To Work #Travelling With Friends #City I Want To Visit Again

[Mr. Jody Bednar]

I've visited both within the past year. Taiwanese people are clearly much more enthusiastic. Hong Kongers often gave off a 'take it or leave it' vibe. I don't speak Cantonese, and often when I spoke Mandarin, they'd reply in Cantonese, which I couldn't understand. Some even replied in English. Luckily, having studied abroad, I can speak it. Then, once they realized I spoke English, after a bit, they'd start speaking Mandarin – so strange! Apart from seeing the streetscapes, I have no desire to go back to Hong Kong. I've already been to Taiwan twice this year, did a full loop, and visited Kenting twice – it was awesome! Many taxi drivers, hearing I was from the mainland, were full of recommendations for good food and fun places.

[Misty Anderson DDS]

I felt quite scared in Hong Kong because I sensed that if there was a language barrier, people would get upset. Speaking English didn't always seem to work either. It was so stressful...

[Madeline Hermann III]

Taiwanese people have been scolded for speaking Mandarin in Hong Kong before.

[Johnathan Schmeler]

Same here.

[Reginald Ziemann]

Taiwanese people are incredibly warm! An 'auntie' (older lady) we met on the bus even offered to take us to a temple.

[Antoinette Ferry]

Hahahaha, that's absolutely true.

[Elsa Wyman]

My husband, a super extrovert (an 'E' person), said the people in Taipei are so extroverted that even he found it a bit much to handle.

[Karen Zulauf]

Hahahahahahaha, I'm dying laughing!

[Marion Barrows]

It's a different vibe.