Best Island Destinations in Asia with Direct Flights from Hong Kong

This summer, Ngong Ping 360 and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) are teaming up for the first time to launch the "Hong Kong Disneyland 20th Anniversary Teaser Party @ Ngong Ping 360," running from June 21 to Aug. 31, 2025. 

As part of Hong Kong Disneyland's 20th Anniversary celebration this year, Ngong Ping Village will host a range of themed experiences, including a striking 5.5-meter Castle of Magical Dreams installation with figurines of Mickey and Friends, alongside Duffy and Friends, all dressed in exclusive 20th Anniversary costumes. 

11 of Ngong PIng's iconic Crystal Cabin Cable Cars have also been transformed into Disney-themed rides, featuring characters and designs inspired by HKDL's newest and largest parade, "Friendtastic!," including Disney and Friends, Duffy and Friends, Disney Princesses, Up, Encanto, and many more! 

The themed Crystal Cable Car Package, priced the same as a regular ticket, includes priority boarding and a souvenir ticket to take back home. 

To top it all off, HKDL's year-long 20th Anniversary celebration, "The Most Magical Party of All," will kick off on Saturday, June 28, 2025, with all-new experiences like the castle stage show "Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle!" the grand parade "Friendtastic!" and the nighttime show "Momentous: Party in the Night Sky." 

From now until July 26, 2025, KLOOK is offering a combo package that includes:

• The NP360 Hong Kong Disneyland 20th Anniversary-themed Crystal Cable Car round-trip ticket
• Hong Kong Disneyland 1-Day ticket
• Complimentary 20th Anniversary SouvenEAR Mini Party Hat. 

Visit the event link below for more details! 

To plan your magical celebration ahead, check out The Beat Asia's HKDL guides on where to stay, where to eat, and a special guide for parents! 

Don't miss out on this unique and immersive experience! For more information and updates, visit Hong Kong Disneyland's website or Ngong Ping 360's website. 

Cathay Pacific has been hailed as one of the best three airlines in the world at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards. 

In addition to this honor, Hong Kong’s flagship carrier also achieved two other incredible awards: being named World’s Best Economy Class Airline for the second consecutive year and winning World’s Best Inflight Entertainment for the second time in three years! Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer of the Cathay Group, received the award on behalf of the carrier at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards held in Paris last June 17, 2025.

“Being voted among the top three best airlines in the world, up two places from last year, and the world’s best for Economy class and inflight entertainment again is extremely encouraging,” said Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam. “These accolades underscore our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service and enhancing the customer experience across every part of their journey. We are grateful for the incredible support of our customers, and the dedication of our people across Cathay. These awards will inspire and motivate us to keep raising the bar as we strive to become one of the world’s greatest service brands.”

In a step towards enhancing customer satisfaction and strengthening Hong Kong’s international aviation hub status, the Cathay Group is investing over HK$100 billion in state-of-the-art aircraft, new cabins and lounges, and digital innovation.

Over the past year, Cathay Pacific has continued to elevate the experience for its customers with the introduction of its new Aria Suite Business class, new Premium Economy, and refreshed Economy cabins onboard its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft last October 2024. These new cabins can be experienced on selected flights between Hong Kong and London, Sydney and Vancouver, with more routes being progressively added.

Additionally, Cathay Pacific has also partnered with Michelin-starred restaurants to create curated menus on selected flights departing Hong Kong, which include reimagined French classics from Louise and Cantonese fine dining from Duddell’s in First and Business, and refined Cantonese classics with Yat Tung Heen in Premium Economy and Economy.

Last April, the airline also launched its new “Chinese Classics” inflight dining options, complementing its existing “Hong Kong Flavors” and “International Favorites” offerings. These new classics showcase China’s rich culinary heritage and are being progressively rolled out in Business class and debuting on selected flights from Hong Kong to Mainland China. 

On the entertainment side, Cathay Pacific boasts a new state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system that has been awarded several times for its design and innovation. The carrier is the first airline to introduce 4K and 4K HDR10 content, and offers the largest entertainment library in Asia-Pacific with new titles every month from Hollywood new releases and exclusive Asian Cinema features to some of your favorite shows and movies on popular streaming platforms such as Paramount+, iQiyi drama, and Disney+.

Cathay Pacific will also be one of the few airlines globally to offer 100% seatback inflight entertainment and Wi-Fi connectivity in every cabin on every aircraft starting this August.

On the ground, the prestigious flag carrier is undergoing an extensive lounge enhancement plan in Hong Kong and beyond, with The Bridge lounge at Hong Kong International Airport already redesigned and reopened last month. Cathay Pacific is also set to open new flagship lounges in Hong Kong, Beijing, and, for the first time, New York in the coming years.

For flight bookings, visit their website, or follow Cathay Pacific on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for updates.

Hong Kong has been named the “Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year” by CrescentRating, a global authority on halal travel, during the Halal in Travel Awards 2025. The city also climbed to third place in the “Muslim-friendly Destinations (non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation)” category of the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025.

Organised in partnership with Mastercard, the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) covers 153 destinations around the world and examines aspects including halal food supply, accommodation, Muslim-friendly facilities, and other travel-related factors to evaluate how welcoming destinations are to Muslim visitors. 

Apart from their awards, Hong Kong also gained first place in the “Muslim-friendly Accessible Travel Destination (non-OIC)” category and second place in the “Muslim Women Friendly Travel Destinations (non-OIC)” category. 

In addition to the city-wide recognition, various hotels, attractions, and venues were also honoured: 

• The Mira Hong Kong – Muslim-friendly Hotel of the Year
• Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong – Muslim-friendly Hotel of the Year
• Ngong Ping 360 – Muslim-friendly Attraction of the Year
• Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre – Muslim-friendly Convention and Exhibition Centre of the Year.

Dr. Peter Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), highlighted Hong Kong’s efforts towards inclusivity by saying, “We have also facilitated the fostering of closer ties between Hong Kong, the Middle East, and ASEAN countries in recent years. HKTB thanks the Government for its full support and our trade partners for their efforts in elevating the city’s Muslim-friendly tourism facilities.”

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) continues to spotlight the city and its development as a Muslim-friendly destination through a three-pronged approach of accreditation, education, and promotion. 

Currently, about 190 eateries in Hong Kong have been certified, rising from the original 100 in early 2024. More than 60 hotels, attractions, and convention and exhibition venues have also been rated as Muslim-friendly. 

The HKTB also continues to promote Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination through a variety of channels and targeted marketing in Muslim visitor source markets. 

Learn more about the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HTKB) efforts and Muslim-friendly offerings through DiscoverHongKong.com. Follow the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for more information. 

Ready to explore Hong Kong beyond the usual tourist spots? Booking.com just dropped the Explorer’s CityWalk Guide, a fresh and curated collection of walking routes designed to reveal the city’s hidden gems, rich heritage, and breathtaking nature — tailored to different traveler vibes.

Instead of stressing over endless planning, you can now follow three distinct routes created by local influencers who know Hong Kong inside out.  

According to Booking.com, 43% of Asia-Pacific travelers seeking nature trips and 71% are interested in nighttime experiences like star-gazing. 

Their first bespoke Sai Kung route offers a breath of fresh air, a dream for nature lovers and night explorers. Curated by eco-conscious designer Melody Cheng, the route highlights eco-friendly activities such as visiting High Island Reservoir’s West Dam, exploring Astropark, and dining sustainably—all set under the stars.

For families craving a mix of trendy yet historic charm, the Sheung Wan route is a vibrant playground. Curated by travel host Christy Leung, this itinerary weaves through old streets, quirky cafes, and lively hangouts ideal for bonding across generations. 

Highlights include Yan Shang Kee Qipao Rental, Wing Lee Street’s colorful corners, and the fascinating Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences housed in a colonial-era building.

Last but not least, step into Shek Kip Mei’s nostalgic embrace with Carlos Sun, curator of Vanishing Hong Kong. This route celebrates preserved traditions and photogenic spots like the iconic St. Francis of Assisi Church, the viral Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir, and the heritage Mei Ho House.

Regina Chan, Area Manager for Taiwan and Hong Kong at Booking.com, sums it up perfectly: “With over 50% of APAC travelers drawing travel ideas from social media, our collaboration with travel influencers not only sparks vacation inspiration but also enriches travel experiences, encouraging both domestic and inbound tourism while contributing to the promotion of Hong Kong as a must-visit."

Are you ready to uncover these gems on foot? Download the full map here and let Hong Kong’s unique stories unfold, one step at a time!

For more information, visit Booking.com on their website, Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter).

This is your chance to become fully immersed in Hong Kong’s rich cultural past — with fashion. 

Lanson Place Causeway Bay Hong Kong, in collaboration with Hong Kong Tramways, will be launching the Ding Ding Qipao Tour! The tour, which begins on May 17, 2025, and will run on weekends, invites participants to take a step back in time to experience the vibrant heritage of Hong Kong. 

This collaboration by Lanson Place Causeway Bay Hong Kong and Hong Kong Tramways aims to tell the stories of Hong Kong through a modern lens. Participants and guests have the opportunity to wear a traditional qipao, which is available for rental from clothing boutique Yan Shang Kee in Central. The boutique offers a variety of styles for women, men, and children. 

This experience is perfect for couples, friends, and families who are ecstatic and eager to embark on an off-the-beaten-path travel adventure. The group will board a beautifully restored 1920s-style open-top tram and glide through the bustling streets of Hong Kong while savoring the nostalgia of a bygone era. 

The photogenic journey through the 1920s doesn’t end there; participants are also invited to continue their journey in Salon Lanson within Lanson Place, conveniently located next to the Causeway Bay Terminus, where they can enjoy a special cocktail inspired by The World of Suzie Wong, a romantic classic film set in 1960s Hong Kong. 

The Ding Ding Qipao Tour pass is priced at HK$580 per person, with each ticket including:

• A one-hour journey on the TramOramic Tour (one-way)
  • Departure is at 4:15 PM from the Western Market Terminus to the Causeway Bay Terminus
• Rental of a qipao from Yan Shang Kee (1 to 3 PM); with the garment to be returned the next day (10 AM to 12 NN)
• A glass of The World of Suzie Wong at Salon Lanson for an additional HK$68 (5:30 to 7:30 PM)

Lanson Place Causeway Bay is dedicated to celebrating Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage and creating unique travel experiences. To enhance this adventure, the hotel also invites travelers to take advantage of its Chronicles of Nostalgia accommodation package, which includes a one-night stay along with two Ding Ding Qipao Tour passes.

This package starts from HK$2,430 per room per night and is available on weekends from May 17 to Aug. 17, 2025. Cocktail price is subject to a 10% service charge. The package rate for the Chronicles of Nostalgia is subject to a 10% service charge and a 3% Hotel Accommodation Tax.

You may contact the Reservations team at [email protected] or call +852 3477 6888 for room reservations and inquiries. 

Follow Lanson Place Causeway Bay Hong Kong on their Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Elevate your travel experiences and become the traveler you want to be with Visa. 

Every journey is a reflection of who you are, your passions, your dreams, and the way you choose to explore the world. Visa aims to empower everyone to become the traveler they want to be by making every trip seamless, rewarding, and unique through their #TravelWithVisa promotions!

This initiative is designed to bring exclusive perks and unforgettable experiences wherever your journeys take you. Visa will be collaborating with five leading airlines — Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Ethiopian Airlines, EVA AIR, and Singapore Airlines — to elevate your future travels from take-off to touchdown. 

Cash rebates on flight bookings with five international airlines

From now until Dec. 31, 2025, eligible Visa cardholders from Hong Kong and Macau can enjoy cash rebates when booking flights directly through Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Ethiopian Airlines, EVA AIR, and Singapore Airlines via their designated official Hong Kong or Macau websites. Offers include: 

• HK$240 rebate for a single transaction of HK$4,000 to HK$7,999
• HK$800 rebate for a single transaction of HK$8,000 or more. 

You may redeem this offer by simply registering your Visa card before making the purchase here. 

Discover a world of new travel experiences with Vee at K11 MUSEA

To celebrate the official launch of the #TravelWithVisa initiative, Visa is bringing a hot-air balloon to the K11 MUSEA promenade. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Victoria Harbour, this must-visit photo spot features Visa’s newest brand ambassador, Vee, designed in the shape of a credit card with a fluffy body and symbolizing Visa’s role as a versatile and trusted travel companion. At Visa, they make travel seamless, safe, and enjoyable to empower everyone to become the traveler they want to be. 

To amp up the excitement, visitors have the chance to get their hands on exclusive collectibles, including keychains, tote bags, slippers, socks, and luggage tags, available only though the #TravelWithVisa pop-up. 

From now until May 13, 2025, these limited-edition items will be up for grabs for visitors to the Visa hot-air balloon upon completion of a simple task on weekends and public holidays, including taking and sharing a photo with the balloon!

Win Business Class tickets from EVA AIR and travel in style

In partnership with EVA AIR, Visa is giving travelers the chance to elevate their journey and travel in style to select destinations, including Los Angeles, Munich, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Vienna. 

From now until May 11, 2025, two Visa cardholders with the highest accumulated spending at K11 MUSEA and K11 Art Mall will win two round-trip Business Class tickets with EVA AIR to any one of the seven exciting destinations. 

In the next months, Visa will be introducing more exclusive rewards through its collaborations and partnerships with different partners and merchants. Follow Vee to unlock new adventures, perks, and ways to travel with your Visa card. 

For more information about the #TravelWithVisa initiative, visit the website here and follow Visa Hong Kong on Instagram. 

Location: Promenade, K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Dates: Apr. 18 to May 13, 2025