Best Short Trips And Weekend Getaways From Hong Kong With Kids

VIETNAM: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Hong Kong (1 Hour And 55 Minutes From Hong Kong Direct)

Book a short family getaway to Da Nang, a large coastal city in central Vietnam known for its gorgeous sweeping sandy beaches and tantalizing street food. Mi Quang anyone? Go between March and October to avoid the rainy season. With abundant transport options, Da Nang is the perfect base for quick day trips to nearby Hoi An city and the stunning inland Bà Nà hills. Visit the iconic Golden Hands Bridge and the incredible Hải Vân Pass.

Our top pick for family-friendly accommodation in Da Nang would be the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, just a 30-minute drive away from Da Nang International Airport. Enjoy this resort’s unspoiled rainforest setting and incredible architecture, with a 700-meter private beach, free watersports, a kids club, exceptional dining at La Maison 1888, and a spa! They offer daily shuttle buses to Hoi An for exploring this ancient city’s colourful shophouses, pretty street lanterns, narrow canals, and weathered pagodas, surrounded by lush rice paddies. Don’t miss Hoi An’s famed 17th-Century Japanese Bridge and book a fantastic food tour through Taste of Hoi An.

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Bai Bac, SonTra Peninsula, Da Nang, Vietnam, +84 236 3938888, reservations.icdanang@ihg.com, www.ihg.com

The Original Taste Of Hoi An Food Tour, 58B Tran Cao Van Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam, Vietnam, +84 905 101 930, theteacher@tasteofhoian.com, www.tasteofhoian.com

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to visiting Da Nang and Hoi An with Kids, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/vietnam/hoi-an/da-nang-with-kids

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to the Best Family Hotels and Resorts in Da Nang, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/vietnam/hoi-an/family-hotels-resorts-in-danang

THE PHILIPPINES: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Hong Kong (3 Hours From Hong Kong Via Manila)

Fancy experiencing a slice of paradise with the family? Book a mini getaway to the breathtaking tropical archipelagic province of the Philippines, Palawan. Reach Palawan with a short 2-hour flight to Manila from Hong Kong and a further 1-hour domestic flight to either Coron or El Nido in Palawan from Manila. Visit between October to May for Palawan’s dry season. Enjoy the picturesque tropical islands of Palawan set in crystal clear waters. For families who love to dive, Palawan is a diving mecca offering up unique diving opportunities.

Stay at one of the luxurious family-friendly El Nido Resorts - Pangalusian Island, Lagen Island and Miniloc Island. Each resort offers a wide range of facilities and indoor and outdoor activities to keep the whole family entertained. For a unique experience, book a tour through Corazon Travel & Tours to visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River. Also check out Tao Philippines offering fabulous expeditions to the most remote islands in Palawan.

El Nido Resorts, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines, +63 27 902 5934, holiday@elnidoresorts.com, www.elnidoresorts.com

Corazon Travel & Tours, 2 Junction 1, San Miguel, Puerto Princesa, Philippines, +63 927 685 5534, travelwithcorazon@gmail.com, www.toursbycorazon.com

Tao Philippines, Tao House, National Highway, El Nido, Philippines, +63 908 890 8033, info@taophilippines.com, www.taophilippines.com

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to El Nido with Kids, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/the-philippines/el-nido-with-kids

THAILAND: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Hong Kong (3 Hours From Hong Kong Direct)

When you think of Thailand holidays, most think of beach days in Phuket. However, the quieter jungle escape of Chiang Mai should not be overlooked as an incredible short family getaway option. Visit between November and February when the weather is cooler and perfect for outdoor activities. Get up close with Chiang Mai’s gentle giants, the elephants at Into the Wild Elephant Camp in the southern part of Chiang Mai. At this no-ride ethical elephant camp for rescued elephants, you’ll get to feed, walk with, and bathe these majestic animals.

We recommend staying at the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. This wonderful family-friendly resort is a half hour drive from central Chiang Mai. The kiddos will love the expansive grounds with terraced rice paddies at this resort, plus they’ll get a kick out of the resident water buffaloes drifting around. There’s a Kids Club, cooking classes, Thai clay molding, tie-dye experiences, and lovely nature walks to be enjoyed here. Head out on an epic jungle trek with Chiang Mai Trekking by Piroon Nantaya.

Into the Wild Elephant Camp, 52/1-2 Changhuak Road, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang, Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 96 479 5674, intothewildelephantcamp@gmail.com, www.intothewildelephantcamp.com

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, 502 Moo 1, Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 53 298 181, prsm@fourseasons.com, www.fourseasons.com/chiangmai

Chiang Mai Trekking, 12 Ratpakinai Road, Tambol Prasing Ampoe, Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 81 961 1015, info@chiangmai-trekking.com, www.chiangmai-trekking.com

CHINA: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Hong Kong (3 Hours And 30 Minutes From Hong Kong Direct)

Travel to China has opened up again, so there’s no excuse not to visit mainland China with the family. We recommend visiting Beijing, China’s sprawling capital. Visit during the temperate seasons from March to May and from September to October. There are tons of fun family activities to enjoy around this vibrant global city. Admire the mix of modern architecture and ancient sites like the grand Forbidden City complex, the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Book a tour at The Palace Museum to see this impressive place.

Check the family into the luxurious Rosewood Beijing hotel and bring the dogs along with their pet friendly getaway package. Relax at the hotel’s Sense Spa and splash in one of the biggest indoor heated pools in the city. What’s more, the hotel can arrange bespoke tours to different parts of the city including a wild section of the Great Wall that isn’t clogged with tourists.

The Palace Museum, 4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng, Beijing, China, +86 10 8500 7427, gugong@dpm.org.cn, www.en.dpm.org.cn

Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Beijing, China, +86 10 6597 8888, beijing@rosewoodhotels.com, www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/beijing

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to the Top Family-Friendly Hotels in Beijing, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/china/beijing/family-friendly-hotels-beijing

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to Visiting the Mutianyu Section of The Great Wall of China, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/china/beijing/mutianyu-section-great-wall-of-china

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to Visiting China with Kids, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/china/best-destinations-china-with-kids

MONGOLIA: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Hong Kong (4 Hours And 40 Minutes From Hong Kong Direct)

If Mongolia wasn’t on your travel list before, it’s time to add it in! Visit between May and August for the best weather. If you time your trip right, you could catch Mongolia’s vibrant Naadam Festival taking place from 11 to 15 July yearly. Enjoy wrestling, horse racing, archery, and cultural song and dance during the fest. The largest gathering for this lively and colorful festival is in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar.

This large city in north-central Mongolia is complete with high rises and modern amenities. Families can enjoy a luxurious and comfortable stay at Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar complete with an Adventure Zone Playground for kids in the center and bespoke tours arranged by the concierge. Get outdoors near the city into Mongolia’s famed countryside. Hike Mt. Bogd Khan and ride horses in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.

Naadam Festival, Jargal Expedition LLC., Khan Uul District, 2nd khoroo, Chingis Khaan Avenue, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, +976 1 750 50 999, info@naadamfest.com, www.naadamfest.com

Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar, 19 Olympic Street, Sukhbaatar District-1, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, +976 7702 9999, slub@shangri-la.com, www.shangri-la.com

Check out Little Steps’ Mongolia 1 Week Itinerary for Families, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/mongolia/mongolia-itinerary-for-families

NEPAL: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Hong Kong (5 Hours And 30 Minutes From Hong Kong Direct)

When you think of Nepal holidays, thoughts of difficult treks through the Himalayas might come to mind. Think again! The Annapurna Circuit, a section of Nepal's Himalayas, is considered one of the great walks of the world, guiding trekkers of all ages on "tea-house treks" through picturesque mountain trails and colorful villages. This is adventure travel for families with the added bonus of loads of bonding time. Young tots and kids can be carried in a basket by porters for the long treks. We recommend contacting Responsible Adventures for family trekking and travel around Nepal - they rock!

Visit Nepal between October to December for the clearest skies. If you’re going on short day trekking trips in Nepal’s Himalayas, consider staying over in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. Kathmandu is fantastic for its history, rich culture, and geography with incredible views of the Himalayas. Our top pick for family-friendly affordable accommodation in Kathmandu is at Hotel Shanker. This beautiful and luxurious former royal palace features a large outdoor pool and large family suites.

Responsible Adventures, 17 Sundarnagar, Amrit Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal, +977 980 108 2108, raj@responsibleadventures.com, www.responsibleadventures.com

Hotel Shanker, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal, +977 1 4510151, sales@shankerhotel.com, www.shankerhotel.com.np

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to Trekking in Nepal with Kids, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/nepal/trekking-in-nepal-with-kids

SINGAPORE: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Hong Kong (4 Hours From Hong Kong Direct)

Singapore is a popular holiday destination for families visiting from Hong Kong. With many activities to keep the whole family entertained, it's no surprise. This cosmopolitan, green, and luxurious destination will energize your soul! Take the kids on leisurely night strolls through the futuristic and vibrant garden display at Gardens by the Bay. Spend an epic day with hours of thrilling fun at Singapore’s Universal Studios.

Our pick of the best place to stay in Singapore with kids would be at D’Resort @ Downtown East. This little slice of paradise comes complete with Rainforest and Underwater themed family rooms and an integrated water park experience. Right at this resort’s doorstep, is one of the longest stretches of beach in Singapore - Pasir Ris Beach. Perfect for beach fun! Singapore is a year-round destination.

Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore, +65 6420 6848, feedback@gardensbythebay.com.sg, www.gardensbythebay.com.sg

Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore, +65 6577 8888, enquiries@rwsentosa.com, www.rwsentosa.com

D’Resort @ Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close, Singapore 519599, +65 6582 3322, reservations@dresort.com.sg, www.dresort.com.sg

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to 50 Adventures for Families in Singapore, www.littlestepsasia.com/singapore/play/top-things-to-do-with-kids/family-friendly-adventures

JAPAN: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Hong Kong (4-5 Hours From Hong Kong)

For something a little different and a truly memorable short getaway, hit the snowy slopes of Japan between December to early April for a fabulous ski trip. We recommend visiting Niseko and Hakuba - two of Japan’s finest ski resort towns. They guarantee the best powder around! Check out the Niseko Village website for top family activities and accommodation options around Niseko. For info on skiing and staying in Hakuba, check out the Hakuba website.

For additional accommodation options, Zekkei Collection offers a collection of family-friendly villa rentals in Japan that are strategically located near the slopes. With large villas that can accommodate up to 10 people, why not bring your pals and their mini ski bunnies as well for a fun group holiday in a winter wonderland.

Niseko Village, Higashiyama-onsen, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan, +81 136 44 3311, central.res@niseko-village.com, www.niseko-village.com

Hakuba, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Japan, +81 50 4560 1087, bookings@hakuba.com, www.hakuba.com

Zekkei Collection, +852 2815 8870, reservation@zekkeicollection.com, www.zekkeicollection.com

Check out Little Steps’ Hakuba Ski Resort Guide for Families and Kids, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/japan/hakuba/hakuba-ski-resort-with-kids

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to Niseko with Kids, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/japan/niseko/niseko-and-hirafu-with-kids

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to Lesser Known Ski Resorts in Japan, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/japan/secret-ski-resorts-in-japan

BORNEO, MALAYSIA: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Hong Kong (4 Hours From Hong Kong Via Kota Kinabalu)

There are many five-star resorts that dot Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state on Borneo Island. But, for families looking for some peace and quiet on the road less travelled, try hopping over from Borneo to Malaysia's remote Gaya Island. This is the perfect place to tune-out and enjoy quality time as a family. Visit between April to September for the driest months.

Stay with kids in tow at the Gayana Marine Resort. Here you’ll think you’ve been transported to the Maldives as you stay in superb over-water bungalows set above clear, turquoise waters, and a powdery beach. For something exciting, book an underwater sea walking marine excursion at nearby Sapi Island.

Gayana Marine Resort, Malohom Bay, Gaya Island, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, +60 88 380 390, rsvn.gayana@echoresorts.com, www.echoresorts.com

Adventoro Tours, 27C, Jalan SS 22/19, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, +60 10 468 8011, info@adventoro.com, www.adventoro.com

BALI: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Hong Kong (5 Hours From Hong Kong Direct)

Bali ranks high up there as a popular family-friendly destination and is a great option for a short-haul getaway from Hong Kong. Take the family to visit the south coast village of Canggu. Canggu is packed with spots to eat, shop, stay, and play! Chill at Finns Beach Club on Berawa Beach. With a dedicated family area, pools, bars, restaurants, daily DJ’s, sunset views - there’s plenty of fun to be had!

Be sure to head to Finns Recreation Club for many action-packed facilities - Bounce Trampoline Centre, Splash Waterpark, Strike Bowling, and more! Book your stay at Como Uma Canggu. This beachfront luxury resort offers various accommodation options and a Como Kids Club. Visit Bali between April to October for the Island’s dry season.

Finns Beach Club, Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, +62 361 844 6327, info@finnsbeachclub.com, www.finnsbeachclub.com

Finns Recreation Club, Jl. Pantai Berawa, Canggu, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, +62 361 848 3939, info@finnsrecclub.com, www.finnsrecclub.com

Como Uma Canggu, Jl. Pantai Batu Mejan, Echo Beach, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, +62 361 620 2228, como.uma.canggu@comohotels.com, www.comohotels.com

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to Canggu with Kids and Toddlers, www.littlestepsasia.com/bali/play/neighborhood-guides/canggu-with-kids-and-toddlers