Best Weekend Trips And Short Getaways From Hong Kong With Kids

BEACH + CULTURE: Hoi An & Danang, Vietnam (1.5 Hours From Hong Kong Direct)

The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula is a beautiful family-friendly resort set against a mountainous backdrop and faces a private, powder-sand beach. There’s plenty to keep the bunch busy with free watersports, a kids’ club, a Harnn Spa retreat and five restaurants including the chef Pierre Gagnaire-helmed Maison 1881. Plus, daily shuttle buses drop you off in Hoi An, providing active families with the best of both worlds.

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Bai Bac, Sontra Peninsula, Da Nang, Vietnam, +84 511 3938 888, www.ihg.com. This hotel is very close to the airport making it a fast and lovely weekend trip for all ages. They also have shuttle buses to Hoi An daily - 30-45 minutes from Danang.

Guide To Vietnam With Kids By Little Steps, Click here

BEACH: Palawan, The Phillippines (3 hours from Hong Kong)

Set in a picturesque archipelago, Palawan is a smattering of tropical islands set in crystal clear waters. This is a diving mecca for those that like to go under the sea. It is also a slice of beach heaven complete with simple to luxurious accommodation. Tao offers both group and private charters to the most remote islands in Palawan. These are not luxury cruises, but are rather a more down to earth shoestrings experience that may be suited to older children. Dive and snorkel by day and camp out on virgin, white sand beaches at night while dining on the freshest catch of the day. For those with younger kids, you can check out the luxurious El Nido Resorts which has 3 resorts - Pangalusian Island, Lagen Island and Miniloc Island. Each of these resorts offers luxurious accommodation and a huge range of facilities and activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Tao Phillippines, Palawan, Phillippines, www.taophilippines.com

More favorite family-friendly hotels in El Nido:

El Nido Resorts, www.elnidoresorts.com

Cauayan Resort, www.cauayanresort.com

Family-Friendly Dive Resort In Coron:

Sangat Island, http://sangat.com.ph

ELEPHANTS + NATURE: Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, Thailand (3 hours from Hong Kong)

For a break from Phuket and Samui, opt for the quiet, jungle landscape of Chiang Mai. At Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, families can take in historical Northern Thai city and combine their stay with a tour of organic farms and cooking classes. An overnight stay at the Four Seasons Elephant Camp, which offers educational activities with rescued elephants in a remote setting, is also a must for families with kids 10 and up.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Chiang Mai, 50180, Thailand, +66 53 298 181, www.fourseasons.com/chiangmai

More family-friendly hotels in Chiang Rai:

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa, https://chiang-mai.anantara.com

Centara Khum Phaya Resort & Spa, www.centarahotelsresorts.com/boutique/kpc

Heading to Chiang Rai? Stay here:

Le Meridien Chiang Mai, www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien *very kid-friendly with activities at your doorstep

CULTURE: Beijing, China (3 hours+ from Hong Kong)

Beijing is a vibrant capital and hotbed for fun family activities. Check yourselves into Rosewood Beijing where plush surroundings meet equally exquisite service. At the hotel, beautiful décor meets five-star amenities including one of the biggest indoor pool in the city plus three restaurants to feast on exquisite local cuisine. 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.

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

Guide To China With Kids By Little Steps, Click here

More new hotels in Beijing to check out?

Bulgari Hotel, www.bulgarihotels.com

Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing, https://beijingwangjing.regency.hyatt.com

Mandarin Oriental Beijing, www.mandarinoriental.com

Want to stay near the Great Wall - here is your spot!

Commune By The Great Wall, http://commune.sohochina.com/en

Mutianyu Great Wall By Kempinski, www.kempinski.com/en/beijing-yanqi-lake

CULTURE: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (4 Hours From Hong Kong)

Explore the vast wilderness of the endless Mongolian plains, ride horses in Terelj National Park and trek wild Takhi horses in Hustai National Park or fly out over the endless dunes in the Gobi. Though seemingly remote, Ulaanbaatar is an easy four-hour direct flight from Hong Kong. And now with Shangri-La here, it’s more accessible than ever before!

Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar, 19 Olympic Street, Ulaanbaatar 14241, Mongolia, +976 7702 9999, www.shangri-la.com/ulaanbaatar. The luxury hotel is a clear choice for families looking for a bit of adventure, as it offers all the comforts of home and you can arrange bespoke tours.

TREKKING WITH KIDS: Kathmandu, Nepal (5.5 hours from Hong Kong)

If you think that a trek in the Himalayas is only for men with burly beards and frostbitten noses, then 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 loads of bonding time. Young tots and kids can be carried in a basket by porters for the long treks. Contact Responsible Adventures for family trekking and travel around Nepal - they rock!

Responsible Adventures, www.responsibleadventures.com

Where to stay in Katmandu?

Dwarika, www.dwarikas.com

Yak & Yeti, www.theyakandyeti.com

The Inn Patan, http://theinnpatan.com

CULTURE + NATURE: Lijiang, China (4.5 hours from Hong Kong via Kunming)

The picturesque Yunnan province, with its snow-capped peaks in the North and its tropical jungles of the South, has inspired Chinese poets for centuries. The historic city of Lijiang is the location of Aman Resorts – Amandayan and the gorgeous Banyan Tree Lijiang. Go on hikes and tours of the historic town, or simply chill out in the lap of luxury.

Amandayan, 29 Shishan Road, Gucheng District, Lijiang, Yunnan, PRC674199, China, 86 888 533 9999, www.aman.com

Banyan Tree Lijiang, Yuerong Road, Shuhe?, Gucheng District, Lijiang City?, Yunnan Province, China 674100, +86 888 533 1111, www.banyantree.com

Guide To Lijiang With Kids By Little Steps, Click here

NATURE + SKIING: Niseko and Hakuba, Japan (4-5 hours from Hong Kong)

For the best powder, hit the slopes at Niseko and Hakuba – two of Japan’s finest ski resort towns. 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.

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

Skiing With Kids In Asia Guides - The Best Of!

Guide To Skiing In Niseko with Kids, Click here

Guide To Skiing In Hakuba with Kids, Click here

More short haul ski options around Asia, Click here

NATURE + RAINFOREST: Borneo, Malaysia (5-6 hours+ from Hong Kong via Kuching)

Get upclose with nature at the Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa, which is situated at the heart of a rainforest in Sarawak, Malaysia – home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Let your little monkeys swing from the treetops and run wild as this resort provides all the comforts of a comprehensive resort and spa, as well as an exotic tropical setting. With two onsite restaurants and plenty of adventures available, your family can take a walk on the wild side.

Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa, Gunung Mulu National Park, 98050 Mulu, Sarawak, Malaysia, +60 85 792 388, www.marriott.com

CULTURE: Myanmar (3.5 hours from Hong Kong)

Myanmar has become a hot destination for Hongkongers looking for an exotic break away from the city. There’s lots to see in this ancient kingdom, which is why it’s best to book a bespoke tour via Lightfoot Travel. Their itineraries are completely customisable and include a tour of the temples in Yangon and Bagan, as well as a memorable hot air balloon ride over Inle Lake.

Tour Myanmar With Lightfoot Travel, www.lightfoottravel.com

Guide To Myanmar With Kids By Little Steps, Click here

PRIVATE ISLAND: Pulau Joyo (4 Hours From Hong Kong + Ferry To Bintan + Speedboat)

Grab a group (adults + kids) and stay on your own private island. This family-friendly wonder is fully staffed, food is included, and kids love it! Explore the beach, go kayaking, enjoy a board game, or jump off the natural diving board into the gorgeous pool. They will even arrange fireworks for your group. Wow! This all-inclusive resort is fabulous for families in Singapore as there is no flight needed! Just take the ferry to Bintan, a bus, and then a speedboat to the island.

Pulau Joyo, www.pulau-joyo.com