My Honest Thoughts About Hong Kong & Macau After 4 Weeks

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After spending 4 weeks in Hong Kong & Macau, here are my honest thoughts and opinions. In this video I will answer the questions that you sent me about my time and experiences in Hong Kong as well as in Macau. if you plan to travel Hong Kong or travel Macau, these answers might also be interesting for you.
My Hong Kong & Macau playlist with in total 10 videos:
➡️ • Hong Kong 🇭🇰 & Macau 🇲🇴
Timestamps:
00:00 Why Did I Choose Hong Kong and Macau
01:36 What Do I Regret In Hong Kong
02:13 Differences Southeast Asia to Hong Kong
03:49 How I Imagined Hong Kong vs Reality
05:37 Could Hong Kong Be My Base?
08:22 Need A Website?
09:29 Is Hong Kong An International City?
11:09 How I Found Interesting Places
14:19 Pros And Cons Of Hong Kong
15:56 Problems With Street Food
18:20 Will I Travel To Mainland China?
20:16 Do People Think I Am Half Asian?
20:49 Will I Go To Taiwan?
21:34 My Plans For Mainland China
22:13 My Favorite Food In Hong Kong
22:59 Why Did I Wear A Mask?
23:30 What I Do When I Am Not Filming
24:57 Is Hong Kong Expensive?
26:11 Will I Return?
#hongkong #macau #kenabroad
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🙋🏼‍♂️A B O U T M E
I am Ken Abroad, a full-time traveler traveling southeast Asia, east Asia and south Asia. It is my goal here on the channel to visit every country in these Asian regions and bring you along the journey.
You won’t see many tourist places in my videos, I rather like to show the “real” sides of each country in my videos. Where do the local people go to eat? Where do they hang out? How do the locals travel through the country? Stuff like that.
Click here to subscribe and follow my trip around Asia
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[@KenAbroad]

🖥 Head to squarespace.com/kenabroad to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code kenabroad 🇭🇰🇲🇴 My Hong Kong and Macau Playlist (10 videos) ➡ kzbin.info/aero/PLOiGXq1d3__IcQ7VyAuJUa1n7nwTG6agq 📷Instagram for daily updates ➡instagram.com/ken_abroad/

[@r3dpowel796]

If you are going to mainland I would Highly recommend you to learn some Chinese.. its just easier to get around and do business there if you know the langguage. In Shanghai for example you can get by without knowing full Chinese but if you are going deep inside China you probably need to learn mandarin.

[@aaronbenjamin505]

Hi Ken any plan for you to visit Singapore ?

[@engr100viki5]

my best bro ken looking handsome thank you for your huge respect against cpec friendship countries lot of love from your best bro viki 🍻

[@maggiechan33]

Ken, next time you are in Hong Kong, try the Cantonese Roast Goose/Duck; much more savory than Char Siu. (Goose more expensive than duck.)

[@chenry6835]

If u go china u really NEED to learn some Chinese to avoid those scam…

[@JF-qu5zy]

Your researcher did a great job. Perhaps why you didn't think HK is that international is because you ventured to a lot of very local places. Actually, international may mean a local who was educated abroad returning home. They would look Asian but would live a mix of Western and Eastern values/cultures.

[@tik_a_lemon]

Yes, you should really do some hiking in Hong Kong❤ There’re many beautiful trails in Hong Kong, and you can get there easily by public transport, I think it’s quite friendly for a foreign visitor

[@oileengrace8228]

Glad you enjoyed your trip in HK! Do come back and share your positivity!

[@jillleong9386]

Ken,you are absolutely right the cantonese food in HK is absolutely divine!Greetings from Malaysia🇲🇾💕

[@yukiko313]

Wow Ken! Thanks a lot for answering my question 😊😊 Looking forward to new country series 💕💕

[@flavialeung2038]

Ken, Thank you for visiting Hong Kong. Welcome back to Hong Kong again. I wish you a more enjoyable next journey. 🎉🎉🎉

[@dreamer1066]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Hongkong and Macau... And...excited to see the new country 😀 !

[@meiwong1044]

Hi Ken! I’m glad that you enjoyed stayed in Hong Kong 🇭🇰 ❤ I wish you continue to explore your journey and I can’t wait to see your next video Xx

[@mariatong2022]

Thank you for sharing your views about Hong Kong and Macau. Hope you’ll visit the two cities again in the near future! 😊

[@KenAbroad]

I'll be back 🙏

[@GoogleUser-td1ic]

Thanks for posting my question (15:56). I really enjoy watching your channel. Look forward to your next video wherever you are. 😊👍🥰👋

[@Monitor2023]

Hi Ken, welcome to Hong Kong again, you're welcome all the time. Danke !!!

[@Beautyarethebest]

So happy to hear from you that you like Hong Kong n Macau. There are a lots of food that you still haven't tried. Welcome again n hope to see you in Mong kok

[@sharonleong7120]

I enjoyed watching it and loved it once again. Thanks Ken.👍👍👍😍😍😍

[@miayt5336]

I’m glad u enjoyed your stay in HK!! 💓

[@peterthermocline]

Hong Kong used to have alot of Expats living here, but due to unrest, 2019, then strict 0-Covid, many left HK, along with businesses sadly.

[@gregwang8628]

The change is was inevitable.

[@raymondfok2574]

Ken Thank you that you feel joyful in Hong Kong, waiting for your new trip video, by the way good luck with you always🙏

[@leonieparsons]

Hi Ken. I am so glad to have found your channel and have loved watching loads of your videos. I especially loved this episode where you responded to questions from people about your time in Hong Kong. So interesting. I love the format of your videos - especially going to local areas. I am going to be in Hong Kong soon also. I do love it there. Thank you for your videos.

[@KenAbroad]

Happy to hear that, thanks 🙏 enjoy Hong Kong

[@leonieparsons]

@@KenAbroad Thanks, Ken. I will definitely enjoy it - it will be my 6th visit to Hong Kong. 🙂

[@globomanni8407]

Thank you for your Q&A Vlog, Ken - it is very good - thumbs up !!! Maraming salamat !!!

[@user-dv6rz6mj6v]

好開心，遇到你😊繼續睇你啲片😊祝你旅途愉快🎉

[@jl2405]

Hong Kong is considered to be an International city because it is an important Financial Center in South East Asia. The Hang Seng index is an important indicator of Asian stock performance just like the Shanghai Stock Exchange. There are a lot of multinational companies in HK that hire expat staff to run their companies in the finance sector. Property prices are one of the highest in the world and can be matched to Monaco. Hong Kong has many millionaires and a lot of expensive cars being a tax haven for the rich due to its low tax rates.

[@yauyaupoon8045]

you are a sincere and assertive guy, I enjoyed your video so much! As a native in Guangzhou(the capital city of Guangdong Province), I would love it so much to show your around rural areas of mainland China hahaha because I'm really curious about your opinions on it.

[@alisawong9971]

你系广州边度人？

[@anakin1082]

Glad you enjoyed your time in HK! HKer here.

[@shoes123uk8]

Great videos of HK! ❤

[@edgardocabije1951]

I think this channel will continue to grow because you are so humble, sincere and down to earth. Watching you from Cebu.

[@giannishen]

Your sharing is great, I believe it will be very helpful for Westerners traveling to Asia! Only people who may observe Hong Kong for a long time know why there are few Westerners there. Simply, the main reason is the political activities before the epidemic! The house price in Hong Kong is now the highest in the world, of course it will be reflected in the accommodation fee and other prices! If you really want to go to China, please go with friends together, or meet local friends you really trust. You should worry not about the Western media, but about the ones there! Congratulations on reaching 200,000 subscribers, happy travels, thank you very much for sharing! 👍🤩🙏

[@gregoryko4005]

Don’t try to poison people with your bias view of China. Western media never has anything positive to say about that country because they are scare of the rapid development in China.

[@RubenG93]

Nice vid Ken! Would also be Nice to film a vid What you are all doing behind the scenes!

[@noelso6716]

Welcome to Hong Kong🎉, wish to see you next time! And suggest you to visit Japan too, many HongKongers visit Japan at least once a year! No matter the culture, food, landscape and the toys are excellent in Japan! Enjoy your next trip!❤😊

[@sarahr9297]

Goodluck for your next destination 🙏🙏,praying for your safety.

[@se7enzee444]

Asia is much safer than Europe and America.

[@heidyng127]

Definitely should take a hiking trip up the Lion Rock 🦁 🪨 when you swing by HK again. Keep up with the awesome videos 💪🏼

[@sunwanny249]

All the best, hope to see u visiting hk again❤

[@KenAbroad]

I'll be back 🙏

[@kushal809]

Awesome video 🔥🔥👍

[@foodhistory1387]

Congrats on the 200K!

[@KenAbroad]

Thanks🙏

[@lam4561]

Love your videos and hope you will visit HK again as there are loads of hidden gems awaiting for your discovery! Stay healthy and stay positive for the rest of your trip!

[@ysts3452]

Ken, your style is nice👍

[@Herman-bi9rr]

Welcome you come back to Hong Kong in the future

[@chaw294]

What an interesting, informative and knowledgeable video. Thanks a bunch for sharing with us your honest thoughts/opinions about Hong Kong and Macau. I truly truly looooove your Hong Kong/Macau series....so fun and entertaining. Awesome content creator and hats off to you for all the great work, Ken. Keep it up !!! Haha ...l'll be following you again to your next new country, NEPAL 😂😅

[@claudiab.5267]

Sehr informatives Video. Manchmal reicht es eben auch, wenn du nur n bisschen was erzählst😊. Dankeschön, dass du auch meine Frage beantwortet hast. Travel safe to Pakistan.

[@martin3399]

Interesting video.

[@perlaaguinaldo]

Good morning ken stay humble and kind good luck on your around the world tour.God bless you always.👍🙏😍✌😄🇵🇭

[@DAAAAAAAAAPH9]

i really appreciate your attitude of respecting the local lifestyle, specifically when it came to the mask wearing. during covid, local westerners often got a bad rep, as many walked around without a mask, even during the waves of high transmission and masks were legally mandated. this ties in with what you may have noticed and some other commenters have mentioned, that although there are westerners living in the city, they seem to be living in a different world/have a different lifestyle. of course, individual choice is a major factor, i still see some westerners wear a mask, even after the mask mandate has ended and many locals have also stopped wearing them. i do want to highlight that local westerners likely have a different perspective on how much of the local lifestyle and culture they'd want to follow, as opposed to a tourist westerner. i say this from my personal experience, having spent five years in the UK (back in HK now though). for example, my attitude when i visited london was very different, between when i first arrived and felt like a tourist, compared to after i had spent a few years (elsewhere in the UK) as a student.

[@kcgeorgechu4250]

As one of very popular KZbinrs, always carrying smiling face, hope you can come again in near future here in HKG.

[@BrianBaileyedtech]

Great content as always and as someone who also spent a lot of time in the same countries I completely agree with your analysis. I am in Mexico now - you have to come here - it is still a very underrated country although that is starting to change with the huge influx of foreigners into Mexico City and other inland cities. Btw, I remember when we were both stuck in Malaysia back in 2020 - I think you had around 10K subscribers at the time - wow, you have really grown your subscribers at 206K!! I fully expect you to hit 1 million in a year or so. Well done and well deserved!! Travel the world my friend and stay thirsty!!

[@KenAbroad]

Thanks Brian 🙏

[@swait894]

This is pretty bang on for HK. Just got here after 14 yrs away and cost here is so much more expensive then it was before. Thailand/Bali would be much more cost-effective.

[@seniorsuper6735]

Some visitors like to rent a room/small house in island and just 30 mins can goto the central of HK. The cost of rent about US$1000/month. The island also have shops , resturants and 7~11 shops, supermarkets, bank and the 5G internet provide. Welcome all visitors come to HK set up a base of East / South East of Asia.

[@jimwhite1756]

Can't wait to see your videos of mainland China

[@BreakawayBites]

Personally, Hong Kong is pretty much like Singapore...... Accomodation is pretty expensive.... Standard of living is pretty. The density in HK is much higher than SIngapore..... Yup, the nightlife is better in HK compare to Singapore and much more places to explore as well...... I do feel the mad rush when i was using the MTR in HK.... Everyone is pretty much on the go just like in Singapore. You have already been to HK....South Korea, Japan , Taiwan... pretty much not much of a challenge already..... Anyway, take care as you begin the new adventures... Cheers mate!!

[@HongKongSeeEatShop]

I enjoyed you videos, I'm a regular visitor to Hong Kong and will be back there very soon. Just about your response to the question of Hong Kong being an international place, you need to remember that borders have not been reopened for long, and inbound passenger restriction have only recently been lifted, these would both have an affect on the presence of many international tourists. Yes, Hong Kong has many expats, but at the beginning of the pandemic, many returned home. In considering a cities internationality, you should also consider the cuisine and fashion. There are still many international companies represented in Hong Kong. Although, in rural areas you may not see many western looking people, this isn't representative of the entirety of Hong Kong.

[@Dakota]

Glad you enjoyed your trip in hk. next time use an octopus card for local transportation. further some shops accept it for the bills.

[@user-by2kk8wq1r]

哈哈～阿Ken可以嘗試吓香港特式嘅兩餸飯呀☺️🤗

[@markhamstanley8432]

You are amazing

[@vktravellog1242]

Bangkok and KL are the two I am looking at for my retirement and a hub to travel all over Asia!

[@wideopenspace721]

Welcome to Hong Kong. Indonesia is a country you can spend more than half a year. Over 1,000 years of historic sites, natural beauty, and creatures that you can't find on other Asian countries. Don't miss it.

[@inceldetector6148]

u, dale philip , bagpackedfamily are my favorite youtube vloggers to watch!!

[@user-zr7kz4vs7c]

I suggest you to have a look at the light rail in Hong Kong, they are really cool !

[@CatCat-oy2ex]

Really enjoy your video,next time come and visit Cheung chau island you I’ll love it

[@SummerXTYiu]

Please come to HK again! ❤

[@soha7271]

Ken you gained a few pounds during your stay in Hk, hope you enjoy the food here and love having you back again soon

[@alextang7632]

there are still some westerners hanging out at lan kwai fong, a very popular drinking area in central. and yea you are right, a lots of westerners, esp americans, have left hk due to political issues. believe me, hk used to be very internationally diversified. thank you china

[@cincorodulfoa.8400]

Ken, there are 7,100 islands of the Philippines...Hence, it would take you a year or two to be able to travel to most of the country's beautiful and historic destinations...In the Visayas Region you ought to visit Leyte and Samar islands...These are the neighboring provinces of Cebu and Bohol.. For one, Leyte is the site of Battle of Leyte Gulf between Japan and the US during World War II in 1945.....You will not regret visiting these 2 provinces, Ken.

[@PJM273]

Shrimp wanton noodle soup , bbq pork steam bun (Char Siu bao) , and Peking Duck and roast goose you didn't try!? Next time... omg these are the best things in HK - now you have to go back :)

[@seniorsuper6735]

HK have a lot of hiking road over 3 main place as Hong Kong island , Kowloon , also New territory and few bigger islands, many small islands. Swimming and Camping easily because Hong Kong Government provide to peoples. Of course you can go to wild area to swim or camp as you like.

[@ireland647]

Ah ken I wanted to see more

[@manchiming]

If you go to china, you may watch "Thomas阿福" take as reference. He is a German and living in china

[@charlenezhang4690]

Also “little Chinese everywhere” non touristy area

[@Yuemokuo]

Thank you for visiting HK. Glad you enjoy it. And would love to see you again soon in HK. BTW, since HK has opened up for mainlanders, it’s no longer be HK again. It became very crowded. It’s very sad as a HKger

[@roamingalone5226]

Ken has put on weight that have not watched you for a while. It is good to know you are enjoying life and traveling.

[@TheGaragelifter]

Its all on his neck

[@sunnytsang4976]

Thanks

[@KenAbroad]

Thanks a lot! Really appreciate it 🙏

[@irenefung1536]

Enjoy your new adventure 😂

[@chungdragyeltshen1405]

Ken you should come to Bhutan. Please let me know if you decide to come

[@keangwooichoo6138]

Authentic cantonese food yes.

[@dazehead]

hi Ken, what app did you use to translate into Cantonese spoken words? Thx, keep up the great videos

[@julianling5661]

One more point, Hong Kong and Macau are very safe. You can walk out on streets at mid-night without worrying about your safety.

[@stevehxy7957]

China has many mega cities,such as ShangHai ,GuangZhou,Shenzhen,Beijing...,hope you can come to visit !Welcome to China!!!❤

[@vicklet6253]

I hope one day you’ll visit Seoul, South Korea.

[@prettywoman8888]

Hong Kong is way too crowded although it’s still a great place to live. We had over half a million visitors from China during Golden Week last weekend, local people had no choice but to stay away.

[@reggietagufa20]

Ken try in Lantau Island

[@mytube-one]

Bangkok seems a good place to make a base in the east.

[@hongkongviewdex1964]

next time try diving , fishing , BBQ and other unique activities, I guide

[@floridaaguada4216]

Sir Ken i agree with your views😊❤hope u cme bavk next time,.❤😊no big mall in hongkong,Huge mall in the Phil.❤

[@wer733]

The difference is Macau ppl are humble and polite. I am from Macau

[@tonypoon7779]

Good morning. Greetings from Hong Kong 🇭🇰 From the first video I saw you eating snake soup 😂today you are leaving I am actually politically neutral but it sad Hong Kong middle class go uk and then trampled Hong Kong. I hope you also found Hong Kong another perspectives Back to your topic of high cost in Hong Kong My thoughts are globally we will see in the next few years when the food crisis getting worse. China food storage can save us and suppress inflation Don’t go Singapore cause the land can not feed on its home So you should definitely consider Hong Kong as your next base ❤

[@jesjes5255]

Did Ken visit Chungking Mansions?

[@mohdfairuz7687]

Dear Mr Ken Abroad.May I know when you come back to visit Malaysia again?

[@Seramics]

Sabau

[@wilsonlwl]

You can rent a apartment in Lantau island or lamma island only pay US$1100 for 700 square feet

[@Zergcerebrates]

If HK cost is an issue I think you’ll like Taipei, you should visit.

[@marknoelellaga1648]

My brother.. comeback to the Philippines please

[@KenAbroad]

Later this year ✌️

[@alanhung382]

Next time you come to hong kong,you must visiting China and see how model in China now and how different you see from your own eyes and you judge youself from not the west media eyes,you will be so surprise,and food there is really good and cheap ,have nice trip at your new country ,,,,, be safe

[@mohdfairuz7687]

Are you have visit Korea Mr Ken Abroad?

[@sunnytsang4976]

I'm glad you like here. There are more authentic food you should try in the future. Let me know and I show you around

[@RobertsBrainIsGone]

Before the pandemic, it was impossible for me to get a tourism visa to enter mainland China from the US. Each time I applied, I was denied. When I visited the embassy, I was told I must be invited. "A wedding invitation would suffice" is what I was told. Hopefully you'll have an easier time than I did. I did get into mainland China, though. I just showed up at the HK-SZ border at Luohu and they asked me to pay a fee that was something like $300US. I did and they let me through, but told me where I couldn't pass. You'll have to register with police to stay at your hotel.

[@aaoo6735]

I curious to know who asked you to pay USD ? And who let you through? And where you have to register with police to stay at hotel? It is weird to hear that.

[@RobertsBrainIsGone]

@@aaoo6735 you pay at the border, they collect your passport, fingerprint you, and take your photograph directly into the system. There were not many people there and it was in a lower level of the border crossing. Took about an hour and a half to process everything and my entry was good for the weekend. They do no allow you to go too far out of SZ metro area, but you can go to Huaqiangbei. The hotel can register you with the local police station upon check-in, there is a kiosk available. Anyone using a passport for identity verification must do this.

[@se7enzee444]

That's BS! Before the pandemic, US citizens can easily get a 10 year China visa. Get it at a Chinese embassy in the US or pay $20 for a travel agency to help you drop off the application.

[@RobertsBrainIsGone]

@@se7enzee444 Did that several times. The final time that I tried is when they told me, at the Chicago embassy, that I must be invited. They also mentioned that 10 year visa isn't for all tourists, might have better luck requesting just the duration of invitation.

[@here-and-there1071]

​@RobertsBrainIsGone I've gotten Chinese tourist visas twice and the process was very easy and straightforward. 20 years ago, you could do it all by mail, but the last time it was best to use a visa agency that can deliver the application for you. There must be something in your background that's causing some difficulty

[@rositajumawan1688]

helo ken Goodevening from Gensan philipilipens God blessyou🙏🙏🙏

[@thongchin6745]

Very interesting review & honest personal experience

[@2asek]

I would definitely prefere Ho Chi Minh City or Bangkok over Manila already just because of the food

[@carlgomez9750]

Hi Ken. Go to Japan in your next country.

[@Banana_0169]

？？？？？？？

[@mobile2]

Singapore is a "East Asia" country located in south east asia. 75% are ethnic Chinese

[@yvonnetresidder9171]

Very curious to find out what Country you are in now..

[@carlitasingco2159]

Hello ken good morning to you

[@KenAbroad]

Good morning 🙏

[@peterthermocline]

Many expats were poached by Singapore😂😭🇸🇬

[@hungtai7671]

Ken it was better pre covid

[@neonboy99]

Happy you liked HK but did not see any videos on Kowloon. Hopefully you will explore more of HK and Taiwan.

[@kimmyli722]

Best weather travel to HK is Autumn from early Oct to mid Dec. As general Chinese are friendly but when mention politics pls pay special attention not to say Taiwan, HK are countries, especially Taiwan 😊 In this episode u did say it accidentally 😅