Following afternoon tea at The Langham, the nearby Jade Market is a full frontal lesson in bargaining like no other, so be prepared for lengthy negotiations. But it’s happily not all touristy. The market is the real deal in and around the 400 stalls since this is where commercial buyers come to do business, too. The Temple Street Night Market is the tourist fave for inexpensive goods, but the Flower Market and Yuen Po Street Bird Market feel more like a slice of normal Hong Kong life, just north in Mongkok.
eclectic mongkok This is where Hong Kong starts to resemble China. Mongkok is a community in Kowloon jammed with small local businesses and market streets, just a short 7-minute taxi ride to Victoria Harbour. Anchoring the district since opening in 2005, Langham Place Mongkok is a sleek glass and steel hotel tower adjacent to a monster of a shopping mall with a 60-ft. video screen showing constant MTV videos.
“When Langham Place was built as part of an urban renewal project, our motto was to change the face of Mongkok forever,” says David Fung, director of sales and marketing. “We’re really proud of what Mongkok is today. The destination has evolved to offer a slice of real Hong Kong with an eclectic mix of markets mixed with modern malls, street food mixed with international fine dining. There’s something for everybody and it’s certainly without any pretension.”
Of the 665 rooms in the 42-story hotel, the upper six levels are Club rooms featuring every imaginable electronic goody, oversized bathtubs with separate rain showers, and views of half of China. Guests have access to the Club lounge and library for long respites for some dim-sum and Moet. Through August, every booking earns one free night. Additionally, through Dec. 30, this Langham property is also offering the Big Deal package for $194 per night that includes full breakfast, and a hotel credit to spend atChuan Spa or on anything else at the hotel (LIFE retail store, business center, or at any of the bars and restaurants).
getting there Through May 31, Cathay Pacific Airways is offering roundtrip business class fares starting at $5,648. These fares include applicable taxes and fuel surcharges, and a 7-day advance purchase is required. Cathay Pacific currently offers twice-daily nighttime departures from LAX to Hong Kong on board a mix of Boeing 747-400 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
