Big Night Out: Hong Kong

Canoodle with noodles

The vibe

The vibe

Hong Kong works hard and plays harder. Liberal licensing laws, a huge choice of venues and a young, affluent population mean the city offers Asia's best nightlife, concentrated in SoHo, Lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island and Knutsford Terrace on Kowloon. Getting around is easy. Taxis are plentiful and cheap and there is a reliable bus network, but the high-speed urban Mass Transit Railway underground system is your best bet in this city that never sleeps.

Liquid

Chill out at swanky Alibi, 73 Wyndham Street, Lan Kwai Fong. Soak up the ultra-slick décor and gaze at the celebrity clientele, over a martini. For a fun-filled evening head to Agave Bar, 22 D'Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, and neck a tequila. Boasting more than 100 varieties of tequila, Agave is home to an impressive bottle line-up complimented by an extensive cocktail list and friendly atmosphere. Hong Kong's most famous nightspot is the Phillipe Starck-inspired Felix, in The Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road, Kowloon, which has unbeatable views.

Refuelling

For excellent sushi you can't beat the funky new Japanese restaurant Blowfish, 20-26 Peel Street, Central (00 852 2815 7868), which serves innovative dishes such as snapper with red chilli paste and lime jus. Around £10 per head. For authentic Cantonese cuisine, reserve a table at the celebrated T'ang Court, Great Eagle Hotel, 8 Peking Road, Kowloon (00 852 375 113). Around £40.

Go native

This city offers every type of entertainment imaginable including classical concerts, Cantopop, Chinese opera, dance troupes and racing. There are great galleries and museums. Time your visit for one of the spectacular events, from the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival (10-12 September) and the colourful Legends of China Festival (16 october-16 November through to the Hong Kong International Horse Races (15 December).

Party

Saturday is the big night out. Party hard at boutique club Drop, Lok Mansion, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, one of Hong Kong's most exclusive hang-outs. Manhattan Club ING, 4/F Convention Plaza, 1 Harbour View Road, Wan Chai, is one of the best places in town, playing hip music with salsa nights on a Wednesday.

Munchies

Visit the Luk Yu teahouse on Stanley Street and sip jasmine tea while feasting on a Dim Sum breakfast. Another must is a stop at a streetside noodle or snack stall, a dai pai dong,for an experience big on local colour but low in price.

Chill

Restore your yin and yang balance with a free class of Tai Chi on the waterfront at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, mooch around the Flower Market near Yuen Po Street or head to Lamma Island and dine at one of the open-air seafood restaurants at Sok Kwu Wan Village.

Ian McCurrach

Asia Direct (0870-889 0824; www.asia-direct.co.uk) offers a five-night b&b stay at a three-star hotel from £499 per person, including return BA flights from Heathrow and private transfers. For information, contact the Hong Kong Tourist Board (020-7533 7100; www.discoverhongkong.com).