There is such a quiet Hong Kong.

Bustling and quiet

True to its nickname "the city that never sleeps," even after midnight, in central districts like Mongkok, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Causeway Bay, shops remain brightly lit and people bustle about, especially on weekend evenings. Similarly, the famous Lan Kwai Fong district only becomes particularly lively after 9 PM.

The vibrancy of Hong Kong isn't evoked by the blaring car horns or the boisterous chatter of people, but rather by the bustling atmosphere in every corner, the tinkling of traffic lights, and the lively footsteps of passersby. Every weekend evening, numerous amateur bands perform on the streets. Middle-aged artists create their own simple stages with just microphones, speakers, and a guitar, freely singing everything from modern music to classic Hong Kong songs. Younger people go further, often standing on pedestrian bridges to play music—from hip-hop and beatbox to jazz—naturally amidst the crowds.

It is precisely because of this late-night lifestyle that Hong Kong is a dreamy, late-waking city in the morning. Stepping out onto the streets at 7 a.m., when the sun is already shining on the streets of Mongkok, which were bustling the night before, the streets are now deserted. Shops remain closed, and only a few elderly people can be seen sitting on chairs, resting and gazing at the sky in the quiet street.

Leaving behind the modern city and venturing to the more remote corners of Hong Kong, such as Stanley Bay or the fishing village of Tai O, you'll quickly discover the tranquility and enduring traditional beauty of this vibrant port city. Away from the clanging pedestrian crossings and the roar of car engines, Hong Kong is left with a gentle, peaceful atmosphere. While Stanley Bay exudes the quiet elegance of a wealthy neighborhood with its upscale apartments and beautiful garden houses, the fishing village of Tai O offers a contemplative, simple charm in its houses jutting out onto the coastline.

The sun bathes every street corner.

Throughout our exploration of this Asian gem, we often wondered to ourselves, "Could the planners of Hong Kong be artists, that's why every street corner is so beautifully colored?" Even the subway stations are painted with countless different colors, each station having its own unique and unmistakable hue.

Considered a meeting point of Eastern and Western cultures, Hong Kong's streets are filled with striking contrasts: traditional Chinese medicine shops and small eateries selling dumplings and congee stand alongside luxurious shopping malls, electronics stores, and numerous fast-food chains like McDonald's and KFC. Between the buildings, you'll occasionally find small courtyards with shade and flowers – what we call "Hong Kong's happy corners." As one of the most densely populated cities in the world, finding a dedicated space for a public playground is no easy feat. These small corners aren't just for children; sometimes office workers in nearby high-rises also come here to relax and find a quiet spot to unwind.

Judging the vibrancy and beauty of Hong Kong solely by its street-facing shops would be a significant oversight. While strolling through Tsim Sha Tsui, I was overwhelmed when I stepped through a simple house, navigated the narrow staircase, and discovered a world of diverse shops—bookstores, gyms, clothing stores, and more—on the upper floors. All of this seemed obscured by the countless signs below.

A cold face and a warm heart.

Hong Kong, which might seem aloof and cold, welcomed me with the most genuine warmth. If I hadn't struck up a conversation, the people on the street might have simply glanced at me coldly, hurrying to subway stations, rushing to work, busy with their smartphones… However, when I was struggling to find my way back to my accommodation and overwhelmed by Hong Kong's incomprehensible numbering system, I received enthusiastic help from friendly passersby. They readily stood in the sweltering afternoon heat, consulted Google Maps, and gave me directions using every means possible – from English to Mandarin, Cantonese, and even body language.

One time, while passing through the Soho area, my friend, curious about the large hut and the abundance of eye-catching paper offerings, cautiously approached to ask what they were doing. The locals then enthusiastically explained that they were holding a traditional Vu Lan festival.

During my 8 days in Hong Kong, I chose to stay in a homestay each night. Although the room was very small, it was a real opportunity for me to witness firsthand the hardships of working-class lives amidst the glamorous and bustling city of Hong Kong. Our landlord, a kind and enthusiastic middle-aged man, despite owning a row of Airbnb-style rental rooms, was not wealthy at all. He and his wife lived in a tiny room on the 9th floor of an old building. Their children had to live separately in a room only about 5 square meters in size, with no windows, just enough space for a bunk bed, a table, and a dish rack.

When people think of Hong Kong, they immediately picture a lavish lifestyle, a modern metropolis with shopping malls springing up everywhere. But for me, Hong Kong is simply like a girl; she has a fashionable appearance, enjoys the hustle and bustle, but deep down, she also has her own moments of quiet reflection.

Additional information:

+ Travel: Vietnam Airlines offers direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Hong Kong International Airport. From the airport, you can get to the city center by bus, subway, or taxi.

+ Transportation: To get around Hong Kong, you can buy an Octopus card at the airport. This multi-purpose card can be used to pay for subway tickets, bus tickets, and purchases at shopping malls. When the balance runs out, you can top it up to continue using it. Hong Kong taxis charge by the minute, not by the kilometer, so you should avoid taking taxis during rush hour.

Must-see attractions: The Peak, Victoria Harbour, Avenue of Stars (currently under renovation), Tai O fishing village, Soho and Wanchai districts…

+ Fun activities: Visit Ocean Park, have fun at Disneyland; explore Hong Kong Island by double-decker tram; have fun at Lan Kwai Fong, watch horse racing…

+ Dishes worth trying: Dim sum, spicy crab, hot fried dough sticks in congee, wonton noodles, custard buns, shumai, various skewers,鸳鸯 tea (Yuan Yang tea), milk tea…

Text: Thuy An. Photos: Various sources.

The Thanh