Our First Family Trip Abroad: 10 Unforgettable Days in Hong Kong

I still can't believe it happened. Our first international trip as a family. Just saying that out loud makes me feel proud. It was me, Hannah, and our little baby Ethan. Ten days in Hong Kong, a place we had only seen in movies and travel vlogs. And now, we were walking its streets, riding its trains, tasting its food, and making memories we’ll treasure forever.

Day 1: City Lights and First Impressions

We landed in Hong Kong with hearts full of excitement and a little bit of nervous energy. Ethan’s eyes lit up the moment we stepped off the plane — everything was so new, so different, yet somehow familiar. Our small but cozy hotel in Mong Kok became our little home for the next 10 days. The streets buzzed with life 24/7 — vendors calling out, neon signs blinking above us, and the scent of street food floating in the air.

That evening, we went straight to the Avenue of the Stars. The harbor wind brushed against our faces as we posed beside Bruce Lee’s statue and admired the skyline. We walked to the Clock Tower, watched the boats glide across Victoria Harbour, and then stayed for the Symphony of Lights show. It was magical — skyscrapers dancing to music with bursts of colored lights. The city felt alive, and I could feel Ethan's grip tighten on my hand every time the lights flared in the sky.

Day 2: Ocean Park Adventures

Ocean Park was a huge hit for Ethan. From pandas to jellyfish, from cable cars to roller coasters — it had everything. We watched sea lions twirl and penguins waddle. I’ll never forget Ethan’s reaction when we entered the massive aquarium tunnel. His face was just... pure wonder. He also tried a few kiddie rides with Hannah while I played cameraman for the day. It was tiring, yes, but the kind of tired that leaves you smiling.

Day 3: Night Market Vibes

We slowed things down on Day 3 with a visit to the Temple Street Night Market. We walked through aisles of blinking trinkets, calligraphy scrolls, vintage watches, and weird but interesting snacks. Hannah bought a lovely scarf, and I tried stinky tofu — once. Never again. But hey, at least I tried!

Day 4: Spiritual Heights and Sky Cabins

Tung Chung was one of the most serene parts of our trip. We boarded the Ngong Ping 360 Crystal Cabin — a glass-bottomed cable car that gave us breathtaking views of the mountains and sea. Ethan was hesitant at first, but once we started moving, he couldn't stop pressing his face against the glass. Reaching the Tian Tan Buddha was a spiritual moment. The climb up those stairs was intense, but standing before that giant statue — peaceful and proud — gave me a moment to pause and reflect.

Day 5: Monster Building

This was our urban exploration day. We saw the Monster Building, that stacked, cinematic marvel of a residential complex — felt like stepping inside a movie set.

Rode the Ding Ding Tram, that old-school double-decker — it rattled through the city like a toy with a heartbeat. The world’s longest outdoor escalator felt like a quirky adventure on its own, and we capped the day with the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. The city looked like a glowing circuit board from up there.

Day 6: Garden/Temples

After so much movement, Day 6 gave us peace. Nan Lian Garden was like a living painting — curved bridges, koi ponds, and manicured bonsai trees. The Chi Lin Nunnery and Wong Tai Sin Temple deepened that sense of calm. Even Ethan, ever the little ball of energy, slowed down, as if the place itself had whispered to him to breathe it all in. We made quiet wishes at the temple and lit incense sticks, watching the smoke curl into the sky.

Day 7: Macau Side Trip (I will make another post about our Macau Tour)

Taking the TurboJet ferry to Macau added another layer of adventure. It felt like we had entered Europe with Chinese soul — grand buildings, Portuguese tiles, and casinos sparkling under the sun. We joined a hop-on hop-off bus tour, snapping selfies at every landmark. The Ruins of St. Paul’s, Senado Square, and the pastel-colored houses gave us that postcard-worthy experience.

Day 8: Disney Dreams Come True

Disneyland — easily the most exciting and emotional part of the trip. It wasn’t just for Ethan. Hannah and I became kids again. We cheered during parades, screamed on rides, and sang along to Disney tunes like we were in our own musical. Seeing Ethan meet Mickey and ride Dumbo with that huge grin — it’s etched in my heart forever. That day was a reminder: we all need a little magic, no matter how old we get.

Day 9: The Peak of It All

We ended our sightseeing at The Peak Tower and Sky Terrace. Riding the Peak Tram up the mountain gave us jitters, but the view at the top — oh man. Hong Kong looked unreal from up there, like a sea of silver and gold stretching out to the horizon. We took our family photo with the skyline behind us — that shot’s going on our wall.

Day 10: Pasalubong and Goodbyes

Our last day was for pasalubong hunting. We strolled through Ladies Market, Fa Yuen Street Market, and of course, Sneaker Street. Bought keychains, magnets, Hong Kong shirts, and even a few toys for Ethan's cousins. Our bags were heavier, our wallets lighter — but our hearts? Full.

Throughout the trip, we rode buses and trains like locals. Public transport was smooth and efficient, and surprisingly enjoyable. We tried different food places, but our comfort zones were Jollibee, KFC, and Café de Coral. Still, our most heartwarming meal was at a Filipino restaurant we found in the city — it felt like home away from home, hearing Tagalog and tasting adobo while surrounded by fellow kababayans.

Looking back, it wasn’t just about ticking off tourist spots. It was about seeing my wife laugh like a little girl again. About watching Ethan learn and explore. About finally fulfilling a long-time dream together. Ten days, a thousand steps, endless photos — and a memory that will last forever.

Our first international trip was more than a vacation. It was a celebration of family, growth, and gratitude.

And you know what? It won’t be the last.

(My Hive Philippines Family)

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