Episode 2: DRAGON'S BACK http://pantip.com/topic/34105872

The journey of life often leads us to seek our desires or explore interests. Sometimes, we begin with nearby paths. After planning my first solo trip to Taiwan, booking tickets in May for a December departure, an unexpected event occurred. After finishing work one day, I arrived home around 1 am and saw a Cathay Pacific promotion for a roundtrip flight to Hong Kong for 2,480 baht. My fingers instinctively clicked to book the flight (a truly rare find!). The next day, the airline announced that the tickets were unavailable due to a technical error. However, those who had already paid could still travel as planned (fortunately, I had paid immediately). While waiting for my trip, I started planning my itinerary for Hong Kong. This meant that Taiwan would no longer be my first solo travel destination, as Hong Kong would now be the first place I would experience backpacking alone.

When mentioning Hong Kong, many people might think of praying, eating, and shopping, especially during July-August. "_ _" and the famous Victoria Harbour, tall buildings that pop into everyone's mind when mentioned. But I feel that Hong Kong should have something more than this. Where are the peaceful places without tall buildings, with only the traditional way of life that might be the root? It's a philosophical approach after traveling around Thailand at the beginning of the year and traveling abroad at the end of the year. And now it's time to find happiness in this land. Where will happiness be hidden? ?????

Note: This review is from last year, so the images may not be very clear. This is because I was just starting to take photos and was still learning how to use the camera. I am still not very proficient, but you can read the review anyway.

(For more photos, please visit the page Because the world is wide: https://www.facebook.com/lifeisatravelbytee2015)

Okay, here is the translation of the provided text:

Let's continue. I traveled to Hong Kong between August 19th and 21st. My plan was to visit a rural area that was not too far from the city.

The flight to Hong Kong departed at 1:20 AM and was scheduled to arrive at approximately 5:00 AM. However, the flight was delayed by 20 minutes (or possibly more, the exact duration is unclear).

It's time to board the plane. I should get some sleep, but I can't seem to fall asleep.

After enjoying a delicious chicken rice meal, I took a long nap before arriving at Hong Kong International Airport. I greeted the city with a loud "Hello!" and was excited to explore during the Hong Kong Summer Fun event, which was happening in the middle of the year.

After effortlessly passing through Hong Kong immigration, I went to purchase an Octopus card (pictured below), where a queue had formed. I noticed a young man and woman holding Thai passports, and I realized they were Thai. I didn't greet them, but the young man noticed my passport. After a while, he greeted me with a "Hello." I was initially confused, looking around to see who had spoken. I then realized it was the young man, so I greeted him back. He asked me who I was visiting Hong Kong with, and I replied that I was alone. We chatted for a while until it was our turn to buy the Octopus card. After purchasing it, I asked the young man where he was staying. He said Tsim Sha Tsui, and I replied that I was staying there too, but later in the evening, as I was going to City Gate first. He then asked if I had already topped up the Octopus card. I told him that I had, based on what I had read in online reviews. I mentioned that the card had a 50 HKD deposit and 100 HKD balance, which was enough for a bus ride to Tsim Sha Tsui. We then parted ways. (It felt good to encounter a bit of Thai camaraderie during my first solo backpacking trip to Hong Kong.)

After that, I found my way to the bus stop, as I had read in other people's reviews. 555

Follow the path to TUNG CHUNG MTR station by taking bus route 64.

In the end, I was confused by the arrows (haha). It was time to wing it with my English, and after some fumbling around, I finally found the bus stop for route 64 and made my way to TUNG CHUNG.

Sharing some photos I took along the way. They may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but I apologize for my lack of skill.

[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden message I wouldn't say there was a problem along the way, but I got off at the wrong stop. I got off one station before TUNG CHUNG STATION (I think), so I had to take a bus that said TUNG CHUNG STATION. But the good thing is that the bus stopped right at the bus hub that goes to different places. Don't think that getting off at the wrong stop will make you lose your travel spirit. No, it's fun to wander around looking for the next stop. 555

Upon arriving at CITY GATES mall, I was pleasantly surprised to find it open for early morning arrivals. As I walked through the mall at 7:20 AM, I initially intended to store my belongings in a locker on the lower floor. However, I encountered an unexpected and disheartening situation.

[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden text This locker opens at 8:00 AM. This information is for those who arrive early in the morning. However, there is a supermarket open on the floor above the lockers.

Let's get down to business. My destination for today (my first day) is on Lantau Island. I will be visiting the Tai O fishing village, which is located on the western side of Hong Kong Island (roughly opposite Macau).

From City Gate, it's better to cross the street and take bus number 11. Where is it? Where is it?

Note: Bus route 11 goes to the Tai O fishing village. This is the sign on the front of bus route 23 that goes to Ngong Ping. They are close to each other. I will share a tip for those who arrive early and want to ride the Crystal Cabin like a VIP like me. How to do it? Don't forget to follow me. It's at the end (This trip to Hong Kong is like being a VIP! 555)

In addition to the bus fare to Tai O, I also had to wait a long time. When the bus finally arrived, the previous bus had just left. I was a bit sad. The way to Tai O village is the same as the way to Nonping village. You will see beautiful natural scenery on Lantau Island.

We arrived at the Tai O fishing village, which took a little longer than going to Ngong Ping, about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This village is not far from Hong Kong Airport and Ngong Ping.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

The Tai O fishing village is a community that preserves its traditional way of life. The architectural style of the houses provides a glimpse into the traditional Chinese lifestyle. While some may find Tai O unexciting, it offers a unique cultural experience compared to the more tourist-oriented attractions like Disneyland and the Big Buddha on Lantau Island. If you're interested in experiencing local culture and lifestyle, this village is worth a visit. It also offers fresh seafood and cafes (though I didn't capture any photos of them).

If you ask me where Tai O is like in Thailand, I think of Mahachai. The atmosphere is about the same, with the salty air constantly touching your nose.

The village faces the South China Sea, with mountains behind and to the sides.

A tranquil village, defying belief as the once-bustling Hong Kong in a bygone era before its modernization.

The group photo depicts a quaint, old-fashioned village nestled against a picturesque mountain backdrop.

The salty air hit my nostrils as I stepped inside. This is definitely Mahachai.

The simple lifestyle of Tai O village belies its proximity to Hong Kong International Airport, which is just over an hour away.

Hello, meow! I'm a Hong Kong cat, but I don't look like my grandma's cat at all! ????

As you continue walking, you will encounter a bridge. This blue bridge connects the two sides of Tai O village, similar to the connection between Phra Nakhon and Thonburi districts in Bangkok, but on a smaller scale.

Translation:

The tour boat is available for sightseeing around Tai O village. However, I did not take it this time because I wanted to patrol the area first.

While crossing the bridge, we took a group photo of the village divided by the river. Facing one way, we saw mountains, and facing the other, we saw the mouth of the river. 555

Since arriving in Hong Kong, I haven't spent any money on drinks or water. The Hong Kong sun is just as hot as the Thai sun.

Translation:

English:

Everyone, please have some water before we continue our journey. Hehe, let's take a short break.

After a short break, let's continue. After walking around, I crossed the bridge. The picture below is facing the sea.

After that, I walked to the bus stop and found out the hard way that there were no buses to Nonthaburi between 8:30 and 9:30 AM. I had to wait until 10:00 AM. 555 I guess I'll just keep walking.

Translation:

English:

[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden messageBus schedule from Tai O Village to Ngong Ping

Translation:

Thank you very much. I will be looking forward to your next review. I am currently on a cycling trip in Hong Kong, and I will be posting a review of it soon.

Thank you for the Octopus card, which made my trip to Hong Kong so convenient. 5555

The atmosphere at the bus stop.

Translation:

The bus stop for route 21 to Non Ping is located at 10.15 am. Non Ping opens right on time.

The interior of the bus on route 21 is comfortable.

Translation:

Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.

Let's head to Doi Inthanon and pay our respects at the Great Buddha. Then, we'll visit another location: WISDOM PATH.

Journey Summary: Airport to Tai O Village and onward to Ngon Ping Village

This sentence summarizes the journey from the airport to Tai O Village and then onward to Ngon Ping Village.

1. If you arrive at the airport very early and do not want to return to Lantau Island, you can take bus route 64 to CITY GATE and store your luggage in the lockers at the mall (lockers open at 8:00 AM).

Translation:

You can take bus number 11 to Tai O Village. The bus stop is at the end of the line. The landmark is the village sign on the right-hand side, which indicates that you have arrived.

3. To get to Nonthaburi Pier, take bus number 21 from the parking lot near bus number 11.

Translation:

Let's end the Tai O Village section here. Next, let's head to Ngong Ping before we embark on the path of wisdom, Iki Iki. Let's continue after Tai O Village. Now, we will arrive at another important point on Lantau Island, which is Ngong Ping Village. However, this time, I came to pay respects to the Tian Tan Big Buddha, but I have another goal in mind. Follow me!

Taking bus route 23, I arrived at Ngong Ping Village at around 10:30 am. The village was quiet and peaceful, devoid of people.

Upon arriving at this sacred site, I first paid my respects to the Great Buddha of Tin Than, seeking blessings for my journey. However, on this occasion, I chose to offer my prayers from the designated prayer area instead of ascending the stairs. This was due to the fact that I had already walked a considerable distance to reach another location, and I was concerned that climbing the stairs might leave me too exhausted to continue my exploration.

Translation:

After leaving the Big Buddha, I headed towards the place I was most excited to visit: the Wisdom Path. The path seemed to stretch on forever, and I couldn't help but think how much further it was compared to the Big Buddha and Ngong Ping Village. However, I believe that anyone who comes to the Big Buddha should also visit the Wisdom Path. The atmosphere is peaceful and the scenery is beautiful. It's definitely worth the walk, even if it feels like a long one.

Although I was a bit apprehensive about climbing the Wisdom Path after my early morning climb to the Ngong Ping 360, I knew it would be worth it. After all, it was already past 10 am, and I had already conquered a challenging climb at 5 am.

Translation:

As I walk, the atmosphere becomes increasingly eerie, resembling a deserted village. Yikes! To make matters worse, I'm all alone. Let me say a quick prayer. (I wonder if they'll understand Thai?) The life of a novice traveler is truly thrilling.

Translation:

English:

After walking for a while, we asked if we were there yet. "Not yet," came the reply. So we continued walking, enjoying the scenery along the way.

As I approached a certain point, I began to regret my decision. The atmosphere was eerie and oppressive, and I wished I had not come this way. However, when I turned around, I saw that someone was following me, albeit at a great distance.

Translation:

Translation:

Finally arrived! Mission accomplished! Tears are almost flowing like the Yellow River.

Translation:

Upon reaching the location depicted in the image above, turn to your right and you will encounter ??????

That's WISDOM PATH! Hooray! The atmosphere is fantastic.

[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden message

WISDOM PATH: 38 wooden pillars stand on the edge of the cliff, forming the number 8, symbolizing infinity and endlessness. The pillars are inscribed with 260 Chinese characters from the Heart Sutra, which represents wisdom that leads humans to overcome suffering.

After admiring the beauty of WISDOM PATH, I descended the hill and enjoyed the surrounding atmosphere.

Translation:

Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.

Let's head back to the cable car and check into our accommodation. In the afternoon, we have another leg-testing activity planned.

It's better to take the Ngong Ping cable car. Take the bus on the way there and the crystal cable car on the way back for an extra thrill. Just buy a crystal cable car ticket.

[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden textCrystal gondola ride for one person costs 180 HKD

Translation:

This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Riding the crystal cable car, I was lucky enough to be the only passenger. In other words, I had the entire crystal cable car to myself. VIP treatment, wouldn't you say? And I didn't even have to pay for a private car.

Translation:

The Ngong Ping Cable Car can be extremely crowded on weekends, so it's recommended to visit on weekdays. Even on weekdays, there are still many people. A cost-effective way to experience the VIP cable car is to take the bus to Ngong Ping early in the morning and then take the cable car back down. This way, you'll be returning when most tourists are just arriving.

Riding the crystal cable car alone is so eerie 555, super VIP.

Looking to the other side, one can see the airport.

This section will not be reviewed extensively, as many users have already experienced it or read about it in various reviews. Instead, I have included some photos for your reference.

Translation:

This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.