Mong Kok is widely recognized as the premier destination in Hong Kong for shopping, dining, and exploring vibrant markets.
Mong Kok offers a diverse range of shopping and dining experiences to suit different preferences. Whether you enjoy luxury shopping and upscale western cuisine, or prefer exploring bustling streets for great deals and trying a wide array of street food, a visit to Mong Kok will leave you satisfied.
Mong Kok is a highly sought-after area that attracts both local residents and tourists, resulting in a consistently bustling atmosphere. As a current resident, I can confidently say that I have developed a strong attachment to this neighborhood. Even during my frequent international travels, I often find myself longing for the vibrant streets of Mong Kok and eagerly anticipating my return to Hong Kong.
Mong Kok is a bustling neighborhood that combines both old apartment buildings and modern shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants. On the ground level, there is a wide variety of stores selling clothing, shoes, and accessories, along with numerous local eateries. In addition, the area is known for its lively nightlife, with a range of options including bars and nightclubs.
In the early morning, taking a walk around the block offers a glimpse into the bustling streets of Mong Kok. The scene is filled with businessmen in tidy suits, schoolchildren accompanied by their caregivers, Chinese tourists with heavy suitcases making their way to the nearby bus station for trips to China, a few lingering prostitutes from the previous night, and a group of Western tourists immersing themselves in the vibrant and diverse atmosphere of this lively neighborhood.
To reach Mong Kok in Hong Kong, one can easily take the MTR (subway train) from any location. However, it is important to note that Mong Kok is a bustling area known for its large crowds of people.
Mong Kok offers a variety of attractions for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Markets, Attractions and Things to Do
Ladies Market – Tung Choi Street
Ladies Market Hong Kong
Ladies Market is the largest and busiest market in Hong Kong, attracting numerous tourists, both Chinese and Western. As its name implies, the market primarily offers women’s clothing, accessories, and affordable souvenir items. However, visitors will also find a wide selection of men’s and children’s clothing.
While the overall quality of the items may not be high, there are many delightful trinkets that can serve as perfect travel gifts. Some notable options include hand-painted artwork from Hong Kong, handheld mini fans that can be charged via USB, and charming “I love Hong Kong” t-shirts.
When shopping, it is possible to negotiate for a lower price by haggling or bartering with the vendor. They may be willing to lower their price in order to make a sale. It is important to approach this process with a friendly and polite attitude, remembering to smile throughout the interaction.
Tung Choi Street – Ladies Market – Mong Kok Station Exit 2
Hong Kong Tourism Board – Ladies Market – http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/see-do/highlight-attractions/top-10/ladies-market.jsp
Fa Yuen Street – Sneaker Street
Located just a stone’s throw away from Ladies Market, you will find the renowned Far Yuen Street. This popular destination, also known as Sneaker Street, is a must-visit for sneaker enthusiasts. Within minutes of walking along this street, you will quickly understand why it has gained such a reputation.
The entire street and its surrounding areas are bustling with a wide variety of sneaker stores. Some popular brands you can find include Adidas, Nike, Reebok, Converse, New Balance, Puma, Fila, Lacoste, Lotto, Timberland, Diadora, and many more.
Expect to find prices to be less expensive than what you would find in Australian stores!
Fa Yuen Street – Sneaker Street – Mong Kok Station Exit 2
Yuen Po Street Bird Garden
Located above the bustling streets of Prince Edward, this serene garden area is home to a diverse array of singing birds. With their vibrant colors and various species, these birds are highly cherished and widely kept as pets in Hong Kong and Asian culture. Symbolizing freedom, birds hold great significance in Chinese Feng Shui, often associated with themes of love, commitment, and good luck.
The garden is accessible from 10 am to 6 pm. To reach the garden from Mong Kok, you can walk along Fa Yuen Street towards the north until it ends. After crossing Prince Edward Road, you will find yourself close to the Bird Garden. Alternatively, you can take the subway to Prince Edward Station and use exit B1, following the signs to the garden.
Yuen Po Street Bird Garden – Prince Edward Station exit B1
Flower Market Road
Located along Prince Edward Road, Flower Market Road is home to a wide variety of fresh florist stores. It is a must-visit destination for flower enthusiasts. Some noteworthy attractions include rainbow roses, the touch me no plant that exhibits a fascinating response to touch, gold flowers, and fluorescent-coloured mini cacti.
Flower Market – Prince Edward Station exit B1
Goldfish Street
In the process of displaying fish to the public, they are placed in small plastic bags with limited space to move. These bags are then arranged on wire racks, where they are showcased throughout the day, even in high temperatures.
Located in the northern part of Tung Choi Street, opposite the popular Ladies Market area, you will discover a wide array of fish, turtles, frogs, and other aquatic creatures being showcased both in stores and at hawker-style stalls.
While exploring this area and marveling at the vibrant fish and contemplating the idea of having a turtle as a pet, it is important to acknowledge the lack of compassion towards animals in this region.
In these glass cabins, there are sizable turtles measuring approximately 50cm in width. Unfortunately, the turtles are being kept in an environment that lacks natural elements and proper bedding. It is important to note that turtles require more than just a small empty glass cage for their well-being.
The turtles and fish at these stores are captivating and vibrant, making it a worthwhile experience to admire their beauty. If you choose not to support these practices by purchasing from these stores, visiting as a tourist to simply observe is a harmless alternative.
Goldfish Street – Tung Choi Street North – Prince Edward exit 2 (then just cross Prince Edward Road).
Canton Road Fresh Produce Market
Canton Road, specifically the area that intersects with Argyle Street, is a popular destination for locals seeking fresh produce. While you will find a variety of fruits and vegetables from various vendors, it’s worth noting that there are also a few sidewalk stores that specialize in offering cuts of meat such as pigs’ feet and organs.
Recently, I witnessed a Hong Kong resident purchasing a bag of brown frogs from a local vendor. The frogs were placed in a plastic bag and weighed before the transaction. However, to my surprise, the customer paid the store owner but left the stall without taking her frogs with her.
Curiosity struck me as I observed a peculiar sight in the bustling market. A woman had abandoned her frogs on display, leaving me puzzled. To my astonishment, the store owner nonchalantly positioned himself on the sidewalk, retrieved a substantial wooden chopping board, and proceeded to decapitate the frogs before repackaging them. Overwhelmed by this shocking scene, I swiftly made my exit.
Canton Road Fresh Produce Markets – Mong Kok Exit C4 – continue west along Argyle Street to Canton Road (Canton crosses Argyle).
Langham Place
Langham Place is a modern and impressive shopping mall located in the bustling district of Mong Kok. Standing at a height of 59 stories, it holds the title of Mong Kok’s tallest building. The shopping complex spans 12 stories, with an additional 2 basement levels for visitors to explore. Tourists can conveniently find the Marks and Spencer Food store, offering a variety of Western food, as well as a spacious Starbucks area. The mall provides free wifi for visitors and boasts a wide selection of clothing and shoe stores to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Langham Place – Mong Kok Station exit Langham Place (follow the signs through the underground walkway to Langham Place Basement).
Temple Street Night Market
The Temple Street Night Market is conveniently located within walking distance from Mong Kok. Alternatively, you can easily reach it by taking the metro to Ya Mei Tai Station and following the signs. It’s important to note that the market is only open in the evenings, as vendors start setting up in the late afternoon. Therefore, it’s advisable not to arrive too early to avoid any potential disappointment.
This market offers a similar experience to the popular ladies market, but with a stronger emphasis on local culture. In addition to a vibrant atmosphere, the area is also surrounded by affordable local-style restaurants. It’s worth noting that there are also brothels in the vicinity.
Temple Street Night Market – Yau Ma Tei Station exit C
