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Things To Do In Macau With Kids: Your Family Friendly Guide to Macau

Sassy Mama — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 22:00:08 +0000

Looking for things to do for kids in Macau? Just a ferry or bus ride away, it’s no surprise that Macau is a go-to quick break for Hong Kong families!

There are countless things to do with kids in Macau. From amazing hotel and resort swimming pools to parks, and playrooms, exploring nature and, of course, learning about another city and its history and culture. While you might have already been to Macau, venturing over with a family can be a different experience. We’ve lined up a step-by-step guide so that you know all the best places to play and stay in Macau…

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Things To Do With Kids In Macau
Where To Stay In Macau
How To Get To Macau

Things To Do In Macau With Kids

Sight Seeing In The Historic Centre Of Macau

Take the kids for a stroll and take in the sites of the Ruins of St. Paul, Senado Square, St Dominic’s Church and Mount Fortress.

Guia Hill

One of the best ways to get a panoramic view of the city of Macau is by walking up this historic hill. It is home to the UNESCO heritage site — the Guia Fortress and Guia Lighthouse. There are two ways to reach the top, either by walking up the paths that start near the Guia Hotel or taking the short cable car up. Guia Hill is the highest point on the Macau peninsula and it offers a unique way to see some of the Old Portuguese influence left on this amazing city.

Guia Hill, Guia Fortress, Estrada do Engenheiro Trigo, Macau Guia Fortress, Macau

Macao Science Centre

A favourite for kids and adults alike (we’re all young at heart!). The huge museum is home to 12 permanent exhibitions, covering everything from space science, kids’ science, robotics, eco-conservation and more. Entry to the general exhibitions costs MOP$50 and it’s well worth adding on the 3D and 2D shows in the Planetarium (MOP $80/MOP $60).

Sassy Mama Tip: Let the kids run off some energy at the nearby Kun Lam Statue Waterfront Park!

Macao Science Centre, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Macau, www.msc.org.mo

Macao Giant Panda Pavillion

Tucked away on a hillside in Seac Pai Van Park, is the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion. Endearingly known as the Panda park, this pavilion is home to two rare giant pandas from China. There is also an aviary, a small zoo and an exotic plant garden to keep you busy. Entry is free.

Sassy Mama Tip: The Macao Giant Panda Pavilion is closed on Mondays.

Macao Giant Panda Pavillion, Seac Pai Van Park, Av.de Seac Pai Van, Coloane, Macau, www.nature.iam.gov.mo

Grand Resort Deck At The Galaxy

Boasting one of the world’s largest wave pools and Macau’s first waterslide mountain as well as rapid river rides, geysers, waterfalls and a dedicated kids’ zone the Grand Resort Deck is reason alone to plan a visit to Macau with the kids!

Galaxy Macau, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, s/n, Cotai, Macau, +853 2888 0888, www.galaxymacau.com

ZIPCITY

Fly between the buildings at Macau’s newest family attraction, ZIPCITY. The world’s first immersive zipline, it combines all the fun of flight with a spectacular audio-visual experience.

ZIPCITY, Lisboeta Macau, Rua da Patinagem, Cotai, Macau, www.zipcity.com

Londoner Light And Sound Spectacular

Let the kids be dazzled by the choreographed light and sound spectacular at the Londoner. You can catch it every night, with shows hourly between 7:30pm and 11:30pm

Sassy Mama Tip: There is lots more English-themed fun here including a life-sized Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament façade, an iconic black cab adventure a magical ride on a red double-decker bus, the theatrical Mad Hatter’s afternoon tea at Churchill’s Table restaurant and the brand new Harry Potter exhibition!

The Londoner Macao, Estrada do lstmo. s/n, Cotai, Macau, +853 2882 2878, inquiries@thelondoner.com.mo, www.londonermacao.com

teamLab

Get arty with a visit to the interactive art space, teamLab. Slide through the fruit fields, throw giant balloons and immerse your family in the colourful lights.

Sassy Mama Tip: teamLab Macau is closed on Wednesdays.

teamLab, The Venetian Macao, Cotai Expo Hall F, Estrada da Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança, Taipa, Macau, www.teamlab.art

Super Fun Zone — Macau’s biggest kids’ playroom

Covering four levels and themed around five zones — Mountain, Forest, Under The Sea, Outer Space and Space Station — Super Fun Zone is a must-visit for kids of all ages in Macau!

Super Fun Zone, Studio City, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau, www.studiocity-macau.com

Where To Stay In Macau

There’s no shortage of hotels in Macau! Your biggest challenge will be deciding exactly which area of Macau to stay in, and that will largely be determined by the activities you are looking to do with your family. There are four areas to choose from, the Macau Peninsula, attached to mainland China, the islands Taipa and Coloane, as well as the land reclamation between the two islands, known as Cotai.

You’ll find most attractions, sites and casinos in Macau, Taipa and Cotai. Coloane, however, offers more of a cultural experience. You’ll find colonial buildings running along the sides of the cobblestone streets giving visitors a glimpse into the city’s Portuguese past.

Check out Sassy Mama’s guide to hotels in Macau for our recommendations of the top places to stay with kids in each of these areas.

How To Get To Macau

Hong Kong Macau Ferry

The Macau ferry is back up and running! With regular sailings, the ferry has long been one of the most popular ways to travel to Macau. Ferries depart from the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan, the Kowloon China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui and Hong Kong International Airport’s SkyPier. There are two ferry operators to choose from:

TurboJet – Takes you to Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal. www.turbojet.com.hk
Cotai Water Jet – Takes you to the Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal. www.cotaiwaterjet.com

Take The Bus From Hong Kong To Macau

Mamas across Hong Kong were super excited about the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge back in 2018 giving us a whole new transport option for Macau. This one is especially great for Discovery Bay, Tung Chung and New Territory families.

Make your way by public transport, taxi or private car to the Hong Kong Port. Here you’ll clear immigration before taking a shuttle bus across the bridge. Buses to Macau run 24 hours a day and tickets cost between $35 to $70 (which is a fraction of the price of the ferry tickets!).

Sassy Mama Tip: You can book a parking spot at the Hong Kong Port here.

There are also a number of cross-border coaches that operate bus services directly to Macau casinos.

One Bus – Starting from Jordan, the route passes through Sands Macao, Venetian Macao and Parisian Macao. www.onebus.hk
Hong Kong Shared Bus Transfers – Direct buses from Hong Kong with drop-off points at Venetian Macao, Galaxy Macau, MGM Cotai, Grand Lisboa Macau and more. www.klook.com

Editor’s Note: “Things To Do In Macau With Kids” was originally written by Sally Victoria Benson and updated most recently by Veena Raghunath in June 2024 with thanks to Jess Mizzi for her contribution.

The post Things To Do In Macau With Kids: Your Family Friendly Guide to Macau appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Hong Kong Staycations: 16 Unmissable Hotel Deals For Families

Sassy Mama — Thu, 02 May 2024 22:00:01 +0000

Want to plan a vacation with the kids this summer but can’t be asked to take a flight? That’s why a family staycation in Hong Kong is the perfect solution! While there are plenty of Hong Kong hotels like the Disneyland hotels, Hotel Rosewood, Gold Coast and Hotel Icon that are that ideal for staycations through the year, we’ve also looked at the kid-friendly summer packages that we think are excellent!

Were you late booking summer camps for your kids? Don’t worry – there’s still plenty of things to do with children in Hong Kong! And if you want to get all the vacation feels without hopping onto a flight, there are plenty of options in Macau or you could choose to stay back and vacay in Hong Kong. Perennial family favourites like the Gold Coast Hotel and Auberge have exciting summer staycation packages lined up, and a hotel stay plus park visit to Disneyland or Ocean Park will always be a winner with the kids!

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Staycations on Hong Kong Island
Staycations in Kowloon
Staycations in the New Territories

Family Staycations on Hong Kong Island

Ocean Park Marriott – Various staycation deals inclusive of access to Ocean Park

As if trips to Ocean Park or Water World aren’t enough, kids will be wowed from the moment they enter this hotel and see the 16-metre-high aquarium! The pool is arguably one of the best for kids in Hong Kong with slides and even a shark (not a real one, of course!). Head indoors to the Kids’ Corner playground (open from 9am to 6pm, with various toys) and let the kids blow off some energy!

Ocean Park Marriott, 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, 3555 1688, www.marriott.com

Four Seasons Hong Kong – Staycation in style while getting a 50% discount on a second room

Why choose the Four Seasons for your Hong Kong staycation? For starters, the hotel pool is one of the best in Hong Kong and there is a fantastic playroom for kids under 6. The Four Seasons staff go out of their way to accommodate their youngest guests with welcome gifts and in-room activities.

This summer Four Seasons is offering a special deal: book one room and enjoy 50% off a second room (including a late check-out so the family can have a little lie-in), what better reason do you need to treat yourselves to a luxurious holiday? This incredible discount is only available from Saturday, 22 June to Saturday, 31 August 2024, and remember to contact the hotel directly to book the second room.

Four Seasons, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.fourseasons.com/hongkong

The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel – Unique snorkelling staycation for the family

Kids (and parents alike!) will love the hotel’s amazing oceanside infinity pool and the six different kids’ themed rooms (Panda Party, Mermaid Princess, Safari, Pirate Paradise, Rainbow Unicorn and Jurassic Submarine). A staycation here can be combined with a trip to Ocean Park and Water World, though the hotel’s Explorers Playroom is sure to have enough to delight the kids!

If you’re looking to relax during your staycation while your kids play to their heart’s content, check out the Fullerton Kids’ Adventure! Stay in a themed room and get 20% off until Tuesday, 31 December 2024, including daily breakfast, afternoon tea and day passes to The Explorers (and get complimentary kid’s pyjamas and a Panda Fufu soft toy to commemorate the trip!). This offer is only available on weekdays so it’s perfect for a mid-week summer getaway.

Got kids over the age of 8? Opt for the unique, limited time Mesmerising Snorkelling Funcation and embark on an adventure at the Grand Aquarium. Get daily breakfast for two, tickets to Ocean Park Hong Kong and access to a 1.5 hour Snorkelling sesson, valid from Saturday, 6 April to Sunday, 30 June, 2024.

The Fullerton Ocean Park, 3 Ocean Drive, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, 2166 7300, www.fullertonhotels.com

Island Shangri-La – Luxury summer staycation at newly-launched family suites

Island Shangri-La has launched its dedicated Family Floor on the 45th floor of the hotel. This floor has 21 luxurious themed rooms and suites featuring animal designs, interactive toys, and kid-friendly furnishings and decorations that pay homage to Hong Kong’s unique culture and landscape. In addition, you will find exclusive family services such as a living-dining-play area, as well as a variety of kid-friendly necessities ranging from strollers to bottle warmers and more.

For a summer you and your kids will never forget, snag yourself a Fun-filled Family Getaway and get a 2-night stay in a themed family suite, daily breakfast for up to five people, exclusive access to the AMC Kids Club, daily workshops for the children and a special seasonal souvenir of Tony Bear as a keepsake. You have until Tuesday, 31 December 2024 to claim this amazing deal, but why wait?

Island Shangri-La, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2877 3838, www.shangri-la.com

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong – Staycation at the heart of the city with great deals

The Grand Hyatt is a Hong Kong staycation favourite and for good reason! For families, it offers up possibly the best hotel buffet breakfast (in our humble opinion), a kid’s swimming pool and a huge outdoor playground as well as the famed tropical pool, award-winning Plateau Spa and stunning Hong Kong harbour views.

Until Sunday, 30 June 2024, if you book a Club Room or Suite for two nights, you get a third night for free, plus access to the majestic Grand Club lounge where you can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast (and all-day Champagne) while overlooking Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. Got a foodie family? Get the Buffet Staycation package and enjoy a bountiful all-you-can-eat dinner spread at either Grand Café or Tiffin, plus of course, a daily breakfast.

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2588 1234, www.hyatt.com

The Upper House – Luxury staycation options for the whole family

The Upper House boasts possibly the biggest standard hotel rooms in a Hong Kong hotel (starting at 68sq metres/ 730sq feet!). The thought of relaxing in the huge bathtub with a glass of champagne in hand while you soak in the skyline views is enough to have us booking a room! Be sure to check out the Children’s Residency for fun workshops and playroom passes.

If you’re craving a quiet and comfortable staycation, why not include a movie night? Stay at The Upper House for three or more consecutive nights, and enjoy an extra complimentary night! This would include daily breakfast for two at Salisterra and unlimited in-room blockbuster movies, perfect to catch up on all the summer releases with your family.

The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong, 3968 1000, www.upperhouse.com

Family Staycations in Kowloon

Rosewood Hong Kong – Extend your staycation for free

While we love splurging on a romantic Rosewood getaway (with an upgrade to the Manor Club, thank you very much!), the kids are also in for a treat when you book a staycation package. Take them swimming with skyline views at the infinity pool and feast at any of the 12 restaurants. Want a slightly longer stay? Until Sunday, 30 June 2024, if you book two nights, you get a third night for free!

Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3891 8888, www.rosewoodhotels.com

Hotel ICON – A must-try staycation for foodie families

This Hong Kong hotel knows how to keep the kids entertained! For starters, there’s a stunning outdoor heated swimming pool facing the city lights and a lounge filled with games, a pool table, Nintendo Switch and VR headsets. We also can’t get over the high ceiling at GREEN and its kid-friendly menus. Indulge in a Foodcation at Hotel Icon, but book fast, it’s only available until Friday, 31 May 2024.

Sassy Tip: Book through the official website at least 14 days in advance and get up to 15% off!

Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 3400 1000, www.hotel-icon.com

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong – Offering a unique safari staycation for kids

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is known for going out of its way to look after its youngest guests. Families should check out the Ritz Kids Safari which includes an in-room tent experience, access to its Scavenger Hunt and the Ritz-Carlton Picnic. Here’s a bit of trivia that is sure to wow nature-loving mamas – the Ritz Kids programme was designed for the hotel by world-renowned oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau over 10 years ago.

You could also go for the All In The Family Package and get connecting rooms and daily breakfast for four people. Bear in mind, the valid stay dates for the Ritz Kids Safari and the Family Package end on Sunday, 30 June 2024.

The Ritz-Carlton, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2263 2263, www.ritzcarlton.com

The Peninsula Hotel – Enjoy Hong Kong traditions while on a family staycation

Want your kids to experience the Peninsula High Tea? Take a look at Peninsula’s Stay in Style staycation offer and visit one of the most historic hotels in Hong Kong. The package includes daily breakfast and hotel credits redeemable for dining and spa treatments, all on Peninsula time, which means flexible check-in and check-out times.

The Peninsula Hotel perpetually has a variety of offers available, but for this summer we’re eyeing the “More Time… With Our Compliments” deal for an ideal staycation as it allows you to stay two nights and get a third for free if you book before Monday, 16 December 2024!

The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2920 2888, www.peninsula.com

Family Staycations in the New Territories

Disneyland Hong Kong – Three hotel staycation options that the family will love

No Hong Kong staycation roundup would be complete without a mention of Disney for the kids! You have three hotels to choose from: Disney Explorers Lodge, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. We’re sure your youngsters will love the facilities at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, including the Children’s Activity Centre full of Disney-themed arts and crafts, games and movie nights. Remember that whichever hotel you stay at, you’ll get to experience activities that are not included in the general admission park pass. Plus, book two nights before Wednesday, 11 December 2024 and get 30% off flexible rate!

Are your little ones fans of Frozen? Until Sunday, 29 September 2024 you can book the Frozen Suites – Royal Edition and get a Frozen-themed welcome gift set, access to a Summer Snow Day Treasure Hunt, a Frozen-themed afternoon tea, select Disney Premier Access and priority reservations for face painting and hair styling.

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotels, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, www.hongkongdisneyland.com

Auberge Discovery Bay – Island staycation with special deals and tickets

Auberge is always a favourite of families with children in Hong Kong, who love the escape to Discovery Bay. Don’t miss the toy-filled Kids’ Club and swing by the Activity Centre to hire bicycles or meet the local horses.

If you have a child under 12 years, check out Auberge’s Family-Friendly Deals wherein your kid can stay in your room for free! You could also opt for the Lantau FUN Package for a staycation that includes breakfast and two one-day tickets to Hong Kong Disneyland, available between now and Saturday, 15 June 2024.

Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong, 88 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2295 8288, www.aubergediscoverybay.com

Gold Coast Hotel – Family staycation combined with ceramics and baking fun

In need of sun and sand? The Gold Coast Hotel is as close as you can get to a beach vacation with kids in Hong Kong. Kids can be let loose at the water park, Sharks and Pirates Adventure Zone or the outdoor Kids Island before retiring to the fun, themed hotel rooms. With the Flash Sale offer available from now until Sunday, 30 June 2024, you can enjoy a 20% discount on stays in any Kid Themed Room (connect with your inner Astronaut, Princess or Pirate!).

You can also introduce your kids to cooking with Gold Coast Hotel’s ‘Ceramics and Baking’ Getaway package, which includes a night in a Deluxe Seaview Room, breakfast for two adults and one child and a session of ceramics or baking for your kid. Make use of this package before it expires on Tuesday, 31 December 2024.

Gold Coast Hotel, 1 Castle Peak Road, Gold Coast, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2452 8888, www.goldcoasthotel.com.hk

WM Hotel – Watersports summer staycation for the family

If you have always wanted to hike through the country parks and explore the beautiful islands and beaches around Sai Kung, or take the children to the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, you could do it over the summer holidays. Get a private speedboat transfer to the Tai She Wan or Whiskey Beach with the Sai Kung Island Beach Getaway Staycation Package.

Do you have older, sporty kids? Book the WM Summer Wake Surf/Wakeboard Staycation Package to get a two hour session for 2-4 people with an instructor, equipment and safety gear, available from now to Sunday, 30 June 2024. WM Hotel also offers Woofcation packages, so you can take your furry friends along for the holiday!

WM Hotel, 28 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2196 6888, www.wmhotel.hk

Saiyuen Green Getaway – Family glamping staycation

Embrace island life on Cheung Chau at this 11-acre outdoor adventure playground. You can choose from 5 different themed tents including a Geodesic Dome (designed for stargazing), a Mongolian Ger, an African Safari Tent and more (or pitch your own tent if you’re a true camping enthusiast!). Your littlest ones can learn to ride a bike, pet the goats and get involved in arts and crafts. Your adventurous teens can try their hand at daring activities like abseiling, archery and a tree-top canopy walk. Plus, if you have any budding chefs in the family, you could opt to try the cooking workshops for Beggar’s Wild Chicken and Bubble Waffles (a staple of Hong Kong) during your outdoorsy staycation.

Green Getaway, DD CC Lot 12, Saiyuen, Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong, www.saiyuen.com

Regala Skycity Hotel – Packed with kid-friendly amenities and themed rooms

The recently renovated Regala Skycity Hotel has themed family suites and five different game rooms that the kids will love, including exclusive access to the Premier Lounge. This Hong Kong hotel is ideally located if you want to explore more of Lantau, plan a Tai O fishing village day trip and more. If you have a furry friend at home, check out the Dogcation package so you can enjoy your summer with the whole family!

Regala Skycity Hotel, 8 Airport Expo Boulevard, Hong Kong International Airport Chek Lap Kok, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 3556 3288, www.regala-hotels.com

Editor’s Note: “Hong Kong Staycation Packages: Hong Kong Hotels For Families” was most recently updated in March 2024 by Anita Balagopalan.

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Is Stress-Free Travel With Kids Even Possible?

Talia Sanchez — Wed, 01 May 2024 22:00:41 +0000

Sorry to the hopeful mamas out there looking for a magical hack but there’s no point in pretending otherwise: flying with kids is always going to be stressful. It doesn’t matter how good your flight checklist is, how organised you are with your bundles of activities and snacks and how many times you’ve asked your kids to run from one boarding gate to another to tire them out.

Things will still happen to stress you out — food will get dropped as soon as you hand it over, toys will disappear into another dimension and ordinarily calm children will suddenly develop unexpected and loud opinions about seat comfort, fellow passengers and the physics of flight. And you know what? That’s just how things are going to be.

It’s always been rather amusing that most of the articles out there about stress-free flights (or stress-free travelling with kids in general) simply focus on items that keep kids occupied or otherwise asleep. While keeping kids busy can be helpful, I’ve found that the stress of travelling isn’t just about that but all the little details that come with flying with kids that parents have to anticipate or keep an eye on — bathroom breaks, making sure kids are eating or sleeping and so on. It’s like regular life but worse because you’re not on home ground.

Most parents are so preoccupied thinking about making long-haul flights easier for kids that they neglect to consider ways of making the flight easier for someone equally important: themselves. If that’s something that you relate to, read on for some very realistic tips on how to make flying less stressful for you, not just the kids. Trust us, they will be fine.

Tip #1 for less stressful flying with kids — visualise the worst

We know how useful roleplaying can be to explain how things work (or ought to work) to kids. Roleplaying check-ins, what to do at the boarding gate, or how to behave during the flight can be more enlightening to kids than just giving them directions ahead of time, especially if flying is a new experience. Even kids who’ve flown before won’t mind a fun refresher, especially if they get to pretend to be cabin crew or any other role where they can delight in ordering you around — side tip: pretending to make a mistake and getting kids to correct you (trust me, they won’t need any encouraging) is a good way of helping them remember the right way of doing things.

And just as imagination helps kids navigate an uncertain future, imagination can help you navigate potential stresses. Use mental visualisation by thinking of worst-case scenarios (it’s like the opposite of elite athlete visualisation). Mine would be me with a heavy period and my kid with a nosebleed and both of us needing to pee really badly and all bathrooms have queues 10 deep — true nightmare material, isn’t it? In fact, if you’ve travelled with kids before, you probably have been in a worst-case scenario already, and you know what? You survived! Everyone did.

Before your flight, visualise all the things that can go wrong (and have gone wrong) and remember: you will get through it (assuming aliens and other apocalyptic events aren’t involved, and even still). You shouldn’t anticipate that each trip will be the worst flight ever, but being prepared isn’t just about putting measures into place to deal with eventualities like bathroom issues, it also means allowing yourself to accept that things won’t always go perfectly — and if they go better than you feared, that’s a huge plus!

Tip #2 for less stressful flying with kids — choose your travel companion wisely

There are just some people you should put on your no-fly companion list, and while it varies from individual to individual, my experience has been that siblings will suddenly use the moment you’re trying to stop your kid from smearing cheese all over his palms to remind you of the family vacation where you offered to help unwrap a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese and half of it was gone by the time you handed it to her.

Although traveling with someone extremely organised and helpful can help with logistics, that’s not as ideal as it seems on the surface. My husband is all those things, but he suffers from instant nap syndrome (and is a deep sleeper to boot), which means that as soon as he’s buckled in, he’s lost to the world.

If you’ve accepted that things will inevitably go awry at some point, it’s more important to find someone who will, at worst, not stress you out even more and at best, be good at de-stressing you. That could mean anything from helping you laugh by pointing out the ridiculousness of certain situations, to getting in the weeds with you to distract your kids or stop them from doing that annoying thing you hate while you take a moment to breathe and remind yourself that all things pass.

Surprisingly, traveling with a family member who is just as chaotic as kids are can be a huge stress-buster. My mum never prepares for anything, which makes her the best companion when flying with kids because she doesn’t mind surprises like kids suddenly spilling their entire tray of food on their lap. Having her just shrug and not get upset over incidents like these can be very calming, although she still hasn’t explained why she wasn’t this mellow when I was a kid myself.

Tip #3 for less stressful flying with kids — what happens on the plane stays on the plane

Yes, rules and consistency are important for kids and adults, but travel is a survival-mode situation, especially if we’re talking long-haul flights. Apart from rules around safety, basic manners and etiquette, all other rules should be negotiable. This is the time when you just have to make things easier for yourself. That means allowing kids to fall asleep watching videos for five straight hours – they can make up for brain rot with extra Maths lessons. It means not arguing with kids whether they’ve eaten enough – skipping a meal or two won’t turn them into feeble wraiths. Other rules that I’ve given up on include educational materials – it’s Captain Underpants all the way now – and I also don’t worry when kids lose toys, crayons and paper. Everything I bring to the flight has duplicates and is meant to be disposable. I am no longer that parent tangled up in two blankets and a pillow leaning underneath my kid’s legs with my phone light on, hunting for a lost object underneath the seat in front of me while one of the cabin crew tries to serve a meal. I’ll just throw everything out when the flight is over.

The great thing about suspending rules for your family flight is that if you dangle this rare opportunity in front of your kids ahead of time, they’ll end up looking forward to the plane ride and being more cooperative about the things they have to do leading up to the trip (and even during the flight itself).

But more importantly, let’s not forget that the suspension of rules applies to you, too! I used to try to get work done on flights but I’ve now completely abandoned the rule of maximising all my spare time if I’m on a flight with kids. The constant interruptions made it impossible to get into the flow of work, and thinking about the things I wasn’t getting done only made me feel more anxious and stressed. If you’ve got an extensive beauty routine, it’s also okay to just do the basics — or not do them at all. Often, I just wipe my face, rub in a night cream, and slap on an essential oil patch. Our family dentist won’t be happy to read this but I’m pretty sure our teeth won’t explode into cavities from not brushing them once or twice.

If you’re reading this article, there’s a chance you’ve already made a travel checklist and have all the gadgets and distractions for your kids. You might just be looking for one more hack or tip to make your trip stress-free but let me say it clearly once more: it’s impossible not to be stressed, but that’s fine and completely normal. No other mum is on a flight somewhere enjoying it like a spa day.

It’s just as okay to know that dealing with the stress that comes with flying with kids means doing things for yourself and not just the kids. Just get on that flight and don’t worry too much — that plane will land at some point!

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Family Ski Resorts: Snow Trips For Any Time Of Year

Sassy Mama — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 22:00:56 +0000

Trying to decide where to ski this winter? From Japan’s legendary powder to family ski resorts in North America and Europe, we’re quite the snow seekers!

Grab your skis and snowboards, it’s time to hit the slopes! Whether it’s a short-haul family ski trip in Japan while taking in the Sapporo Ice Festival, a unique “dance while you ski” experience in South Korea, or an epic snow holiday in Europe or North America, there are endless options out there to create long-lasting frost-filled memories. We have rounded up the best family-friendly ski resorts from around the world that cater to kids.

Jump to:
Ski Resorts In Japan
Ski Resorts In South Korea
Ski Resorts In North America
Ski Resorts In Europe
Ski Resorts In Australia And New Zealand

The Best Family Ski Resorts In Japan

With typically the highest annual snowfall in the world, Japan is undoubtedly one of the world’s best destinations for a ski holiday. What’s not to love about the iconic Japow – “Japan powder” snow – a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all the family. Head north to Niseko or Tomamu in Hokkaido for frosty family fun or stick with the ski resorts closer to Tokyo for an easy-to-reach snow-filled holiday.

Tomamu, Hokkaido – Ski resort packed with kids’ activities

Tomamu is a smaller, more boutique family-friendly ski resort easily accessed from Sapporo city or the city’s airport in just 90-minutes. As well as fantastic runs to suit all abilities and English language ski school, there are a host of other winter activities to keep the kids entertained (perhaps try a snow buggy tour or snow karting for an adrenalin rush).

Sassy Mama Tip: Do not miss the stunning Ice Village where you can also stay the night in the Ice Hotel with open-air hot spring baths. A true winter wonderland experience!

How to get there: Shuttle bus from Tomamu station. Find more routes here.

Tomamu, www.snowtomamu.jp

Hakuba Valley, Honshu – Kids under 6 ski for free!

Easily reached from Tokyo via bullet train (a must when in Japan!), Hakuba incorporates 10 ski resorts and over 200 runs making it one of the largest ski areas in Japan. All of the resorts cater to beginners with ski lessons in many different languages on offer. There are free shuttles between the resorts ensuring you can access the best of the snowy slopes on any given day.

How to get there: There are various routes from different cities, find all the information here.

Hakuba Valley, www.hakubavalley.com

Niseko United, Hokkaido – Ski resort with snow rafting, junior ski school and childcare services

There are four ski towns at Niseko – Hanazono, Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri – all connected by a shuttle bus in winter. Niseko Village provides the most family-oriented accommodation and winter activities such as snow rafting, reindeer sleigh rides and gentle terrain along with Niseko Kids Snow School offering childcare and junior ski/board school.

SassyMama Tip: Niseko offers the IkonPass which provides access to over 50 alpine resorts around the world. Combine a ski trip to Niseko with a southern hemisphere winter adventure in Australia, New Zealand or South America.

How to get there: Fly from Hong Kong to Sapporo and catch the regular coach service from the airport that runs directly to Niseko in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, stop off in Sapporo for a few days to check out the Snow Festival before jumping on the train to Niseko (2.5 hours).

Niseko United, www.nisekotourism.com

More Family Ski Resorts In Japan

Kiroro, Hokkaido — An ideal resort to learn how to ski with an average snowfall of 21 metres and wonderful English-speaking instructors to guide children aged 3 years and up. www.kiroro.co.jp
Nozawa Onsen, Honshu – Snow season runs from November through to May. From Hong Kong, take a direct flight to Tokyo and take the three-hour train ride to the resort. www.nozawa-onsen.com
Rusutsu Resort, Hokkaido – Offers some unique activities such as ice fishing, a hot spring bathhouse, the world’s largest indoor two-storey carousel and a magical lights experience at Stardust Avenue. www.rusutsu.com
Shiga Kogen, Honshu – Closest ski resort to the famous Wild Snow Monkey Park where red-faced macaques bathe in the natural hot springs – sure to delight all the family! www.shigakogen-ski.or.jp

The Best Family Ski Resorts In South Korea

Looking for an alternative to a Japanese ski holiday within Asia? South Korea could be your answer. You will find many smaller, beginner slopes, ideal for introducing snow sports to your kids.

Elysian Gangchono Ski Resort – Child-friendly ski resort for beginners

With 10 ski slopes and all but two for beginner or intermediate skiers, this beautiful valley resort is the ideal place to introduce your little ones to the joy of skiing or snowboarding. Kids from 3 years can take ski school lessons for a fraction of the price of other larger resorts.

How to get there: Fly direct to Seoul from Hong Kong, hop on the Seoul subway and within an hour, jump out at Elysian Gangchono Ski Resort.

Elysian Gangchono Ski Resort, www.elysian.co.kr

Yong Pyong Ski Resort – Ski resort with lesser crowds but steeper slopes

With a growing international reputation as Korea’s Ski Mecca, Yong Pyong Resort is located 200km from Seoul and was the 2018 Winter Olympic Games slalom. Accordingly, the terrain is quite steep by Korean standards however beginners are still welcome on the six bunny slopes. Crowds are unlikely here as the resort is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Seoul.

Yong Pyong Ski Resort, www.yongpyong.co.kr

More Family Ski Resorts In South Korea

Jisan Forest Ski Resort – This popular night skiing resort is just 40 minutes from downtown Seoul, making it perfect for a day trip. www.jisanresort.co.kr
Vivaldi Park Ski World – Indulge in the kitsch-ness of each slope being named after a music genre such as reggae, techno or jazz and music being played throughout the slope according to the named music genre. www.sonohotelsresorts.com

The Best Family Ski Resorts In North America

A tried-and-true favourite, Canada and USA provide some of the most family-friendly ski resorts in the world. With warm and welcoming hospitality and ski-in, ski-out options on many mountains, North American ski resorts tick all the boxes.

Big White Ski Resort, British Columbia, Canada – Ski lessons for kids and parents

Ski school here offers unique programs like ‘Teach your Tot’ where instructors will guide you through a two-hour private lesson introducing your child to skiing while providing you with tips on how to teach them using games and fun activities. Flaik Real Time Tracking allows parents to see where the kids are on the mountain during their lessons and to re-live their day with minute-by-minute replays.

How to get there: 55-minute flight from Vancouver and an hour drive from Kelowna’s International Airport.

Big White Ski Resort, www.bigwhite.com

Diamond Peak, Nevada, USA – Scenic ski resort with ski classes and interchangeable tickets for parents

This family-friendly ski resort is the only one in the beautiful Lake Tahoe region to offer free tickets for kids 6 and under, while the unique interchangeable parent tickets make it easy to switch out who is on the slopes keeping up with the energetic youngsters. The beginner-friendly School House chairlift ensures riders are never more than 15 feet (4.5 metres) off the ground, providing a less intimidating first chairlift experience for those new to the sport.

How to get there: From Reno / Tahoe International Airport (RNO), follow the driving directions from Reno or jump on the North Lake Tahoe Express airport shuttle with direct service to Incline Village. Find more routes here.

Diamond Peak, www.diamondpeak.com

Smuggler’s Notch Resort, Vermont, USA – Pirate-themed off-piste activities

This family-friendly Vermont resort caters to all ages with childcare for those under 2.5 years, and Learn to Ski or Ride lessons for 3 years up. Appropriately there are several pirate-themed off-piste activities on offer – from a friendly afternoon song and dance show, Pirate Bingo evening, a fireworks and character dance party and a ‘Raingutter Regatta’ where children create their own sea farin’ ship and sail down the rain gutters.

How to get there: Under an hour’s drive from Burlington International Airport which has connections to most major US cities.

Smuggler’s Notch Resort, www.smuggs.com

Whistler-Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada – Family zones and adventure playgrounds

The three main villages are traffic-free and there is a designated “Family Zone” on both mountains, a beginner snow park where teenagers can practice their first tricks and a Tube Park to keep kids of all ages entertained. Plus, the enchanted Tree Fort and Magic Castle adventure playgrounds are perfect for a break from the slopes.

Sassy Mama Tip: Whistler-Blackcomb is part of Vail Resorts’ which offers the Epic Pass with access to over 50 resorts across the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria.

How to get there: Fly direct from Hong Kong to Vancouver flights and then it’s a two-hour transfer to the resort

Whistler-Blackcomb, www.whistlerblackcomb.com

More Family Ski Resorts In North America

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado, USA – Fun art installations, kid-oriented trails and beginner terrain parks, and evening gondola rides, as well as snow tubing and delicious smores and hot chocolate by the bonfire! www.aspensnowmass.com
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA – Sleigh rides, zipline canopy tours, snowmobile park and kids-only apres ski party make this New Hampshire resort a firm family favourite. www.brettonwoods.com
Deer Valley, Utah, USA – A skiers-only resort and limited daily tickets ensure your little skiers can explore the trails uninhibited by crowds (or snowboarders!). www.deervalley.com
Fernie Alpine Resort, British Columbia, Canada – Easy, uncrowded runs, consistent powder and mild temperatures ideal for the beginner and mini powder hounds. www.skifernie.com
Keystone Resort, Colorado USA – A scenic two-hour shuttle from Denver Airport, Keystone is well worth a visit with two on-mountain snow forts and a Kids Ski Free program. www.keystoneresort.com
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada – A delightful mix of French and North American hospitality with a picturesque European-style pedestrian village. www.tremblant.ca
Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado, USA – An extensive array of on and off-snow activities along with ski and snowboard lessons and individual hour-long introductory lessons. www.tellurideskiresort.com

The Best Family Ski Resorts In Europe

What’s not to love about seeing the iconic Matterhorn or Mt Blanc come into view through a glade of snow-laden trees?

Avoriaz, France – The place to be for snowboarding

If you have a family of ‘shredders’ (or hoping to!), fly to Geneva and a short drive later you will reach Avoriaz. Snowboarding school starts at 3 years old and the Lil’Stash park is perfect for the young ones to learn and develop their skills. Teens will love Stash, a tree-lined course dotted with organic obstacles made from local forestation. Don’t miss the reindeer-drawn sleighs providing daytime taxi services through the pedestrian-only, eco-friendly village!

How to get there: Multiple routes from major cities, find out more here.

Avoriaz, www.avoriaz.com

Grans-Montana, Switzerland – Ski resort with family-friendly activities

A three-hour train journey or drive from Zurich, Grans-Montana is literally a fairy-tale ski resort. If your kiddos love all things railway, the Swiss Model Train Museum houses over 1,300 model trains. And don’t miss out on Snow Island, built on the golf course in winter with snow tubing, drag lifts and magic carpets – perfect for beginner skiers and tobogganers.

How to get there: Various routes available, check for details here.

Grans-Montana, www.crans-montana.ch

Passo Tonale, Italy – Ski school for the little ones as well as off-site play areas

At this high altitude, snow is guaranteed at Passo Tonale, one of the four ski areas that make up Pontedilegno-Tonale in Italy. Fantaski Kindergarten is a winter playground offering two easy ski slopes with a travellator for beginner ski school, a bouncy castle area and downhill slopes for sledges, toboggans and snow-tubing. For kids aged 4 to 12 years, the Fantaski Mini-Club focuses on creativity and play with workshops and games.

How to get there: From Hong Kong, fly direct to Milan and drive to Passo Tonale in under 3 hours.

Passo Tonale, www.pontedilegnotonale.com

Zell Am See, Austria – An exciting ski resort with mixed difficulty and experience levels

Zell Am See offers a multitude of slopes, playgrounds and adventure courses for kids of all ages and abilities. Start off at Schmittenhöhe’s Kinder-Skiland with seating options for those who need a break and then graduate on to Dragon Park where wave tracks, archways and tunnels await before taking on the Funslope XXL with more twists and excitement!

How to get there: A short drive (under 2 hours) from Innsbruck, Munich or Salzburg.

Zell Am See, www.zellamsee-kaprun.com

More Family Ski Resorts In Europe

Arinsal, Andorra – Nursery slopes are separated from the main runs maximising safety and a ski school offering classes to children as young as 4 years. www.andorraresorts.com
Cervinia, Italy – Eat pizza in Cervinia overlooking the ice rink and playground before skiing over to Zermatt for rösti and fondue and hitting up Wolli’s park where beginners can get started overlooking the famous Matterhorn. www.cervinia.it
El Tarter, Andorra – Amazing value for money with a British-run ski school and instructors and easy access slopes. www.soldeu.com
Geilo, Norway – One of the best resorts for toddlers with magic carpets, easy button lifts, childcare, ski schools, horse-drawn sleigh rides and dog sledding activities. www.geilo.com
Méribel, France – Located in the centre of the Three Valleys ski area, the world’s largest ski area with a high focus on safety for kids through clever design and layout of family-friendly ski areas. www.les3vallees.com
Pontresina, Switzerland – Kids under 15 ski free and a tour of the Pontresina glacier ice caves or a ride on the famous Bernina Express train are both once-in-a-lifetime experiences for children and adults alike. www.pontresina.ch
Yllas, Finland – Rekindle the Christmas magic any time of the year with a visit to Santa, a reindeer or a husky ride while taking in the uncrowded, easy-going slopes. www.yllas.fi

The Best Family Ski Resorts In Australia And New Zealand

While Australian and New Zealand resorts do not generally come top of mind for the best places to ski or board, there is an appeal about being able to hit the slopes during Northern summer!

Mt Hutt, New Zealand – Family-friendly ski resort where kids under 10 ski for free

Mt Hutt has been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort for seven years running at the World Ski Awards. The friendly vibes and Kiwi hospitality are always on display at this conveniently cashless resort located just over an hour’s drive from Christchurch. An on-mountain early childhood centre, Skiwiland, caters to babies and toddlers under 5 years with snow play, on-snow learning experiences and lunch and snacks provided.

How to get there: There are shuttle buses from Christchurch International Airport

Mt Hutt, www.mthutt.co.nz

Thredbo, Australia – Ski resort with off-site activities like movie nights, face painting and more

Located in the Kosciuszko National Park, Thredbo is a 2.5-hour drive from Canberra. Home to Australia’s only alpine gondola allowing you to access the country’s longest runs and a large variety of terrain. The purpose-built beginner’s area at Friday Flat ensures all ages and abilities are well covered. Don’t miss the free Saturday night Fireworks Spectacular or the Kids Snow Festival with flare runs, movie nights and face painting. And best of all kids ski free in June and September!

How to get there: Drive roughly 5.5 hours from either Sydney or Melbourne or 2.5 hours from Canberra. Find out more details here.

Thredbo, www.thredbo.com.au

More Family Ski Resorts In Australia and New Zealand

Coronet Peak, New Zealand – The oldest commercial ski field in New Zealand offering free day lift passes for children 5 and under in addition to school holiday and weekend development programs. www.coronetpeak.co.nz
Falls Creek, Australia – Don’t miss the Fireworks Fiesta on Thursdays and Twilight Tuesdays where the Village Bowl becomes party central for kids with fire pits, marshmallows, games and an appearance by Pete the Snowdragon. www.fallscreek.com.au
Mt Buller, Australia – Closest alpine resort to Melbourne and children’s pricing for kids through to 17 years. www.mtbuller.com.au
Mt Hotham, Australia – With its own airport making access a breeze and the only resort in the Southern Hemisphere where the village is located on top of the mountain meaning you start your day skiing down to the chairlifts. www.mthotham.com.au
Perisher, Australia – Southern Hemisphere’s largest alpine resort that caters for beginners through to experts ensuring all members of the family enjoy the resort. www.perisher.com.au
Porters, New Zealand – About an hour’s drive from Christchurch, kids under 10 ski free, and kids aged 3-5 years can attend introductory 1.5-hour ski lessons that alternate between skiing skills and playing snow games. www.portersalpineresort.com

Editor’s Note: “The Best Family Ski Resorts To Visit This Winter” was most recently updated in September 2023.

The post Family Ski Resorts: Snow Trips For Any Time Of Year appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Navigating HKIA: Family Facilities At Hong Kong International Airport

Jess Mizzi — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 22:00:31 +0000

Passing through HKIA looks a little different these days. Perhaps the last time you travelled was during the height of the pandemic, or maybe it was even pre-kids! Whether you’re departing or arriving, let us point you in the direction of all the family facilities at Hong Kong International Airport.

Travelling with kids is stressful at the best of times. You might be so worried about the long flight, the jet lag or what to pack that you haven’t actually thought about navigating Hong Kong International Airport. Thankfully, after a few years of travelling with a baby, then a toddler and now with two kids in tow, it’s safe to say HKIA is one of the easiest to get around with kids.

Jump to:
Transport to Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong Airport Departures: Checking in
Security And Immigration At HKIA
Family Facilities At Hong Kong Airport
Transiting Through Hong Kong
Baggage Claim And Airport Arrival

Transport To Hong Kong International Airport

Pre-kids it was all so easy! A checked suitcase and a carry-on and off we went. Now, you have children and all the stuff they need to travel with. You’ve got their things crammed into your suitcase (or maybe extra luggage for them), plus everything you need for the flight, and that’s before we even get to the stroller and perhaps a car seat and travel cot.

With all the extra bits and pieces, you may find it easier to get a taxi or Uber all the way to the terminal.

Taking the Airport Express is still an excellent option when you’re with kids. At the time of publication, the in-town check-in is closed but set to reopen early in July.

Sassy Mama Tip: There are baby care and breastfeeding rooms in the paid area (after you have scanned your ticket) of Hong Kong, Kowloon and Tsing Yi Stations. They are hidden away, so you just need to ask the staff and they will take you.

Hong Kong Airport Departures: Checking In

It is definitely worth taking advantage of the in-town check-in. The lines are often very manageable and you can be rid of your bulky items quickly so that you are just travelling on the train and through the airport with your necessities for the flight. The service is available for most major airlines and opens 24 hours before departure (and closes 90 minutes before).

If you are arriving by car or bus, you’ll need to make your way to the departure area. Check the HKIA website to see which aisle your airline is checking in from. Many airlines also offer self-check-in kiosks.

Most airlines will allow you to gate-check your stroller so that you can have it with you until you reach your gate.

Security And Immigration At Hong Kong International Airport

The security staff make travelling with family, especially babies and young kids a breeze. Before you go through, look for the priority line (it’s also where the flight crew enter, so follow the uniforms). You still need to empty your pockets and take out your laptops, but there’s no problem having extra liquids for baby including expressed breast milk, baby food and water (and you don’t need to take them out of your bag). Infants can even stay in the stroller (just be sure to empty the basket and any pockets) and the staff will do a quick visual check. It certainly makes for a nice change from the stern faces and strict rules at other airports the Sassy Mama team have encountered.

At immigration, you’ll need to go through the counter with staff when travelling with children under 12. Is anyone else counting down the days until they can use the automatic gates and HKID card again?

Hong Kong International Airport Children’s Play Areas

The newly opened kids’ play area certainly comes as a welcome surprise for families travelling through HKIA. It’s easy to find near Gate 11. It offers exciting adventures for kids aged 6 to 12 years (but our fearless toddler and 5-year-old gave it a good go!). There are also short, Hong Kong-themed virtual reality games located at various gates that are fun for teens and adults to kill some time before boarding.

Where To Eat With Kids At Hong Kong Airport

You can check out the full list of dining options at Hong Kong Airport online before you travel. There’s everything from fast food like McDonald’s to grab-and-go options from Eric Kayser or Gordon Ramsey Plane Food To Go. For a sit-down meal that ticks all the boxes, we’re big fans of Beef & Liberty, located on Level 7 just after you pass through immigration.

HKIA Nursing And Changing Rooms

Juggling breastfeeding or pumping around flight schedules is the source of much anxiety for many Mamas. Thankfully there are 33 well-equipped nursing and changing rooms at various locations throughout Hong Kong International Airport (there are also changing tables in most female toilets). In these rooms, you’ll find at least one (but usually two) changing areas, a chair in a private room for feeding or pumping, as well as a bottle warmer.

Read More: How To Travel With A Newborn Baby

Hong Kong Airport Medical Facilities

As much as we hope our families don’t need it, there’s something quite comforting about knowing that Raffles Medical Group provides 24-hour medical services at Hong Kong International Airport. There is a clinic located on Level 6 of the non-restricted area (before check-in, security and immigration) which can provide general practitioners, x-rays, vaccinations and emergency care. There is also a medical post located near Gate 34 in the restricted area (after security and immigration) which is covered by a nurse from 9am to 6pm daily.

Airport Lounges At Hong Kong International Airport

If you’ve got a bit of time, you might like to think about buying a lounge pass (unless you’re lucky enough to have it included in your ticket!). There are Plaza Premium lounges near Gates 1, 35 and 60, or for a little bit of luxury before you fly, a Plaza Premium First Lounge (the premium Champagne, wines, cocktails and whiskey, as well as a la carte dining, are a lovely pre-flight indulgence) near Gate 1. There is also a Centurian Lounge near Gate 60 for selected American Express cardholders.

Sassy Mama Tip: If you are relying on your airline lounge, do check whether it has reopened since the pandemic.

Other Handy Hong Kong Airport Tips

Drinking water is readily available at water fountains so bring an empty bottle so that once you’re through security you can fill it up. If you’ve decided to leave the stroller at home (or checked it in with your luggage), there are infant strollers you can use free of charge. They may not be the most comfortable mode of transport, but they do provide respite for little legs and some luggage storage for your bags.

Transiting Through Hong Kong Airport

If Hong Kong isn’t your final destination after you land, it’s worth knowing that there are complimentary showers near Gate 12 and 43. Just make sure you visit before you pass through the transit area (to get to your connecting flight) or immigration. There are complimentary hair dryers, shampoo and body gel, and towels available from a vending machine.

This is also a handy one to keep up your sleeve if you have just landed and can’t make it home before changing clothes (all parents will know the pain of kids destroying even your spare set of clothes!).

Baggage Claim And Arrival Information

Once you arrive, it’s all pretty straightforward. Proceed through immigration and to baggage claim before exiting into the arrivals hall. Then you either proceed straight ahead to get on the Airport Express, or follow the signs to the taxi rank. If you’re taking an Uber, there are two pick-up locations, one near the Regal Hotel and the other in the car park (on your right as you come out of arrivals).

Happy travels!

The post Navigating HKIA: Family Facilities At Hong Kong International Airport appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Sassy Mama’s Guide To Hoi An, Vietnam

Jess Mizzi — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 22:00:49 +0000

There’s a reason Hoi An and nearby Da Nang are destinations that Hong Kongers keep flocking back to. Just a two-hour direct flight and you’ve got pristine beaches, cultural immersion and hotels and resorts to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are our picks for families visiting Da Nang and Hoi An, Vietnam.

What’s not to love? Closer than Bali, Phuket or even the Philippines, Da Nang is just a quick direct flight from Hong Kong. The city, which is a tourist destination in its own right, has beach resorts lining the turquoise coast all the way along to the old town of Hoi An just 40 minutes down the road. This Sassy Mama has been visiting Hoi An regularly since 2011 and let’s just say that whole a lot has changed over the years, it’s a destination that I just keep coming back to!

Jump To:
What To See And Do In Hoi An
Hoi An Restaurant Recommendations
Hotels And Resorts Near Hoi An
Weather And When To Visit Hoi An
Travelling From Hong Kong To Hoi An
Visas For Vietnam

What To See And Do In Hoi An

Hoi An Old Town

Hoi An is one of those places where you can happily while away the hours just wandering around. A fluke of history has meant that this once bustling trade city was abandoned in favour of Da Nang, just in time to protect it from modernisation. It was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list and has been a firm favourite with tourists ever since.

Walking through the streets (much of the old town is closed to traffic) you will see a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European architecture. At night, colourful lanterns light up the streets and as the temperature drops, it’s the perfect time to take in the markets and restaurants. It can be very busy, but the old town is flat, stroller-friendly and fun for kids.

Food Tours And Cooking Classes

Surely we aren’t the only ones who go to Hoi An purely to eat our way around town? While there are countless restaurants, sometimes you want to eat as the locals do, but don’t know where to start. A food tour is a great way to try the popular favourites (banh mi anyone!) as well as local, regional delicacies (a steaming bowl of cao lau noodles) and some dishes for the more adventurous eaters (try the balut – not quite an egg, not quite a duck).

Hoi An Food Tour offers a range of private and small group food tours where you can walk, cycle or be whisked around town on the back of a motorbike as you sample the best street food in the area. The friendly, young guides will keep you entertained throughout the tour, whether zipping through the back streets or meandering past the rice paddies.

Most of the good restaurants in town offer cooking classes so you can try your hand at local favourites. We can’t go past fresh rice paper rolls or Hoi An crispy pancakes. What a treat to learn how to make them! Vy’s Market Restaurant (see our restaurant recommendations below) is a great place to start for lessons but you can also check out Green Bamboo or Tra Que Water Wheel.

Lune Center — Theatre Shows

Older kids and teens will love a night out at the Lune Center. It’s hard to miss the 13-metre high bamboo dome scenically perched by the riverfront. We caught a spellbinding production of Teh Dar, an hour-long production of acrobatics, tribal music and contemporary dance with the creative use of bamboo for circus stunts.

Tailor-Made Clothing In Vietnam

All around Hoi An you will find custom clothing and footwear, even bag and jewellery shops. We challenge you to leave town without at least one made-to-measure piece! The tailors range in quality and price, largely dependent on the type of materials selected and the craftsmanship involved.

Yaly Couture is tried and tested. This Sassy Mama has had everything from a wedding dress to winter coats made here over the years. It isn’t the cheapest in town, but it has a range of quality fabrics and skilled seamstresses across its three branches.

BeBe is another firm favourite amongst the team for quality tailoring. With 15 years of experience, three branches across Hoi An and a promise of unlimited fittings, you’re sure to be pleased with the results.

Sassy Mama Tip: Know what you like, what you want and what suits you before you visit a tailor. The possibilities are endless and if you are short on time it is easy to get overwhelmed. If you choose something that doesn’t suit your body type, no amount of tailoring is going to make it work.

Ba Na Hills And Golden Bridge

Chances are you’ve seen images of the Golden Bridge — two strong, almost ethereal hands holding up a walkway on the side of a mountain. Perhaps you thought it was part of a temple complex? Think again. The now iconic bridge is located within the Ba Na Hills Sun World theme park.

Your day starts with a cable car ride high up into the mountains (where it is thankfully noticeably cooler). Once at the summit, you’d be forgiven if you were thinking you’d landed in another country, Europe perhaps? The park consists of different zones with rides, street shows and restaurants.

While I’m glad we went, the park was packed with tour groups and our kids (five and two) were a bit young to really enjoy the experience. It looks like there is a lot of construction going on, so expect to see more attractions opening in the years to come. The expectation and reality on this one definitely didn’t match!

Sassy Mama Tip: The official website for Ba Na Hills is terrible to navigate and constantly crashes so it’s worth booking through your accommodation or an agent.

My Son Temples

If you have time for a side trip, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed My Son Temples is an easy one-hour drive from Hoi An. Set out early (before the heat sets in) and you’ll be treated to exploring this historic Champa temple complex (a similar design to Angkor Wat) without the crowds.

Bike Tours

The area around Hoi An Old Town and the surrounding countryside is mostly flat, and once away from the main roads, surprisingly quiet. Perfect for a family cycling trip! Your hotel will most likely have bicycles available to rent (by the hour or by the day), but if you worry about your navigational abilities, following a local guide will be your best option. Many companies combine a cycling tour with other activities, like cooking classes and boat tours, so you can customise your perfect day trip.

French expat, Pascal, and his wife run Heaven & Earth Bicycle Tours. The company offers small group and private cycling tours for all capabilities and families will love that they have kids’ bikes and baby seats (that comply with EU and international safety standards).

Island Tours, Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

Just off the coast of Hoi An in the South China Sea are the Cham Islands, home to the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park. While we wouldn’t call scuba diving here world-class, the islands do offer up some of the best coral reefs along the coastline of Vietnam. There are a number of operators offering speed boats to the islands as well as full-day snorkelling and scuba diving trips.

Read More: Explore Sharp Island With The Family

Beach Time

Cua Dai and An Bang Beach are just a few kilometres from Hoi An Old Town and should definitely be on your list if visiting in the dry season. Who would say no to lazing about under a palm tree with a coconut in hand? Small bars and restaurants line the sand so go for a stroll, find a perfectly located sun lounger and park yourself for the day.

Shopping In Hoi An

There are countless shops and markets around the Old Town of Hoi An. Don’t forget to bargain, hard! Whether you are after custom clothes, leather goods, jewellery, artwork or general souvenirs, you won’t have to search far. There are however a few standout shops well worth the visit for nicer souvenirs to take home.

Homewares shop Sunday is a favourite with more than one of the Sassy Mama team. Pick up some nice personal accessories, or maybe a statement piece for your apartment. You’ll be feeling those holiday vibes long after you return home! The store invites you in with handmade crafts and homewares that have been sourced from villages throughout Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Lovers of quality fabrics and French design should head straight to Metiseko for clothing and accessories. The creative team has drawn its inspiration from Vietnamese traditions and landscapes (think jungle and bamboo-inspired prints) to create silks and organic cotton that is sustainably sourced from local artisans.

Sassy Mama Tip: Metiseko also has an online store and ships overseas!

Hoi An Restaurant Recommendations

You should never, ever go hungry in Hoi An! This city serves up some of the best cuisines in the country. While you can of course opt for the Vietnamese classics like banh mi, pho or rice paper rolls, my advice is to seek out the more local Hoi An favourites. Look for dishes like cao lau noodles, white rose dumplings (banh bao vac), Vietnamese turmeric noodles (mi quang) and crispy pancakes (banh xeo).

Ms Vy’s Restaurants

For a sure bet for quality local cuisine head straight to any of Ms Vy’s restaurants (and there are a lot of them!). Ms Vy is somewhat of a legend in Hoi An with over 30 years of experience in the restaurant business. She grew up in Hoi An, but her parents are from the north and the south respectively so she has been able to bring this influence into her cooking. Morning Glory and Vy’s Market Restaurant both serve up delicious Vietnamese recipes passed down through the generations.

Sassy Mama Tip: To try out Ms Vy’s recipes at home, pick up a copy of the Taste Vietnam: The Morning Glory Cookbook.

Mango Mango

Occupying a prime position overlooking the Thu Bon River, grab a table on the upstairs terrace at Mango Mango. From here you’ll have a great view not only of the river (especially beautiful if visiting during the full moon) but also of the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Hoi An Night Market. There’s live music every night, a great cocktail list and a menu perfect for sharing. This is our pick for unwinding after a day of sightseeing!

Noodle House by STREETS

We’re a sucker for a social enterprise, so Noodle House by STREETS is always going to make our list of recommendations. STREETS is a hospitality training restaurant where young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds can get an education and a start in the industry. It has also branched out to offer market tours and cooking classes. Go on, put your tourist dollar towards a good cause!

Central Market Food Hall

For a truly local foodie experience, take a stroll through the Central Market Food Hall (if you take a food tour this will almost certainly be included). Not for the faint-hearted this is where the locals source their fresh produce and also pick up cheap and cheerful lunches and snacks. It’s overwhelming for your senses in the best possible way. As with all street food, look for a stall packed with locals and a high turnover so that you are eating the freshest fare!

Cargo Club

The French have had a major influence on cuisine all over Vietnam, but this is particularly evident in Hoi An. Cargo Club Café is the go-to spot for French pastries and desserts (who can go past a pain au chocolate!).

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Hotels And Resorts In Hoi An And Da Nang

There are so many options when it comes to sleeping in Hoi An. Most accommodation is either found on the outskirts of the Old Town or by the beach a few kilometres away. Many families choose to stay further afield in Da Nang (30 to 45 minutes drive away) and come to Hoi An for a day trip. Sassy team members have tried and tested the following options and they are listed according to price.

Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort And Spa

A popular option for Hong Kong families (we met two other families during our stay and know many more who return regularly), the Hyatt Regency ticks all the boxes. Choose from hotel rooms, one, two or three-bedroom apartments or go all out in a spacious, beachfront villa with a private pool. There is a kid’s club with daily activities (4+ can attend unaccompanied), an outdoor playground and five pools scattered throughout the property, including one with a waterslide and another with inflatables for kids to play on.

Sassy Mama Tip: Some of the apartments and villas at the Hyatt Regency Da Nang are privately owned and available to rent on Airbnb. You still get full access to the resort’s amazing facilities (including the kids club for a minimal cost) and can pick up some great deals!

Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort And Spa, www.hyatt.com

Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort

Occupying prime position on Cua Dai Beach is the Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort. A highlight is having direct access to both a private white sand beach as well as a pool overlooking the sea. It has beautifully furnished garden and river view rooms, and spacious suites overlooking the ocean. Families will love having the option of interconnecting rooms and amenities for younger children (baby cots, baths and toiletries) can all be provided.

Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort, www.victoriahotels.asia

Four Seasons, The Nam Hai Hoi An Resort

Everyone who stays at The Nam Hai absolutely raves about it! The exclusive, all-villa property is the epitome of luxury and offers families an indulgent and relaxing stay. In between pool and beach sessions, children will love the range of activities on offer at the kids’ club.

Four Seasons The Nam Hai, www.fourseasons.com

Anantara Hoi An Resort

For a luxe option, you can’t go past the Anantara Hoi An Resort. The riverfront location (less than a kilometre from the Old Town) can’t be beaten and indulging in the fabulous breakfast spread with water views is a daily treat. The spacious rooms either overlook the landscaped gardens or capture the breeze from the river. Families will love having a separate living area, huge bathrooms and an outdoor area to unwind at the end of the day. Make time to visit the spa either for a romantic couples treatment or some solo relaxation.

Anantara Hoi An Resort, www.anantara.com

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La Siesta Resort And Spa

The La Siesta Resort and Spa is located an easy 10-minute walk from the Old Town. It is a boutique hotel that goes the extra mile when it comes to warm and friendly service. It has lovely spacious rooms and a central pool to cool off in. The highlight at La Siesta is definitely the spa. Book yourself in for an indulgent massage, body scrub or wrap (whether you stay at the hotel or not).

La Siesta Resort And Spa, www.lasiestaresorts.com

Weather And When To Visit Danang And Hoi An

The central Vietnamese coast has two main seasons, the wet and the dry. The wet season lasts from September to January, but most of the rain falls in October and November. Expect cooler temperatures around this time (a max of around 25°C) and there is also the potential for flooding.

The summer heat really kicks in from June to August (expect temperatures well above 30°C). On the flip side, this is also the time when you get the most spectacular full moon. Each month at this time all the street lights are turned off in the Old Town and you are guided by the colourful lanterns and moonlight. A highlight if you time your visit right and can handle the heat! If you are an avid beachgoer, this is the time for you. The water is calm and the wind light so you can make the most of island hopping and scuba diving.

Most families will find the shoulder months (March to May) the most comfortable. The humidity is relatively low and temperatures are comfortable. Perfect for meandering the Old Town at leisure as well as lazing by the pool!

Getting To Get To Hoi An And Da Nang From Hong Kong

There are daily flights from Hong Kong to Da Nang. The flight time is around two hours (so not too long to keep the kids entertained!). From Da Nang it is just over a 30-minute drive to Hoi An. Your accommodation will usually be able to organise transfers for you.

Sassy Mama Tip: Ride-sharing app Grab is widely available. Similarly, Grab Eats is also popular for ordering in if the kids have had an early night.

Visas For Vietnam

Many nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam. Make sure you check the most up-to-date information as can differ between arrival cities. Some will be eligible for entry visa-free, for example, citizens of the UK (but not BNO passport holders) and many Europeans can enter visa-free for up to 15 to 21 days. There are also visa-on-arrival options as well as e-visas.

Sassy Mama Tip: Check ALL details are correct on your e-visa application and when the documents are sent to you (the issuing agency made two typos with our family that slowed down our arrival process). This is the official government website for e-visas (it doesn’t look official, but I can verify it is the website referred to by the Australian Consulate in Hanoi, and I’ve personally used it many times over the years).

The post Sassy Mama’s Guide To Hoi An, Vietnam appeared first on Sassy Mama.