Checklist for Booking a Reliable, Quality Tour in Hong Kong
Spot Red Flags and Make Smart Choices for peace of mind
The J3 Group - Premium Quality Private Tours | Experiences and Insider Chats since 2010
Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong since January 2nd 1972 - I know the place.
A meaningful blog post with a difference - tips on Travel, Tourism, Tours, Daily Life and my personal thoughts on Hong Kong.
Please do visit Amazing Hong Kong
Hong Kong | Pearl of the Orient
Customised Private Tours & Experiences in Amazing Hong Kong
Pearl of the Orient
Private Tours Cultural Tours Walking Tours Sightseeing Tours City Tours Night Tours Layover Tours Shore Excursions
Carefully Crafted Personalised and Customised Itineraries by Jamie | Hong Kong’s Most Experienced Private Tour Guide For :
Solo Travellers Friends Families Seniors Couples Business People
J3 Group Hong Kong | J3 Consultants Hong Kong | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong
Creating Memories That Will Last A Lifetime
Timeless Hong Kong Stories, Tailored Just for You by Jamie
A Resident since 1972 - Sharing Hong Kong as Only a Local Can
click on the image to enlarge
© Copyright Acknowledged | All rights reserved
Memory Tours Hong Kong | cheap tours, gone overnight | Hong Kong
A 10 point Checklist for Booking a Reliable Tour in Hong Kong: Spotting Red Flags and Making Smart Booking Choices
Please note the following
I work closely with 11 other great tour companies in Hong Kong, we are all affiliated on an informal basis but we share ideas and information on a daily basis, we are as they say, very friendly competitors and yes we work to very high standards
I did 2 tours in the past 2 years with Memory Tours, with the same guide Grace who is mentioned many times in the poor reviews and I can confirm she is | was as bad as people say and absolutely NOTHING like those comments in the 5 star reviews.
The collapse of Memory Tours in Hong Kong in early February 2026 has sent shock waves through the industry, not so much that it happened (which was inevitable) but that it did not happen a year ago as the red flags have been around for a long time and I have been writing blog posts warning about booking tours with this company
Memory Tours was famous for its remarkably cheap prices for the Lantau Tour which includes the NP 360 Cable car, the Tai O Fishing Village and the Big Buddha + Po Lin Monastery
In a nutshell it was always about price for them and they aggressively marketed their tours on platforms such a Tripadvisor, Viator, Get Your Guide, Klook atc and they served many thousands of people over the past 2 years, one of their many tricks was to offer on these platforms 3 distinct and separate options for their Lantau Tours and the price varied based on what was on the itinerary and which was an optional extra.
Oh and they used fake images to promote their tours!
You guessed it, people (a human nature thing) booked the cheapest option and simply did not read the itinerary, inclusions, exclusions or the small print as it is known, so for many people what seemed like a great price (and yes, too good to be true) became a lot more expensive when all the good parts where an optional extra and a lot more money.
As an experienced private tour guide in Hong Kong, I've seen firsthand how issues like those with Memory Tours can trip up visitors. Based on MY OWN insights, here's a practical checklist to help potential clients evaluate tour providers and avoid pitfalls. This focuses on common warning signs, especially for popular spots like Lantau Island, while emphasizing due diligence. I Encourage readers to use this as a step-by-step guide before booking a tour of Hong Kong
1. Compare Prices for Tours Realistically and Trust Me, you get what you pay for
Check if the tour price seems suspiciously low compared to similar offerings from other providers. If it's significantly cheaper (e.g., half the average rate), it could indicate cut corners like rushed itineraries, subpar transportation, or hidden fees and a terrible guide which is a major factor
Look for confusing pricing tiers: Multiple options for essentially the same tour at different price points might be a tactic to upsell or obscure what's actually included and this is a source of many negative reviews for poor tour companies
please note that pricing for a Private Tour is totally different from a Group Tour and you cannot really compare them
2. Scrutinize the Tour Description and Itinerary
Read the full description carefully - don't skim. Verify what's explicitly included (e.g., meals, entry fees, transportation) and what's not (e.g., return trips, extras like two-way cable cars).
Watch for overly flowery or vague language that promises an "unforgettable adventure" without specifics. If it sounds too good to be true or doesn't match real-world logistics (e.g., omitting that you'll use public buses or that cable cars are one-way only), it's a red flag.
please note that a lot of group tours have an itinerary that is simple and places are easy to get to, which is why the Hollywood Road or Central Tour (or Old Town Central Hong Kong tour) is a “famous tour” because it is has 4 or 5 places all on the same road so it is easy for the guide and 40 participants! some of the attractions, well let me just say that it is not worth the time and I personally would never take guests there! and here is a tip I would never trust a tour itinerary listed on the Hong Kong Tourism Board website! but that is just a personal opinion
Pay attention to tour duration: As an example the Lantau Island tour - many list 6-7 hours but exclude travel time (e.g., an hour each way from downtown to Tung Chung). Factor in group size - larger groups (15+ people) often mean delays and less time at attractions.
click on any image to enlarge
© Copyright Acknowledged | All rights reserved
Memory Tours Hong Kong | 3 recent & very typical negative reviews | Tripadvisor
3. Dive Deep into Reviews
Prioritize recent reviews, especially negative ones (1 - 2 stars). Look for recurring complaints like poor organization, misleading itineraries, or rude guides - these often highlight systemic issues, if a company is getting regular terrible reviews it should set of the alarm bells
Examine a mix of reviews: If there's a flood of generic, overly positive ones (e.g., short "amazing tour!" comments) amid detailed negatives, it could suggest fake or incentivized feedback based on Memory Tours and my personal experiences on their tours, it was always clear to me that a lot of reviews where fake, as I tracked their reviews, well, they had about 200 reviews REMOVED from Tripadvisor over the last 2 years
Note inconsistencies about specific guides or staff. For example, if one guide gets hundreds of glowing reviews but also scathing ones about their attitude, methods (e.g., pressuring for reviews), or performance, dig deeper—it might indicate a "Jekyll and Hyde" situation where experiences vary wildly, my own experience with Grace of Memory Tours, I did 2 tours over 6 months and she was exceptionally terrible both times
and finally, I never trusted 5 star reviews for Memory Tours when it became apparent that one of their tactics was to have the guide write the review on the clients phone before tour even started, this was mentioned in quite a few negative reviews
4. Evaluate Management Responses to Reviews
Read how the company replies to reviews. Canned, copy-paste responses that always blame the customer (e.g., "You misunderstood" or absurd claims like "Your account was hacked") show poor accountability.
Look for defensiveness or excuses instead of genuine apologies and solutions. A professional provider addresses issues transparently and offers fixes a 3 line response blaming the client is a red flag
I have never seen such terrible management responses over a 2 year period by the owner of Memory Tours, even his responses to “great reviews” did not make a lot of sense, the same canned response over and over and over again
5. Assess Tour Provider Credentials and Operations
Don't rely solely on "licensed travel agent" or "licensed guides" labels. In Hong Kong, licensing doesn't guarantee quality- many guides follow scripted tours (memorized facts, even bad jokes) and may under perform if underpaid, many are hired guides so they are not paid much and simply do not care about giving a great tour
Check for signs of ongoing issues: If a provider has been delisted from platforms like TripAdvisor or Viator but remains active elsewhere (e.g., GetYourGuide) with mounting negative reviews, it could mean they're not addressing problems promptly if at all
Research forward bookings: Popular tours might have bookings 2-8 weeks out, so recent closures or delistings could leave hundreds or even thousands of people affected. Verify the provider's status across multiple platforms.
Please also check their website, if the website is down or has gone, then that is the biggest red flag
6. Look at Group Sizes on Tours
Often overlooked but it has a dramatic effect on the quality of tours, I do NOT do group tours as such, on my private tours there is never more than 6 people in general it is 1 - 4 people. I did a long time ago 3 tours, one with 16 people, one with 19 people and one with 25 people and trust me NEVER AGAIN, it was not a great experience for people on the tour and not a great experience for me, it is hard to talk to guests one on one and everything just slowed to crawl and you had each individual wanted something different out of the tour and I spent a lot of time making sure I had not lost anyone!
Memory Tours listing always stated a maximum size of 99 people on the tour, yes, 99 - I have seen a lot of reviews where they had 40 people on the tour, this is a nightmare and recipe for disaster, it is hard to keep track of people, it is a nightmare to travel on transport particularly on public transport, there is no one on one contact between the guide and the quest and worst of all, the guide is yelling through microphones so everyone can listen to their nonsense and very annoying for everyone in earshot NOT on the tour
Of course, this might not be an issue for you but there is a difference in tour quality between 8 guests and 40 guests, please take this into account
7. Stopping for Lunch - Think about the Additional Cost and Time Factor
I never understood why Memory Tours included at lunch stop at the Po Lin Monastery next to the Big Buddha for a number of reasons, one of which is vegetarian food is not everyone’s cup of tea, I have eaten at this restaurant and the food is ok but I would never take guests there and to be honest, no one asks.
Personally I generally do not do lunch on my tours unless my guest specifically request it but quite often a lunch stop is included in group tours and it can be hard to tell if the lunch is included or not so check that
For me the issue with lunch is time, it can (no pun intended) eat up a lot of time, whereas as snack or drinks stop, 5 or 10 minutes only
when booking a tour you do need to factor in as to whether lunch is worth the time or money when a snack stop would suffice
8. Sample Itineraries for Tours
Jamie Offers Unique Private Tours of Hong Kong
If you are booking through an OTA such as Tripadvisor, Viator, Get Your Guide, Klook etc then the itinerary is always listed on the tour description although for the life of me I simply do not understand why they insist on itemised timing for every step of the itinerary, it is absolutely pointless particularly if you have a huge number of people on the tour
this holds for private tours and for group tours, but I work differently, see below
I often receive requests for sample itineraries, but my response remains consistent: I don’t provide them. My private tours of Hong Kong are designed to be one-of-a-kind experiences, tailored specifically to each guest’s preferences. , I can confidently say that no two tours have ever been identical. Each tour is uniquely crafted to align with the individual desires of my guests.
The customization process begins with a brief, face-to-face conversation at the start of the tour. In just five minutes, we discuss your interests, must-see locations, or any specific wishes you may have. This allows me to create an itinerary on the spot that suits your preferens and takes practical factors into account. With tours ranging from 3 to 8 hours, the possibilities are vast, and I ensure the plan is flexible to accommodate your needs and interests.
Factors such as the weather on the day of the tour and your physical condition are also considered when planning the experience. My approach avoids rushing from one site to another to simply check off a list. Instead, I focus on creating a meaningful and enjoyable journey that reflects what you want to see and do, ensuring a relaxed and personalized pace.
With over 2,360+ private tours completed and I have lived in Hong Kong since January 2nd 1972 I bring extensive knowledge and expertise to every experience. My goal is to deliver a tour that feels uniquely yours, shaped by your vision and my ability to bring it to life in a way that showcases the best of Hong Kong.
Jamie is different
A lot of Group Tour Companies in Hong Kong are very vague on the subject of what is included or not included in the tour fee, I am totally upfront and clear so that there is no misunderstanding.
9. No Hidden Charges for Tours
This is very important - A lot of Tour Companies in Hong Kong are very vague on the subject of what is included or not included in the tour fee, I am totally upfront and clear so that there is no misunderstanding and my FAQ page is very detailed, Memory Tours where famous for their low pricing and optional extas (hidden charges!)
Personally I need you to be very clear about these additional costs so there are no surprises on the day, I have always been upfront about these Transport Costs and Miscellaneous Expenditures
You will be amazed at how many Tour Companies in Hong Kong and Online Travel Agencies hit you with extra costs on the day of the tour, which is why you absolutely must read the small print - I do NOT hit you with extra costs, I am upfront and yes I am repeating myself!
10. Additional Tips for a Smooth Booking
Cross-check across platforms: Compare listings on TripAdvisor, Viator, GetYourGuide, and others for consistency in descriptions, prices, and reviews.
Contact the provider directly with questions: Ask about group sizes, exact itineraries, and refund policies. Evasive answers are a warning.
Consider private or small-group options: These often provide more immersion and flexibility, especially for attractions like Lantau, where large groups lead to rushed experiences.
Trust your gut: If multiple red flags align (cheap prices + misleading descriptions + poor reviews), look elsewhere—Hong Kong has plenty of reputable providers.
Hopefully this 10 point checklist can assist you to book confidently and avoid disappointments. If something feels off, it's better to pay a bit more for a highly rated and high-quality experience.
click on the image to enlarge
© Copyright Acknowledged | All rights reserved
Memory Tours Hong Kong | The warning signs where there | Hong Kong
This is a screen shot (above) from the famous Memory Tours Lantau Island Tour, this was on the Get Your Guide OTA platform
One of the major issues with Get Your Guide is that it is hard to find a full list of reviews on each of the tour pages, have a look at the screen shot above
Basically the vital point is that you have to change the sort by button from recommended to most recent, if it says recommended then basically you get a list of 5 star reviews, nothing that paints the company in a negative light, It is always good policy to look at the bad reviews, they can tell you a lot, all over the top companies (myself included) will have a very low count of 1 star reviews, maybe one or two only and myelf and my associates have been in business for over 10+ years - I am in my 16th years of doing tours and I have had just 1 terrible review and that was a long time ago (on Tripadvisor) and I would encourage you to read it and also my response!
For the record Memory Tours have had 80+ one star reviews since February 10th (a 2 week period)
I do not do food tours in Hong Kong but I know people that do!
I am pleased to say a lot of Food Tour Companies will have egg tarts on their tasting menu
I have very specific reasons and part of it is that I do not speak Cantonese or write Chinese, I am from Yorkshire in England and I lack the language gene and it is not through lack of trying and yes a lot of restaurants do not have English menu’s or staff who speak conversational English.
.. and yet I have eaten at close to 1,400 restaurants in Hong Kong since January 2nd 1972, my wife was born in Hong Kong and we have been together over 40 years and her first language is Cantonese and a lot of her family are Chinese or half Chinese so I have never had much of an issue!
This does not translate to doing food tours though, yes, I could do them, no problem there but they would never ever be as good as the food tours done by my friends (see the 3 links above) most of their awesome guides are locally born Hong Kong Chinese and obviously food culture is part of their DNA, it is impossible for me to compete with that!
So please feel free to contact them for food tours
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Consultants Hong Kong | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong |
| 2010 - 2026 All rights reserved. |
Click on any image to enlarge to full screen
Current images from my Instagram feed
