Insider tip - Type of Tour you should choose in Hong Kong
Options - Private Tours or Group Tours or Coach Tours
Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years - I know the place.
I have personally completed 2,340+ Private Tours and Experiences (over 6,500+ guests) since April 2011 and I am considered one of the finest Private Tour Guides in Asia.
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Insider tip - Type of Tour you should choose in Hong Kong
Options - Private Tours or Group Tours or Coach Tours
AI is forcing Hong Kong Tour Operators to look very closely at what tours they offer and make adjustments in a fast changing market - but Private Tours are still unquestionably the best option when you come to Hong Kong!
click on the image to enlarge
Something for you to think about if you are planning to visit Hong Kong and book a tour
The image above is my favourite image that I have taken since 2010 when I pioneered the Private Tour Industry in Hong Kong, I have photography in my blood and I almost became a professional photographer back in the early 1980’s but no matter how hard I try I simply do not have the technical gifts to become even a half decent photographers (unlike our 3 sons!), still every now and then I get lucky with an image (I do have a very decent and expensive camera) and this is one of them.
I choose this image for a very particular reason, this is the Lugard Road Lookout at Victoria Peak in Hong Kong or Jamie’s spot at the Peak, I have gone there well over 6,000 times since 1972, it is my spiritual home and you go to this spot because you get the greatest panoramic city view in the world today.
Amazingly almost every visitor that comes to Hong Kong does NOT see this view at all, they choose to go to the 3 popular places in and around and including the Peak Tower 428 Sky Terrace at Victoria Peak where the view is quite inferior and basically if you choose NOT to do a tour, or you do a coach tour or a group tour then you will probably not get to see it as it takes a little time to get there and you need specific instructions to find the right spot! it is NOT a secret spot or hidden gem, the viewpoint has been there for well over a 100 years and if you are a Hong Kong resident then you will know it and take friends and family there!
In a nutshell myself and a group of friends who operate the best Private Tour companies in Hong Kong simply want you to have the very best experience in Hong Kong and we are totally dedicated to that task, unlike a lot tour companies offering coach tours and group tours who simply do not care if you have a great time or not, you are just a number in a group of 30+ people
Some of my friends do small group FOOD tours (very small groups) which are world class but we are all pretty much about Private Tours.
I have been using AI for research and it is also allowing me to put forward arguments on the pros and cons of booking a particular tour when you come to Hong Kong ( a good thing if you suffer from writers block like I do!)
So below I have quoted the text from an AI search engine (Grok) and my counter comments in BLUE TEXT
The pros and cons for booking a Private Tour of Hong Kong or Booking a large Group Tour or a Coach Tour in Hong Kong
When considering a private tour, a large group tour, or a coach tour in Hong Kong, each option has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Below is a detailed comparison based on flexibility, cost, experience, and other relevant factors, tailored to visiting Hong Kong in 2025.
Please bear in mind that I pioneered the Private Tour Industry back in 2010 and was jointed by my friends in 2011 and 2012 and we got into this because of the poor quality of group tours and coach tours in Hong Kong, we simply believed there had to be a better way for people to get to know Hong Kong.
Private Tour in Hong Kong
Pros:
Personalized Itinerary: You can customize the tour to focus on specific interests, such as food, history, or hidden gems like Tai O village or lesser-known markets. For example, you can request a private guide to explore Lantau Island at your own pace.
I hate the terms hidden gems and secret spots, they no longer exist in the social media culture in Hong Kong in 2025, I do NOT have a set itinerary nor do i provide itineraries in advance as there are simply too many permutations, I start with a blank canvas and discuss it with you when we meet and take into account what you may wish to do, I am no novice, I have done more Private Tours than any other Private Guide in Hong Kong
Flexibility: Adjust schedules, stops, or durations on the fly. If you want to linger at Victoria Peak or skip a crowded spot like Mong Kok, you have that freedom.
Exactly!
Exclusive Attention: A private guide provides in-depth insights tailored to your group, answering specific questions about Hong Kong’s culture, history, or modern developments like the West Kowloon Cultural District.
I am not sure why AI would even mention the West Kowloon Cultural District, I can cover that in about 60 seconds..suffice to say I have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years and could never run out of things to talk about!
Comfort and Privacy: Travel in a private vehicle or on foot with just your group, avoiding the crowds of larger tours. This is ideal for families or small groups who value a more intimate experience.
I do NOT do car tours as I find them boring and in many cases are slower than using public transport, we walk and make use of Hong Kong’s amazing public transport system
Pace Control: Move at your own speed, which is great for elderly travelers, families with kids, or those wanting a relaxed experience, such as a leisurely dim sum lunch.
Exactly! and it is fair to say that I do an awful lot of Private Tours with seniors and am vastly experienced in doing family tours, I do not rush around trying to cram in as much as possible.
Hotel Pick Up and drop off: Private Tour Guides do Hotel Pick up and Drop off and for Airport Layover Guesrs do Airport Pick Up and Drop Off and the same for Shore Excursion Guests, Ctuise Ship Terminal Pick up and Drop Off and the start time of the tour will be decided by you the guest.
Yep and I would not have it any other way
Cons:
Higher Cost: Private tours are significantly more expensive, often ranging from $100–$500 USD per person for a full day, depending on the operator and inclusions (e.g., meals, transport).
As I always say, you get what you pay for, Private Tours are not cheap but if you want a comprehensive insight into Hong Kong then booking a Private Tour is simply money well spent
Limited Group Interaction: You miss out on meeting other travelers, which can reduce the social aspect of the tour.
I have never had this problem, guests book me so they do NOT have to interact with other travellers and I have had experiences of doing private group tours and one example was 3 couples who where on a cruise, became friends and booked a tour to reduce the per person cost, it did not end well as they simply spent ages squabbling about what they each wanted to do, never again as they say, this is not a problem on family tours and to be honest most people figure that I know what I am doing!
Planning Responsibility: While customizable, you may need to do some research or communicate preferences upfront to ensure the itinerary meets expectations
Stating the blindingly obvious, when I respond to guests we cover the whole thing about what they might wish to do or see! this is not a CON so to speak it is PRO! bear in mind that on group tours or coach tours there is no chance of you seeing specific things on your wish list, you are following a fixed itinerary
.Availability Constraints: Popular private guides or specialized tours (e.g., photography-focused) may require booking well in advance, especially during peak seasons like Chinese New Year
This is simply another case of making nothing out of nothing, I have an online calendar so you can check my availability, if I am booked then I will simply refer you to one of my friends, I will also take last minute bookings with 24 hours notice.
Large Group Tour in Hong Kong
Pros:
Cost-Effective: Group tours are more affordable, typically costing $30–$100 USD per person for a full-day tour, as expenses are shared across a larger group (e.g., 10–20 people).
Yep, you got me there, there is no doubt it is cheaper but these days many group tour companies in particular set the upper limit to a group at 100 people! and I bump into large groups every day, it is common for 30 - 40 people to be on a tour! these days - please remember - you get what for
Social Experience: Meet and interact with other travelers, which can enhance the experience through shared stories or tips, especially at vibrant spots like the Temple Street Night Market.
In my experience a lot of people who go on group tours are whats called young budget travellers and we also have a couple of free tour companies in Hong Kong and this comment can be applied to them. I have been on 2 group tours in the past 6 months and I did not see anyone socialising with other guests, mostly people where complaining about the guide!
Some images I have taken of Group Tours in Hong Kong and yes, I have been on them
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Structured Itinerary: Pre-planned routes cover major attractions like Victoria Harbour, the Big Buddha, or Stanley Market, ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview.
Actually this is NOT true, yes the Lantau Island | Big Buddha experience is structured but many group tours are designed for the convenience of the tour company and the guide. they prefer all the attractions to be close to one another and preferably walkable, this saves time and money and quite often they choose attractions which a proper private tour guide would NEVER go to
Convenience: Everything is organized, including transport, tickets, and sometimes meals, reducing the need for individual planning.
… yes, but all this organisation is done by the guide on the day with maybe 30 - 40 people to keep track off, the primary concern is not losing guests on the tour and they absolutely do NOT like interacting with guests who keep asking questions, do not think you will get any one on one quality time with a harried tour guide and all you have to do is read Tripadvisor reviews for examples of what goes wrong on group tours.
Knowledgeable Guides: Group tours often include experienced guides who provide historical and cultural context, such as the history of Kowloon’s Walled City.
The big problem with tour guides on Group Tours in Hong Kong is that many of them do not speak good English and they simply learn a prepared script (even the jokes are scripted) and very often their facts and figures are out of date, I know this from personal experience, I am not saying that all the guides are terrible but if they where any good they would be working for a Private Tour Company and earning a lot more money. The tour guides on Group Tours are paid a fixed salary, if the companies paid them more they may get a better and more engaging tour guide
Cons:
Less Flexibility: Fixed schedules mean you can’t linger at favorite spots or skip less interesting ones. For instance, you might rush through Causeway Bay without time to explore its side streets.
Causeway Bay is simply not an interesting place with one or two very specific exceptions but this is a serious problem with fixed itineraries, as mentioned many group tours have itineraries that are planned for the sake of convenience which means that you end up doing really strange boring stuff with no way to change the itinerary, most of the time I am at a loss on the methods they use to come up with an itinerary
Crowded Experience: Large groups (10–20+ people) can feel impersonal, and navigating crowded areas like Tsim Sha Tsui can be chaotic.
These days and as mentioned above, 10 - 20 people in a group is rare these days it is more like 20 - 40 people with an upper limit of 100 and as mentioned, the guide is more concerned with losing people, I should point out that an large group tours you can easily lose 30 minutes at the start of the tour as the guides are always doing head counts and checking booking forms and tickets
Generic Itinerary: Tours cater to a broad audience, so they may skip niche attractions like local art galleries or hiking trails in Sai Kung.
Yes and in my experience these generic itineraries are just a waste of time and money and you get situations where your group ends up (for example) in a local famous temple which has a capacity of less than 50 people and tour buses arrive every few minutes and all of a sudden you have hundreds of people in a tiny, smoky small space all jostling for position and at the risk of sounding repetitive, the itinerary is chosen by the Tour Company owners for the sake of convenience and it lessen their costs.
Read the small print before booking: Most of these group tours are booked using Tripadvisor, Viator, Klook, Get Your Guide and it is essential you read the small print and verify what is on offer
I have written many blog posts about this, a lot of Group Tour Companies on these booking platforms can have 3 or 4 variations of the same tour with different prices, they are known to use fake images and quite often it is what they do not say that is important, they are prone to leaving out inconvenient facts which could mean extra costs for you, hidden costs are a real issue.
Time Constraints: Strict timelines can feel rushed, especially at popular sites like the Peak Tram, where you may have limited time for photos.
Do not even get me started on this, I have written many blog posts on this subject, quite often and these days the line for the Peak Tram can mean a 60 - 90 minute wait but there is nothing the the tour guide or tour company can do as they are on a fixed itinerary | time schedule and they have no options and no flexibility, I never have this problem
No Hotel Pick Up: You have to make your own way to the pick up point which will involve you getting there by public transport, taxi or Uber
If you book a Private Tour with me I always do a hotel pick up and drop off, I also have flexible start times, the company you have booked with for a group tour will send instructions on how to get to the tour start point and it normally takes them 30+ minutes to sort out things and wait for stragglers, remember there could be 30 - 40 people on the tour, this time delay comes out of the tour time.
Coach Tour in Hong Kong
Pros:
Affordable and Efficient: Coach tours are among the cheapest options, often $20–$80 USD per person, covering multiple attractions efficiently via bus, such as a loop from Central to Aberdeen.
Yep, cannot argue with that, the price is reasonable but you really do get the worst of the generic tours out there
Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned coaches provide a comfortable way to travel across Hong Kong’s urban and outlying areas, ideal for covering long distances like the trip to Lantau Island.
No argument with an air conditioned bus but the Lantau Island tour which includes the Tai O Fishing Village and the Big Buddha, well you need a special road permit for that and only a few tour companies have that permit and for the record, I can probably get to Lantau on public transport quicker than a bus!
Broad Coverage: These tours often hit major landmarks (e.g., Repulse Bay, Victoria Peak) in a single day, perfect for time-strapped visitors.
Sounds good and if only it where true! traffic conditions vary everyday, weather is a factor and trust me murphys law applies in that “what can go wrong, will go wrong” the biggest complaint bus tour guests have (other than a poor guide) is that they simply never have enough time to see the sites mainly because there is the Jewellery Factory stop (under the guise of a cultural experience) which can take up an hour and they hassle you to buy overpriced jewellery! and I should point out that the itineraries for the 2 major coach tour companies in Hong Kong (that cater to English speaking foreigners) has not really changed for 60 years!
I should also point out that for my private tours I offer 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours or more so time strapped is not an issue with me.
Some images I have taken of Coach Tours in Hong Kong and yes, I have been on them
Guided Commentary: Onboard guides offer insights into Hong Kong’s history and culture, often with audio systems for clarity.
I have been on a lot of coach tours and the script does not change, the guide has to learn it by heart (even the jokes) quite often the facts and figures could be years out of date, many guides speak poor English and they are more concerned with the jewellery stop and the whole thing about buying plates and souvenirs - and as for group tours, do not expect any one on one meaningful conversations with the harried tour guide
Hassle-Free: No need to navigate public transport like the MTR or ferries, which can be complex for first-timers.
I do not agree with this one bit, if you want to experience Hong Kong then Public Transport is the way to go and I can fit more in and do it quicker than any coach company
Cons:
Very Rigid Schedule: Coach tours follow a tight itinerary, with little room for deviation. You might spend only 30 minutes at a key site like the Chi Lin Nunnery.
Yep, 100% agree
Large Crowds: Groups can be large (20–50+ people), leading to delays, less personal interaction, and a “herded” feeling in busy areas like Mong Kok.
Yep, 100% agree, they have buses that fit 50 people
Limited Depth: The focus is on quantity over quality, so you may only get a surface-level experience of attractions without time for deeper exploration.
Yep, 100% agree and trust me they are more interested in your buying jewellery at the “factory”
Less Personalization: Itineraries are fixed and designed for mass appeal, so you may miss out on unique experiences like visiting local dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls).
Yep, 100% agree and mentioned the itinerary is basically the same as it was 60 years ago!
Traffic Delays: Hong Kong’s congested roads, especially in TST in Kowloon, Central or Causeway Bay, can lead to time wasted in traffic, reducing actual sightseeing time.
Yep, 100% agree and did I mention that they pick up guests from their Hotels so you can easily lose an hours tour time if people are tardy and this is a common problem.
Summary and Recommendations
Choose a Private Tour if you value flexibility, personalized experiences, and are willing to pay a premium (e.g., for a tailored food tour or private boat to outlying islands). Best for families, couples, or those with specific interests.
Choose a Large Group Tour if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, social experience with a structured overview of Hong Kong’s highlights. Ideal for solo travelers or first-timers wanting a hassle-free introduction.
Choose a Coach Tour if you prioritize cost and convenience and don’t mind a fast-paced, less personalized experience. Great for covering major sites quickly, especially for short visits.
….. and my personal summary, please book a private tour when you come to Hong Kong for the very best experience!
The fact remains that AI cannot replicate a human brain or think like a human and my knowledge of tours in Hong Kong is far, far greater than AI - I have done 2,340+ private tours of Hong Kong, I have had over 6,500 guests and I have spent the past 15 years dedicating my life to Hong Kong Private Tours, I am on the streets 7 days a week and things can change overnight and if you use AI to plan tour itineraries and give you the lowdown on Hong Kong then you are going to be in for a huge shock, there is simply no substitute for having a human tour guide!!! the question is what type of tour do you choose!
My insider tip
Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Private Tour of Hong Kong and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well.
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Consultants Hong Kong | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong |
| 2010 - 2025 All rights reserved. |
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