Insider tip - what sort of tour guide to book in Hong Kong?
A story teller with a personality or a robot + memorised script?
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 - what sort of tour guide do you need in Hong Kong?
A story teller with a personality or a robot + memorised script?
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Tour Guides doing very large and cheap group tours in Hong Kong can be really quite awful and cringeworthy
As I have frequently mentioned I set up my company in mid 2010 because of some strange things that happened, I have been a business consultant for a long time and I had an office in Central District for many years and in 2009 when I went out at lunchtime for a snack and some exercise I was often stopped in the streets by tourists who had gotten lost and where looking for instructions to get to various places, the popular one being The Peak Tram Terminus on Garden Road in the business district.
Invariably at lunchtime I would head for my favourite place in Hong Kong, Statue Square and from there it is pretty easy to get to the Peak Tram Station
This was all before tech changed tourism and people still relied on guide books (remember them!) I figured they asked me because I am a westerner and therefore must speak English. (even though if you ask most Hong Kong Chinese residents, they will go out if there way to help you)
Based on this I made a major intellectual leap to thinking I might want to become a tour guide.
Back in 2010 there was basically nothing in the way of companies offering Private Tours | Walking Tours and such, there was one lady offering hiking tours out in the boonies (but not city tours or private tours) and there was an editor for Lonely Planter offering a private tour in Hong Kong but that did not last long, there was no real website, just a few words but the problem was, he was not the tour guide as he lived in Japan, he would send a local person to do the tour, so his venture lasted a couple of months as everyone thought the tour guide would be the Lonely Planet editor.
In Hong Kong in 2025 cheap group tours often having 20 - 40 participating are proliferating, I understand that the overwhelming majority of people have precisely zero interest in booking a private tour and I understand that but I absolutely believe that the quality of your Hong Kong experience is directly related to the guide you get.
I have been on quite a few cheap group tours in Hong Kong and in general they are dreadful because quite simply you get what you pay for - worse when there are 20 - 40 people on the tour do you honestly expect any one on one time with the tour guide? no you will not get any time, as that is not how they work, they work to a memorised script, to them being a guide is a job, no more no less, they simply do what they have been taught to do which is simply to spout facts and figures and quite often they are out of date, it would never occur to them to check facts twice a month,
As people, the group tour guides are probably very nice people but I have seen too many incidents where the guide visibly loses their temper when being asked questions by their guests.
I should point out that Michael a friend of mine, owns Hong Kong Free Tours and is an exception to the rule, Michael and his team of guides really do try to give you an exceptional experience.
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Hong Kong Coach Tour Companies that ruled the Hong Kong Tour Market from the late 1950’s to 2011
So, my research was interesting to say the least, the tour market was dominated by 2 large coach tour companies who have both been around for many decades both offering essentially the same itinerary as Winston Tours (see image above) and both companies had tour desks in Hotels and had strong links with overseas travel agencies and to this day both companies are terrible and why on earth do they take an hour out of the itinerary to go to a jewellery factory under the guise that it is a cultural experience when it is in fact a ploy to get you to buy jewellery sold at inflated prices.
I did their tours and I was appalled, a tour guide with very poor English spouting a memorised script through a microphone and having no interest in talking one on one with you
I figured that there had to be a better way to show people one of the most amazing places in the world, Hong Kong.
I printed 5,000 leaflets and gave them out to likely looking tourists at places like the Star Ferry, Statue Square and the Peak Tram Terminals and whilst they did not generate a single tour, that was never the plan, I wanted to hear from tourists their thoughts on tours and that meant having conversations and I learned so much. I got my first tour in April 2011 and it just exploded from them. basically only private tours with a limit of 6 people and it would be walking and using public transport for a real cultural experience, that was my plan.
One of my key attributes, I am a Yorkshireman, English and have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years, 25 years under British rule and 28 years under Chinese rule and I know a bit about the place!
Key Elements and Attributes for a Private Tour Guide in Hong Kong for English-Speaking Tourists
So here are some things to consider
To effectively cater to foreign English-speaking tourists in Hong Kong, a private tour guide must possess a combination of skills, knowledge, and personal attributes that go beyond memorizing a script. Here are the key elements and attributes needed:
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Oh and if the guide is talking through a microphone then there are simply too many people on the tour, it is so impersonal.
Fluency in English (Native or Near-Native):
Why It Matters: English-speaking tourists, particularly from the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and other English-speaking countries, expect clear and confident communication. A guide who speaks fluent, natural English can explain complex cultural or historical concepts, answer questions, and engage in casual conversation, making the experience more immersive and enjoyable.
Beyond a Script: A memorized script with limited English and rehearsed jokes often feels robotic and fails to adapt to tourists’ interests or spontaneous questions. Fluency allows for dynamic, two-way communication, which is critical for engagement.
Storytelling and Personality: Storytelling: A great guide is a storyteller who can weave historical facts, cultural insights, and personal anecdotes into compelling narratives. This brings Hong Kong’s history, culture, and lesser know sites and sights to life, making the tour memorable. For example, sharing personal experiences or lesser-known stories about places like Victoria Peak or Tai O Fishing Village adds depth.
Personality: Charisma, enthusiasm, humor, and warmth are essential. Tourists value guides who are approachable, patient, and adaptable, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere.
In-Depth Local Knowledge: Cultural and Historical Expertise: Guides must have a deep understanding of Hong Kong’s history, culture, and modern dynamics, including its Cantonese roots, British colonial past, and contemporary lifestyle. They should be able to explain everything from the significance of the Star Ferry to the evolution of Kowloon’s night markets.
Lesser known sites and sights: The ability to take tourists off the beaten path to places like Sham Shui Po’s local markets or backstreet eateries adds authenticity.
Tailored Experiences: Tourists value guides who can customize itineraries based on interests, such as food tours, photography walks, or cultural immersions.
Flexibility: Guides must adapt to unexpected situations, such as accommodating dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free food tours) or adjusting plans for families with children or mobility issues.Logistical Expertise:
Navigating Hong Kong: Hong Kong’s crowded streets, complex public transport, and language barriers (e.g., Cantonese signage) can be daunting. A guide who organizes tickets, avoids long queues (e.g., for the Peak Tram or Ngong Ping Cable Car), and arranges private transport saves time and reduces stress.
Cultural Sensitivity and Global Awareness:
Understanding Tourists’ Backgrounds: Guides who have lived abroad or worked with international clients
Empathy: Sensitivity to tourists’ needs, such as accommodating families, dietary restrictions, or accessibility requirements, is crucial.
Passion and Professionalism: Passion for Hong Kong: Guides who are genuinely passionate about their city and make tours engaging by sharing their love for the city’s culture and history.
Professionalism: Punctuality, preparation, and attention to detail (e.g., pre-tour suggestions or post-tour summaries) enhance the experience.
Scripted Guide vs. Storyteller:
A guide who relies on a memorized script with limited English and rehearsed jokes may suffice for basic tours but will fall short for discerning tourists.
English-speaking tourists, especially from Western countries, prefer a storyteller with a vibrant personality who can engage them authentically, answer questions fluently, and adapt to their interests. Reviews consistently emphasize guides who are “knowledgeable, funny, and personable” over those who deliver rote presentations.
Preference for Native English Speakers
Are Tourists from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia etc More Inclined to Book Native English Speakers?
Strong Preference: Tourists from English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia) often prefer native or near-native English-speaking guides for ease of communication and cultural relatability. Reviews on Tripadvisor and other platforms frequently highlight guides’ fluency as a key factor, with comments like “perfect English” for Jacky and “native English” for Hong Kong Greeters’ team.
Reasons:
Clarity and Comfort: Native English ensures seamless communication, especially for complex questions or casual banter, which enhances the tour experience.
Cultural Connection: Guides with experience in Western countries can relate to tourists’ cultural backgrounds, making interactions more relatable.
Expectations: Western tourists, particularly from the USA and UK, often expect a high level of fluency and professionalism, as seen in Tripadvisor reviews .
Exceptions: Some tourists are open to non-native speakers with excellent English and strong storytelling skills, especially if they offer deep local insights.
Is a Great Guide the Major Reason to Book a Tour?
Do Foreign Tourists Consider a Great Guide the Major Reason to Book a Tour?
Yes, a Major Reason: A great guide is often cited as the primary reason for booking a private tour, especially for English-speaking tourists in Hong Kong. Reviews consistently emphasize the guide’s personality, knowledge, and ability to personalize the experience as critical to a memorable tour.
Evidence from Reviews:
Personalization: Tourists value guides who tailor itineraries to their interests
Engagement: humour and knowledge make the experience enjoyable and educational.
Stress Reduction: In a busy city like Hong Kong, guides who handle logistics (e.g., skipping queues, navigating markets) are a major draw.
Cultural Insights: Tourists seek guides who provide insider perspectives into Hong Kong’s culture.
Other Factors: While a great guide is crucial, tourists also consider itinerary flexibility, cost, and specific interests (e.g., food, history, photography). However, the guide’s ability to deliver these elements effectively often outweighs other factors. For instance, a Tripadvisor review notes that Hong Kong Getaway’s tour was a highlight because of Apple’s exceptional guidance, not just the itinerary.
Booking Preferences
How to Book: Most top guides and companies prefer that you book through their companies website and NOT via an OTA like Viator, Get Your Guide and such
Preferences of English-Speaking Tourists:
Customizable Tours: Tourists prefer private tours tailored to their interests, such as food tours or cultural explorations.
Small Groups or Private: Private tours are favored over large group tours for personalized attention, especially for families or small groups.Convenience: Pre-arranged transport, skip-the-line access, and hotel pickups are highly valued, particularly for short visits or layovers.Dietary and Accessibility Needs: Tourists with specific needs (e.g., gluten-free diets, wheelchair access) prioritize guides who can accommodate these.
Conclusion
A great private tour guide in Hong Kong for English-speaking tourists is not someone who merely memorizes a script but a charismatic storyteller with fluent English, deep local knowledge, and the ability to personalize experiences. Native or near-native English is a strong preference for tourists from the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia due to communication ease and cultural relatability.
The guide’s quality is a major reason for booking, as they transform a tour into a memorable, stress-free, and insightful experience.
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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