Why I do NOT do Private Car Tours of Hong Kong
I get asked frequently, my policy goes back to 2010
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Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong since January 2nd 1972 - I know the place.
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Jamie, I have lived in Hong Kong since 1972 and pioneered Private Tours of Hong Kong after starting by handing out leaflets at the Peak Tram and Star Ferry in Hong Kong in 2010.
It is time that I properly addressed the apparently touchy subject of why I do not do Private Car Tours of Hong Kong
I actually got an enquiry from someone a few days ago who wanted to do a Private Tour of Hong Kong in a Bentley car ( a very specific request ) I as usual considered it for a second or two and I declined for 2 reasons
• I was literally given 12 hours notice (the enquiry came in, late evening with a start ime 12 hours later
• It goes against everything I believe in when it comes to doing Private Tours of Hong Kong and this policy has been in place since 2010
I passed the enquiry to my friends who do actually do car tours in Hong Kong.
I do not track how many enquiries I get for car tours, many hundreds I imagine over the past 15+ years and bear in mind my website clearly states I do not do car tours and hopefully this post expands on the other times I have written about this subject
I totally understand why my friends think I am a bit loopy but I have been in business a long time in Hong Kong and I know I have made the right decision despite the financial impact of turning down car tours. For guests with mobility issues and who may use a wheelchair I make sure you get fixed up with the right company to handle your private car tour.
This is why
Do you do car tours in Hong Kong?
In a nutshell: No, I don't—and here's why it's a firm policy after 15+ years.
Since starting in 2010, I've focused exclusively on walking tours combined with Hong Kong's world-class public transport (MTR, buses, ferries, trams). This was my vision from day one: delivering deeply immersive, authentic experiences where you step into the streets, ride public transport like locals do, and truly feel the city's pulse. I've never owned or driven a car (despite being a car enthusiast!), and that shapes my approach… I did 2 years of research starting in 2008 before offering tours in early 2010 and getting my first tour in April 2011.
Key reasons I don't offer car tours of Hong Kong:
Cultural immersion is my priority - Hong Kong shines at street level: markets, buildings, dai pai dongs, neighborhoods, and public transport rides (like the No. 15 bus to the Peak for unbeatable upper-deck views). A car separates you from that energy - or buzz that Hong Kong generates, a car tour. well it's comfortable, but it's a "cop-out" for understanding real Hong Kong.
Traffic is a major hassle - With - 780,000+ cars, plus 120,000+ trucks, 18.163 taxis, and 20,000 + buses, congestion on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon is frequent and unpredictable. Time stuck in traffic cuts into sightseeing.
High cost vs. value - Hiring a car for hours escalates prices quickly (especially for larger groups needing bigger vehicles), often without proportionally more value.
Personal experience - In the two car tours I've done, it felt uncomfortable - drivers interrupted or disagreed with my comments , clashing with my direct style. I avoid that dynamic.
Independence and reliability - I control the pace fully with walking | public transport - no reliance on third-party drivers, vendors, or admin headaches.
Public transport excellence - Hong Kong arguably has the world's best system: efficient, affordable, clean, and culturally rich. I know it inside-out for seamless, fun navigation.
Hidden realities of car tours — Many still involve a fair amount of walking at sites, and congestion is rarely highlighted in marketing.
That said, I get why some prefer cars- comfort, mobility needs, luggage, or covering distant spots quickly. If that's you (especially wheelchair users or those with mobility issues), I happily refer to trusted friends | colleagues who specialize in excellent car tours.
My clients love the honesty, and many end up thrilled with my immersive style. If you're after genuine Hong Kong - not just sights - let's chat about a walking | public transport adventure!
.. and one other point, I do NOT do what some people refer to as VIP tours, which may offer helicopter rides, car tours in a Rolls Royce or Bentley and luxury boat rides, I have friends who do these sorts of tours…
…. and this is the final point, I did a tour with a famous Princess, 8 hours, she was with her kids and other family members and we did an 8 hour tour using public transport and walking and no, I had no idea she was a Princess as she did not tell me, the nanny spilled the beans at the end of the tour and yes, we went on a public bus!
The 3 Best Food Tour Companies in Hong Kong
Below please find links to the 3 best food tour companies in Hong Kong | They are my great friends and I have worked closely with all three of them for well over a decade - I highly recommend them
Please note that I do not, nor have I ever done food tours in Hong Kong, best left to the experts, all of them have a top notch team of guides, all there of them do private tours and group tours and none of them will fill your head with pretentious waffle
A special mention to Amy of Hong Kong Greeters who also does a specific Vegetarian Food Tour which is very popular.
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