Hey guys,

Will be arriving in HK Thursday and staying very near Mong Kok subway, so had a couple questions for you HK Bros if you have time!

1) How far is 'too far to walk' since everyone says it's damn hot in HK? There seem to be some 141's a few streets away from my hotel, but I don't really want to be dying of heat exhaustion by the time I get there. Looks like I could get on the MTR to Sham Shui Po or something. Might be safer to avoid the risk of other work people too.... Don't shit where you eat and all that!

2) This might be a question more for other guys who have visited HK - for a 1st timer in HK, would you recommend to call ahead or just browse a 141?  I'm talking about the whole experience here rather than just the girl.

2a) When is 'rush hour' at 141's? Would prefer to go when it's less busy! Will probably have Friday - Sunday fairly free so can even go in the daytime...

3) Anyone recommend any good local places to eat near Mong Kok? I don't mean fancy restaurants - just really good normal food. When I visit relatives in Malaysia, they always know the best food stalls / restaurants for the local specialities (eg laksa, Hokkien noodles), so thought I'd ask!

4) Any good NON-mongering bars to chill out at? As I'll be with a group of work colleagues so some nice normal places would be awesome. Hotel bar not covered by expenses so we definitely don't want to drink there

5) This is unlikely, but I was thinking of buying some Computer hardware parts - processor, SSD, that kind of thing. Any bros out there who can recommend anywhere for that? The only problem is my Canto is not that good so I can't really bargain people down. I guess I can go to official stores, price should still be cheaper than UK.

Thanks in advance for any help!

[ Last edited by  meaninglesskiss at 24-6-2014 17:15 ]

1. Summer is hot, "too far to walk" depends on your own definition of how far you're willing to walk. Here in Shanghai, I'm down for walking from Nanjing East Road all the way to the other side of the inner city (hours of walking) in scorching sun. Others get bothered when they spend a few minutes in the sun.   
2. If you want the experience of "shopping" you go in without a single clue. I would suggest you first go online through the DB and get an idea of which doors you want to knock on instead of wandering like a headless chicken.   
3. Street food is a gamble if you're not used to eating it. However, for some people it's a gamble that's well worth it for the much lower price and much better flavor. Look around your neighborhood.   
4. No idea here sorry   
5. I would suggest you get a Cantonese coworker, ask him for his help, and then treat him/her to lunch. You'll definitely save more buying with help of your friend.

4) I think most bars without the bright neon lights will be non-mongering bars.  Use your own judgment though.  If it happens to be one, just walk out.  

5) My suggestion is not to buy hardware in Hong Kong.  It's difficult to test the performance of hardware so fakes are quite easy to pass by.  If you must, get it at an official store.

I'm from UK and in Hong Kong, it's pretty comfortable to walk around.  Temp is probably around same as southern Europe, like south of France or Spain.  I arrived yesterday and it was 30C and I was fine in t-shirt and shorts walking from Wanchai to CWB and back.  That should give u more idea on how far u could walk.  For me, it's easy to walk at least one MTR stop along SSP, MK, Jordan, TST line.

For 141, I'd definitely make an appointment.  It can be intimidating as a non-local and especially so if there is a language barrier and them not expecting someone from overseas.  Calling ahead of time guarantees availability and sets expectations on language and things ahead of time.  It also negates any need to consider a rush hour.  If looking for anything energetic such as massage, I'd recommend considering an earlier appt so the girl is not so tired, but it might be down to ur schedule

MK has many good food places.  There are not so many "dai pai dong" now, where the restaurant is literally in the street.  I think there is one in Fotan, by the bus station, and maybe in Sheung Wan.  In MK, just look for a local eatery that is busy.  Locals know which places to eat, so if it's busy, it should be decent.  Also, all restaurants will have an English menu, even if the postings on the wall are in Chinese.  Just ask once you sit down.  I'd recommend things like claypot rice or maybe roast duck or the crispy roast pork with the crackling still on.  Those are easy for a non-local palate to get to grips with.  I think there are some restaurants in Jordan, right at the top end of Temple Street market where there is lots of outdoor seating.  I wouldn't consider that "street food" as the cooking is done in a regular kitchen, you're just eating it outdoors.

For non-mongering bars, try Lan Kwai Fong.  Lots of choice there, but tends to be a younger crowd.  With work colleagues, diff to know how wild or tame they are.  Otherwise try the bar of another hotel or maybe a restaurant with a bar, like Dan Ryan's in Pacific Place (if it is still there).

For hardware, I have bought many things and not had a problem with any of it.  I usually buy in either Golden in SSP or MK Computer Centre on Nelson Street or Wanchai computer mall by the MTR.  There is also a another one in Wanchai, at 298 Hennessy Road (just called 298).  I don't frequent 298 too much, but MK and the Wanchai one have been fine in my experience.  I have made 20+ purchases including external HDD, RAM chips and peripherals up to full desktops and laptop.  Never had any probs.  Especially for Wanchai, there are so many overseas ppl, all the outlets speak at least basic to good English and bargaining is not an issue at all.  My advice is to try a short haggle with a couple of outlets to get a feel of the fair price and aim for that at the next one.  That usually works for me.  I try to aim for a price that I am happy with compared to prices in UK and not necessarily the absolute lowest price I could possibly get (I qualify this by saying there is a law of diminishing return - once the vendor gets to a certain profit point, to go lower than that takes a lot more effort to save a few dollars that is effectively peanuts.  Just get to a decent price without too much fuss, allow the guy to make a living, and everyone is happy).

Anyway, that's my take on things in HK.  Hope you have a good trip.

You might want to check out what you want online first before buying in HK. You be surprised prices might be about the same.  Usually there are no returns, exchanges or refunds after you purchase an item. in HK. Furthermore, there are possibilities of no warrantiy.

4.) you can try Angel Share Whiskey Bar close to Lan Kwai Fong. Last time my biz partner brought me there. Great for sipping 2-3 glasses with colleagues or biz partners.

I have found things to be cheaper on sale in the western countries. The only real benefit with HK might be exchange rate and no tax. As far as bartering, I haven't gotten more than 50 HKD on any name branded products/parts. There are usually no sales on newer items.