Hong Kong Open Top Sightseeing Bus Tour | Temple St

Hong Kong from the open upper deck is all wind, close-up street scenes, and sudden glimpses of illuminated towers. This short night ride is less a full city tour than a fast-moving way to see Kowloon from above, then step straight into Temple Street Night Market.

I like the open-air view, which makes the city feel close rather than framed by a bus window. I also like the easy evening pairing: the ride ends near Temple Street and Jordan MTR, so you can browse the market or head onward without retracing the route.

One caution: the advertised ride is about 40 to 45 minutes, but actual trip times can vary, and some people have found it shorter. The guide’s commentary may also be hard to hear over the wind, so book for the ride and the views, not for a detailed history lesson.

At a glance: what matters most

• The upper deck is the main attraction: Expect fresh air, close views of city streets, and a breezy ride that can feel fast.
• This is an evening Kowloon outing: Do not count on seeing Hong Kong Island or taking the Peak Tram. The tram is not included in this route.
• The ride ends at Temple Street: The market visit is self-guided, and there is no return bus to the starting point.
• Seats are not reserved: Arrive early and be ready to queue, though the boarding order may not always follow the first line perfectly.
• Wind and rain affect the experience: Tie back long hair, secure hats, and expect a disposable raincoat if rain starts.
• The fare is low, but the ride is brief: Prices are listed from US$15.35, with the package also shown at US$16.99.

A quick ride through Kowloon after dark

The tour starts on the sidewalk near The Kowloon Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, not in the hotel lobby. The meeting details identify the sidewalk on Middle Road, while the listed hotel address is 19-21 Nathan Road, Kowloon. The activity’s location information also gives 70 Mody Road, so check the confirmed meeting instructions carefully rather than relying on a map pin alone.

Once you board, the open top changes the feel of an ordinary city drive. You see the streets from above, with buildings, signs, and passing traffic much closer than they would look from a closed bus. At speed, the breeze is part of the fun. It can also make the ride feel more like a brisk city run than a slow sightseeing circuit.

The tour is described as a guided ride of around 40 to 45 minutes. Actual duration can shift with traffic and weather, and some rides may be shorter or longer. That makes this a compact introduction to nighttime Kowloon, not a dependable way to cover a long list of sights.

What the route can and cannot show you

The advertised highlights include views of skyscrapers, the harbour, and older city streets. From the upper deck, you get a broad view when the road opens up, along with street-level details that are easy to miss from inside a car. One account describes a brief stop near the bay for photos, but stops and the exact route are not guaranteed.

Set your expectations around Kowloon. The route can change, and some riders have found that it did not cross over to Hong Kong Island. If seeing the island skyline is a must, this ride alone may leave you wanting more. The tour title mentions a Peak Tram option, but the package details describe an open-top bus ride and a self-guided Temple Street visit. No Peak Tram ride is included in the stated package.

The guide speaks English and Chinese, though the amount and clarity of commentary can vary. Open-deck wind and road noise can swallow the announcements, especially when the bus is moving quickly. You may hear short explanations of local sights, but I would not choose this as your main way to learn Hong Kong’s history.

That is not necessarily a flaw. The bus is best understood as a moving viewpoint, with the guide adding context when conditions allow. If you want a detailed, quiet tour, a walking tour or a different format may suit you better.

The upper deck: excellent views, plenty of wind

The open deck is the reason to book. You can look up at tall buildings, take in a wider sweep of the city, and feel the evening air as the bus moves through the streets. Several riders describe the speed and breeze as exciting, while others find the acceleration and stops less smooth than expected. It is a regular bus on city roads, not a thrill ride, though the height and open air can make it feel lively.

Choose clothing with the weather in mind. Hong Kong evenings can feel humid, and moving air may be welcome, but wind can whip long hair into your face or the person sitting behind you. Tie it back before boarding. Hats can blow off, so skip one or hold it securely.

Seats are unreserved. Arriving early gives you a better chance of choosing where to sit, but the queue does not guarantee a particular seat, and boarding may get jumbled when the bus arrives. The first two rows may not provide the best overall view, according to one practical tip, so do not assume the very front is automatically the winning spot.

Because the bus makes a circuit through the city, both sides can offer views. If you have a preference, you can try to choose a side while boarding, but there is no seat-location request system. Keep your phone or camera ready, but take care with it in the wind.

Temple Street is the finish, not a guided market tour

After the bus ride, you get off at Temple Street Night Market, near Jordan MTR station. From there, you are on your own. The guide and bus do not accompany you through the market, and there is no return bus to The Kowloon Hotel.

That arrangement works well if you want a simple night out: see the city from above, then wander at your own pace. Temple Street gives the tour a clear finish and a chance to continue the evening without needing another planned activity. But the market visit is not a guided extension, and its shops may not all be open. If weather or other conditions keep stalls closed while the bus still operates, the stated terms do not provide a refund.

The drop-off may not feel as convenient as the start point, particularly if you planned to return to your hotel by bus. Jordan MTR is nearby, but you will need to make your own way from the market. Think of the endpoint as a useful handoff to the neighborhood, not a ride back to your starting point.

Is the fare good value?

The listed price starts at US$15.35, while the package price is also shown as US$16.99. Check the total at booking, since the displayed price can depend on the option selected. At this level, the tour can be good value if you want a short, unusual view of Kowloon and like the idea of ending at Temple Street.

The value depends on what you expect. You are paying for an open-top bus ride and a guide who may provide commentary, not a full evening of sightseeing or a guaranteed stop at every landmark. The fee is the same for adults, children, and infants, and infants and children must be included in the passenger count. For a family, that flat pricing is worth checking before you book, since a baby is not free under the stated terms.

The ride’s short length is both an advantage and a limit. It fits into an evening and does not demand much planning, but it may feel skimpy if you expect a full tour. The best value comes when you treat the ride as one part of the night and make use of the Temple Street finish.

Timing, weather, and other practical details

Departure options are listed as 19:15, 19:30, and 20:40. The return-time choices shown are 20:00, 20:15, and 20:25, though options depend on the departure selected and the itinerary’s duration. In this case, return refers to the end point at Temple Street, not a bus back to the hotel. Use the confirmed time on your booking and arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes early.

A minimum of 10 participants is required. If the group is too small, the tour may be cancelled, with notice given one day before departure. The schedule and route can also change without notice because of traffic or local conditions.

Rain does not automatically stop the ride. Disposable raincoats are provided if it rains, but they are adult regular size only. Heavy weather can make an open-deck ride less pleasant, and the tour is cancelled for safety under Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above. Check the day’s announcement if a storm is in the forecast.

The activity is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible. Reservations cannot be changed or refunded once confirmed, and late arrivals or no-shows are not refunded. Keep those rules in mind before choosing a time, especially if your evening plans are tight.

Who should book this night bus ride?

I would book this if you want an easy, low-cost way to see Kowloon after dark, enjoy open-air rides, and have Temple Street on your evening plan. It can also suit solo visitors: the activity is organized around a group ride, while the market portion lets you explore independently.

Families may find the short format manageable, though children aged 0 to 17 must travel with a paying adult. Remember that children and infants count as passengers and pay the same tour fee. The upper deck’s wind and speed may not suit every child, so consider your family’s comfort before booking.

I would skip it if your priority is a long, informative tour, a guaranteed view of Hong Kong Island, or a return transfer to the hotel. The guide’s commentary may be difficult to hear, and the route can change. If those limits sound acceptable, the ride offers a straightforward mix of city views and a flexible market stop.

FAQ

How long is the open-top bus ride?

The ride is described as about 40 to 45 minutes. Traffic and weather can affect the schedule, and actual ride times may vary.

Where do I meet the bus?

Meet on the sidewalk near The Kowloon Hotel, not inside the hotel lobby. The meeting instructions refer to Middle Road, and the listed hotel address is 19-21 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Check your booking confirmation for the exact meeting details.

Where does the tour end?

The bus drops you at Temple Street Night Market near Jordan MTR station. You can explore the market on your own, but there is no return bus to The Kowloon Hotel.

Is the Peak Tram included?

No Peak Tram ride is included in the package details provided. The described activity is an open-top bus tour followed by a self-guided Temple Street visit.

What happens if it rains?

Disposable raincoats are provided if it rains, in adult regular size only. The tour is cancelled for safety under Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above.

Can children and infants join?

Yes, but children aged 0 to 17 must be accompanied by a paying adult. The fee is the same for adults, children, and infants, and every child or infant must be included in the passenger count.