Hong Kong - luxury on a budget

Eating and Drinking
There are over 9,000 restaurants to choose from in Hong Kong and almost every international cuisine and budget is catered for. Many Hong Kong flats are small by Western standards, and families tend to meet in restaurants for sociable, noisy meals. The Cantonese food is superb.

But be warned, locals are a lot less squeamish about their food than Westerners and eat just about every part of every animal. Don't be surprised if your chicken dish is served complete with head and feet, and pork skin may be served as a delicacy.

Dim sum is another institution. These steamed savoury dumplings are traditionally served at breakfast or lunch and are well worth seeking out. Served in the little bamboo steamer baskets, these almost translucent parcels are packed with delicious fillings, but vegetarians should be aware that pork fat is added in many cases, including to the prawns for additional flavour.

If you're tired of the bustle and need a quieter night, head to Kuntsford Terrace, which is a quieter strip of trendy restaurants and bars favoured by ex-pats. Many of the bars and restaurants set up tables outside, so you can sip cocktails or share tapas al fresco.

For bars and nightlife, head to Lan Kwai Fong in the Central area of Hong Kong island. Once the home of a flower market (the name translates as Orchid Square), this area has been rediscovered by young entrepreneurs, designers and gallery owners and is home to dozens of trendy bars and restaurants. You'll find many bars are open long hours here, and the inevitable casualties staggering around. My friend likened it to a night out in Blackpool as we picked our way through puddles of puke!

Away from the bustle, you'll find cool bars on Kowloon. Felix, on the 28th floor of the Peninsular Hotel, or the Sky Lounge on the 18th floor of the Sheraton Hotel, are great for cocktails. You can sit and take in the wonderful views across the harbour and maybe catch the cheesy Symphony of Lights, a light show where buildings on both sides of the harbour are lit up in time to music.

Aqua on Tsim Sha Tsui is an achingly cool bar and restaurant on the 29th floor, offering great panoramic views across the city with its floor-to-ceiling windows. Small booths are partitioned off with curtains of fairy lights so you can enjoy your drinks in comfort.

Travelling with kids
If you're travelling with your family, there are plenty of things to do. A ride across the harbour on the Star ferry is a must for everyone, but children will certainly enjoy being on this busy stretch of water. You can also book longer cruises around the harbour with the company.

Disneyland has a Hong Kong site, and as this year is the year of the rat, there's even more reason to visit with the world's most famous rodent. Ocean Park is a zoo and theme park offering rides and attractions together with the chance to see dolphins performing acrobatic tricks. There are also giant pandas and a huge, four-level aquarium.

Getting there
An 11-hour flight is never a delight, but we flew Oasis, a new airline offering a scaled-down business class service at budget prices. True, you don't get all the frippery that you do on other carriers, but you do get the additional leg room and comfier seats, meals and drinks included and in-flight entertainment.

In economy, you have to pay for alcoholic drinks, but otherwise the usual things are included. Prices start at £109 in economy and £599 in business (one-way excluding taxes), so it's worth planning ahead to take advantage of the value-focused prices.

We stayed at the Langham Hotel, in Kowloon. This luxury hotel is within easy walking distance of the harbour and Star ferry. The comfy rooms and great location made this an ideal base for the trip, and they have great treats with the turndown service - chocolate sushi anyone?

At the end of the day, you can relax with a swim in the rooftop pool, or if that seems too energetic (and I confess it did for me) wallow in the hot tub to recharge flagging spirits.

Need to know

Oasis Hong Kong Airlines is an award-winning airline offering great value fares from London to Hong Kong. Flights are direct from Gatwick and leave seven days a week. A round trip on businessOasis costs from £1396.00, including taxes and charges.

For more information about Hong Kong go to www.discoverhongkong.com.

Flying a daily service from London Gatwick, Oasis Hong Kong Airlines offers high-quality travel at affordable prices. Tickets start at £109 + tax one way in economyOasis and £599 + tax one way in businessOasis and include everything from hot meals to seat back entertainment. To book tickets, visit www.oasishongkong.com or call the customer service centre on 0844 482 2323.