Private tour in Hong Kong William S

Full-Day Grand Walking Tour of Hong Kong Island and Old British Kowloon

4.8

(35) reviews

-
Hours icon 7 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 7 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

William S.

4.9

Guide rating

145

Reviews

Tours delivered

10 hrs

Avg. response time

Experience The Streets of Hong Kong With An Accomplished Artist, Professional Photographer and One of ToursByLocals Most Highly Rated Hong Kong Guides. . . Greetings Fellow Travelers, Welcome to Hong Kong, the Pearl of the Orient! Allow me to share with you the finest ways to experience all facets of this truly magnificent city, culturally, historically and visually, just as we locals do; so that when we are finished, you will be able to confidently and knowledgeably relate the modern story of Hong Kong as an inquisitive and well informed cultural traveler. I'm an American of Asian descent and I have lived as a local in an old neighborhood of Kowloon called To Kwa Wan for 22 years. I spent substantial amounts of time here on business and pleasure over the years following my earliest visits in the 1970s and witnessed the evolution of this city as well as the rest of North and South East Asia over the past 50 years. I am also a retired international lawyer and have reinvented myself as a professional artist, urban street photographer, and a street-savvy premium Hong Kong guide. I have performed 1500+ premium private tours to date. My artwork and photography have been featured on prominent American and international websites for over a decade and I sell prints to collectors from all over the world. I have literally spent thousands of hours walking the streets of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and Old Macau, camera in hand, searching for all manner of intriguing people, local points of interest, fine eateries and the wonders of Cantonese street culture in all of its curious manifestations. In my preparations to serve as your premium guide, I have also logged countless hours engaging in cultural and historical research of pre-colonial, colonial and modern-day Hong Kong. I pride myself in being a keen social observer, an artist/entertainer, a lover of good food and a culturally intelligent human being. Much of my knowledge of Hong Kong is a knowledge that I acquired long before I started preparations to offer premium guide services. Knowledge I acquired when my Dad had offices here in the 1970s and I visited during summer breaks, living in an old Chinese neighborhood in a 'Chinese style' building, interacting with family and relatives in Thailand, Hong Kong and Macau, observing local holidays and traditions, relishing all manner of local cuisine and nightlife, wandering and exploring the many old urban and rural neighborhoods as a raw street photographer and just being a curious and alert cultural observer. I have spent a lifetime honing my skills as a communicator and I have redirected these skills to sharing my unique portfolio of local knowledge and experience with maximum efficacy. I have plenty of intriguing local facts and anecdotes to share with each and every one of you. It is one thing to blather on about the much-touted "hidden gems" of the universe, it is quite another to put in the requisite elbow grease to build and share a comprehensive framework connecting the multitude of cultural and historical dots in an engaging and user-friendly manner. Hence, my mission can be encapsulated as follows: To provide all of my clients with an entertaining, deeply informative and street savvy premium travel experience ultimately leading to cherished memories, a portfolio of stunning on-tour photographs, an urge for further cultural and historical investigation and a strong desire to return to this fascinating city that I will call my home for many years to come. All of my premium tour engagements are performed soulfully by me. Accordingly, you can expect the utmost attention to detail in preparation, proactive communication, positive attitude and demeanor and the highest standard of client service professionalism. Warm regards from Hong Kong! William Resident of Hong Kong for over 20 years. Lived and/or worked for substantial periods in the following cities: NYC, Washington DC, Chicago, London, Warsaw, Kobe, Singapore, Shanghai and Bangkok. Master Digital Artist and Professional Photographer (i.e., people from around the globe purchase my works). Tourist Guide License TG12434 issued by Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong. First Aid Certification Hong Kong Red Cross Retired International Lawyer (admitted NYC Bar 1982) Featured in Hong Kong's Apple News Daily (William, an American who knows his way around Hong Kong like a native Hong Konger) 1500+ Premium Private Tours Delivered to Date. Tours By Locals Guide On-Boarding Team (2018-2020). Tours By Locals Night Tour recently featured in June 2019 issue of American Airlines Inflight Magazine. Five HarvardX Courses Completed: -Ming China -Modern China's Foundations; The Manchu and Qing -Invasions and Rebellions and the End of Imperial China -Creating Modern China: Birth of a Nation -China and Communism Please note the following: A. I do not offer food tours and am unable to handle complicated dietary requirements. For this I can refer you to another capable guide. B. I am not a commercial driver. However, I can engage a late model air conditioned car or van with driver at reasonable cost, if requested.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message William S.

Overview of your Hong Kong tour

This is my most popular tour. It is a cultural and historic walking tour of Old Kowloon and Hong Kong Island tailored to the interests of inquisitive cultural travelers. I will make sure you will see and experience a truly memorable mix of iconic Hong Kong points of interest as well as plenty of localities far off the mainstream touristic path. You can count on plenty of vibrant local street culture, succinct historic narrative and a tasty local meal, coupled with my sophisticated NYC cab driver style of commentary. As my parents always said, if you truly want to understand a culture you have to look at how the people eat, pray and trade. That means neighborhood street life, local street markets, street food, eateries and all manner of notable local temples and shrines. My bespoke cultural and historic tours of Hong Kong are all customisable to meet your preferences. Come and experience my Hong Kong! And remember to inquire about a full day excursion to Old Portuguese Macau as well!

Recent Reviews

Carole G.United States
February 2024

The only reason to come to Hong Kong is to meet Bill and have him personally and professionally guide you to the parts of Hong Kong for the discriminating tourist. This is not an ordinary tour as Bill makes talks with you and not at you. His creativeness and superb story telling skills is rich in relevant historical events that each of us feel a part of as it was happening. He is truly gifted and his passion evident. Don't be boxed in by any other. This is your breakout moment with Bill@

Frank B.Cayman Islands
November 2023

What a treat! I've been to HK a number of times for business but have never felt like I experienced the "real Hong Kong". I know there's still a lot left to discover on future trips but Bill really made me feel welcome and showed me a slice of life in this wonderful city. Bill was very knowledgeable and willing to adjust the tour based on my interests. I always felt entirely safe in his hands even when we ventured slightly "off the beaten path". I highly recommend this tour with Bill.

Kathleen M.United States
November 2023

We asked for a tour of Local Chinese Hong Kong & Bill complied. The old Walled City followed by a Buddhist temple of Chi Lin w historic commentary by Bill pleased us perfectly. Tai Chi practiced w/in the walled city stunned us for its authenticity & simplicity. Flower Stalls & Bird Gardens of Mon Kok gave real insight into a Chinese neighborhood. We asked for authentic and Bill provided just that! A Dim Sum lunch by a waterfall in Diamond Hill gave us pause for rest! We leave w/ a bit of HK in us!

Elizabeth M.United States
October 2023

Bill is full of surprises! He showed us all of the layers of Hong Kong (and there are many). Additionally Bill has a very good eye for framing photos. He is exceptionally well read and does an amazing job. I couldn't help but to think of Paul Harvey and his famous quote…."and that is the rest of the story"!

Angelica R.United States
August 2023

Bill gave us a fabulous tour of Hong Kong. He was very knowledgeable and easy to be around. He even gave me good tips on iPhone photography. We were only there for several hours off a cruise ship and saw so much more than if we had toured on our own. Would definitely recommend

Sandy C.United States
February 2020

Bill customized our tour so we could make the most of the one day we had to see the highlights of Hong Kong. He was informed and considerate of our concerns related to the corona virus crisis in China. Our tour was adapted with use of a private car versus public transportation. Bill is well read and a wealth of information. He was flexible in adding some shopping stops as well. You will enjoy your visit to Hong Kong with Bill as your guide.

Your Hong Kong tour itinerary

This is a private walking tour which means the itinerary can be customized to meet your preferences. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade; Kowloon Walled City Park; Chi Lin Nunnery; Markets of Mong Kok; Victoria Peak or Central District Hong Kong Island. I will take you one step further by interconnecting and weaving between these basic waypoints with my own repertoire of local neighborhoods, markets and lesser-known but equally significant points of interest that I consider essential in order to complete the cultural and historic "big picture" of Hong Kong and its people. This is the reaction I target: Wow I never imagined I would experience and learn so much. And if you are an avid amateur photographer, phone camera user or simply want to have your visit well documented with cherished photographic memories, I'm your guide. . .

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

The tour is an a combination of urban walking and all modes of public transportation including trolleys, ferries, buses, subways and cabs, as needed. Not recommended for those with serious mobility issues.

What's included
Other: My personalized services as your private local guide for the day. My expert advice before, during and after your tour (including detailed instructions), on how to maximize your pleasure and enjoyment during your stay safely and securely. Important: I put the highest priority on protecting my clients and conducting my tours safely. If you have any questions concerning the current travel safety situation in Hong Kong, feel free to ask.
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Entrance fees if applicable.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

Your hotel or accommodation.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Boat
Food And Drink
City Highlights
Off The Beaten Path
History
Tour reference number
299995
Languages
English
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

4.8

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Hong Kong best suited for?

This private tour in Hong Kong is best suited for inquisitive cultural travellers who are interested in exploring both iconic and off-the-beaten-path locations. It's perfect for those who want to experience vibrant local street culture, historic narratives, and enjoy a tasty local meal. The tour is also ideal for amateur photographers or anyone who wants to document their visit with cherished photographic memories.

Can this private tour in Hong Kong be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 7 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 7 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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