Off to Hong Kong in a few days

[rsd]

As the title says, I'll be making my way to Hong Kong in about 3 days time. It will be my first visit and I'd like to buy a box or two of cigars.

Can anyone recommend good, reputable shops that are well priced, or should I make my purchases at duty free at Hong Kong airport when I leave?

Any advice (not limited to cigars) welcome, this will be my first visit!

[baragh]

I'm also heading to HK in Nov so I'm interested to hear what others have to say

[CBL]

I have a small "review" of my trip to Hong Kong this summer, I'll try to post a more detailed reply when I have time.

My Trip to Hong Kong

Hope my previous topic will do for now.

[aes8]

Spend one night in the Chungking Mansions and one night in the Peninsula Hotel. LCDH is in the Westin Hotel just across from the Peninsula. 100 HKD drink minimum to use the lounge but worth it. Get a pot of the green tea. Be advised this place fills up for lunch and there are no free refills on the drinks.

The staff was very friendly and helpful but did laugh at me when I asked about any Bolivar Armonias. (Only sold at the Bejing and Shanghai Airport)

Take in night market, Temple Street and eat ALL the street food.

Macau is so close the shuttle trip is only 45 minutes.

By the way, public smoking is just about banned everywhere. I think there might be a bench or two in Kowloon Park that you can smoke but its not really in the park.

[Edwhatever]

Hello rsd,

I have been to many cigar lounges in HK this summer while I was there. Both legit and not so legit ones.

If you have watched some of the FOH cigar videos on youtube, the episode reviewing the Hoyo Des Dieux, Rob mentioned that the Mandarin Oriental hotel has an excellent cigar lounge, The Cohiba Divan.

This CD is the first cigar lounge established in Hong Kong which is now a franchise of many other cigar lounges in Hong Kong, just walk in, take a look, maybe have a cigar or two. Ask them to give you a list of cigar lounges which is printed at the back of their business card.

If you have a friend who lives in HK, ask them to sign up for a free membership and you can get a box discount.

There are many cigar lounges within the same franchise with different themes, all worth while checking out.

i personally recommend the Cohiba Divan, the Red Chamber, the Euro Trade Center.

The cigars at the Euro Trade Center aren't kept that well but the place is amazing. If you visit at night you will be able to have a spectacular view from their balcony at the heart of the financial district in HK. Cigar lounges close at mid-night, so you will have plenty of time smoking after dinner.

There are around 20 cigar lounges in HK if not more, so hopefully there will be one that you will like.

Never ever, and never ever buy from the airport duty free. They are not that cheaper compared to the lounges, and they will be very dry.

However, if you would like to buy a regular box of cigars, the prices at Czar's are still much better. unless you find something thats vintage or rare.

Enjoy your stay =)

[laficion]

From what I've heard, it seems like HK is thee place if ever you're interested in

old & vintage cigars. The world's biggest collectors are in HK.

Anyway, I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay, have fun .

[Chaki]

Another vote for:

The PCC Cigar Divan (24/F Euro Trade Center, 21-23 Des Voeux Road Central) ask for Alfred

And for the Cigar Divan at the Mandarin Hotel. Ask for Simon

The only issue is that you cannot smoke your own cigar, you have to buy it there.

Otherwise, to smoke your own cigars, you can go to the RED Bar at IFC nearby. It's on the top floor and you can smoke on the terrace.

Enjoy Hong Kong!

[El Presidente]

HK is one of my favourite places in the world!

Experiencing singles is the way to go in HK. I wouldn't personally buy a lot of boxes there as it is expensive and the airport retail is average at best.

I love an 11am cigar with Simon at Cohiba Divan Mandarin Oriental (Central). A post lunch cigar at the Red Chamber. Post dinner at the Cohiba Atmosphere (need to be a member or a mate of one who will accompany you).

There are some excellent HK threads on the International Cigar Friendly locations Forum. Print it out.

Wan Chai at night is also an experience