Happy Valley

Hong Kong
Happy Valley
This affluent residential area is also home to a famous Hong Kong racecourse.

Horse racing first arrived in Hong Kong in the 1840s, within just a few years of the British arriving in Hong Kong. In those days the sport was enjoyed only by the city’s elite. Today, horse racing is very much a part of mainstream life in Hong Kong, and a visit to Happy Valley is a fun, cheap and exciting way to soak up the local culture.

Join the cheering crowds at the side of the track to experience the atmosphere and observe world-class racing. As you’re swept along with thousands of fans rushing to place their bets, you’ll find the atmosphere at Happy Valley is markedly different from the relatively sober settings of American or British racecourses.

Most races are held at night and walls of well-lit skyscrapers form a dazzling backdrop to the racetrack. Trackside beer tents and food stalls, and live music in between races make for a real party atmosphere.

Roughly 6 million bets are placed at each meet, and Happy Valley welcomes gambling pros and amateurs alike. Check the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s website to learn about the many different bets you can place.

The racing season features several large events including the Hong Kong Derby, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup or the prestigious Hong Kong International Races at which you can experience the sport at its most glamorous and competitive.

Racing season is between September and July. If you visit during the day when there’s no race being held, it’s possible to walk around inside the grounds for no charge, enjoy the view and see locals playing various sports.

Happy Valley is located on northern Hong Kong Island. The closest MTR station to Happy Valley Racecourse is Causeway Bay. If you’re coming from the north side of Hong Kong Island, take the scenic route to the racecourse by hopping on any tram marked "Happy Valley." Trams are not the fastest mode of transportation, but they are the cheapest.


Popular places to visit


Happy Valley Hotel Deals

ibis Hong Kong Central And Sheung Wan
ibis Hong Kong Central And Sheung Wan
3.5 out of 5
No. 28 Des Voeux Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
The price is ₩97,799 per night from Jun 17 to Jun 18
₩97,799
per night
Jun 17 - Jun 18
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Hong Kong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,070 reviews)
"Reasonable rate at a convenient lication"

Reviewed on May 18, 2024

ibis Hong Kong Central And Sheung Wan
Harbour Grand Kowloon
Harbour Grand Kowloon
5 out of 5
20 Tak Fung Street, Whampoa Garden, Hunghom, Kowloon
The price is ₩139,713 per night from May 24 to May 25
₩139,713
per night
May 24 - May 25
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"The rooms are spacious. The furniture is good. The view of the harbor is very nice. The staff is accommodating."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Harbour Grand Kowloon
Regal Airport Hotel
Regal Airport Hotel
5 out of 5
9 Cheong Tat Road, Chek Lap Kok
The price is ₩176,824 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
₩176,824
per night
Jun 23 - Jun 24
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Chek Lap Kok. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"walkable to airport"

Reviewed on May 20, 2024

Regal Airport Hotel
Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong
Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong
4.5 out of 5
387-397, Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
The price is ₩132,728 per night from May 27 to May 28
₩132,728
per night
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Hong Kong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"The overall friendliness and efficiency of the staff are impressive."

Reviewed on May 22, 2024

Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong
The Salisbury - YMCA of Hong Kong
The Salisbury - YMCA of Hong Kong
4 out of 5
41 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon
The price is ₩121,728 per night from Jun 4 to Jun 5
₩121,728
per night
Jun 4 - Jun 5
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"The room has a fantastic view of the city and the sea."

Reviewed on May 20, 2024

The Salisbury - YMCA of Hong Kong
Cordis, Hong Kong
Cordis, Hong Kong
5 out of 5
555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Kowloon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩148,445 per night from May 28 to May 29
₩148,445
per night
May 28 - May 29
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kowloon. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,084 reviews)
Excellent Choice for a Hotel in busy Hong Kong.
"Excellent hotel, extremely well organised and all aspects managed to a high standard. Our entire stay was flawless from check in, housekeeping, breakfasts, club facilites and checkout. All staff are helpful and make teh stay very enjoyable. Sited in Mong Kok makes it an ideal base for a visit to ..."

Reviewed on May 22, 2024

Cordis, Hong Kong
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Happy Valley

Hong Kong SAR which includes a city and night scenes

Wan Chai

4/5(487 area reviews)

Wan Chai is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Wan Chai Road and Queen's Road East. See more of Hong Kong by jumping on the metro at Fleming Road Tram Stop or Burrows Street Tram Stop.

Wan Chai
Tin Hau Temple showing a temple or place of worship and religious elements

Tin Hau

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Tin Hau. Spend some time visiting top spots like Victoria Park, and catch the metro at Lau Sin Street Tram Stop or Hong Kong Tin Hau Station to see more of the area.

Tin Hau
Causeway Bay which includes a city and street scenes

Causeway Bay

4/5(144 area reviews)

Causeway Bay is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Victoria Park and Hong Kong Central Library. See more of Hong Kong by jumping on the metro at Wing Hing Street Tram Stop or Lau Li Street Tram Station.

Causeway Bay
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Fortress Hill

While there might not be top attractions in Fortress Hill, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Chun Yeung Street Market and North Point Ferry Pier.

Fortress Hill
Hong Kong SAR showing a city, night scenes and landscape views

Admiralty

The island views, captivating waterfront views, and popular shops are notable features of Admiralty. Make a stop by Central Government Office or Pacific Place while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Cotton Tree Drive Tram Stop to get around town.

Admiralty
Hong Kong SAR showing a city, landscape views and a sunset

The Peak

Well-liked for its waterfront and architecture, The Peak is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Peak Tower and Aberdeen Country Park, and jump on the metro at The Peak Station to get around the city.

The Peak

Happy Valley