Essential Tips for Travelers Going from Hong Kong to Morocco

Traveling from Hong Kong to Morocco

When the traveler from Hong Kong thinks of traveling to Morocco, they may have the impression of long travel distance without the fact that there are no direct flights connecting Hong Kong and throughout the Kingdom of Morocco. But these negative factors are actually good excuses to postpone that visit. You may want to ensure you make that trip with good weather, avoiding the long summer heat and when the country is not totally packed with local tourists during holidays. If you have limited time, you can fly directly into the city of Casablanca. Then subsequently, you can fly or take a train and travel north to the capital city of Rabat, then explore most in demand cities in that order of Tangier – Fez – Volubilis – Meknes – Chefchaouen – Marrakech – Essaouira – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou then travel back to Casablanca for your journey home. Alternatively, you may add nearby countries with more or less similar travel distances like Spain and Portugal before or after your trip to Morocco.

Geographically, Morocco is located at the northwest corner of the African continent, across the Mediterranean Sea from mainland Europe. In fact, Spain is not far away from Morocco, and it is not surprising if you can hear what is going on inside its neighbor country in certain regions of Morocco. As there are several flights operated from major cities in Hong Kong expected every day, it is slightly more taxing traveling to Morocco than traveling to Europe. But the benefit is that you will certainly experience quite a different landscape, culture, people and food in that Arabic country. Exotic things you might have read will appear right in front of you. The shopkeepers, traders and local tourists look friendly and colorful in their own respective ways. Traditional goods are found by the roadside, in the souk and in some interesting museums. Some major cities practice a mixture of tradition and modernity. You can have traditional cuisine in street food while dining in a top hotel in the same city.

Planning Your Trip

2.1. How to Plan Your Perfect Trip from Hong Kong to Morocco

Morocco is a country that is rich in color, culture, and warmth. The destination is great if you are seeking some spiritual rejuvenation, extravagant landscapes, picturesque towns, stunning palaces or incredibly unique food. Spending time in this beautiful country can range from a few days to a month depending on your interests. Sometimes, it’s hard to visit only once. Unfortunately, for many travelers that are based in Hong Kong, it can be very daunting to travel the near 20 hours to get to Morocco. Travelers may need some assistance in planning their long and very exhilarating trip.

Let this guide be the motivator for your planning. Besides the most popular tours around Morocco that are organized by many tour companies, we can highlight and suggest a couple of “points of interest” that would help you create your own itinerary. Remember, although traveling during the summer is a great way to spend more time outdoors, it is also the hottest season in Morocco! Weather varies from city to city. If you’re still confused, just envision the dreamy golden desert… who wouldn’t want to have a photo in the Sahara? The best time to visit the desert is from mid-March to late-May when the weather is generally mild. Winter is cool (especially in the desert) with plentiful snow in the mountains. Summer is hot in the desert and along the coasts, but breezy and cooler in the mountains. Landslides, roadblocks and snow blizzards may prevent travel in the mountains during winter. And then, there’s the very significant fact: Morocco is a Muslim country. Being part of the Ramadan during your visit may be difficult for you as a tourist.

2.2. Visa, Flights, and More: The Ultimate Travel Checklist

Morocco is a popular tourist attraction; it has been in Hong Kong for ages. However, it is the very first time that I am visiting, thus I had to scout for every small detail and do as much research as possible! Here’s what I found! Visa & Flights: If you were to book a flight from Hong Kong to Morocco, it would definitely involve at least two stops. Having found our flights, we first stopped at one location, which is another famous vacation spot for a layover, and then we stopped at one more place before we reached Morocco, a very tiring four to five hours of waiting for the second flight. Or you could book with another airline, which has many times that it flies to Morocco. If you were to head to Morocco anytime after the 21st of March to 21st of September, you would be sure to apply for a multi-entry visa!

How to Plan Your Perfect Trip from Hong Kong to Morocco

Morocco’s polyphony of experiences is unlike any other in the world. Sunset camel treks in the Sahara, trekking to mountain-tops and remote Berber villages in the High Atlas, nightlife in the souks of Marrakech, and hiking in the dramatic gorges in the Dades Valley are only some of the reasons to visit Morocco. Many travelers return to explore Morocco’s other-worldly beauty and welcoming people a second or third time. The traveler’s lament is that they should have come earlier, as Morocco is quickly changing with regimented group tours, lavish hotels, and souks with all the enticing wares. Fast changes aside, Morocco remains an unparalleled destination for all travelers. You will find stunning ocean views in Essaouira and azure-blue houses in Chefchaouen, unique features that set them apart from the rest.

In Morocco, you will find relics of ancient empires and the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, so named for all the narrow mud-brick fortresses along its length. Uniquely, these kasbahs are not ancient tourist traps, but are living homes. You will also find ancient cities with beautiful architecture and a rich multicultural heritage. Fez (the older part) and Marrakech with their ornate palaces and fountains offer an unbroken link to the past, a road through history, through the centuries of the dynasties. Casablanca is home to the largest mosque in the world after those in Mecca and Medina. Rabat, the capital, is not only a political hub, but also home to ancient ruins and ornate buildings set against the Atlantic coast. Be sure to take a break from the boisterous crowds in the medinas and relax in tranquil Mezzouara and Asilah.

Visa, Flights, and More: The Ultimate Travel Checklist

Before traveling to Morocco, it is important to have several travel components in place, so that you can have an easy breezy experience and maximize enjoyment. In this section, we have you covered by guiding you through checking your visa and flight options, packing effectively for a trip to Morocco, knowing how to get to your destinations, and having contact and logistical information on the ground so you are always covered, either before you go, or in case of emergencies while you are in Morocco.

Traveling from Hong Kong to Morocco is not the simplest of tasks. The fastest way to get to Morocco is to take a flight from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul, and then transfer to an airline flying to Casablanca. But if you do not intend to spend time in Turkey, the most practical way to experience Morocco, especially if you are interested in seeing the Sahara Desert, is to take a flight to Madrid or Barcelona and then transfer to either a point on Morocco’s north coast, such as Tangier or Nador, or a major city in the country, such as Fes or Marrakech. From there, it is usually pretty affordable and easy to connect to other popular cities, such as Merzouga or Chefchaouen. Some popular 10-17 day itineraries include:

6-day Fes, 3 days in Merzouga, 2 days in Marrakech, 1-day bus to Essaouira, 2 days in Essaouira; or 4-day Marrakech, 1-day bus to Essaouira, 3-day Taroudant, 4-days in Fes, 2-day bus to Chefchaouen, 2-day Chefchaouen.

Travel Logistics

To travel from Hong Kong to Morocco, flying is the most convenient method. However, as there are no direct flights between the two locations, travelers will need to fly via either Southeast Asia or Europe, with most choosing the latter route due to a comparatively lower price, shorter flight time, and greater accessibility. Although Hong Kong International Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, traveling to Morocco is inconvenient, as most major airlines have ceased offering direct flights during the pandemic. As of the time of writing, the most practical way to travel to Morocco involves first flying to London, Amsterdam, or Paris, then transferring to either Royal Air Maroc or EasyJet to Marrakesh or another major city. Other potential transfer cities include Doha, Dubai, and Istanbul, but they would yield considerable delays.

Travelers flying first to Marrakesh, Fes, or Tangier can either take a domestic flight or travel on a private bus to other cities before making their way to the Sahara. Although being the second-largest travel bus company in Morocco, the national bus company is renowned for its poor quality, both services are cheap and reliable compared to other forms of transport. While train and bus journeys can be interesting experiences allowing travelers to see a lot of local scenery, transportation is slow and often crowded. Morocco also has its own transportation systems. Local transportation is cheap, convenient, and relatively comfortable; taxis are available and can be booked to wait for you, but travelers should ensure you have your destination written down in Latin letters or Arabic, as most local taxi drivers cannot read English or French. If you are flying into Marrakesh-LMénara Airport, there are a number of transport options available to take you to Marrakesh city.

Flying from Hong Kong to Morocco: Best Routes and Airlines

Traveling from Hong Kong to Morocco involves taking two to three flights, depending on the airline. Currently, the quickest and most convenient way is via Qatar Airways, which flies from Hong Kong to Doha with a short layover, and connects from Doha with a flight to either Marrakesh or Casablanca. Other airlines that connect Hong Kong to Morocco include Emirates, with a stop in Dubai; Turkish Airlines, with a stop in Istanbul; and Air France or KLM, with stops in Paris or Amsterdam, respectively. The full-length flight time for both the initial and connecting flights usually ranges from around 20 to 25 hours, depending on layover time. The final destination for Hong Kong visitors is usually either Marrakesh or Casablanca—these are usually the two most popular cities to fly into, receive the most traffic in and out of Hong Kong, and have the best connections to other countries. The flight schedules and options may vary slightly throughout the year. Direct flights to Marrakesh and Casablanca have become even more limited since COVID. Whenever possible, these locations are worth staying in and especially visiting for their internationally renowned tourist activities and attractions.

While health organizations took COVID-19 off its watch list in early 2023, Hong Kong visitors are still advised to determine the vaccination and testing requirements for entering Morocco, booking their tickets at least several months in advance and also checking to see if their flights are canceled or if there are delays. Also check their local airlines prior to departure to see how airline baggage policies have changed—and if they ask you to reserve longer connection times when transferring to a different flight.

Navigating Transportation in Morocco

Traveling within Morocco may seem daunting to some, but it’s honestly not bad at all. First, you should know that you will use three modes of transport more than others: (1) taxi, (2) bus, and (3) train. In big cities like Rabat and Marrakesh, and sometimes in smaller towns, you will not use taxis that much. To really enjoy these cities though, you should walk down the nice streets that have been made pedestrian-friendly. However, you will use intercity taxis to travel to and from the train station and to visit places around the city that are further away like gardens and palaces. You will also use taxis in the desert, to drive between the camel-riding area, your tent camp in the desert, and Merzouga or Zagora.

In Morocco, taxis are usually found around train and bus stations, airports, and in the center of major cities. The majority of taxis are “small taxis” which only take up to 3 passengers. You cannot negotiate for longer trips with the “small taxis” since they are bound within a city. Before taking a taxi, check for the taxi number on the meter inside. Make sure the meter is running, well-calibrated, and displays your starting point. Otherwise, you should settle the fare before getting inside.

As for “large taxis” which are the ones traveling outside a city and offer shared transport, you can purchase tickets from offices and counters or negotiate prices directly with drivers. These large taxis mostly serve the routes between major towns or city centers, or to remote areas. They have specific departure places and times, and do not often use meters, but if they do, just make sure you keep an eye on it.

Accommodation Options for Hong Kong Travelers

It is interesting to note at the outset that we are not going to touch upon luxury hotels in Morocco in this chapter. It is because luxury hotels in Morocco will offer you a “sameness” in feel and experience across the country that we do not wish to focus upon. Luxury hotels are part of large worldwide chains who usually do not worry about offering a unique experience that connects you with the people and culture of Morocco. However, if you are a traveler who is interested in splurging a little or a lot, you can check travel and hospitality websites that specialize in luxury hotels.

Therefore, we are focusing our attention on the budget, mid-budget, and heritage (also called boutique) hotels here because if you want to stay in a luxury hotel, you can find that information anywhere. Travelers visiting foreign lands are usually on a budget and they have limited days to complete their itinerary. After all that travel scrimping, saving, and planning, you do not want to be holed up in a luxury hotel that has shopping malls or food options that duplicate what you have travelled so far to reach.

Taking Heritage Hotels first, these are usually centuries-old riads, kasbahs, or medinas, that have been lovingly restored, renovated, and updated to provide all the facilities and indulgences that the modern traveler might want, while at the same time preserving the local character – both in design and décor, cuisine, and other amenities. Often family run, the warmth of hospitality and the local knowledge that gracious hosts provide makes such a stay memorable for the right reasons.

Cultural Insights

Hong Kong has a distinct identity separate from mainland China, stemming both from Western influences from a long history as a former British colony, as well as from the wider diversity you would expect to find in a major cosmopolitan city with an interesting colonial history. When people think about Morocco, and especially its beautiful imperial cities like Marrakech and Fes, they might erroneously think that this North African country does not have much to offer Hong Kong travelers. But Morocco’s architecture and its people, shaped by the many different empires that conquered and settled here — the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Arabs, Spaniards, French — along with a more contemporary mix of Berber, Jewish, and Black cultures, will be rich rewarding discoveries.

Visiting Morocco would definitely be an eye-opening experience for Hong Kongers. However, be prepared to be patient and tolerant about the cultural differences in the people of Morocco. Please be aware that Moroccans do not work with the same level of hurry and efficiency as Hong Kong people do. Life here is more laid-back, even among shop-keepers, particularly in rural areas where business hours do not always follow the prescribed guidelines. At times you may find the level of noise and boisterousness among Moroccans a bit overwhelming, as they have a unique way of communicating that emphasizes dramatic animated gestures and vocal tones. During lunch hours, you will also notice shops closing, especially in quieter areas, since locals are either settling down for a long meal, or taking a nap between 2pm and 4pm.

Understanding Moroccan Culture

Morocco, a country of prodigious diversity, is embellished with a vast cultural heritage drawn from the extraordinary range of influences that have swept through the country over the centuries like the Berbers, the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Arabs, and the sub-Saharan Africans, who contributed to the general contours of Moroccan civilization, distilled by conditions of climate and history into an intricate and harmonious pattern with its own fragrance. Today Moroccan culture is expressed in art, architecture, food, music, dress, and language. Morocco has a rich and diverse culture that reflects its Berber, Arab, and French influences. From delicious tagines to Arabic calligraphy, there are plenty of interesting things to explore. Moroccan dialectal Arabic is the spoken language in Morocco. French has public life as it is taught as a first foreign language. Knowing a little bit of both languages will allow you to have a much deeper connection with your hosts. The arts in Morocco reflect the country’s Berber, Arab, and Moorish influences. Colorful ceramics, metalwork, leatherwork, woodcarving, and weaving all display ancient and refined traditions. Visitors to Morocco often leave with shopping bags full of woolen carpets, embroidered leather slippers, ornate brass teapots, tiny perfume bottles of painted glass, glazed tiles, and pastel-hued pottery plates. Arabic literature dates back to the seventh century, when grammatical rules were codified for the Arabic language. In addition to classical Arabic, Morocco has its own rich oral tradition in the Berber tongues and in Moroccan Arabic, a local dialect incorporating elements of French and Spanish as well as Arabic roots. Visitors should note that the two Arabic dialects, classical Arabic and Moroccan Arabic, differ considerably. The name “Morocco” is derived from the Arabic word “Marrakech,” the name of the capital of Morocco as a united kingdom in the 11th century. Moroccan nationality is a hot political topic, especially the debate about the origin of Moroccan people. Some attribute Moroccans’ origins to the Berbers, and other people migrated such as the Arab immigrants during the 7th century or the Black Africans. However, it is generally accepted that Moroccans are a mix of these groups. This region has evolved into a multi-ethnic society, with Jews, Arabs, Berbers, and sub-Saharan Africans, each with their own culture and traditions, living in relative harmony side by side. Both Arabs and Berbers can be called Moroccans.

 Cultural Differences: Tips for Hong Kong Travelers

Traveling to a new country can be both exciting and daunting. Morocco is a beautiful country with rich culture and history, and it’s not uncommon for travelers to feel a little distance or uneasiness between them and their hosts. People have lived in a diverse and open culture for a long time, and experiencing a different kind of human interaction is a pleasurable and interesting experience.

The difference in people-to-people dealings can leave a great impression on visitors to Morocco. That warmth and openness is the moral value that Middle Eastern people express towards traveling guests. Moroccan greetings normally concern not only the guest but also their family and place of origin. The inquiry is traditionally very detailed. “What about your father? What about your uncle? What about your mother?” These greetings may seem like “overdoing” it for feasibly strangers. But this usage is their way to express warmth and their existence in this little world. No Moroccan would consider this to be a strange style – it’s their nature. On the other hand, why is it that educated people love to ask a visitor about their zodiac sign? The zodiac’s potential becomes an initial point of social contact.

Apart from greetings, the Moroccans tend to talk a lot. They might say that “It’s a lovely day!” but it’s likely unnecessary to answer accordingly. It is not out of bad manners: it’s just a different point of view towards environmental change. While people wouldn’t talk about the weather unless there’s something special going on, Moroccans would keep saying it for hours, as if they feel good and comfortable doing this. It’s a pleasure for these industrious people to “relax” for a while and reflect on nature. It may be a little awkward for visitors to reciprocate this discussion, but they would appreciate it if you’re willing to try. After all, real warmth doesn’t come from witty language but is to be shared between human beings.

Etiquette and Customs in Morocco

Traveling to Morocco will though require a little more cultural advance preparation since it is a Muslim majority country located at the very northern end of Africa. Luckily for the visitor, Moroccans are quite used to tourists and are famous for their friendliness and hospitality so long as a little thoughtfulness and sensitivity is put into the interaction. It is wise to learn a few basics of the local customs and etiquette to make your experience more pleasant. Morocco is a country with a rich history of different tribes, ethnicities, religions, and codes for each geographical area. This can make travel within Morocco very different. A Berber living in the mountains may have a very different view on things than someone in a big city or a religious Muslim. However, when it comes to a foreign guest, the hospitality is always the same. While wine is served in tourist areas, it is important to note that alcohol should not be consumed in public areas, nor should any public displays of affection. Conservative clothing should be worn. In larger cities, such as Casablanca, tourists will often see full Muslim dress next to bare skin on the same street. In the desert, conservative dress is imperative and should cover the knees and shoulders, but in the souvenir shops, travelers can wear casual dress. It is best to be respectful, as feelings can easily be hurt. Understanding that the right hand goes with cleanliness and the left with uncleanliness should be noted when in a traditional restaurant. Additionally, it is considered rude to eat with the left hand, as well as to throw scraps on the floor. When offered food, you should always refuse the first couple of times, as is customary. The guest must eat with the family when invited into a home. Understand also that if offered something, you should ask for seconds out of kindness!

Top Travel Tips

5.1. Essential Tips for Travelers

Certain precautions will ensure that your trip to Morocco is as pleasant as possible. Expect the unexpected, often.

Morocco holiday memories sometimes come with frustration: long delays at train stations with no information, roadside checks slowing down travel, or a riad you expect to find in the medina being in fact, outside of it. Visits to major tourist attractions can occasionally be marred by large crowds. Expect these moments during your Morocco adventure. Patience is of the utmost importance. The country has only been open to international tourism for about 60-70 years. Apart from urban centers and popular tourist areas, Morocco remains untouched by modernity and is still very much a developing nation. Pack accordingly.

5.2. Top 10 Things to Know Before Your Morocco Adventure

Want to pack the right items? Don’t want to hit any cultural roadblocks? Worried about getting sick or ripped off? There are indeed many travel must-knows for Morocco. Here’s my list of the top ten things to know when traveling to Morocco.

1. Bring a scarf (or THREE) to wear: Most women wear headscarves, and while you don’t have to in the traditional markets, it’ll help you blend in better. Men can also wear a scarf. 2. Smile and greeting go a long way: Moroccans are sociable and friendly tone, and they warm up quickly to those who are. 3. Don’t take the trains: Most tourists tend to take the buses, as they are faster, cheaper and drop you off directly in town. 4. Tipping is very welcome: Everyone is struggling in Morocco to make ends meet. Tipping a dollar or two is very welcome and considered generous. 5. Get used to taking lesser-known currency than Dirhams: Travel to southern Safari or Saharan areas and in the countryside, and chances are you’ll get paid with lesser known currency than Dirhams.

5.3. What You Need to Know Before Traveling

The travel tips for tourists visiting Morocco that MUST fill your suitcase and mind before you go! Safety, money, tipping, health or those just traveling insights! Hopefully, to ensure you’re going back home after a fantastic Moroccan trip and announcing that Morocco is the best place you’ve ever been to! Morocco is beautiful, and so the people who live there. You’ll learn it. You may want to take your time and spend weeks in this wonderful country. But there are also a few things you must know before traveling and packing your suitcase. You’ll avoid misunderstandings, wasting time and, most of all, decide how many Dirhams you’ll take back to your home country.

Essential Tips for Travelers

The vast majority of cities in Morocco are safe, although theft can and does occur in certain areas. It is wise to be cautious in any crowded marketplace, tourist neighborhoods, and at night in the larger cities, where petty crime is more likely to occur. There are few police checking your luggage upon entry into the city, but certain areas are much more heavily patrolled than others. Northern areas bordering the street do have additional checks in and out of the area for security reasons. Women should dress conservatively, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Loose-fitting clothing and longer sleeves on both men and women is recommended. It is possible to offend local residents by not respecting their traditions.

Tourism in Morocco is primarily concentrated in 10 cities, with the Wildlife in the South and the Sahara a secondary draw. Consider a trip to Morocco during the month of Ramadan if you want to get a taste of Moroccan culture. You do it in any other time then is better to avoid entrapping people into a non respectful experience if they are fasting. Accommodations are available in a variety of styles and price ranges in the cities. Riyadhs are lovely hostels with great hospitality and at a modest cost. They are traditional Moroccan homes created from tired mansions that have been transformed to offer tourists a more authentic experience. Hotels also offer many options for accommodations.

Travel guides can assist you in negotiating your experiences in the country and providing transportation in advance. Being a foreigner in Morocco will attract people and offer to help; however, negative incidents of them following you or forcibly trying to get you to pay for such help have made it essential to disregard persons, especially at train and bus terminus. If you are open to asking locals or traveling with an English-speaking Moroccan, this will not be an issue. It’s preferable to travel with an open-minded and adventurous frame of mind; many natives would be more than willing to share personal experiences and cultures with the right sort of tourist.

Top 10 Things to Know Before Your Morocco Adventure

Prerequisites for Entry As you almost certainly will not be arriving from another net visa country, you will need to have a visa organized prior to your arrival, as the Moroccan embassy is not easy to come by. Travelers are also not allowed to step outside the airport if arriving by plane. It is possible to airlift yourself to the nearby Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla. The Language Barrier Moroccans take pride in their origin as Arabs. They speak Arabic among each other. But Moroccan Arabic is a totally different language and compounded by the fact that Moroccans do not write it down. It can be much more difficult than your average Arab dialect to understand if you are already familiar with some spoken Arabic. The other language spoken by most Moroccans is Berber, more specifically the Tachelhit and Tamazight dialects. More Commonly Spoken Languages The majority of Moroccans do not speak English despite the country’s rising reputation as a tourist destination. The languages that you are most likely to encounter among taxi drivers and shopkeepers are French and Spanish. Chris is highly unlikely to be the first Arabic speaker you encounter in Morocco. The exchange student whose family hosted him was a Syrian speaker who had learned the Darija dialect. He suggested that Chris spend his first Moroccan dinner in silence. But Chris had already been briefed on Moroccans’ interest in foreigners. Dress Code You will find a very wide range of different types of dress in big cities like Casablanca and tourist towns such as Marrakech. However, this is not an excuse for indecency. You will find that the more time you spend wandering outside tourist areas, the more conservative local dress-wearers will be. Non-Muslim women enjoy the privilege of wearing even the smallest and least covering swimsuit tops on the beach.

What You Need to Know Before Traveling

You must inform yourself about what is required of you as a visitor to Morocco well before setting foot on Moroccan soil. In particular, the customs and traditions of the country must be followed. Hence you should keep in mind the advice given below. Your visit to Morocco will be much more enjoyable with a little groundwork. Morocco has to be understood more than read about. To probe into Moroccan life, you need to read between the lines and understand the people.

Moroccans enjoy people and love to see their visitors smiling. Saâdian temperament is friendly and cheerful, with a wish for laughter and joy. However, that does not mean that they would appreciate something that creates trouble or embarrassment, as part of the visitor’s entertainment. What is amusing for Western tourists is out of order for the local people. Be careful about this; it is crucial.

Tourism is relatively new in Morocco. It has not yet become part of the local economy. As you move about the country, you may be asked for small change from the locals – children at bus and train stations or shopkeepers around the medina. Be sure to have change on you to avoid being a nuisance while you are out and about. Another thing is that they love to barter. Don’t hesitate to disagree about a price, especially when shopping in the souks. The shopkeepers are used to it and half of the fun is negotiation. Tourists often get shocked when asking a price at a roadside stall and are told it is double for them than what is charged of locals.

Exploring Morocco

Explore Morocco with us, with tips and suggestions that will help you make the most of your trip for only a week or two. Discover exotic new places in North Africa that feels worlds apart from home, and make it an adventure of a lifetime!

From Hong Kong to the Sahara: What to Expect Getting to Morocco is an adventure in its own right. Connect from Hong Kong to Morocco via either three flights or two flights with a stopover. Spending the first day or so dealing with the jetlag? Let’s begin our Moroccan journey in Tangier, at the eastern end of the country where Europe almost touches Africa. Spend a day or so strolling through the jumbled alleyways of the medina, the Kasbah, and the Grand Socco, where trance-inducing music from street buskers echo through the air, and where the scent of food carts – selling kaab el ghazal, a crescent-shaped almond-paste pastry – fry up permeate. Tangier has a fair share of modern amenities, so if you need to stock up on any items, it’s advisable to do it here.

From Tangier, go south through Rabat, the capital, with its intricate pink-hued kasbah and dramatic coastal ramparts, and then to Fes, one of the oldest cities in the world that is still inhabited. Experience Fes through an ancient gateway to the Madina, where the chaotic streets are crammed with shops selling and craftsmen plying their trade in everything from leather goods to decorative ceramics. Then connect back through Marrakesh, which is best known for Jemaa el-Fnaa, the open-air market, where it transforms into a nightly hubbub of brightly lit food stalls and rows of street performers. Then spend a leisurely couple of days floating from stall to stall, tasting delicious Moroccan food – tagine, kebab, and Moroccan mint tea – before ending your journey with a bus ride through the Atlas mountain ranges to chill out on the beach in Agadir. Perfect vacation, right?

From Hong Kong to the Sahara: What to Expect

Exploring Morocco begins, for most travelers, in the bustling metropolis of Marrakech. After flying almost 13 hours, with a layover, from Hong Kong International Airport, travelers arrive, some exhausted, at Menara International Airport. Near the famous Jemaa El Fna Square, the medina is filled with the souvenirs and aromas of Morocco. Marrakech serves as an excellent base for travelers moving north into Fes or south for a Sahara desert tour, climbing the Atlas mountains, or visiting Agadir. While boutique stores offer the latest fashions imitating Western styles and technology, the medina offers authentic Moroccan designs, patterns, and craftsmanship. The scent of mint tea wafts from its doors and the sounds of music echo out into the alleyway.

Morocco is one of the most diverse countries in terms of culture. Hailing from Berber tribes, Arabic clans, and European settlers, Moroccan culture is a mixture of many different influences. In contrast to Hong Kong’s skyscrapers, Morocco’s tangled alleyways are filled with ocher walls. Stepping into the medina will be unlike anything you have ever experienced. Though this predominantly Muslim country has a different way of life, Moroccans are extremely generous and welcoming. They will invite you to their homes for mint tea and open their shops for bargaining. The local cuisine differs greatly from that in Hong Kong, featuring a myriad of spices, sauces, and stewed meats. The sights, scents, and sounds of Morocco are sure to be an unforgettable experience.

The region of the Sahara in Morocco is simply connected to the development of tourism. The essence of the Sahara is generally the sense of the infinite, the beauty of the undulating dunes, the spectacular ocher and red play of colors, the resemblance without bounds where the blue sky meets the yellow sand, the silence… At first glance, it is simply a desert. But be careful not to be fooled! Only the traveler who will have pounded the stone plateaus of Jbel Bani, the rocks and seas of jagged stone of Jbel Sarhro et Jbel Toubkal, who will have faced the cruelest sun or the worst cold, will discover the soul of the Sahara. To give these words a little more meaning and flesh, the Sahara is a folding of the landscape. It’s the surprise of an oasis full of palm trees in the midst of a featureless plateau that sometimes makes you shiver with cold. It’s the meeting of the Berber and Touareg of the desert. Sahara is not just sand and dunes, it is above all a space, a distance.

Key Destinations in Morocco for Hong Kong Travelers

Unlike Hong Kong, Morocco is not a fun place where travelers can simply wander through its towns and streets at will. The best part of Morocco is its remote and scenic desert region, which is not easily accessible. Therefore, for Hong Kong residents, unless one is taking hitch-hiking adventure trips, it is not a good option to just travel to Morocco and look for shepherds along the Atlas Mountain Range. A better option will be to look for travel packages offered by different tour agencies that combine some of the most scenic destinations in Morocco, in such a way that you will be able to see and experience its different aspects in a short time. If you are on one of the travel itineraries, you may be able to visit some of the popular scenic spots below. Pocket-sized but beautiful, the blue town Chefchaouen is located nearly two hours from Tangier City in the northwest of Morocco. The town is known for its bright blue-washed buildings, red-tiled roofs and surrounding picturesque mountains. If this is your first trip to Morocco, be sure to include the country’s capital and largest city, Rabat and Casablanca, on your itinerary. Rabat was re-established as the mother of Madinats after its creator’s conquest of Morocco in the 17th century, and alongside Meknes was advanced in artistic attractions visible today. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca overlooks the ocean and is one of the largest mosques in the world. The mosque has an extravagant 210 meters high minaret.

Local Cuisine: What to Try in Morocco

Food and travel are synonymous with each other; when you travel you explore the local cuisine. Moroccan cuisine is famous for being a salad on the side and a stew in the center type of cuisine. Fresh salads, with their myriad colors and tastes accompany tagines, spicy slow-cooked stews of meat (usually lamb or chicken), fish or vegetables, which may or may not have been marinated overnight in a cavalcade of spices; cumin, saffron, lemon, ginger, and cinnamon are only a few of those making Moroccan cuisine unique. Moroccan tagines, cooked in stone vessels on gas stoves, on barbeques or wood fires throughout the country, have become famous worldwide for their unique taste. While traveling in Morocco, you must try the dishes for which this country is famous. From savory tagines to sweet pastries, Moroccan food is guaranteed to tickle your taste buds. While you in Marrakech, enjoy a steaming bowl of harira, tagine, bastilla, mechaou, or Moroccan olives for lunch; among the famous sweets, try the Moroccan dry dates, kaab el ghazal, or gazelle horns. Dying to explore all the authentic dishes of Morocco? Add these delicious specialties on your bucket list of Moroccan dishes to try: a refreshing bowl of b’stilla or zraou, or assorted kebabs such as merguez, bee, or kefta grilled to perfection during your stay in Fez.