Praya of Kennedy Town

*Praya was a term used in Colonial Hong Kong to refer to a promenade by the waterfront. The name comes from the Portuguese term for broad stone-faced road that runs parallel along the harbour in front of the city.

The name of the place may hint a connection to the late American President Kennedy. But actually, it is named after the 7th British viceroy, Sir Arthur E. Kennedy running Hong Kong in its colonial years.

Arthur was an Irish and an old boy of Trinity College, Dublin. Kennedy Town, developed under his charge, is located at the far-left of the Hong Kong Island.

The place is accessible by the century-old tram, which I have no reservation in recommending to you if you fancy going there. It is still not within easy reach by way of the underground railway, hence retaining an old quality to it.

After dropping off at the tram terminus, a two minutes walk will take you to the breathtaking view of the harbour at the praya. The harbour looks differently from the praya since this part of the waters is the widest and against a background of minimal concrete buildings.

Oh, if for the sake of photography you are brave enough to cross the railings which forbid passers-by to go near the edge, mind the unexpected wave. I saw a photographer being thoroughly wetted by a sudden gust of the sea water. He was holding his camera….

The map below gives you an idea of where the Kennedy Town is. There are some bars at the side of the praya with outdoor seats. Enjoy!