Booking and Costs
To book, visit the Hong Kong Tramways website (www.hktramways.com) and navigate to the “Charter Your Party Tram” section. Reservations open 2 months prior, with full payment due 7 days before the event. Costs typically range from HK$1,400 to HK$3,500 per hour, varying by tram type and duration.
Types of Trams and Capacity
Available trams include Red Antique (#128), Green Antique (#28), “TramOramic Tour” Tram (#68), and TRAM No.18 (#18), all featuring open-air balconies for better views. Each tram can hold up to 115 people, making them suitable for various group sizes.
Planning Tips
Plan your theme, such as a 1920s retro party, and opt for easy-to-handle finger foods. Book early, communicate details to guests, and ensure compliance with rules like no loud hailers or banners. Consider routes like the 3.5-hour option covering Shau Kei Wan and Happy Valley for extended views.
Organizing an Exclusive Tram Party in Hong Kong with Hong Kong Tramways offers a unique and memorable way to celebrate special occasions, blending the charm of historical transport with the vibrancy of the city. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough, from understanding the concept to executing a flawless event, ensuring you have all the information needed for a successful party.
Introduction to Tram Parties
A tram party involves hiring a tram from Hong Kong Tramways for private use, transforming it into a moving venue for events like birthdays, weddings, or corporate gatherings. This experience allows you and your guests to enjoy Hong Kong’s scenic streets while celebrating, offering a distinctive alternative to traditional venues.
Why Choose a Tram for Your Party?
Choosing a tram for your party has several compelling advantages:
- Uniqueness: It’s a rare opportunity to host an event on a moving vehicle, providing a novel experience for guests.
- Scenic Views: Trams offer 360-degree views of Hong Kong, especially with open-air balconies, enhancing the party atmosphere.
- Affordability: Compared to other unique venues like junk boats, tram hire is cost-effective, with prices ranging from HK$1,400 to HK$3,500 per hour.
- Historical Value: Supporting Hong Kong’s century-old tram system, you contribute to preserving a piece of the city’s heritage while creating new memories.
Booking Process and Contact Information
To book your tram party, follow these steps:
- Visit the official Hong Kong Tramways website (www.hktramways.com) and navigate to the “Charter Your Party Tram” section.
- Reservations are accepted 2 months in advance, with new bookings opening on the 1st of each month. It’s advisable to book early as popular dates fill quickly.
- Full payment must be settled at least 7 working days prior to the hiring date, with real-time reservation confirmation upon successful online payment.
- For inquiries, contact the Tram Charter Division at (852) 2118 6301 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) or email tramhire@hktramways.com.
Types of Trams Available for Hire
Hong Kong Tramways offers several tram types suitable for parties, each with distinctive features:
- Red Antique Tram (#128): Features a vintage design with an open-air balcony, ideal for nostalgic themes.
- Green Antique Tram (#28): Similar to the Red Antique, offering historical charm and open-air seating.
- “TramOramic Tour” Tram (#68): Transformed to a 1920s style, perfect for sightseeing with audio narration capabilities, enhancing the party experience.
- TRAM No.18 (#18): A premium party tram, rebuilt for special events, with an open-air balcony for panoramic views.
All these trams are double-decker, with a maximum capacity of 115 people, ensuring ample space for guests. The open-air balconies are particularly popular for enjoying Hong Kong’s neon-lit street scenes at night.
Costs and Duration Options
The cost for hiring a tram typically ranges from HK$1,400 to HK$3,500 per hour, depending on the tram type and day of the week (higher on weekends and public holidays). Minimum booking duration is 2 hours, with options for longer periods:
- 2-Hour Route: Whitty Street Tram Depot > Causeway Bay > Happy Valley > Whitty Street
- 2.5-Hour Route: Whitty Street Tram Depot > North Point > Whitty Street
- 3-Hour Route: Whitty Street Tram Depot > North Point > Happy Valley > Causeway Bay > Whitty Street
- 3.5-Hour Route: Whitty Street Tram Depot > Shau Kei Wan > Happy Valley > Whitty Street
For parties, a 2.5 to 3-hour duration is recommended to allow ample time for enjoyment, while photoshoots might suffice with a 1-hour booking.
Rules and Regulations
Adhering to the following rules ensures a smooth event:
- Prohibited Items: No inflammable objects, loud hailers, or banners are allowed to ensure safety and compliance.
- Activities Restricted: No promotional activities, publicity, filming, or public announcements are permitted, keeping the event private.
- Route and Stops: All tours depart from and end at the Whitty Street Tram Depot, with two additional boarding/alighting points allowed upon prior approval (request at least 2 working days in advance).
- Weather Conditions: If Typhoon Signal No.8 or above or Red/Black Rain Storm Warning Signal is issued before the event, the hire is cancelled, with options for refund or rescheduling within 3 months.
- Payment Terms: Payment is non-refundable except under the aforementioned weather conditions, emphasizing the importance of planning.
Detailed Planning Guide
Planning your tram party involves several key decisions to ensure a memorable event:
- Theme Selection: Choose a theme that complements the tram’s historical aspect, such as a 1920s retro party, Hong Kong nostalgia, or a modern city vibe. Decorations like balloons and banners (if allowed) can enhance the theme, but ensure they don’t damage the tram.
- Menu Planning: Since you need to bring your own food, opt for finger foods like mini sandwiches, canapés, and secure drink containers to handle the moving environment. Consider catering services for larger groups, with options like the French Cuisine menu available at a 15% discount for company charters.
- Music and Entertainment: Create a playlist suitable for the occasion or hire a DJ if space allows, ensuring the volume doesn’t disturb others. Live performances might be feasible for smaller groups, adding a personal touch.
- Guest List and Capacity: With a capacity of up to 115 people, plan your guest list accordingly. Ensure all guests are informed of the rules, especially regarding prohibited items, and provide clear instructions for meeting at the Whitty Street Tram Depot.
- Route Selection: Select a route based on your event’s duration and desired views. The 3.5-hour route, covering Shau Kei Wan and Happy Valley, offers extensive sightseeing, ideal for longer celebrations, while shorter routes suit briefer events or photoshoots.
Tips from Experienced Organizers and Attendees
Drawing from feedback, here are practical tips to enhance your party:
- Book Early: Popular dates, especially weekends and holidays, book out quickly, so plan at least a month in advance.
- Communicate Clearly: Ensure all guests know the meeting point (Whitty Street Tram Depot) and arrive 15 minutes early to avoid delays. Share the schedule and any special instructions, like dress code for the theme.
- Backup Plan: Have an alternative plan for bad weather, as tram parties can be affected by typhoons or heavy rain, with automatic cancellation under severe weather warnings.
- Food and Drinks: Ensure sufficient quantities and consider the lack of toilets on some trams, planning for short stops if needed.
- Capture Memories: Hire a photographer to document the event, capturing the unique setting and guest interactions against Hong Kong’s backdrop.
What to Expect on the Day
On the day of your party:
- Arrival: Meet at the Whitty Street Tram Depot 15 minutes before the scheduled time. The tram will be ready for boarding, and staff will assist with any last-minute arrangements.
- Boarding and Ride: Board the tram with your guests, and enjoy the party as it follows the chosen route. The open-air balconies offer stunning views, especially at night with the city’s neon lights.
- Disembarkation: At the end of the hiring period, the tram returns to the depot, where you and your guests will disembark. Ensure all personal belongings are collected, as they are carried at your own risk.
Additional Services and Features
Hong Kong Tramways offers optional catering services, with menus like Beverage, French Cuisine, and Set Menus (Jumbo, Superior, Deluxe I, Deluxe II), requiring full payment 10 working days prior. Check for discounts, such as 15% off the French Cuisine menu for company charters. Additional pick-up and alighting stops can be arranged with prior approval, enhancing flexibility for your event.
By following this comprehensive guide, you can organize an Exclusive Tram Party that not only celebrates your occasion but also provides a unique experience steeped in Hong Kong’s rich transport history. Whether for a birthday, wedding, or corporate event, a tram party promises unforgettable memories against the city’s vibrant backdrop.