HONG KONG - The best way to see all the great attractions this city has to offer is to go “topless” — on an open double-decker known as the Big Bus.

The iconic maroon buses offer a unique bird’s eye view of Asia’s most exciting city on tours that run both day and night through bustling areas like Kowloon, Stanley Market, Victoria Peak, Aberdeen fishing village and, of course, Hong Kong’s vibrant neighbourhoods.

The Big Bus Co. also organizes rides on Hong Kong’s legendary Star Ferry (the famed green boats have been crossing the city’s hectic harbour for as long as anyone can remember) and tours aboard one of the historic sampans, the traditional wooden sailing boats which fishermen have relied on for their livelihood here for centuries.

The Big Bus Co. also sells tickets for the Victoria Peak Tram, the highest point of this vertical city where you’re treated to spectacular views, especially at night.

One of the most popular features of the Big Bus is the hop-on, hop-off option afforded clients along three routes: red, green and blue. Passengers can disembark at any neighbourhood, explore at will and soak up the local atmosphere before jumping back on a Big Bus — they pass every 30 minutes— to continue your tour.

Above: The Star Ferry and double-decker trolly are two of Hong Kong's treasured icons.

Commentary on the areas and landmarks you pass are provided in 10 languages and the open top allows riders to take fabulous photographs of Hong Kong’s stunning skyline.

A night tour of Kowloon and the neon neighbourhoods around Temple Market, which really comes alive when darkness descends, departs from various points between 6:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the tour lasts about an hour.