THERE can be few places in the world where the contrasts are so great as in Hong Kong. That Asian jewel, resplendent in an emerald setting of the South China Sea, where make-shift villages exist alongside the most luxurious shopping malls in the world.

Twenty first Century Asia lives side by side with traditional China. Designer clad businessmen and women share the bustling pavements with shuffling elderly Chinese, sporting black pyjamas and coolie hats.

Stray a matter of feet from the popular thoroughfares and there's a labyrinth of narrow alleys, where the real people of Hong Kong buy choi sum and pass the time of day, just yards from the glitter and glamour of the designer shops.

And while the special economic zone of China swings 24 hours a day, there's also the serenity that the Hong Kong Peak offers islanders, or the tranquillity of the New Territories across the harbour, where buffalo are still attached to the plough and junks, in full sail, still transport the goods. There's no place on Earth like Hong Kong. And now readers of The Northern Echo can enjoy the "Fragrant Harbour" thanks to a special package put together by Reader Holidays and Kuoni.

Fly to Hong Kong from Newcastle Airport on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, via Amsterdam. Arriving the following day, you will transfer to the Stanford Hotel, in the heart of the vibrant Golden Mile of Kowloon, for a five night stay.

The tour also includes dinner at the famous Revolving 66 restaurant, 62 floors up one of Hong Kong island's tallest buildings, a visit to a night market and a relaxing harbour cruise on a Chinese junk, no better place to soak up the magic the Orient has to offer.

Five nights costs from £669, departing April 1 to December 15.

* For more information contact The Northern Echo's Reader Holidays department on (01325) 505290 505240.