YHA Hostelling International provides cheap accommodation where guests can rent a bed, sometimes a bunk bed, in a dormitory.

It enables young people of different nationalities, culture and social background to mix informally, share experiences and learn about themselves and their surroundings. 

                  

                 
A YHA hostel in Hong Kong 

                                 
                              
YHA is the world's biggest chain association with 4,500 hostels around the world and 87 hostels in China. For a day, the youth hostel caters to the young people, including students, housewives and retired seniors.

Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association is part of the international YHA community that provides accommodation and promotes an independent travel lifestyle. Among seven hostels in Hong Kong, some even provide outdoor education programs, including adventure tours and training, eco-cultural tours, countryside cooking and drama activities. Jockey Club Mt. Davis Youth Hostel at Western District has delighted international youths with its spectacular location and excellent service. Apart from its accessibility to Central, it has the most spectacular panoramic views across Victoria Harbour to Kowloon Peninsula and beyond Tsing Ma Bridge in the New Territories.

Foreign tourists can even take free shuttle bus to this "city hostel". It provides free WiFi Internet, locker, BBQ pits, kitchen, TV room and good opportunity to communicate with local young people who from time to time organize concert, and short trips to the nearby military heritage, which was built by the British to fight against the Japanese.

The two hostels in Sai Kung receive more local students, who use the hostel as camp sites for various outdoor activities.

Many teachers and trainers rue how badly many modern city kids adapt themselves to the natural environment. They whine about the absence of air-conditioning. They scream when they see a bug. They bring along their Playstations and refuse to talk to each other. Many of them no longer know how to appreciate the stars, sky, sun and moon! These hostels therefore are more than a place that provides a bed. Pak Sha O Hostel is close to Sai Kung Country Park, close to several hiking routes.

Within 20 minutes we can walk to the marine park in Hoi Ha, an ideal site for watching stars and corals. In fact, this hostel was once a village school. Bradbury Hall Hostel at Chek Keng is good for hikers who can take a night's refreshment after hiking on the MacLehouse Trail.

The Hongkong Bank Foundation SG Davis Hostel was once a staff quarters for Hong Kong University's Geography Department. The boarders used to do research in Lantau Island before the opening of Ngong Ping 360. This is a breathtaking place for adventure-seekers. Within the minutes we can walk to the Tian Tan Big Buddha and the famous Po Lin Monastery and the tea garden. Hike up Lantau Peak and you will find Victoria Peak from a different angle.

Jockey Club Mong Tung Wan is an interesting place far from the madding crowd. The award-winning building was designed by local architect Rocco Yim. You can have your private beach and can go for swimming early in the morning. There are also many hiking trails around Chi Man Wan Peninsula which are most suitable for outdoor competitions.

There are two more hostels in the New Territories. The brand new Bradbury Jockey Club Youth Hostel can be easily reached by train and bus. Outside the hostel there is a big mosaic wall created by 40 local artists. This hostel is near the most recreational facilities in Tai Po. You can row a boat and cycle around. Nearby scenic spots include Plover Cove Reservoir, Sha Lo Tung, Bride's Pool, Pat Sin Leng and Lai Chi Wo.

Sze Lok Yuen is located on Tai Mo Shan, Tsuen Wan. In winter, it is the best place to experience frost. Local people flock to this place when observatory forecasts cold weather. This hostel is located on the highest peak in Hong Kong.

YHA is also dedicated to playing an active role in environmental conservation and is leading the way in mainstream tourism with its commitment to best practice management.